Cool Cities Delaware - Environmental Stewardship

	cool cities delaware energy sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate protection for all local governments

Cool Cities U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Center Delaware Chapter Join us on Facebook	ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Local governments are stewards of their area environments, and the policies and programs of local governments can have dramatic and far-reaching impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, water quality, water supply, wetlands, forests and land use. Walkable Communities Pedestrian-friendly, compact, mixed-use, walk-able and bike-able communities make it easier, safer and more enjoyable for people to enjoy the outdoors, leave their cars at home and use public transportation. Local governments often have the authority to adopt land use policies that reduce sprawl, protect open space and maintain urban forests and wetlands, as well as promote walk-able and bike-able communities. Such community infrastructure developments as streets and sidewalks are among the most important services that local governments provide. A strategic planning approach to “complete streets” can enable the many of street users to benefit, reducing traffic and improving pedestrian access in the process. Public transportation, efficient vehicles, safe walking and biking routes, and bicycle parking are examples of the “complete street” approach. Such community-based approaches improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Visit the healthy communities and transportation sections of the resource library. Parklands and Urban Forests Parklands, wetlands and urban forests provide valuable ecosystem services, naturally improve local air quality, absorb carbon dioxide, prevent stormwater runoff, reduce urban heat islands, and provide habitats for birds and animals. Urban forests and parks also provide value to communities, improve social connections and complement smart growth. Parklands are opportunities for local governments to reduce their maintenance costs and improve environmental quality by planting and protecting trees. Trees offer valuable storage for greenhouse gasses, as well as habitats, stormwater retention and other environmental benefits. By reducing mowing in park areas, fuel costs and pollution emissions can be reduced. Protecting and planting trees provide environmental stewardship opportunities that improve quality of life. Visit the urban forest section of the resource library. Water Quality and Stormwater Management Water conservation and stormwater protection can reduce the overall operating expenses of local governments while promoting the sustainability of our water resources. Delaware has experienced several droughts and serious floods in the past decade. Through conservation-based planning, local governments and communities can reduce their water use needs during droughts and limit their stormwater runoff to prevent floods. Visit the water and stormwater section fo the resource library. Waste Reduction Recycling and composting reduces waste while lowering tipping fees, which can lead to substantial savings in waste transport and disposal. The cost savings of recycling and composting programs can often recoup the initial investment in a short period of time. Visit the waste reduction section of the resource library. Improved Air Quality Burning fossil fuels decreases the quality of our air in Delaware. Poor air quality aggravates lung conditions and contributes to ill health and chronic disease. The State of Delaware violates the Clean Act through non-attainment of criteria air pollutant goals for ozone and fine particulates. Air quality is at its worst on hot summer days when heat and sunlight convert nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that are emitted from burning fossil fuels into ozone. Ozone is an asthma trigger that exacerbates respiratory disease and makes breathing more difficult. Fine particulates are small particles 2.5 microns in size that penetrate deep into lung tissue, contributing to cardiopulmonary and respiratory disease. By reducing the amount of energy that we need to generate at power plants, as well as lowering the emissions from government-owned vehicles, Cool Cities can assist local governments in improving the quality of the air in their own jurisdictions. Endangered Species Protection Delaware is home to 23 endangered and threatened species protected by the Endangered Species Act. Endangered species are those that are at risk of extinction. Threatened species are those likely to become endangered in the forseeable future. Delaware's endangered and threatened animal species include the Piping Plover, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel, Shortnose Sturgeon, Bog Turtle, Finback Whale, Humpback Whale and Right Whale. Endangered and threatened plant species include Seabeach Amaranth, Knieskern's Beaked Rush, Canby's Dropwort, Swamp Pink and Small Whorled Pogonia. Protecting endangered species involves controlling development and restricting access in critical areas; protecting habitat and spawning/reproduction areas; improving continguous wild areas, including forests, wetlands and beaches; and keeping predatory pets (cats and dogs) from running loose. National Wildlife Federation - Community Wildlife Habitat Program U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2007. Cats and Dogs and Birds on the Beach: A Deadly Combination (Piping Plover).
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