BMC Board Creates Regional Sustainability Committee
Baltimore, MD (October 27, 2008) The Board of Directors of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) has created a Regional Sustainability Committee to share information and coordinate activities that will benefit the entire Baltimore region. Joshua Feldmark, Director of Howard County's Office of Environmental Sustainability, serves as the committee's chair.
"All of our jurisdictions are exploring environmental practices that can be integrated into government operations and into all aspects of everyday life," said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, the BMC Chair. "But we cannot afford to duplicate efforts, work at cross-purposes, or re-invent the wheel in every jurisdiction. This committee can make certain we're all moving in the same direction."
"Sustainability involves many departments in local governments," added Mr. Feldmark, "from Planning and Zoning to Recreation and Parks to Public Works to Purchasing. We have reached the point where economics and doing the right thing are coming together. We now have an opportunity to make changes that will reap benefits for years to come."
The committee has initially identified a number of areas to address:
1. Coordinate regional sustainability programs.
2. Foster cooperation between state and local governments.
3. Maximize partnerships with public, private and quasi-governmental agencies.
"We are pleased to welcome the Regional Sustainability Committee into the BMC family," said Executive Director Larry W. Klimovitz. "This group will take its place alongside our other committees - the Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee, the Reservoir Watershed Protection Committee and the Urban Area Work Group - in working to promote cooperation and efficiency among our member jurisdictions, and improve the quality of life for all our citizens."
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Baltimore Metropolitan Council
Working to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region.
<a href="http://www.baltometro.org">www.baltometro.org</a>;
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is the organization of the region's elected executives who are committed to identifying regional interests and developing collaborative strategies, plans and programs which will improve the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the region.
For more information:
Barbara Herron
Communications Officer
email: bherron"@"baltometro.org
phone: 410-732-9564