COMMITTEE ON Energy & Economic Development
MINUTES: March 23, 2004
MEMBERS: Chair: Rogowsky – Legislators: LaMotte, Young, Ryan
IN ATTENDANCE: BOL STAFF: Tara Bernard, Andrea Ettere; CEO: Andrew Neuman; OTHERS: Paula DiPerna, Michael Walsh (Chicago Climate Exchange, Inc.); Adrienne Esposito, Maureen Dolan, Peter Greene (Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment); Edna Sussman (Action for Tomorrow’s Environment)
TOPIC: Emissions Trading
DISCUSSION:
Chair Rogowsky called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m.
Chair Rogowsky asked the guests to introduce themselves and explain to the committee members what Chicago Climate Exchange, Inc. (CCX) does and how their services could benefit Westchester County.
Paula DiPerna, CCX’s Special Advisor for Government Policy, presented the members with an overview. She explained the basic workings of CCX and addressed emissions trading and its potential usefulness to Westchester County's policy to reduce energy waste and how to move to more renewable energy and begin to address climate change. Ms. DiPerna then introduced her colleague Mr. Michael Walsh, Ph.D., and Economist for CCX.
Mr. Walsh explained to the committee, among other things, how CCX would benefit the local economy, by way of greenhouse gas emissions trading. Currently, the selling rate per metric ton of CO2 is $1.00. Mr. Walsh pointed out some of the County’s sources of carbon emissions, including Methane, which comes from wastewater treatment plants and landfills.
He also pointed out that Methane captures heat and can be converted to energy. Mr. Walsh stated that the program would also benefit the environment because of the cleaner air and water. Adrienne Esposito of Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment (CCE) noted the cross over benefit to the environment with regards to global warming.
Chair Rogowsky mentioned that Evolution Markets had been before the committee and discussed similar topics. Mr. Walsh noted that Evolution Markets is a member of CCX (part of the “exchange”).
Chair Rogowsky asked if the program is based solely on carbon dioxide. Mr. Walsh replied that there are smaller gases, known as ‘F’ gases, which are measured by the pound – not the ton – but do add up and turn into CO2 credits.
Chair Rogowsky inquired as to what the cost would be to Westchester County, should we participate. Mr. Walsh responded that membership to CCX is relative to your emissions and estimated that Westchester County’s cost for membership would be between $1000 and $5000. Chair Rogowsky pointed out that any decision whether or not Westchester County would participate is far off. He also noted that if in fact a decision came to be, the County Executive would have to be on board. Chair Rogowsky mentioned the possibility of asking Pace Energy Project to flush out this information and put it together – “Westchester specific” - for the committee. Chair Rogowsky thanked all the guests for coming and for all the information.
Legislator Young asked if he could briefly discuss something that he would like this committee to look into. Chair Rogowsky granted his request and discussion ensued regarding “Levister Towers” – five public housing buildings in Mt. Vernon that were taken over by the city and redeveloped. Legislator Young expressed his concern with the developer, Sheldrake Corp., who agreed to utilize Mt. Vernon-based contractors and minority-owned businesses. Sheldrake is presently in Court as a result of a suit filed by minority-owned businesses, accusing violation of Civil Rights Laws. Noting the clear negative impact a situation like that could have on positive economic development in Westchester County, Legislator Young requested that this committee look into the situation further and perhaps review financial records of the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency (IDA)’s agreement with Sheldrake, in order to assist in this fact-finding mission. Chair Rogowsky agreed and noted that there were no further items for discussion.
At 11:08 a.m., a motion to adjourn was made by Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Ryan. All in favor – aye.
Text: 
Print:
