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2007 National Environmental Partnership Summit May 7 – 10, 2007 New Orleans, Louisiana Stacey Martindale Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Pollution Prevention & Technical Assistance. C omprehensive L ocal E nvironmental A ction N etwork.
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2007 National Environmental Partnership Summit May 7 – 10, 2007 New Orleans, Louisiana Stacey Martindale Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Pollution Prevention & Technical Assistance
Comprehensive Local Environmental Action Network
CLEAN Program Development: • Create technical contact • Increase partnerships and recognition • Used other programs as models • Developed membership incentives • Received EPA Innovations Grant • Sought assistance from local PEER Center • Received training
Drivers for municipalities: • Regulatory obligations • Public concern for the environment • Public image • Growth management • Efficient use of public funds • Operational realities
Why does an EMS work? • Establishes commitment • Assigns responsibility • Ensures competence and awareness • Includes all levels and functions • Formalizes communication • Tackles a few challenges at a time • Requires monitoring, evaluation, and correction
CLEAN: • Voluntary recognition program • Implement a Quality of Life Plan • Manage local government services with the potential to impact the environment • Regulatory, financial, and recognition incentives for members
Plan, Do, Check, Act: • Identify operational activities (Plan) • Identify opportunities for improvement • Implement action plan (Do) • Check plan for effectiveness (Check) • Adjust plan as needed (Act)
Benefits of a QLP: • Increased efficiency • Improved ability to meet compliance requirements • Improved environmental awareness • Better relationships • Public recognition
CLEAN Implementation: • Piloted with 3 communities • Revised program recognition levels • Added regulatory benefits • Developed sample materials
Program Shortcomings: • Overwhelming—must limit operations • Restrict designation and benefits • Unfamiliar territory • Time intensive • Sporadic progress—management support
Program Successes: • Two CLEAN Communities • Received 3 non-pilot applications • Added regulatory incentives • Regional implementation • Environmental improvements at pilots
Recommendations: • Feedback from potential participants • Keep it simple • Focus program on Quality of Life • Provide meaningful benefits • Develop agency partnerships • Provide training opportunities
CLEAN hot topics: • Recycling of various materials • Energy use and efficiency • Smart growth • Green building concepts • Environmental Purchasing Policies • Fuel use
Contact information: Stacey Martindale Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Pollution Prevention & Technical Assistance (317) 233-5554 (800) 988-7901 smartind@idem.in.gov