| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.59 |
| Liaison | Susan Dorward |
| Submission Date | Aug. 4, 2022 |
Raritan Valley Community College
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Susan
Dorward Sustainability and Energy Coordinator Facilities and Grounds |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Prof. Jay Kelly and students have given over 50 talks to local groups, including many involving public officials, about the impacts of deer and invasive species on forest health and have been encouraging communities to implement deer and vegetation management practices to improve forest health. These have been supported by RVCC administration, which implemented a deer management policy on campus as a result. These efforts are actively supported by STEM Dean Sarah Imbriglio and VP Finance John Trojan.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
Sustainability & Energy Coordinator Sue Dorward has been advocating for a NJ low-embodied carbon concrete bill, S287/A5223. In June 2022, it passed in the Senate 39-0. The Assembly version will be voted on in fall 2022. President McDonough approved RVCC's formal support for this bill, and RVCC is included in the bill's list of supporting organizations. Sue Dorward has testified twice on behalf of RVCC in favor of the bill at State hearings.
Prof. Jay Kelly has been working with Pinelands Preservation Alliance to conduct outreach with coastal parks, municipalities and beach-users about the importance of beach habitats for endangered species, dune development and erosion control. We have been advocating for ecological beach management practices that support these natural resources while still allowing for continued recreational uses of beaches by people. Top administration at RVCC supports these efforts, as we have received several major grants (which they signed support for), as well as Foundation support (which the administration signs off on).
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
In 2021, RVCC signed on to a letter to encourage NJ's Congressional representatives to keep clean energy funding in the Build Back Better legislation.
RVCC President Mike McDonough signed on as an endorser of HR2307, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, as a prominent individual. See this page: https://energyinnovationact.org/endorser-map/?dist=NJ07
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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