Today I engaged in a series of emails with a number of San Carlos residents regarding the purchase of carbon offsets to defray the carbon footprint caused by various activities by city personnel. One resident was advocating that the primary use of offset purchases would be to deal with air travel by city personnel and in doing so – set an example to the residents of San Carlos.

Discussion took on a few points – but I am unclear (and would love information) about:

• Is there a “standard” method for calculating the “value” of an offset in terms of what needs to be placed to offset “X” carbon emmission?
• Is there standard “pricing” for an offset? How was this determined?
• Of the folks selling offsets – is there any oversight on them? Any audits? What has been their track record thus far?

Generally speaking:

• I believe that if you make a mess, you clean it up – so at first blush carbon offsets sounds like a good idea
• I will prefer work with local groups, like San Carlos Green, who are taking an active role in doing this work locally
• I am not generally inclined to spend limited city funds on think-tanks or institutions that do not effect the local area. The example, while meritorius, would mean the use of tax dollars that requires a significant level of scrutiny.

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My niece turned 6 and lost a couple of teeth over the past few weeks. Many of you have been so gracious in extending holiday greetings to me – please accept my sincere wishes to you and your family for a wonderful holiday and a spectacular 2008!

The last City Council meeting of the year will be on:

December 10, 2007
7:00PM
City Hall (600 Elm Street)

The primary order of business will be installing the new city council members, electing a new mayor and vice mayor, and enjoying some great refreshments at the Community Center.

See agenda HERE

Hope to see you there!