CAP Working Groups receive YVSC’s Environmental Cairn Award | |
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The Routt County CAP Collaborative Working Groups received this year’s Environmental Cairn Award at Yampa Valley Sustainability Council’s Sustainability Awards ceremony last week. The Environmental Cairn Award recognizes projects or initiatives that help chart a path forward for a sustainable future in the Yampa Valley.
The award was given in recognition of the over 1,400 hours volunteered by Working Group members to identify and bring forward 40 actionable, high impact recommendations to successfully implement the CAP. In addition to this rigorous process, Working Group members lent their voices and consultation on timely implementation opportunities like outdoor snowmelt, updated building and land use codes, recycling and local procurement — issues that will have a lasting impact on carbon emissions in our community.
Congratulations to our CAP Working Groups for playing a critical role in moving climate action forward at a time when immediate action is needed!
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Emily Katzman new CAP Collaborative Board Community Member | |
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The CAP Collaborative Board is excited to announce Emily Katzman as the newest Community Member of the CAP Collaborative Board. She replaces Geoff Blakeslee who completed his term limit at the end of December.
In her role as the Development Project Manager at the Yampa Valley Housing Authority, Katzman brings on-the-ground experience implementing CAP strategies in local housing development projects. Plans for Brown Ranch as well as the Mid Valley condominiums and apartments include key CAP recommendations. They are planned to be all-electric, have EV charging, demonstrate compact development as a land use practice and are designed to encourage use of multi-modal transportation.
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She is also leading the development of the geothermal heating and cooling grid at Brown Ranch, which is anticipated to reduce future residents’ energy bills by 52%, reduce onsite GHG emissions by a similar margin, lower the peak risk to the electrical grid, and free up capacity for significant EV charging.
When asked why she wanted to serve on the Collaborative Board, Katzman answered, “I am an affordable housing advocate and also a climate action advocate … being on the Board is a way to integrate these two critical issues facing our community (and beyond). I deeply believe in the power of local action to effect change, so I choose to direct my energy toward local solutions.”
Three key issues Katzman hopes to address during her time on the Board include: a regional strategy to reduce reliance on single occupancy vehicles, green economy workforce development, and true buy-in from local policy makers and business leaders that “business as usual” is no longer an option.
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Each month we highlight climate wins, news items and actions you can take across the CAP's five sectors. Celebrating our successes and steps taken will help us move the CAP forward together as a community. If you have a climate win or action you would like to share, please email info@routtclimateaction.com. | |
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Climate News
FUNDING AND YVEA ENERGY HERO TIPS AVAILABLE TO EASE HEATING BILL BLUES
The technologies to make energy efficiency possible and accessible are here, and they are getting more affordable, too. Yampa Valley Electric Association currently offers a $250 rebate for energy assessments performed by a certified energy assessor, and a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant has helped significantly decrease the cost of assessment for commercial buildings. A $1,500 assessment for a commercial building up to 10,000 square feet currently costs only $375.
| Learn more about these energy assessment rebates and other YVEA Energy Hero tips to lower your heating bills this winter. | |
Climate News
YVEA ENERGY REBATES OPEN
Yampa Valley Electric Association is offering Energy Hero Rebates for its members. Members are eligible for rebates for a variety of energy efficiency investments, such as smart thermostats, heat tape timers, electric snow blowers and more.
Members should submit their rebate request, along with receipts, within 90 days of purchase of the product online at yvea.com/energy-efficiency/rebates/. Once the rebate is accepted, a bill credit will be issued.
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Action You Can Take
OFFSET YOUR ENERGY BILL WITH SOLAR
Yampa Valley Electric Association is accepting applications for income-qualified customers to offset a portion of their power bill through the Rays Up Community Solar Garden in Steamboat.
Any customer who makes 80% or less than the area median income can apply for the program, which allows energy consumers to have the portion of their energy bill produced by the solar garden offset. This allows customers to save money, while also showing their support for cleaner energy sources.
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CONTRACTORS: ATTEND TRAINING ON HEAT PUMPS AND GEOTHERMAL
10 a.m.- Noon, February 13
Routt County Justice Center basement conference room, 1955 Shield Dr.
The Routt County Building Department is holding a workshop for building professionals to learn more about heat pumps and electrification, as well as geothermal systems. This is critical information for local general contractors, designers, consultants and mechanical contracts as we evolve and make transitions from traditional methods to new technology to reduce carbon emissions within buildings.
The heat pump portion of the class will focus on the pros and cons between gas vs. electric resistance and the potential for water heating and air heating and cooling.
The class will also provide information on the different types of geothermal systems and the benefits of each, along with information on the tax credits related to these technologies.
Paul Bony from Yampa Valley Sustainability Council and Scott Musgrave from Orca Energy will present during the training. Registration is required, and lunch and snacks will be provided.
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The Rays Up Community Solar Garden on the Yampa Valley Electric Association campus enables eligible customers to save on their bills (photo courtesy of YVEA). | |
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Climate News
CPW SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECTS
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering grant funding from Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Waterfowl Stamps for those looking to complete projects that restore important wetland habitats. The funding will focus on increasing the health of duck populations, along with aiding the habitat of at-risk and declining species.
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Action You Can Take
TAKE ROUTT COUNTY’S COMMUNITY SURVEY
Routt County is currently in the process of revising its zoning and subdivision regulations, which could have an impact on development, open space and the size of houses and lots in the community. Take the county’s most recent community survey to share your voice on how you believe land should be used and cared for.
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LEARN ABOUT BROWN RANCH
6 p.m., February 28
CMC Allbright Auditorium
Yampa Valley Housing Authority will be holding a community meeting to share information on how Brown Ranch is helping to solve the local affordable housing crisis. It is also a great opportunity to hear about the sustainability framework designed in the development plan. Attendance via Zoom is also available. To learn more, email inquiry@yvha.org.
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A mock up of a Brown Ranch neighborhood shows mixed income housing units along a block with green space (YVHA). | |
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Climate Win
RTA COULD COME TO ROUTT COUNTY
Routt County Commissioners received an update on the progress of a report exploring the establishment of a regional transportation authority (RTA) in the Yampa Valley, an effort many hope will incorporate a mountain rail service funded partly by a lift ticket tax. The final version of the study is expected in March.
The RTA would encompass various transportation services, including regional bus routes and possible mountain rail service. After finalizing the report, municipalities will need to adopt or endorse the plan, organize funding and then bring it to the voters. A completion of this process would fill a CAP Transportation RTA-related recommendation.
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Action You Can Take
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EV TAX CREDITS
Changes to the federal EV tax credit that started January 1 have streamlined the process for eligible buyers to receive up to $7,500 in tax credits instantly at the dealership upon purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid rather than waiting for tax season.
This development encourages electric vehicle adoption and aligns with the CAP Transportation Strategy, that calls for an increase in the number of electric vehicles, such that 20% of registered vehicles in Routt County will be electric by 2030, and 95% will be electric by 2050.
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An EV Ambassador shares benefits of electric vehicles with locals at EV Ride and Drive event. | |
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Climate Win
COWGIRL COMPOST CO YVSC RECYCLER OF THE YEAR
YVSC's Recycler of the Year award recognizes local individuals and businesses that have a real impact on waste diversion in the Yampa Valley. Winn Cowman, owner and founder of Cowgirl Compost CO, earned the 2023 award for pioneering and advancing carbon-negative community compost services in the Yampa Valley.
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Throughout her career, Cowman has shown a dedication to helping rural Colorado communities face its unique waste challenges and to promote circularity and ethical waste diversion. Through her consultancy at Sandhill Environmental Services, she continues to advocate for environmentally friendly practices and expand the reach of Cowgirl Compost CO, Yampa Valley's only local and carbon-negative composting option.
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Since its inception in 2021, Cowgirl Compost CO has composted 127.8 tons of organic material, preventing 136.1 metric tons of CO2 emissions and contributing to a healthier environment.
Cowman's expertise, creativity and persistence through the years in finding new ways to support rural waste diversion has been an invaluable asset to the Yampa Valley community.
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Climate News
SAY GOODBYE TO PLASTIC BAGS, POLYSTYRENE FOAM
The City of Steamboat Springs has worked to align its plastic bag ban and fee with the State of Colorado's Plastic Pollution Prevention Act.
Until June 1, 2024, stores can offer plastic carryout bags from their existing inventory for a fee of 20 cents. Starting June 1, stores can no longer supply single use plastic bags to customers. The act also bans polystyrene foam (commonly referred to as StyrofoamTM) to-go food containers.
The steps taken by the State of Colorado and the City of Steamboat Springs align with the CAP Waste recommendation that all CAP governments ban single-use plastics, including water bottles, straws, lids, and utensils.
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ASPEN SETS EXAMPLE, MANDATES RESTAURANT COMPOSTING
Aspen's recent ordinance mandating restaurant composting provides inspiration for other mountain communities looking to enhance their sustainability efforts. An ordinance like this in Routt County would promote a CAP Waste recommendation to support compost programs and could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.
Aspen's phased approach to implementation, beginning with businesses and multifamily properties and extending to individual property owners, demonstrates a comprehensive strategy that other municipalities, such as the City of Steamboat, can replicate to foster a culture of stewardship in the region.
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Cowgirl Compost CO is also a member of the Colorado Green Business Program of the Yampa Valley. | |
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Climate News
BUSINESS COMMUNITY CONNECTS ON CLIMATE LEADERSHIP
Last week, members of the Yampa Valley business and nonprofit community came together for a Business Leadership for Climate workshop. The event, co-hosted by the Colorado Green Business Network of the Yampa Valley and Steamboat Springs Chamber, educated attendees on the benefits of 'going green' and why now is an opportune time to join this free, state-supported program.
| The workshop provided a venue for the Yampa Valley green business team to hear the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses and organizations and for attendees to meet like-minded leaders seeking to improve their bottom line and operations while supporting their local community. | The workshop was the first of a four-part series meant to introduce the community to the Colorado Green Business Network. If you missed it, check out the recording and catch CGBN-YV at the next workshop March 27. | | |
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Action You Can Take
MEET THE CGBN-YV TEAM!
The best time to take climate action is now — learn how your business or organization can do their part, and enjoy perks in the process as a member of the Colorado Green Business Network of the Yampa Valley.
Upcoming Business Leadership for Climate workshops:
Time: 12-1:30p.m.
Location: Routt County Health and Human Services Community Room
All workshops are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Local representatives from CGBN-YV are also holding 'office hours' on the last Wednesday of every month from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Bud Werner Memorial Library cafe.
Businesses with 5+ employees can also request free 'lunch and learns'.
Email Yampa Valley Sustainability Council Collaborative Initiatives Manager Ashley Dean at ashley@yvsc.org with any questions.
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A group of business and nonprofit community members filled the Routt County Community Room to learn about the Colorado Green Business Program of the Yampa Valley. | |
Climate Community Event: The Climate Future Film Festival | |
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This intimate short-film festival explores our interior responses to many possible climate futures. Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org and founder of Third Act, is the program's Honorary Judge. Local Yampa Valley organizations doing climate resiliency work will be present before and after the screening for additional community knowledge and engagement.
Date: Tuesday, February 6 - 6:30-8:30p.m.
Location: Library Hall, Bud Werner Memorial Library (1289 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs)
For more information, click here.
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We’d love your help getting the word out about the CAP Collaborative. Please share this newsletter with your friends and encourage them to sign up to stay informed. Continue the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and email us at info@routtclimateaction.com. | | | | | |
