Local governments across the nation have been committing funds and resources to combating climate change and creating a more environmentally friendly future.

Back in June, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved a quarter-cent increase on the property tax rate. This money will go to the funding of county projects tackling climate change.

After Orange County Government passed its Climate Action Tax last year, they have been accumulating funds to pour back into creating a more sustainable way of living. Right now the fund sits at just under half-a-million dollars.

Orange County Commissioner Renee Price says the first way the money will be spent involves helping lower-income people in the community. People who may not have the means to be Eco-conscious.

“The item that gets the highest priority is social justice,” Price said. “So looking at people with low income that would have difficulty trying to do everything. I mean it’s enough to try to get food on the table and make sure you can get your kids to school or get to work.”

In light of this, the Board of County Commissioners recently approved two environmental projects. One is on the weatherization of homes for lower income people and the other is providing LED light bulbs for those who can’t afford them.

Price says these opportunities that help people in the community are also opportunities for education.

“For me what is really important is educating,” Price said. “Educating people that we are part of the environment and we need to steward our natural resources better and steward our lives better, because what we do here has an impact around the globe.”

Price says it’s not just about education, or how our actions impact the globe, it’s about how being environmentally friendly and energy-efficient can save money – especially for those who need it most.

“It’s really not the first thing on their mind that if they plugged up a few holes that would help with their energy bills,” Price said. “They’ll realize cost savings instead of paying into the power company – you can save a few dollars for yourself. So making them aware and then helping with the environment.”

Before these projects are officially launched, the board is currently looking at ways to stretch its money further so they can help more homes.

You can find more about the Climate Action Tax and budget plans on the Orange County Government website.

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