What is your perspective on the importance of environmental sustainability in the world?

James Shanley: Environmental sustainability is very important to not only the long-term health and survival of humanity, but to the very ecosystem we are part of.

Donna Holaday: According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the most widely used definition of environmental sustainability is the "Brundtland definition" of the 1987 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development – “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” We know that population growth and human behavior, increases in waste production, growing energy demand and consumption, and development of land have all contributed to major stressors on the earth’s natural systems. I believe each of us has a responsibility to do our part in reversing these trends to preserve and protect our environment for future generations.

If elected, what would be your priorities for environmental sustainability in Newburyport?

DH: Establishment of the Energy Advisory Committee, Eco Collaborative, SEED, and Green Science initiatives as well as others over the past several years have been important steps in raising awareness of local environmental issues. These organizations must work in collaboration to advance city-wide initiatives and disseminate information to residents and businesses. My broad priorities for a sustainable Newburyport include: 1) Consultation with MA Clean Energy Council’s municipal liaison to identify federal and state grant programs that would fund clean energy projects; 2) Complete and/or update the Eco Collaborative’s Green Community Assessment on reducing our carbon footprint; and 3) Bring stakeholders together to develop and implement a Green City Plan for our future that embraces socio-economic and environmental strategies.

JS: If elected, my priority for environmental sustainability in Newburyport would be to look for ways to constantly monitor our energy use and to ensure that we are using it in the wisest manner possible. We should do an energy audit of all municipal buildings, and make sure that every new municipal building is built to the latest LEED standards.

What opportunities and challenges do you see when it comes to increasing the use of renewable energy, both on public property and private property?

JS: The greatest opportunity for Newburyport with regards to renewable energy would come from continuing the efforts to install solar panels on municipal buildings. Other than the challenge of the desire for short payback timeframes, the largest challenge in Newburyport with regards to renewable energy is the siting of wind turbines.

DH: Opportunities are abundant at this time to increase renewable energy with federal stimulus dollars directed toward state, municipal and private initiatives. One major challenge is that research and development is receiving a major influx of funding and we can anticipate new advances and new technologies emerging and our task is to determine the best timing to make investments in renewal options. We are fortunate to live in Massachusetts were we have passed the Green Communities Act and have leadership pushing for innovation. For example, this month MassDevelopment challenged four teams of builders to build 12 units of multi-family housing and eight single-family homes close to or completely energy independent. I look forward to learning of the results and the affordability of building green.

How would you approach these opportunities and challenges?

DH: As stated above, I believe we first need a comprehensive plan with implementation and funding strategies, but we also cannot let opportunities pass if an appropriate grant program for the city should become available. Another challenge for us is also to balance private interests in the installation of renewable energy with zoning, policies and potential impact on neighborhoods. We have learned much more about wind turbines since the installation of the first turbine in the industrial park and we need to ensure we have the solid processes in place and current research and data when reviewing alternative energy systems.

JS: If elected mayor, I would work with the Energy Advisory Committee to identify possible locations for solar panels, and to explore the concept of a municipal electric company and perhaps a municipally owned wind energy site.

Do you see an opportunity to attract more green businesses to Newburyport, and if so, what would be the key to making that happen?

JS: The best opportunity for attracting green businesses in Newburyport would be to try and set up an incubator system in the industrial park, so that small, innovative companies could find space at a competitive price.

DH: I have long desired to see a business incubator/enterprise site in the industrial park. It makes sense to focus on green industries and I am pleased to see efforts being made by the Eco Collaborative and Energy Advisory Committee to develop this initiative. An incubator site provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop clean energy technologies and provides the resources and support to develop a new business. The key to making this happen is to support these current efforts in seeking venture capital and other funding for start-up as well as individual funding for new businesses like the Small Business Research Innovation program; connecting with institutes of higher education; and tapping municipal and Chamber marketing for the project.

Have you seen or heard of green initiatives in other communities that you would like to bring to Newburyport?

DH: There are numerous examples of green initiatives occurring in other communities across our country. Many in Atlanta are focused on encouraging voluntary compliance with LEED building and energy star certification while others embrace smart growth and green community assessments. One tool that I would like to bring to Newburyport and I believe is timely to our intermodal study is the work of the National Complete Streets Coalition. Complete Streets focus on transforming community planning, urban design, and engineering street design practices to better meet the needs of all forms of vehicular and non-vehicular transportation — cars, transit, pedestrians, (including pedestrians with disabilities), and bicyclists. The result is improved safety, equal focus on all users, not just cars, and a reduction in carbon emissions.

JS: I feel that the efforts by communities like Davis, CA and Boulder, CO to make their cities bicycle friendly is something that Newburyport not only should do, but can achieve. Having a bike-friendly community is not only good for the environment, it produces a healthier populace and a higher quality of life.