The acting chairman of the Calvert County Environmental Commission (CCEC) presented its goals and action plan for the new fiscal year to the Calvert County Commissioners Tuesday, July 24.
During his presentation, Earle Kirkley touted the “over 200 years of professional experience” he and the six other current commission members have. The group includes a computer consultant, geographer, scientist, chemist, and a business and finance analyst.
The panel was established 25 years ago to serve as an advisory board to the county commissioners. The CCEC also advises the Calvert County Planning Commission and provides recommendations to the Department of Community Planning and Building regarding the “protection, conservation and management of the county’s natural resources,” said Kirkley.
The acting chairman cited public outreach and environmental education as the CCEC’s top goal. The commission intends to educate county residents on such topics as environmental regulations, nitrogen removing septic tanks, recycling, alternative energy, energy conservation and pollution prevention. Outreach venues for the commission will include Patuxent River Appreciation Days and the county’s Green Expo. Additionally, the CCEC promotes the annual “Pump Out the Bay” contest and Bay Restoration Fund Program. Kirkley stated the committee will continue its collaboration with Calvert’s Green Team and make improvements to its web site. The commission also plans to develop a “homeowners’ association environmental resource manual,” Kirkley reported.
The commission’s other goal for FY 2013 is to review and report on major infrastructure projects, provide county government advice on environmental regulations and plans and raise awareness of new county environmental issues.
“Calvert County has been on the cutting edge of environmental issues,” said Commissioners’ President Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark [R], who praised the CCEC for its quarter-century of service to county leaders. “Many counties are still looking at the ‘long hanging fruit.’ We’ve always taken care of the smaller stuff.”
Commissioner Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr. [R] indicated he was pleased to hear Kirkley affirm that the CCEC would offer “unbiased and accurate” information on the county’s environmental issues. Slaughenhoupt expressed hope the commission members “don’t parrot the most extreme views” on the current environmental issues.
Commissioner Susan Shaw [R] a
