Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 18, 2016
Preamble
Motion by:
DIRECTORS GARCETTI, KUEHL, RIDLEY-THOMAS, FASANA, SOLIS AND BONIN
February 18, 2016
Environmental & Sustainability Efforts to Further Metro's Goals to Reduce Emissions, Clean the Air & Improve Urban Areas
Metro has been at the forefront of international sustainability efforts and can continue to be a model, sustainably-oriented transportation system.
Every day, Metro provides transit service to over 1.4 million riders - literally taking millions of vehicles and the associated greenhouse emissions off the road. In addition, the Board has adopted a series of policies that demonstrate our commitment to operating in an environmentally sensitive manner. For example, the Board has instituted a Green Construction Policy, a Renewable Energy Policy and multiple Sustainability Policies which have guided both our operations and construction protocols.
However, given Metro's extensive operations and ambitious capital program designed to further expand public transit service, there is an opportunity to strengthen and expand our policies to further benefit the environment.
Specifically, Metro should look for opportunities to further reduce environmental impacts associated with the development and operations of both our current and future system. Metro's investments in future construction projects should reflect the best sustainability practices to meet federal, state, and local objectives in order to develop vibrant neighborhoods, foster economic growth, and enhance social equity. These investments should also be designed in a manner that promotes resiliency by assessing potential extreme weather events and drought-related issues resulting from the continual effects of climate change.
To maximize these goals, greening strategies should also be considered, implemented, and maintained in future Metro investments and capital projects to reduce regional air quality impacts,...
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