EQC Meeting Date: February 19th, 2025
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Risi Karim, Assistant to the City Administrator / Staff Liaison
Title
Staff Update.
Body
Action Requested:
The EQC receives an update regarding staff activities.
Summary Report:
This update includes items not included as agenda items for this meeting.
* Solar Rooftop Project: Northfield Community Resource Center
Xcel has completed its facilities study at the NCRC building and confirmed that no additional upgrades are needed. The interconnection agreement is expected in about 15 business days. However, a new issue has arisen concerning funding.
The Solar on Public Buildings grant was structured with 60% state funding, 10% local match, and 30% federal tax credit, which comes from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. President Trump's recent executive order, "Unleashing America's Energy," appears to revoke or pause funding related to the IRA, including clean energy initiatives. Specifically, the order rescinds Executive Order 14082 and directs agencies to pause disbursing funds appropriated under the IRA and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Additionally, potential tariffs on solar panels under the Trump Administration may further impact project costs. Despite Xcel's approval, all work on the project-including permitting and material procurement-has been paused with contractor Wolf River Electric until further clarity is obtained from both state and federal sources.
* Northfield Earth Day 2025
Northfield Earth Day Celebration is set for Saturday April 26th from 11am-4pm. The City will continue support the Celebration with a sponsorship of $500 made available through the Carbon Reduction Fund.
The Steering Committee for Earth Day has reached out to staff about participating in a forum around the extremities of weather and flooding in and around Northfield. James McDermott ,Water Quality Technician for the City and Commissioner Jones will be taking part of...
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