Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
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Letter of Support: Prince George’s County Climate Action Plan
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Council authorize the Mayor to send a letter of support to Prince George’s County in favor of the draft Prince George’s County Climate Action Plan.
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Summary Background:
Prince George’s County has released their Climate Action Plan and are allowing municipalities to submit a formal statement regarding the 250+ page document before December 15, 2021. A copy of the draft plan can be reviewed at the link below.
<https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3748/Climate-Change>
The Hyattsville Environment Committee (HEC) met on November 30 to review the plan document. HEC has submitted a letter to the City Council recommending support of the Climate Action Plan, as written. Attached is a copy of the letter from HEC.
Below are the staff comments from Director of Public Works Riddle and Supervisor of Environmental Programs Taft.
• Overall, the document successfully summarizes the multiple threats that Prince George’s County and the entire region face due to climate change.
• Section VIII reviews the Priority Recommendations for this plan - this section details actionable steps that the County and municipalities can support and implement. City staff believes that having actionable items within a plan is critical.
• Priority M-11 will enact a “No Net Loss” tree conservation regulation - this will require a significant expansion and protection of the existing canopy. How will this be accomplished with the overwhelming amount of approved and proposed land development?
• Priority M-11 also suggests updating the Prince George’s Environmental Technical Manual. The Prince George’s County Landscape Manual was also created in 2010 and needs to be updated as well.
• Priority A-3 requires preserving and restoring natural resources areas through changes in land use and zoning, specifically prohibiting development within the floodplain. Banning any development within the floodplain is an important ecological win for the environment, but equally important is excluding the ability to waive this regulation.
• Priority A-7 and M-11 suggest conducting a County-wide mapping of tree canopy cover to include thermal mapping. Several municipalities have already accomplished this study and this information could be useful to the County.
Next Steps:
HEC and staff recommendations will be discussed by Council on December 6. If approved, staff will draft a letter to the Council regarding the City’s position on the Climate Action Plan for consideration.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
City Administrator Comments:
N/A
Community Engagement:
N/A
Strategic Goals:
Goal 2 - Ensure the Long-Term Economic Viability of the City
Legal Review Required?
N/A