Environmental Council Meeting Minutes
March 21, 2001
Le Chateau B
Vice-Chair: Amy Seif

In attendance: Kathy Morse, Amy Seif, Brittany Gill, Timothy McCahill, Kaitlin Gregg, Caitlin Hicks, Pete Ryan, Ben Wessler, George McPhail, Mike Snow

Absent: Nan Jenks-Jay, Krista Siringo, Story Parker, Erik Skovsted, Tom Kelly, Jon Isham

1. Minutes from March 14, 2001 were approved.

2. Visitors: Ben Gore and Ben Brouwer from EQ:
A. EQ Proposals:
The first proposal from EQ on banning SUVs didn't meet with popular support. EQ has put together a new proposal which they feel does have the possibility of getting accepted. This proposal requests a progressive parking fee based on the gas mileage of the vehicle. It also asks for shuttles, a yellow bike program, a student discount on buses, a car-sharing program, etc. It also asks for the College to get rid of their high emission vehicles in exchange for low emission vehicles. EQ is working with Spirit in Nature to start a yellow bike program this spring and develop bike lanes connecting the college and town. A Bike Day will educate and inform the public.
B. Comments :
The Council is working on similar tranportation issues. The Council intends on working with consultants to develop a transportation demand management program for Middlebury College. Two Council members contribute to the Parking Study Committee, where similar issues have been discussed. The Council is conducting a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, and future plans include an analysis done by a student intern and a climate change action plan. The question was asked, "How can we make these ideas converge to influence decisions made for the college?" It was suggested that EQ try to build consensus among the various committees, including the Environmental Council, at the college on a proposal for transportation alternatives. A proposal that doesn't put people on the defensive is more likely to gain support.

3. Work Day :
Council members split up and worked on their assignments for the State of the Environment Report. Groups worked on collecting Energy, Investment, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions data. Earth Day events are coming along, with the panel discussion participants chosen and with the date and location set for the TAM work day. The Council is still waiting to hear about David Orr's availability.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Amy Seif on March 22, 2001.