The County Needs an Alternative Energy Task Force

The growth of alternative energy is accelerating. Here and there across Orange County, photovoltaic systems are being installed, solar water heaters are appearing on rooftops, and geothermal systems are on the rise. A large solar electric generating system will soon be installed on White Cross Rd.

As the science fiction writer Bruce Sterling said, “The future is here. It just isn’t very well distributed yet.”

Local builder and environmentalist Tom O’Dwyer, who serves on the County’s Commission on the Environment, proposed that future developments be required to set aside suitable space for future solar installations. This evolved into a broader proposal to consider how the County might encourage all forms of alternative energy, as well as energy efficiency.

This idea is percolating through the County’s often tortoise-like staff and committee structure. It really needs a jump-start from the County Commissioners. A task force should be formed asap to consider the many issues and policy questions surrounding how we will incorporate and encourage local sustainable energy production and energy efficiency strategies.

If we make the right decisions and pro-actively address these issues, we can make Orange County a model of sustainable energy practices, boost economic activity, and become more resilient in a future which is likely to be more unpredictable than ever.

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In Carrboro and Orange County, A Push Back Against Pollution

The Carrboro Town Council and Orange County Commissioners both passed resolutions this week to tackle climate change.

'A Beautiful Effort': Community-Organized Hillsborough Climate Challenge Begins

Monday, April 1 will kick off the Hillsborough Climate Challenge – a full month of events highlighting sustainable activities for Hillsborough residents.

Mark Marcoplos Announces 2020 Re-election Run for County Commissioner

Orange County Commissioner Mark Marcoplos announced Tuesday he will be seeking re-election in 2020 for the at-large seat he holds. “I hit my stride after about a year on the Board,” Marcoplos said in the release announcing his run, “and have been playing key roles on issues that I am passionate about – education, environmental […]

Orange County Climate Council Searches for New Local Action

The topic of addressing climate change echoed across the world this past weekend. Many countries and cities saw residents participate in a global climate strike. The United Nations held a climate action summit in New York, drawing the most attention when 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg addressed the gathered diplomats. On Tuesday in Orange […]

Orange County Climate Council Prepares To Hold Its Initial Meeting

The first meeting for the Orange County Climate Council is being held on Tuesday in Chapel Hill. The council is a joint effort between local governments and groups meant to address ways to combat climate change at the local level. Orange County Commissioner Mark Marcoplos spoke recently with WCHL’s Aaron Keck. He said many community […]

Chapel Hill Council Members Want Climate Plan Sooner

The Town of Chapel Hill took more steps toward creating a climate action plan at a meeting earlier this month. They reviewed a draft of the plan meant to improve the town’s environmental impact and promote ways for the community to become more sustainable. Since resolving to become eco-friendly in 2005, Chapel Hill has taken […]

Hometown Hero: Mark Marcoplos

This week’s Hometown Hero is Mark Marcoplos, an Orange County Commissioner who is concerned about the environment and other issues surrounding our community. He has advocated for solid waste reduction and works to help young people get involved in vocational trades. “I’m a builder as well as a County Commissioner and I struggle to find […]

Orange County Adopts Firearm Safety Ordinance

The Orange County Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance drafted by The Orange County Firearm Safety Committee at the board’s meeting last week. The committee comprises eight members, with advisers from the board, sheriff’s office, county manager and N.C. Wildlife resources. The committee’s purpose was to draft a new ordinance, after the board unanimously voted […]

Local Elected Officials Host Education Forum

Parents, teachers and community members are speaking up about education in Orange County. Chapel-Hill Carrboro City School Board member Rani Dasi and Orange County commissioner elect Mark Marcoplos hosted a forum Wednesday so all could come together and discuss the issues. Orange County residents brought up subjects ranging from the two bonds that passed during […]

The County Needs an Alternative Energy Task Force

The growth of alternative energy is accelerating. Here and there across Orange County, photovoltaic systems are being installed, solar water heaters are appearing on rooftops, and geothermal systems are on the rise. A large solar electric generating system will soon be installed on White Cross Rd. As the science fiction writer Bruce Sterling said, “The […]

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