The Environment, Land Use and Energy Committee had a joint meeting with the Affordable Housing Committee on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, at the Chamber.  The meeting featured Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy.  Her discussion provoked a lively question and answer period that centered on permitting, alternative wastewater treatment systems and a pledge by Commissioner McCarthy to work with the Chamber on future public policy decisions.  She indicated that it will be beneficial to her and the Department as well as the business community.

The Committee's December meeting focused on how best to follow-up with Commissioner McCarthy based on her comments to the group.  We also, reviewed a proposal by the Chamber's Real Estate Council's Land Use Regulation Initiative, which aims to educate town land use commission members.  The Committee discussed the Responsible Growth initiative at the State level and the preliminary results of the Energy Survey.

The Committee met on January 9, 2008, at the Chamber.  The Committee continued to focus on establishing priorities for presentation to the Department of Environmental Protection.  An Energy Expo working group was formed to help put together a program to educate our membership.  At the end of the meeting, the concept of sustainability was brought before the Committee.  After a brief discussion, members agreed to look at this item at a future meeting.