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City staff outline climate action timeline, EV fleet study and Hawkins Cove permitting
Summary
Deputy City Manager Kyle told the committee staff have a draft greenhouse gas inventory and climate action plan out for public comment, plan a June 18 council work session on the draft, are pursuing a fleet electrification study and solar financing partnerships, and have submitted Hawkins Cove permits to MDE and Army Corps.
Deputy City Manager Kyle and staff briefed the Environmental Matters Committee on a suite of climate, energy and resilience projects during the May 14 meeting.
Climate action plan: Kyle said the consulting firm Caramea delivered a draft greenhouse gas inventory and climate action plan in April. The draft is online for public comment, a webinar is scheduled for May 26, and staff anticipate a council work session on June 18; Kyle said the goal is to finalize the plan in July after council feedback.
Fleet electrification and solar: staff described a detailed fleet inventory and EV planning study supported by technical assistance (an initial $2,500 fee reported to produce a larger-value analysis) and efforts to pursue financing models to install municipal rooftop and other solar at low or no up-front cost through partner programs.
Hawkins Cove and related resilience work: staff said applications to the Maryland Department of the Environment and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were submitted based on 90% design and that permitting was paused earlier pending harbor-line adjustments but can now proceed after council action earlier in April.
Other programs and enforcement: staff reported ongoing electric leaf-blower enforcement (about 18 citations issued, typically after warnings), a $36,000 rebate program with roughly 170 rebates processed by a third-party trust, and outreach efforts to grow public education and events. Kyle also reported the city’s climate-litigation case was closed after an appellate decision; staff are monitoring a related Boulder case before the U.S. Supreme Court that could affect future litigation strategies.
Why it matters: the package of planning, procurement and outreach activities aims to reduce city emissions, improve resiliency at waterfront sites and support the implementation details of the draft climate plan.
Next steps: staff will keep the committee posted on the fleet inventory results, finalize the public-comment period for the climate plan, move Hawkins Cove permitting forward, and continue outreach and rebate promotion.
