Environment Subcommittee

Council Members: VACANT

At-large Members: Brieanne Berry, Daniel Dixon,  Benjamin Hale, Lee Warren

A special ad hoc committee of the Town Council focused on the Environment and matters that impact the environment with an initial charge to develop a draft comprehensive plan for Council consideration that would provide guidance for policy and operational decision-makers related to decreasing Orono’s environmental footprint and increasing its ability to withstand the impacts of climate change.

News from the Chair (08/21)

First, I would like to congratulate Dr. Brieanne Berry, a valuable volunteer for the Environment Committee, on her recent doctoral defense! Her perspective and education culminating in a PhD in Anthropology and Environmental Policy, is an added benefit to the Committee in decision-making and planning. Orono is lucky to have her on board! 

The Environment Committee is going public! Beginning on Aug. 26th, at 5:00pm, and every 4th Thursday, residents can tune in by accessing our Zoom link and can watch and be invited to participate in discussions with the Committee. We welcome your thoughts and ideas on making Orono a clean and healthy community, in lowering GHG emissions, and in understanding climate events that are challenging our Town infrastructure and operations. Please check out our Agendas on the Town website! 

As we reduce, reuse, recycle, the Environment Committee is discussing ways to integrate a circular recycling economy as a viable, sustainable action that our municipality can adopt and extend on. We are currently researching a Tool Library, weatherization activities and Efficiency Maine rebates for residents as winter approaches, as well as solar collaboration to reduce municipal and taxpayer cost, among other topics. Of course action is what moves us forward faster, and we thank you for your own efforts to sustain a "green" Orono in these trying times.