County council approves six EV chargers for municipal building accessibility

The Los Alamos County Environmental Sustainability Board convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and environmental sustainability. The meeting began with a proposal to integrate content from the sustainability newsletter into educational outreach efforts, streamlining communication and information dissemination.

Jill provided updates on the education and outreach working group, highlighting her participation in the upcoming youth climate summit. She reported a productive conversation with the high school’s environmental educator, which led to plans for collaboration with the environmental club on an end-of-year project. Jill also recommended a Netflix documentary titled "Buy Now," which addresses consumerism and climate change, suggesting that students might engage in a "no buy" initiative to raise awareness.

Sue then reported on the community-wide steering committee, noting progress in organizing a public meeting aimed at increasing community participation. The board also discussed the plastic bag research working group, which is reaching out to counterparts in Las Cruces to learn from their experiences with a plastic bag fee ordinance. The group aims to gather insights on community feedback and implementation strategies.

The meeting continued with updates from staff regarding the county's sustainability initiatives. Notably, the county council approved the purchase of six Level 2 electric vehicle chargers, which will be installed in front of the municipal building. These chargers will be accessible to individuals with disabilities and equipped with safety features. Plans for construction are expected to commence this summer.

Additionally, the board discussed the development of a community-wide charging plan and the finalization of a scope of work for energy audits. The need for certified energy auditors was emphasized, as only a limited number exist in the state. To facilitate energy audits, the board is considering hiring certified professionals rather than student interns to mitigate liability concerns.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to fostering environmental sustainability through community engagement, educational initiatives, and strategic planning. The next steps include finalizing the public meeting details and advancing the energy audit project.