nyuuzyou/wikis huggingface dataset:
Medford, MA Clean Energy Committee

Type: Policy
Status: Established in 2004
Source File: http://www.medfordcleanenergy.org/index.html
Description:
Who We Are
Mayor Michael McGlynn created the Medford Clean Energy Committee (MCEC) in January 2004 to augment the city's effort to become a municipal leader in the use of clean power.
Our goal is to promote clean power options and encourage the development of renewable energy in Medford.
Clean Energy in Medford
* Solar panels in Medford supply electricity for City Hall and lights at Hormel Stadium
* Over 290 Medford residents purchase renewable energy through GreenUp™
* Plans are underway to install a small wind turbine at the McGlynn School 
Why Clean Energy?
* To protect Medford from rising utility costs
* To improve air quality and public health from the effects of emissions produced by local power plants
* To reduce America's dependence on foreign sources of energy
* To help our global community offset climate change 
Medford's Efforts
Clean Energy Feasibility Studies Underway and Completed
* Analysis of Wind Power Potential in Medford read more
* Feasibility studies for solar pool and hot water heaters for Medford High School
* Implementation of solar panels at City Hall and ongoing analysis of solar power potential at City Hall and other facilities. 
Environmental Outreach Program
* Student field trips and energy programs
* Video series
* News & event updates in local newspapers
* Public Library Clean Energy displays and new energy section
* Speaker series on clean energy and environmental issues at Medford Public Library
* Community Events, including Medford's 375th Anniversary Celebration
* Community Mailings
* Medford Leads with Clean Energy Campaign Posters
:* Poster 1
:* Poster 2
:* Poster 3
Medford's Environmental Efforts
* Solar Panels installed at Medford City Hall
* Solar Panels installed at Hormel Stadium
* New schools with Energy Management Systems
* Conversion of older schools from oil to cleaner and more efficient natural gas boilers
* Integrating alternative fuel vehicles into City's fleet vehicles
* Conversion of street lights and Holiday displays to 90% more efficient LED bulbs
* Utilizing Biodiesel and ultra low sulfur diesel in municipal fleet and school buses
* Participation in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and first municipality in Massachusetts to adopt a Climate Action Plan
* All building energy performance has been benchmarked
Category:City Governments
Category:Massachusetts
Category:Policies
Category:Renewable Energy
Medford, MA No Idling Policy

Type: Policy
Status: Adopted in 2005
Source File: http://www.medford.org/Pages/MedfordMA_Energy/NoIdlingPolicy.pdf
Text:
POLICY & PROCEDURE NO. 2005-01
I. PURPOSE
A. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to diesel exhaust, even at low levels, is a serious health hazard and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Diesel emissions are well-documented asthma triggers and may increase the severity of asthma attacks. Asthma is currently the number one cause of missed school days for American children, and asthma affects more than 1 in 9 children in New England.
II. POLICY
A. It is the policy of this the City of Medford to continually improve the local air quality and health of Medford’s residents. In an effort to move towards this goal, the City has shaped the No-Idling Policy. This policy applies to the operation of every diesel-powered school bus operating in the district and owned by the signatory school bus company or school district.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. The Energy & Environment Department in conjunction with each school shall monitor the overall idling within school areas of the City. This monitoring includes answering questions of citizens related to idling and the policy, and overall guidance for school properties regarding reducing idling times.
IV. GENERAL
A. School Bus Fleets
:1. School bus drivers will shut off bus engines immediately upon reaching destination, and buses will not idle while waiting for passengers. This rule applies to all bus use, including daily route travel, field trips, and transportation to and from athletic events. School buses will not be restarted until they are ready to depart and there is a clear path to exit the pick-up area.
:2. School bus companies and drivers will limit idling time during early morning warm-up to manufacturers’ recommendations – generally 3-5 minutes in all but the coldest weather and for the pre-trip safety inspections. Below are guidelines for idling in cold weather. If state standards are more stringent, they supersede these recommendations.
:If the outside temperature is: Above 20 degrees F: 5 minute maximum
:Between -10 and 20 degrees F :15 minute maximum
:Below -10 degrees F: as necessary
:3. Our district’s schools will provide an indoor waiting space for drivers who arrive early and need to keep warm. This reduces the need for bus idling.
:4. School district bus drivers will complete a “no idling” training session. All bus drivers will receive a copy of this No Idling Policy or equivalent educational materials at the beginning of every school year.
:5. Bus companies agree to maintain buses according to manufacturers’ specifications.
:6. Exceptions to this policy are granted only when running the engine is necessary to operate required safety equipment or to maintain a safe environment for students with special health needs.
Category:City Governments
Category:Gas-Powered Transportation
Category:Massachusetts
Category:Policies
Medford, OR Neighborhood Street Tree Partnership

Type: Program
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=608
Description:
Enhancing the Quality of Life in Medford’s Neighborhoods
Are you and your neighbors concerned about the trees in the planting strip on your block? Are storms taking down branches of those trees? Do you need or want trees between the curb and sidewalk on your block?
Street Tree Video project
If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Neighborhood Street Tree Partnership is the program for you and your neighborhood!
Contact the City's Neighborhood Resource Coordinator to find out if your neighborhood is eligible to participate in this program. A minimum of ten households is required. The city will provide technical assistance and there is an opportunity to apply for a matching grant of up to $7,000 for eligible neighborhood groups. Work may include removal and replacement of hazard trees, pruning and planting of new trees.
How to Get Started in Your Neighborhood
Contact the City’s Neighborhood Resource Coordinator to set up a neighborhood meeting. We will help by creating flyers to advertise your neighborhood meeting and then will come to the meeting with a video about the benefits of street trees. We will also come with plenty of informational brochures about how to plant and care for your trees.
If the neighborhood wishes to pursue the Neighborhood Street Tree Partnership to either replace, prune or plant trees, the city’s Neighborhood Resource Program will help the group prepare a Neighborhood Matching Fund small grant application to help defray the costs.
Choosing a Neighborhood Liaison
While the city will help with a matching grant and offer technical assistance, the neighborhood needs to select a neighborhood tree liaison to coordinate with the City throughout the project.
The following steps are included in the Street Tree Partnership:
* Have the neighborhood trees assessed by the City's Arborist.
* Determine the scope of the project. (i.e. # of trees to be pruned or removed and replaced or # of new trees to be planted.)
* Prepare a Neighborhood Matching Fund Grant application.
* Hold neighborhood meetings to keep everyone informed and aware.
* Schedule work days, inform neighbors and invite friends and have fun.
Throughout the above process, the City Arborist Bill Harrington will provide technical assistance. For more information, contact Louise Dix, Neighborhood Resource Coordinator at 774-2090. 
Category:City Governments
Category:Oregon
Category:Programs
Category:Trees and Forests
Melbourne, Australia "Copenhagen Style" Bike Separated Lanes

Type: Policy
Status: Adopted in 2007
Source File: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=70&pa=1154&pg=3476
Description:
The City of Melbourne has been exploring better ways to ensure all road users can share our roads safely.
In 2007, a new bike separated lane design was constructed along the northern end of Swanston Street, between Franklin and Faraday streets. Bike lanes now run alongside the footpath, with cars parking on the outside of the bike lane, closest to the road. A one metre wide island separates the bike lane from parked cars.
This style of bike lane has been used successfully in Europe, and is known as the ‘Copenhagen’ style of bike lane. The first bike lanes of this type were constructed in Copenhagen in Denmark.
Download the fact sheet here:
PDF: Bike Separated Lanes Fact Sheet (114kb)
Word: Bike Separated Lanes Fact Sheet (494kb)
What do bike separated lanes look like?
Bike separated lanes essentially provide a cycling path on the road that’s physically separated from other road users as an island separates parked cars from cyclists.
The Swanston Street bike path is two metres wide and the island separating parked cars and bikes is one metre wide. The City of Melbourne has chosen a wide island to help prevent cyclists crashing into car doors on the passenger side, or into passengers getting out of cars.
What are the benefits of bike separated lanes?
Between 1998 and 2003, there were 10 serious accidents involving cyclists and cars along this part of Swanston Street.
Bike separated lanes separate motorists from cyclists, and allow both to travel more safely on the same road.
The new lanes also reduce the risk of cyclists colliding with opened car doors. Bike separated lanes can also be installed with minimal disruption to the usual flow of traffic along a road.
The City of Melbourne has made a commitment to encourage sustainable transport choices in the city. Providing a safer environment for cyclists will encourage more people to consider cycling to the city, reducing traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 
What impact will the bike lanes have on surrounding areas?
Cross section of Copenhagen bike lanes on Swanston Street, Melbourne.
The new bike lanes will have a minor impact on the area.
New signage and road markings highlight cyclist and pedestrian zones, and parking spaces along the northern end of Swanston Street have been reduced by eight to 10 spaces. 
With construction now complete, the area looks a little different, with the new island installed and new road markings, but footpath widths have not changed.
Who funded the bike separated lanes?
This project was initiated by Bicycle Victoria and is being managed by the City of Melbourne. The project is worth $485,000, and is funded by VicRoads. It is the first Copenhagen-style bicycle route in the City of Melbourne.
Category:Councils
Category:Foot-Powered Transportation
Category:Policies
Category:Victoria
Melbourne, Australia Building Improvement Partnership Program

Type: Program
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=218&pa=4018&pg=3700
Description:
The Building Improvement Partnership Program aims to improve the energy, water, and waste performance of existing commercial buildings across the city.
The program assists building owners to achieve 4.5-Star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating and 4-Star National Australian Built Environment Rating System.
The commercial sector in the City of Melbourne accounts for approximately 38 per cent of the city’s water consumption, 76 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions and more than 102,000 tonnes of waste sent to landfill each year (eight times that of residential waste). Approximately half a commercial building’s energy use is from the base building services (70 per cent heating and air-conditioning and 30 per cent from common area lighting, lifts and hot water).
Water use in base buildings is significant. Cooling towers can account for 30 to 40 per cent of a building’s water use, with amenities (such as taps and toilets) and leakages also accounting for up to 40 per cent each.
Participants receive an initial building assessment to establish the means by which base building works can improve building’s energy and water use performance. Technical assistance is provided to assist implementation, and reassessment will be done to prove the success of building changes. Finance for these retrofits is also available through the Sustainable Melbourne Fund.
The City of Melbourne and its partners are piloting this program with five commercial sites across the city, each of which has now had an energy and water audit and received a report on the opportunities.
The participating sites include:
* Casseldon Place, 2 Lonsdale Street
* 242 Exhibition Street
* 406 Collins Street
* 200 Queen Street
* Industry House, 486 Albert Street
Find out more about program:
PDF: Building Improvement Partnership Program (600kb)
RTF: Building Improvement Partnership Program (47kb)
Category:Building Standards
Category:Councils
Category:Programs
Category:Victoria
Melbourne, Australia Growing Green Environmental Sustainability Plan

Type: Policy
Status: Adopted
Source File: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=218&pa=1612&pg=1622
Description:
The City of Melbourne manages more than 500 hectares of open space including more than 60 parks, gardens and boulevards. We have a public golf course, two skate parks, four aquatic and recreation centres and 14 sporting fields and pavilions. While Melbourne's open spaces are among the most enviable in Australia, we have to make sure that they exist in harmony with the environment. A Melbourne park
The Growing Green Environmental Sustainability Plan is a long-term plan for the future management of the City of Melbourne's open space and recreational facilities.
The Growing Green vision is that:
“The City of Melbourne in 2050 will have the highest-quality parks, gardens, trees and recreational facilities easily accessible to and enjoyed by all who live in or visit the City. These assets and the life that they support will be sustainably managed on behalf of the community and future users with a reduced ecological footprint. “
Under the Growing Green plan, green spaces, sporting facilities and trees will be managed in a more environmentally sustainable way with less water, energy and chemical inputs.
Plantings will be more suitable for Melbourne’s climate, yet the essential heritage attributes of the city’s historic parks, gardens and boulevards will be preserved.
Growing Green covers six themes. These include:
* Protecting and Enhancing Biological Diversity;
* Melbourne: A Leafy City;
* Meeting Community Needs;
* Respecting Our Heritage;
* Using Resources Wisely; and
* Being Waste Wise.
You can view the document in text only or PDF format below:
:PDF - Growing Green (1.7MB)
:Word - Growing Green (188kb)
Category:City Governments
Category:Open Space
Category:Policies
Category:Victoria
Melbourne, Australia Sustainable Lighting Action Plan 2005-2010

Type: Policy
Status: Adopted
Source File: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=145&pg=3519
Description:
There are more than 13,000 street lights within the City of Melbourne. Electricity distributors CitiPower and Alinta own and maintain these lights, with network charges and service costs paid by Council.
Apart from the arrangements with CitiPower and Alinta to keep the lamps and poles in good order, the City of Melbourne is responsible for the electricity consumed. The electricity used in public lighting accounts for more than half of Council’s greenhouse emissions.
The City of Melbourne’s Sustainable Lighting Action Plan 2005-2010 is a five year plan to manage street lighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve overall environmental performance. It delivers improvements in four priority areas:
:1. Energy efficiency – Council is working with electricity distributors towards a transition to more efficient lighting technologies.
:2. Renewable energy and offset options – in February 2007, Council increased its purchases of renewable energy, so that 50 per cent of core public lighting needs are now met through accredited green power.
:3. Waste management – Council intends to phase out the use of mercury vapour lamps, which contain hazardous materials to dispose of when lamps reach the end of their life.
:4. Better management of public lighting – Council is committed to developing a stronger partnership with its electricity distributors in the management of non-standard lights, the use of new technologies, and ensuring high levels of service.
Since the Plan was developed, Council has stepped up its target for greenhouse emissions from the public lighting sector to a 42 per cent reduction from base year levels in 1996/97 by 2010.
Sustainable Public Lighting Action Plan 2005-2010 (PDF) 
Sustainable Public Lighting Action Plan 2005-2010 (DOC)
The Sustainable Public Lighting Action Plan 2005-2010 works with the Lighting Strategy 2002.
Category:City Governments
Category:Energy Policy
Category:Policies
Category:Victoria
Melbourne, Australia Sustainable Melbourne Fund

Type: Program
Status: Established in 2004
Source File: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=218&pa=4018&pg=1611
Description:
Established by the City of Melbourne in 2004, with an initial investment of $5 million, the Sustainable Melbourne Fund seeks to invest in projects that enhance the environment and deliver economic benefits for the people of Melbourne.
All financial returns are re-invested in future sustainability projects, allowing the Sustainable Melbourne Fund to support environmental initiatives in the community for many years to come. View Past projects.
The Sustainable Melbourne Fund operates as a unit trust, with an independent board of trustees appointed to manage the strategic direction and all investment activities of the fund.
Sustainable investment opportunities wanted
The Sustainable Melbourne Fund is seeking new opportunities to invest in local sustainability projects particularly in the areas of water, energy and waste; business ventures and new technologies that deliver environmental and economic benefits.
What are we looking for?
The Fund is interested in hearing from Melbourne organisations and businesses who have ideas for sustainability projects that meet the following investment criteria:
* deliver clear environmental benefits and contribute to sustainability in the City of Melbourne; 
* provide a proven business case for investing in water, energy and waste efficiency; 
* demonstrate the application of new, clean technologies; 
* enhance alliances and development opportunities with other organisations and the private sector who are committed to the principles of sustainable development; and 
* help overcome financial barriers to implementation of sustainability initiatives.
Key partners
The Sustainable Melbourne Fund has established alliances with partners such as Sustainability Victoria, the Centre for Energy and Greenhouse Technologies, the Grow Me the Money program - who are also involved in funding and investing in sustainability projects and companies.
By working closely with our partners we aim to co-fund projects that may not happen without the Fund’s involvement.
Category:Councils
Category:Green Funds
Category:Programs
Category:Victoria
Melbourne, Australia Zero Net Emissions by 2020 Strategy

Type: Policy
Status: Adopted in 2002 and updated in 2008
Source File: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=218&pa=1612&pg=1618
Description:
Zero Net Emissions by 2020 – Strategy update 2008
In 2002, the City of Melbourne published 'Zero Net Emissions by 2020 – A roadmap to a climate neutral city' which positioned Council as a world leader by setting an ambitious target of zero net emissions by 2020.
Since then, climate science, community expectations and available solutions have changed significantly and as such, the City of Melbourne has updated Zero Net Emissions by 2020.
The 'Zero Net Emissions by 2020 – Strategy Update 2008' provides the City of Melbourne with a suite of strategies that can deliver a reduction of emissions between 50 and 60 per cent across the municipality.
The update also ensures the City of Melbourne continues to develop and implement relevant sustainability programs and to maintain a leadership position both within Australia, and internationally.
Download the original 2002 strategy here: Zero Net Emissions by 2020 (1.3MB - 92 pages)
Category:Councils
Category:Climate Policy
Category:Policies
Category:Victoria
Mendocino County, CA Bans Genetically Altered Crops and Animals

Type: Ballot Initiative
Status: Adopted on 3/2/04
Vote: In Favor - 56.5% Opposed - 43.5%
Source File: (Missing)
Text: 
COUNTY ORDINANCE PROHIBITING GROWING OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
Section 1. Finding. The people of Mendocino County wish to protect the county’s agriculture, environment, economy, and private property from genetic pollution by genetically modified organisms.
Section 2. Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to propagate, cultivate, raise, or grow genetically modified organisms in Mendocino County.
Section 3. Definitions.
(a) Genetically modified organisms means specific organisms whose native intrinsic DNA has been intentionally altered or amended with non species specific DNA. For purposes of this ordinance, genetic modification does not include organisms created by traditional breeding or hybridization, or to microorganisms created by moving genes or gene segments between unrelated bacteria.
(b) DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid means a complex protein that is present in every cell of an organism and is the ‘blueprint’ for the organism’s development.
(c) Organism means any living thing.
(d) Agricultural Commissioner means the Agricultural Commissioner of Mendocino County.
Section 4. Penalties.
(a) The Agricultural Commissioner shall notify any person, firm, or corporation that may be in violation of Section 2 of this Ordinance, that any organisms in violation of this Ordinance are subject to confiscation and destruction.
(b) Any person, firm, or corporation that receives notification under subparagraph (a) shall have five (5) days to respond to such notification with evidence that such organisms are not in violation of this Ordinance.
(c) Upon receipt of any evidence under paragraph (b), the Agricultural Commissioner shall consider such evidence and any other evidence that is presented or which is relevant to a determination of such violation. The Agricultural Commissioner shall make such determination as soon as possible, but at least before any genetic pollution may occur.
(d) Upon making a determination that a violation of this Ordinance exists, the Agricultural Commissioner shall cause to be confiscated and destroyed any such organisms that are in violation of this Ordinance before any genetic pollution may occur.
(e) If the Agricultural Commissioner determines there has been a violation of this Ordinance, in addition to confiscation and destruction of any organisms that are found to be in violation, the Agricultural Commissioner shall impose a monetary penalty on the person, firm, or corporation responsible for the violation, taking into account the amount of damage, any potential damage, and the willfulness of the person, firm, or corporation.
Category:Ballot Initiatives
Category:California
Category:County Governments
Category:Farm-Related Policies
Category:Genetic Engineering