President’s Perspective
April 2024
Welcome spring and all the wonders of the season! As we enter April, let’s celebrate Earth Day (Monday, April 22) and renew our commitment to environmental stewardship. The League of Women Voters Topeka Shawnee County encourages sustainable practices and advocates for policies that protect our planet for future generations.
How does our membership promote environmental stewardship – how do we become more knowledgeable as individuals and communities to safeguard our air, land and water?
One of the stalwarts of the League throughout its history has been in-depth studies of issues. This process better informs our members and in turn the knowledge gained is shared with our community.
With that in mind, in April 2023 the LWVTSC began a climate change study chaired by Vicki Arnett. This broad, complex study involves numerous dedicated LWVTSC members who diligently meet, read, attend presentations and visit with subject matter experts.
The study initially focused on greenhouse gas emissions and expanded to include solar and wind energy, and the siting of transmission lines while maintaining natural habitat and spaces. Through league observer attendance at city and county planning meetings, this study group learned of a soon-to-be conducted survey soliciting public input regarding wind and solar development in our county. The League not only encouraged members to complete the survey, we encouraged the public to voice their opinions by completing the survey. Of course, the survey results were reviewed by the study group for insight to public opinion.
The next segment of this two-year study will involve transportation and the efficient use of vehicles. Study efforts include learning about the electronic vehicle charging infrastructure.
At this point, the study group has agreed:
- An energy plan should be developed by the city and county; and,
- An appropriation should be allocated for a sustainability coordinator.
Once this study is completed the report will be forwarded to the membership for their possible adoption of the report as a LWVTSC policy position. The study report will also be shared with the public, city, county and state officials.
This brings us back to celebrating Earth Day on April 22 to reflect on the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices. This annual observance began in 1969 due to several environmental challenges (one example – oil spills) during the 1960s. Initial efforts began on college campuses and the focus grew whereby Congress undertook major initiatives such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, etc. Beginning in 1990, Earth Day became a global observance with 141 countries joining the environmental awareness effort. Grassroots efforts do make a difference!
Stay informed and engaged with the League of Women Voters, Topeka Shawnee County! If you want to participate or be informed of this study groups’ activities and meetings, please email contactus@lwvtsc.org.
