We’re excited to release our policy priorities for the Capital Region – our Capital Region 2021-2022 Policy Agenda.
We will focus our advocacy and programming on combating climate change and protecting people and natural resources. We will push for and educate the public about initiatives related to clean energy, clean transportation, resiliency, solid waste, clean air, land, and water, sustainable development, parks and open space, and farms and local food.
The full agenda is available here >>>
This past year brought heightened awareness of the need to take action to help avert the worst effects of climate change and reduce pollution, especially in disadvantaged communities. The State laid out aggressive climate standards and local governments are key to achieving these standards. We also need more local policies that improve water infrastructure and keep our drinking water free of contaminants.
This agenda can help guide localities in the Capital Region about how to implement these important policies and initiatives. We look forward to working with county, city, and town officials to champion these priorities.
Our top priorities include:
Regional Transit: The transportation sector needs a major upgrade by improving public transportation, increasing accessibility of ride-sharing services, and incorporation of self-driving vehicles and electric buses. We will advocate for better public transportation and better pedestrian accessibility.
Renewable Energy: We will work with municipal and county governments to create guidelines for renewable energy to help expedite future large-scale and distributed renewable energy projects in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Clean and Safe Water: To ensure clean and safe water, We will work with counties and local governments to make sure they comply with testing requirements and limits for contaminants in drinking water and invest in wastewater, drinking water, and sewage overflow infrastructure. We will also make sure the region obtains their fair share of funding for these projects.
The agenda was created with input from the our Capital Region Chapter, which works to identify and advocate for solutions to the region’s most pressing environmental issues.