Metro Environmental News & Information

Civic Leaders Explore Climate Change, Mitigation Efforts at Sustainability Summit

(May 29, 2008) A legion of stakeholders took first steps May 28 in a collaborative effort to develop a region-wide sustainability policy at the first Sustainability Summit hosted by Metro.

Well-attended by top-level executives of agencies responsible for the region's infrastructure and utilities, the purpose of the summit was to bring government in Los Angeles County together to develop a united path towards a more sustainable transportation and land use system for the region.

Addressing the convening civic leaders and local government staff, Metro Board Chair Pam O’Connor, who organized the summit, called for "collective action" needed to achieve a more sustainable region. “No one agency or department can do this on its own, but together, we can work to meet the goals that we decide for the future we want," she said.

The morning session gave a regional perspective on sustainability featuring panel representatives from SCAG, Los Angeles World Airports, Metropolitan Water District and the County of Los Angeles.

The morning session was followed by concurrent breakout sessions on Green House Gas Emissions and Local Government Operations Development, Renewable, Energy Conservation and Incentives, Green Infrastructure and Environmental Management Systems and Community Growth and Development.

The group reconvened in an afternoon session to study the results from an 18-question electronic survey distributed countywide. The survey identified and measured sustainability awareness and practices in the region.

"We've heard from many different voices offering best practices in sustainability and climate action," said O'Connor in her closing remarks. "We will reconvene to collaborate, to learn together, and to put into action the best thinking in the region."

-- From Gayle Anderson and Helen Ortiz-Gilstrap.