County Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee to launch on the eve of Earth Day

San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship provides an update about the status of the newly formed Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee.

On Friday, April 22, an expected 1 billion people around the world will take action to protect our planet in observance of Earth Day. On the eve of Earth Day, April 21, a group of citizens in San Juan County will come together to launch the work of the newly formed Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee. Here in the islands and around the world, we’ll be united under a common goal — the theme of this year’s Earth Day event — to Invest In Our Planet.

While San Juan County has invested in the environment for more than a decade, last year the County Council elevated the environmental resources team to the Department of Environmental Stewardship and added the Climate and Sustainability program to acknowledge the importance of this work. The Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee will advise on policy, help set priorities, and harness the momentum of existing work to help steer the County’s climate action plan.

We are pleased to introduce the new committee members, appointed by the County Council on April 5, who will bring their expertise and experience to help launch this work.

District 1 (San Juan Island) — Vincent Dauciunas (retired electrical engineer, currently on the OPALCO Board of Directors), Adrian Kilpatrick (design/build business owner, farming/permaculture design specialist), Barbara Marrett (Friday Harbor Port Commissioner, stewardship and conservation background).

District 2 (Orcas Island) — Janet Alderton (retired research biologist, active in conservation and planning), Jay Kimball (climate change consultant; focus on mitigation, planning, and communication), Michael Shanks (OIHS Spanish teacher, climate change educator).

District 3 (Lopez and Shaw Islands) — Chris Greacen (renewable energy and rural development consultant, active in school initiatives), Renee Koplan (Lopez Hospital District Interim Superintendent, biology/zoology background), Oliver Whitfield (retired aerospace engineer and inventor, currently on the OPALCO Board of Directors).

Youth Representative — Luke Fincher (current senior at FHHS, active community/conservation volunteer, pursuing dual
major in Environmental Science & Psychology).

County Staff Representative — Kendra Smith (Department of Environmental Stewardship Director).

Our community has responded with a groundswell of support for the formation of the County’s new Climate and Sustainability program. It is very apparent that county residents care deeply for the islands and are ready to take action to protect and preserve our home. The community is invited to take part in our committee meetings; please watch this page for meeting details.

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