ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
April 13, 2005
Rogue Room
ATTENDEES: Ben Farrell, JR Gaddis, Bob Jones, Jim Blick, Anne Forrestel, Karyn Kaplan, Robyn Hathcock, Christine Thompson, Paula Staight, Mitch Layden, Cheri Smith, Steve Mital
Update - March Meeting
Ron Bloom and Christine Thompson reviewed the City of Eugene lighting code specifications and found that the light fixtures on campus standard poles are in compliance. Ron will provide Ben with this documentation. Ben will also ask Ron about compliance of the bollards that are installed at 13th and University Streets.
Earth Day
Karyn highly praised Taylor for doing such a fantastic job organizing Earth Day. Prior to the meeting, she e-mailed the EIC a press release with the activities that are planned and an Earth Day poster. Logging along the McKenzie River and global warming will be highlighted. They have tied events in with the International Student Week.
Steve reported that eighteen departments signed up to participate in a transportation competition. The department that traveled the most miles via alternative modes will win a visit from a massage therapist for a free massage at their desks.
RecycleMania
Robyn said that UO finished in second place. The amount of recycled materials was up from two years ago, and the dorms did an outstanding job this year. Robyn said that the Emerald published two stories, one at the start and another front-page story during the competition.
Talloires Declaration
The committee discussed the overall advantages of making a recommendation for President Frohnmayer to sign the declaration. Bob suggested that the EIC consider highlighting 3-4 items that the University may concentrate on accomplishing. The committee’s primary concern is the lack of an environmental course requirement. Karyn suggested that this be highlighted in the year-end report and in a letter to Dan Williams, possibly for further consideration of the Sustainability Task Force. Christine pointed out the Good Company’s follow-up assessment due in 2007 should provide some benchmarks. The Comprehensive Environmental Policy is a concrete example that demonstrates the University’s ongoing commitment. The committee unanimously voted to have Ben draft a letter for their review before the May 11th meeting.
CASL Update
A spring term class is being offered and received overwhelming student interest. Brook Miller, AAA, is now CASL’s faculty advisor. The space committee has designated an office space for CASL over the next two years.
The next Environmental Issues Committee meeting will be held on May 11, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. in the EMU Rogue Room.