Lake County Gazette

Village of Deerfield Greenhouse Gas Working Group met April 25

Here are the minutes provided by the group:

A meeting of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Ad Hoc Working Group was held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Village Hall. Chairperson Mary Oppenheim called the meeting to order at 3:22 p.m.

Present:

Trustee Mary Oppenheim, Chairperson

Camilla Dadey

Victoria Street

Art Wilde

Andrew Worley

Absent:

Don Anderson

Trustee Elaine Jacoby

Also present:

Andrew Lichterman, Deputy Village Manager/Director of Community Development 

Bob Phillips, Director of Public Works and Engineering

Jessica Sciarretta, Administrative Intern

Consideration of Minutes

Commissioner Dadey moved, seconded by Commissioner Wilde to approve the minutes from the March 7, 2024 meeting of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Ad Hoc Working Group. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comment

No Public Comment

Business

Virtual Power Purchase Agreement Parameters

Staff provided the Working Group with a memo outlining parameters for considering a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA). Mr. Lichterman discussed the timeline for implementation, indicating that this summer, staff will issue a Request for Proposal through the Electric Aggregation Consortium. He also noted that proposals would be received this summer, but the VPPA would not be exercised for at least a year.

Additionally, it was mentioned that the ComEd energy grid currently has an 8% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) yet is required by state mandate to achieve 22% clean energy, highlighting the need for local initiatives to support this transition. Staff noted that the Village would commit to a fixed-price number of clean energy allocations for a contracted period.

Chairperson Oppenheim emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed throughout the process. Commissioner Street questioned the public's views on the single-use bag tax policy  implemented by the Village of Northbrook. Staff agreed to gather information regarding public responses and the program's effectiveness.

The Group also discussed whether or not potential future contracts outside the PJM ComEd energy grid should be considered with a VPPA contract. Commissioner Wilde and Commissioner Dadey expressed a preference for limiting contracts to within the ComEd energy grid, specifically in Illinois or neighboring states. Commissioner Wilde emphasized that the contracts should match Deerfield’s energy consumption and aim to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030, as outlined in the Climate Action Report. The Group agreed to initially explore VPPA contracts within Illinois and then entertain contracts in neighboring states within the ComEd PJM grid as needed.

Commissioner Street exited the meeting at 4:06 p.m.

Additionally, the Group discussed the costs involved in entering a VPPA. It was noted that achieving cost neutrality while transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2030, as specified in the Climate Action Report, presents significant challenges. The Group also explored possible subsidies to help offset the expenses associated with pursuing a VPPA. In conclusion, the Group agreed on maintaining a cost-neutral utility rate through the use of a subsidy and diversifying allocations to mitigate price risk.

Various sources of renewable energy suitable for potential VPPAs, including wind, solar and nuclear, were deliberated. Commissioner Dadey and Chairperson Oppenheim expressed their concerns associated the negative environmental impacts associated with nuclear power.

Commissioner Dadey expressed her disinterest in pursuing nuclear power. Furthermore, Commissioner Worley mentioned that it would be beneficial to compare the inadvertent impacts associated with the various types of renewable energy and recommended the Group establish an official list of renewable energy sources.

LanzaJet Presentation

Mr. Lichterman provided an overview of a presentation that was made on Earth Day to LanzaJet corporation. LanzaJet, located in Deerfield, aims to decarbonize the aviation industry through Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology. Within his presentation, Mr. Lichterman introduced the Climate Action Report and suggested various ways for employees to engage with the community, including joining the Greenhouse Gas Working Group. Additionally, it was highlighted that the corporation has a specific interest in waste management and compost services. Commissioner Wilde and Chairperson Oppenheim recommended sharing the PowerPoint presentation with the Group and on the Village website in conjunction with the Climate Action Report.

EV Readiness Designation and Charging Smart Programs

Ms. Sciarretta provided an overview of two programs, EV Readiness and Charging Smart, that the Village will be pursuing in the Fall of 2024. She mentioned that the goals of both programs are to help municipalities prepare for the growing demand for electric vehicles and charging stations. Overall, both programs aim to reduce barriers to adoption for residents and  corporations by streamlining the permitting process and providing education. Commissioner Worley discussed alternatives and proposed that staff explore programs that include hydrogen infrastructure.

Next Meeting

The next Greenhouse Gas Reduction Ad Hoc Working Group meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 3:00 p.m. at The Village Hall.

Adjournment

There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 4:46 p.m

https://www.deerfield.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05232024-1104