March 2004 Minutes

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
March 18, 2004
EMU Board Room

ATTENDEES: Dorene Steggell, Anne Forrestel, Joni Herbst, Robyn Hathcock, Kay Coots, Ben Farrell, Karyn Kaplan, Christine Thompson, Bob Jones, Wayne Jewett, Chris Jones, Harriet Merrick

Announcements

The ASUO has approved funding for a small electric truck for Recycling
Steve Mital will be working part time through Environmental Studies for Environmental Health & Safety as a sustainability assistant during spring term (funded by George Hecht)
James Bean has been hired as the new dean for the College of Business. He is a strong supporter of sustainability
The Sustainability Business Symposium will be in early April instead of November

The Comprehensive Environmental Policy

Christine Thompson moved that the committee approve proposed changes to the Comprehensive Environmental Policy. The motion was seconded. The committee voted to unanimously accept the revisions. The revised policy will be sent to Dan Williams.

Earth Day Preparation

UO will celebrate Earth Day on April 21^st. Karyn asked if EIC would like to host a table. Christine suggested using the display (in John Baldwin’s office) and having sustainability tour and alternative transportation brochures available. The possibility of offering a sustainability tour was discussed. Several members volunteered to staff a table, and Ben volunteered to give a tour. Karyn suggested that EIC obtain some funding for a tablecloth or banner for next year. Kyle Allred will send the committee a schedule of events via e-mail.

Sustainability Heroes Election

A slightly revised ballot was distributed and committee members voted for future heroes on the sustainability web site.

Environmental Literacy Requirement Update

Kyle reported that a proposal was submitted to PPPM and Environmental Studies. Their committees met and agreed that environmental literacy is a good idea, but disagreed about making it a general education requirement. Kyle will try to get more specific details. Ben suggested bringing the proposal to sociology, geography, or business.

Subcommittee Report – Bob gave an update on CASL: Dean Melnick, AAA, met with faculty to determine the level of commitment for sponsoring CASL. It was positive. Marc Schlossberg will assemble information for the dean to take to Dan Williams.

Agenda Items for April

Implementation strategy for the Comprehensive Environmental Policy

Capital Campaign funding and CASL funding

Green Energy and a presentation by Nicki Dunbar

The next Environmental Issues Committee meeting will be held on April 19, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. in the EMU Board Room.