HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-09-25 - Sustainability Board - Agendas & Packet MaterialsA. Call to Order - 6:00 PM
B. Disclosures
C. Changes to the Agenda
D. Approval of Minutes
D.1 Approve the May 14, 2025, Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes (Meyer)
E. Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board
THE SUSTAINABILITY BOARD OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
SB AGENDA
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
General information about the Sustainability Board can be found in our Laserfiche repository.
If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to
comments@bozeman.net or by visiting the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00pm on the day of the
meeting. At the direction of the City Commission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to
the Board or staff.
Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through Video Conference during the appropriate
agenda items.
As always, the meeting will be streamed through the Commission's video page and available in the
City on cable channel 190.
For more information please contact Natalie Meyer, nmeyer@bozeman.net
This meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online videoconferencing system. You
can join this meeting:
Via Video Conference:
Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit.
Click Join Now to enter the meeting.
Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in-
person
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Approve the May 14, 2025, Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes.
This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the
Sustainability Board. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for public
comment relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the Board
cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agenda. All persons addressing the
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F. Special Presentations
F.1 2024 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Draft (Carlson-Ham)
F.2 69th Montana Legislative Session Environmental Sustainability Recap(Meyer)
G. Action Items
G.1 Sustainability Board Appointments to the Water Advisory Committee for the Integrated
Water Resources Plan(Meyer)
H. FYI/Discussion
I. Adjournment
Board shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful
of others. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a property
owner within the city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your comments to three
minutes.
General public comments to the Board can be found on their Laserfiche repository page.
I move to recommend the appointment of Sustainability Board members Brooke Lahneman and
Shelby Smith to the Public Advisory Subcommittee of the Water Advisory Committee for the
Integrated Water Resources Plan Update.
This board generally meets on the second Wednesday of the month 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Citizen Advisory Board meetings are open to all members the public. If you have a disability that
requires assistance, please contact our ADA Coordinator, David Arnado, at 406.582.3232.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Sustainability Board
FROM:Natalie Meyer, Sustainability Program Manager
SUBJECT:Approve the May 14, 2025, Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
MEETING DATE:July 9, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:Approve the May 14, 2025, Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.2 Community Engagement: Broaden and deepen engagement of the
community in city government, innovating methods for inviting input from
the community and stakeholders.
BACKGROUND:In accordance with Commission Resolution 5323 and the City of Bozeman's
Citizen Advisory Board Manual, all Boards must have minutes taken and
approved. Prepared minutes will be provided for approval by the board at
the next scheduled meeting. Staff will make any corrections identified in the
minutes before submitting them to the City Clerk's Office.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
05-14-2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes.pdf
Report compiled on: May 9, 2025
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Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting Minutes, 5/14/2025
Page 1 of 2
THE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
5/14/2025
General information about the Sustainability Board can be found in our Laserfiche repository.
A) 00:37:34 Call to Order - 6:00 PM Present: Nathan Gracey, Erin Jackson, Brooke Lahneman, Kalani Goodhard, Shelby Smith, Isabel
Friedman, Jessica Wiese
Absent: None
Excused: None
B) 00:38:27 Disclosures
C) 00:38:26 Changes to the Agenda
D) Public Service Announcements
E) 00:38:43 Approval of Minutes
E.1 00:39:37 Approve the March 12, 2025 and April 9, 2025 Sustainability Advisory
Board Minutes
03-12-2025 Sustainability Advisory Board.pdf
04-09-2025 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes.pdf
00:38:58 Motion to approve
Isabel Friedman: Motion
Nathan Gracey: 2nd
00:39:15 Vote on the Motion to approve The Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
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Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting Minutes, 5/14/2025
Page 2 of 2
Nathan Gracey
Brooke Lahneman
Shelby Smith
Isabel Friedman
Disapprove:
None
F) Consent Items
G) Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the
Board
H) Special Presentations
H.1 00:40:14 Water Advisory Committee for the Integrated Water Resources Plan
Update
Bozeman_WAC_OnePager_FINAL.pdf
Water Conservation Program Manager Jessica Ahlstrom presented on the water advisory
committee for the Integrated Water Resources Plan and invited the Sustainability Board to have
a member participate on the Committee.
H.2 Building Energy Efficiency Training Opportunities and Workforce Development
Sustainability Specialist Ali Chipouras provided an update on building energy efficiency training
opportunities that are coming up in Bozeman.
H.3 01:10:57 2024 City Board Ethics Make Up Training
Sustainability Program Manager Natalie Meyer led the Sustainability Advisory Board through
City ethics training.
I) Action Items
J) 00:39:20 FYI/Discussion
K) 01:37:06 Adjournment
This board generally meets on the second Wednesday of the month 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Sustainability Board
FROM:Kesslie Carlson-Ham, Sustainability Program Analyst
Natalie Meyer, Sustainability Program Manager
Jon Henderson, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT:2024 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Draft
MEETING DATE:July 9, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study
RECOMMENDATION:2024 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Draft.
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.3 Climate Action: Reduce community and municipal Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions, increase the supply of clean and renewable energy; foster
related businesses.
BACKGROUND:With the adoption of the 2020 Bozeman Climate Plan, Bozeman established
science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets. The goals represent our
community's share of greenhouse gas reductions necessary to meet the
2015 Paris Climate Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 2°C
(3.6°F) above pre-industrial average levels, while also pursuing efforts to
limit warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F). Bozeman's ambitious goals include:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% below 2008 levels by 2025,
Achieve 100% net clean electricity by 2030, and
Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
To track progress and inform future programming, the City of Bozeman
committed to completing a community greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
inventory every two years to monitor emissions within the City of Bozeman's
boundary. The inventory was completed by the Sustainability Division using
the methodology and reporting template outlined in the Global Protocol for
Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GPC) standard to provide a
complete, transparent, and accurate accounting of Bozeman's emissions.
Sustainability Program Analyst, Kesslie Carlson-Ham, and Sustainability
Program Manager, Natalie Meyer, will present a summary of the 2024
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory draft. Members of the
Sustainability Board will be invited to ask questions and provide input on the
findings, and discuss strategies to effectively communicate information from
the report. A future work session will provide an opportunity for the
Sustainability Board to discuss and consider strategies to advance Bozeman's
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emissions and clean energy targets.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
2024 GHG Inventory Report DRAFT.pdf
2024 GHG Inventory Infographic DRAFT.pdf
Report compiled on: July 3, 2025
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City of Bozeman
2024 Community Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Inventory
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Overview of Emissions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Emissions by Scope ............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Transmission and Distribution Losses .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Emissions by Sector & Source ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Stationary Energy ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Transportation .................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Transportation – Aviation ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Waste & Wastewater.......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Industrial Processes & Other Scope 3 Emissions ............................................................................................................................... 13
Drivers of Greenhouse Gas Emissions .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Per Capita Emissions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Bozeman Climate Plan Goals ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix A: Data Sources ................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Appendix B: Emissions Factors .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1. 2024 Bozeman City Limits. .................................................................................................................................................... 1
Figure 2. 2024 Greenhouse gas emissions by sector. .......................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3. Annual Greenhouse Gas emissions for the City of Bozeman. ............................................................................................... 1
Figure 4. Annual per capita greenhouse gas emissions for the City of Bozeman. ................................................................................ 2
Figure 5. 2024 Greenhouse gas emissions by scope. .......................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 6. Annual greenhouse gas emissions by sector. ....................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 7. 2024 Greenhouse gas emissions by sector and source. ....................................................................................................... 5
Figure 8. Stationary energy emissions. ................................................................................................................................................ 9
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Figure 9. Transportation emissions. ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 10. Air travel at BZN and domestic US airports - US Dept. of Transportation – Bureau of Transportation Statistics ................ 11
Figure 11. Waste emissions. .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Figure 12. ICLEI Contribution Analysis. .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 13. Per capita emissions over time by sector. ......................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 14. Bozeman Climate Plan Goals: Annual Emissions & Reduction Pathway ........................................................................... 18
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1. 2024 Greenhouse gas emissions by sector, source, and scope. ............................................................................................ 6
Table 2. Contribution Analysis factors. ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Table 3. Local, national, and international per capita emissions. ........................................................................................................ 16
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1
INTRODUCTION
Since 2008, the City of Bozeman has tracked community-
wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and beginning in
2016, has conducted bi-annual GHG inventories following
the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse
Gas Emission Inventories (GPC). These inventories,
developed with ongoing guidance from the International
Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), have
enabled Bozeman to identify key emission sources,
observe trends, and understand the drivers of change
across four main sectors: building energy use (stationary
energy), transportation, waste, and industrial processes.
Using 2008 as a baseline year, Bozeman adopted its
Climate Plan in 2020, setting bold targets including a 26%
reduction in emissions by 2025, achieving 100% clean
electricity by 2030, and reaching carbon neutrality by
2050. As the city continues to grow, these bi-annual
inventories play a crucial role in tracking progress,
identifying opportunities for emissions reductions, and
guiding local and individual climate action.
The GHG inventory captures emissions within Bozeman’s
city limits, serving as the geographic boundary for
assessing the scope of emissions by both source and
activity (Figure 1).
Figure 1. 2024 Bozeman City Limits.
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2
OVERVIEW OF EMISSIONS
In 2024, Bozeman’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
totaled 705,542 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
(mt CO₂e), encompassing all emissions generated within
the city from building energy use (stationary energy),
transportation, and waste.
Stationary energy was the largest emissions source,
contributing 50% of the total. Within that category,
commercial and industrial buildings accounted for 28%,
while residential buildings made up 22%. Transportation
was the second-largest source, responsible for 38% of
total emissions. Waste and wastewater processes
contributed 11% of total emissions. The remaining 1% of
total emissions are from other industrial processes as well
as indirect upstream and downstream emissions,
generally defined as Scope 3 emissions. For more on
emissions by Scope see Figure 5 on page 5.
Figure 2. 2024 Greenhouse gas emissions by sector.
Residential
Buildings
22%
Commercial
and
Industrial
Buildings
28%
Transportation
38%
Waste
11%
Industrial
Processes
0.2%
Other
Scope 3
1%
12
1
Bozeman’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2024 rose 3% from 2022 and are 35% higher relative to the 2008
baseline. On a per capita basis, emissions increased slightly by 0.6% from 2022 but have declined by 16% since 2008. A
key driver of the rise in overall emissions is Bozeman’s rapid population growth, which has increased by 61% between 2008
and 2024. Although population growth has slowed from the average 4% annual increase of the last decade, the community
is still managing the effects of growth, which have exceeded the emissions forecast from the 2020 Climate Plan. See Figure
3.
Figure 3. Annual Greenhouse Gas emissions for the City of Bozeman.
523,826 552,116 522,404
607,139 576,868
687,194 705,542
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
-
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
2008 2012 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 PopulationAnnual Emissions (mt CO2e)Annual GHG Emissions for the City of Bozeman
Annual Emissions Population
13
2
While Bozeman’s population continues to grow, surpassing the projections used to set goals in the 2020 Climate Plan, per
capita emissions have decreased. This decline suggests that collective and individual actions have mitigated the growth of
greenhouse gas emissions.
Figure 4. Annual per capita greenhouse gas emissions for the City of Bozeman.
14.7 14.7
11.6 12.5
10.8
12.2 12.3
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
2008 2012 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 PopulationPer Capita Emissions (mt CO2e)Annual Per Capita GHG Emissions for the City of Bozeman
Per Capita Emissions Population
14
3
EMISSIONS BY SCOPE
Greenhouse gas emissions are categorized by sector,
scope, and source. When assessing emissions by scope,
each source is evaluated based on where the emissions
are released in relation to the city boundary.
Scope 1 emissions originate within the city limits and
include direct sources such as natural gas consumption,
vehicle use, and local waste processing.
Scope 2 emissions result from the use of grid-supplied
electricity that is produced outside the city and consumed
within it.
Scope 3 emissions occur outside the city boundary but are
driven by activities within Bozeman, such as the disposal
of waste in external landfills.
Figure 5. 2024 Greenhouse gas emissions by scope.
In 2024, Scope 1 emissions accounted for 53% of
Bozeman’s total greenhouse gas emissions, totaling
374,686 metric tons of CO₂e. The primary contributor was
on-road vehicle activity, followed by natural gas use in
both commercial and residential buildings.
Scope 2 emissions represented 25% of total emissions, or
174,018 metric tons of CO₂e. These emissions stem
primarily from the consumption of grid-supplied electricity
in commercial and residential buildings, with a fraction
associated with charging electric vehicles.
Scope 3 emissions made up the remaining 22% (156,838
metric tons of CO₂e). Approximately half of these
emissions were from aviation, while the other half resulted
from sources such as waste and wastewater treatment,
the transport of waste beyond city limits, and transmission
and distribution (T&D) losses from electricity delivery.
Transmission and Distribution Losses
Transmission and distribution (T&D) losses refer to the
portion of electricity lost during the process of delivering
power from generation to end-users. NorthWestern
Energy estimates a T&D loss rate of 6.27%, which equates
to 25,274,794 kilowatt-hours lost while supplying electricity
to Bozeman. These losses resulted in 11,593 metric tons
of CO₂e emissions, accounting for approximately 2% of
the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
Scope 1
53%
Scope 2
25%
Scope 3
22%
Emissions by Scope
15
4
EMISSIONS BY SECTOR & SOURCE
Bozeman’s community-scale greenhouse gas inventory is
organized into four main sectors, each encompassing a
range of emission sources: stationary energy,
transportation, waste and waste processes, and industrial
processes.
• Stationary energy includes emissions from
electricity and natural gas use in commercial and
residential buildings, as well as propane and diesel
combustion and transmission and distribution
(T&D) losses.
• Transportation includes emissions from on-road
and off-road gasoline and diesel use, aviation,
public transit, electric vehicle charging, and
associated T&D losses.
• Waste and waste processes account for emissions
from the collection, transport, and treatment of
waste, along with methane released from
decomposing organic materials in landfills.
• Industrial processes consist primarily of emissions
from refrigerant leaks in heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Figure 6. Annual greenhouse gas emissions by sector.
0 100,000 200,000 300,000
2008
2012
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024
Sector GHG Emissions (mt CO2e)
Emissions by Sector Over Time
Industrial Processes Waste
Residential Buildings Commercial Buildings
Transportation
16
5
Figure 7. 2024 Greenhouse gas emissions by sector and source.
Residential
Fuel Use
22%
Commercial
Fuel Use
28%
Transportation
38%
Waste
11.4%
Industrial
Processes
0.2%
Other Scope 3
0.6%
Residential
Electricity
12.6%
Residential
Natural Gas
8.9%Residential
Propane
0.3%
Fugitive
Emissions
0.3%Commercial
Electricity
13.6%
Commercial
Natural Gas
13.9%
Fugitive
Emissions
0.5%
Commercial
Propane
0.1%
On-Road
Gasoline
15.5%
Aviation
10.6%
On-Road
Diesel
7.1%
Off-Road
4.4%
On-Road
Electricity
0.1%
Transit
0.1%
Landfilled
9.4%
Closed
Landfill
1.8%Compost
0.1%
Wastewater
0.0%Emissions by Sector
and Source
17
6
Table 1. 2024 Greenhouse gas emissions by sector, source, and scope.
Stationary Energy
Fuel Usage GHG Emissions
(mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Commercial and Industrial Natural Gas 97,822 1 14%
Commercial and Industrial Propane 1,048 1 0.1%
Residential Propane 1,824 1 0.3%
Residential Natural Gas 62,912 1 9%
Residential Wood 249 1 0.04%
Electricity GHG Emissions
(mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Commercial and Industrial Grid-Supplied Electricity 90,015 2 13%
Residential Grid-Supplied Electricity 83,013 2 12%
Commercial and Industrial T&D Losses 6,031 3 1%
Residential T&D Losses 5,562 3 1%
Fugitive Emissions GHG Emissions
(mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Commercial and Industrial 3,180 1 0.5%
Residential 2,045 1 0.3%
Total Stationary Energy 353,699
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7
Transportation
On-Road Vehicles GHG Emissions (mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Emissions from fuel combustion on-road
transportation occurring in the city 159,287 1 22.6%
Emissions from grid-supplied energy consumed in
the city for on-road transportation 989 2 0.1%
EVs T&D Losses 66 3 0.0%
Off-Road GHG Emissions (mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Off-road fuel use 31,343.1 1 4.4%
Transit GHG Emissions (mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Transit activities within the city (buses) 501 1 0.1%
Aviation GHG Emissions (mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Transboundary aviation 74,466 3 10.6%
Total Transportation 266,653
Waste
Community Solid Waste GHG Emissions (mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Landfilled waste treated outside the City 65,988 3 9.4%
Composted waste treated inside the City 162 1 0.0%
Composted waste treated outside the City 802 3 0.1%
Emissions from closed landfill 12,933 1 1.8%
Wastewater Treatment and Discharge GHG Emissions (mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Wastewater Generated and Treated in City 313 1 0.0%
Total Waste 80,198
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8
Industrial Processes and Product Use
Refrigerant Leakage GHG Emissions (mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Emissions from leaked refrigerants in the City 1,068 1 0.2%
Total Refrigerants 1,068
Other Scope 3
Other Scope 3 GHG Emissions (mt CO2e) Scope Percentage of Total
Emissions from transport, collection, and
processing of waste 3,923 3 0.6%
Total Other Scope 3 3,923
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STATIONARY ENERGY
In 2024, stationary energy remained Bozeman’s largest
source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 50% of
total community-wide emissions, equal to 353,699 metric
tons of CO₂e. This reflects a 2% decrease from 2022
levels.
The stationary energy sector includes emissions from
electricity and natural gas use in buildings, along with
other fuel sources such as propane, wood, and
transmission and distribution (T&D) losses. Fugitive
emissions from natural gas sourcing, transportation, and
leakage are also included in this sector.
Electricity use, including T&D losses, accounted for 52%
of stationary energy emissions (184,621 mt CO₂e), while
natural gas use, including fugitive emissions, made up
47% (165,958 mt CO₂e). The remaining 1% (3,120 mt
CO₂e) resulted from commercial and residential propane
use as well as residential heating with wood.
Commercial and industrial buildings were responsible for
56% of stationary energy emissions (198,095 mt CO₂e),
representing 28% of Bozeman’s total emissions.
Residential buildings contributed the remaining 44%
(155,604 mt CO₂e), or 22% of total emissions. Emissions
from both building types saw modest reductions from
2022, 2% for commercial and 1% for residential.
Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022, an
increase in commercial energy use was anticipated due to
the return of activity in offices and educational institutions.
Likewise, population growth contributed to higher
residential energy demand between 2020 and 2022.
However, the slight decline in emissions from 2022 to 2024
suggests that both commercial and residential energy use
have stabilized.
Between 2022 and 2024, Bozeman added 54 commercial
businesses and issued 595 certificates of occupancy for
new residences. The overall observed reduction in energy
emissions over this period indicates improvements in
building efficiencies.
Figure 8. Stationary energy emissions.
Residential
Electricity
23.5%Residential
Natural Gas
17.8%
Residential
Propane
0.5%
Residential
Wood
0.1%Commercial
Electricity
25.4%
Commercial
Natural Gas
27.7%
Commercial
Propane
0.3%Fugitive
Emissions
1.5%
T&D Losses
3.3%
Other
2.4%
Stationary Energy Emissions
21
10
TRANSPORTATION
The transportation sector is Bozeman’s second-largest
source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 38%
of total emissions in 2024, or 266,653 metric tons of CO₂e,
an overall 5% increase from 2022.
On-road vehicles remain the primary source of
transportation emissions. Gasoline-powered vehicles
contributed 41% of the sector’s total emissions (109,368
mt CO₂e), while diesel vehicles accounted for 19%
(49,919 mt CO₂e). Public transit emissions were minimal
at 0.2% (501 mt CO₂e), and electric vehicles, including
associated T&D losses, made up 0.4% (1,055 mt CO₂e).
Aviation contributed 28% of total transportation emissions
(71,830 mt CO₂e), marking a 4% increase from 2022.
Aviation emissions rose significantly between 2020 and
2022 as post-pandemic travel resumed but have since
stabilized.
Off-road sources made up the remaining 12% of
transportation emissions (31,343 mt CO₂e). These include
fuel use from agricultural equipment, private aviation (such
as medical helicopters and aerial surveys), boats,
construction and industrial machinery, lawn and garden
tools, and recreational vehicles like snowmobiles and
ATVs.
In total, Bozeman residents drove 341,284,544 miles in
2024, an 8% increase from 2022, based on vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) estimates from the Montana Department of
Transportation, which are derived from road mileage and
vehicle count models.
Figure 9. Transportation emissions.
Transportation – Aviation
While Bozeman does not have an airport within its city
limits, the Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport
(BZN), located just a few miles from downtown, functions
as the primary air travel hub for the community. Although
emissions associated with air travel that occurs outside the
City’s boundary are considered optional reporting through
the GPC, the Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport
is an integral part of the City of Bozeman’s economic
function and is included in the greenhouse gas emissions
inventory to more accurately describe overall community
emissions. Because the associated emissions occur
outside city boundaries, they are categorized as Scope 3
On-Road
Gasoline
41.0%
Aviation
27.9%
On-Road
Diesel
18.7%
Off-Road
11.8%
On-Road
Electricity
0.4%
Transit
0.2%
Other
0.6%
Transportation Emissions
22
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emissions. Following ICLEI guidance, these emissions are
estimated based on the proportion of airport passengers
who originate their travel in Bozeman, which serves as a
proxy for the community’s share of jet fuel and aviation
gasoline consumption. In 2024, BZN served 2,642,707
total passengers, with 38% (approximately 1 million
passengers) originating their travel from the airport. This
activity is estimated to have required 7,621,179 gallons of
jet fuel and aviation gasoline, resulting in 74,466 metric
tons of CO₂e emissions. These aviation-related emissions
accounted for 11% of Bozeman’s total greenhouse gas
emissions in 2024.
Aviation emissions are a notable feature of Bozeman’s
2024 greenhouse gas inventory due to their significant rate
of increase following the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to
2020, air travel at the Bozeman-Yellowstone International
Airport was growing steadily, in line with national trends.
During pandemic-related travel restriction air travel
declined sharply, dropping 58% nationwide and 43% at
BZN.
Between 2020 and 2024, domestic air travel in the U.S.
gradually rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels. In
contrast, BZN experienced a much faster recovery, with
passenger volumes surpassing pre-pandemic levels by
68% (see Figure 10). Although these numbers reflect total
air traffic at BZN and are not solely attributable to
Bozeman residents, the rapid increase in regional air
travel has a significant impact on the community’s overall
emissions.
Figure 10. Air travel at BZN and domestic US airports - US Dept. of
Transportation – Bureau of Transportation Statistics
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 US Airport Passengers (millions)BZN Airport Passengers (millions)BZN US Air Travel
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WASTE & WASTEWATER
In 2024, waste and wastewater processes accounted for
11% of Bozeman’s total greenhouse gas emissions,
totaling 80,198 metric tons of CO₂e, an 18% increase from
2022.
Ninety-seven percent of Bozeman’s waste is collected and
transported to the Logan Landfill and includes both solid
waste and compostable materials. Solid waste refers to
materials that are not recycled or composted, most of
which are categorized as municipal solid waste (MSW),
such as food scraps, non-recyclable paper, and plastics.
Solid waste also includes other discarded items such as
tires, electronic waste, and construction debris. In 2024,
MSW made up approximately 70% of the city’s landfilled
waste, with a total of 62,835 tons, representing a 23%
increase from the 50,894 tons recorded in 2022. Notably,
organic materials such as paper and food scraps sent to
landfills have a higher global warming potential than if they
were composted or recycled.
Solid waste emissions totaled 53,888 metric tons of CO₂e,
82% of all waste-related emissions, and rose by 22% from
2022. The second-largest contributor to emissions within
this sector is the closed Story Mill Landfill in Bozeman,
which continues to emit methane from previously landfilled
organic material. Although the methane is captured, flared,
and converted to carbon dioxide before release, it still
accounts for 16% of waste-related emissions (12,933 mt
CO₂e).
Wastewater treatment added a relatively small portion—
0.4%—of waste sector emissions (313 mt CO₂e), which is
largely dependent on wastewater volume and organic
concentration. A small share of Bozeman’s waste,
including food scraps and other green waste, is
composted locally. In 2024, composted materials
contributed 1% of waste-related emissions (965 mt CO₂e).
Altogether, Bozeman generated 100,929 tons of discarded
material in 2024. The community diverted 10,448 tons
through composting and 2,078 tons through recycling,
avoiding an estimated 10,776 metric tons of CO₂e
emissions.
Figure 11. Waste emissions.
Solid Waste
82%
Closed
Landfill
16%
Compost
1%
Wastewater
0.4%
Waste Emissions
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INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES & OTHER SCOPE
3 EMISSIONS
In 2024, industrial processes and other Scope 3 emissions
contributed a combined 0.7% of Bozeman’s total
greenhouse gas emissions, totaling 4,991 metric tons of
CO₂e.
Industrial product use primarily refers to emissions from
refrigerant leaks in commercial building HVAC systems.
These are estimated based on the assumption that 25%
of Bozeman’s commercial building space is refrigerated,
with a refrigerant leakage rate of 5%, following the
methodology outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC). Refrigerant leaks accounted for
0.2% of Bozeman’s total emissions (1,068 mt CO₂e).
Other Scope 3 emissions not captured elsewhere in the
inventory stem from the transportation of solid waste to the
Logan Landfill, located outside the city limits. This waste
transport activity contributed 0.6% of total emissions
(3,923 mt CO₂e).
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DRIVERS OF GREENHOUSE GAS
EMISSIONS
The greenhouse gas emissions inventory provides
insights into the sources and sectors of emissions, and
trends over time. The 2024 GHG inventory offers a clearer
view of what recalibrated emissions may look like for the
Bozeman community following the exceptional
circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the notable
drop in emissions seen in 2020. To complement the GHG
inventory, the ICLEI Contribution Analysis tool offers
valuable insights into the key sources behind changes in
emissions between inventory years.
From 2022 to 2024, overall emissions rose by 3%, a much
smaller increase compared to the 19% jump observed
between 2020 and 2022. The Waste sector saw the
largest increase, rising from 71,311 to 83,808 metric tons
of CO₂e, an 18% increase. While Bozeman’s growing
population continues to be a significant factor in emissions
growth, the second largest contributor in this analysis, the
rise in waste emissions outpaced population growth,
suggesting an increase in waste generated per person.
Other contributors to rising emissions include an increase
in vehicle miles traveled per person, growth in
employment, and shifts in the electricity and heating fuel
mix.
On the other hand, several factors helped offset these
increases. Milder winters have led to reduced use of
heating fuels, lessening the emissions intensity of
stationary energy. Commercial and residential energy use
has declined, further moderating emissions from that
sector. And by composting organic materials as opposed
to landfilling, waste emissions were reduced.
Additional factors contributing to emissions reductions
include improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency, and a
decrease in methane emissions from the closed Story Mill
Landfill.
Table 2. Contribution Analysis factors.
Contribution Emissions (mt CO2e)
Waste Generation 21,870
Population 10,667
VMT 8,744
Growth in Employment 7,269
Electricity & Heating Fuels
Mix 5,861
Other 4,031
Vehicle Efficiency -2,703
Commercial Energy -4,212
Residential Energy -9,137
Compost -10,205
Warmer Winter -12,712
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15
Figure 12. ICLEI Contribution Analysis.
Waste
Generation
Population
VMT
Growth in
Employment
Electricity &
Heating Fuels
Mix
Other Vehicle
Efficiency
Commercial
Energy
Residential
Energy
Compost
Warmer
Winter
681,020
701,051
660,000
670,000
680,000
690,000
700,000
710,000
720,000
730,000
740,000
750,000
Metric Tons CO2eIncrease Decrease2022 2024
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16
PER CAPITA EMISSIONS
Between 2022 and 2024, Bozeman’s per capita greenhouse gas emissions rose slightly by 0.6%, from 12.2 to 12.3 metric
tons of CO₂e per person. Despite this minor increase, current per capita emissions remain 16% lower than in the 2008
baseline year. During this same period, Bozeman’s population more than doubled. The continued decline in emissions per
person since 2008 indicates that the city’s rapid population growth has not led to a proportional rise in total greenhouse gas
emissions. Bozeman’s per capita emissions are 14% below the national average, though still more than two and a half times
higher than the global average.
Table 3. Local, national, and international per capita emissions.
Per Capita Emissions (mt CO2e)
2008 2020 2022 2024
Bozeman 14.7 10.8 12.2 12.3
National 18.8 13.5 14.4 14.3
International 4.7 4.5 4.7 4.7
Figure 13. Per capita emissions over time by sector.
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
2008 2012 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024mt CO2e Per Capita Emissions Over Time
Commercial and Industrial Buildings Residential Buildings Transportation Solid Waste Industrial Processes
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17
BOZEMAN CLIMATE PLAN GOALS
With the adoption of the 2020 Climate Plan, Bozeman set ambitious emissions and energy targets, including a 26%
reduction from 2008 levels by 2025, 100% net clean electricity by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050. The emissions
targets align with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and the United States’ original targets to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Parties to the Paris Climate Agreement have Nationally Determined
Contributions that are essential to limiting the average global temperature rise to well below 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial
levels, while also pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C (2.7°F). Meeting this target does not avoid
extreme, global warming effects, but serves as an agreed aspirational target to avoid the more extreme and irreversible
climate effects expected with 2°C (3.6°F) of warming. Bozeman’s climate targets were adopted in solidarity with the
commitment to limit human-driven warming to 1.5°C, representing meaningful yet daunting benchmarks in a rapidly growing
community.
Figure 14 provides a trend line of Bozeman’s actual GHG inventories dating back to the benchmark year of 2008. The
Climate Plan reduction pathway to carbon neutrality is represented on the green line. The 2024 greenhouse gas emissions
inventory indicates that current emissions are 35% above the 2008 benchmark. Notably, the 2008 benchmark inventory
year excluded Scope 3 aviation emissions. Aviation emissions were previously a minor source of emissions but contributed
10.6% of total emissions in 2024. A correction of the baseline year and subsequent projections relative to our climate goals
will be evaluated in future inventories.
Prior inventories have included a business-as-usual (BAU) projection that was developed in 2019. Since the adoption of the
Climate Plan, population growth and economic activity have surpassed the assumptions used to develop the BAU projection.
The projection also includes assumptions of incremental efficiency gains under federal policies and economic trends,
suggesting the BAU projection requires a review and update.
Overall, the trend line suggests the need for significant and impactful solutions to bend the emissions growth curve. Progress
towards Bozeman’s climate goals is achievable and relevant. Every tenth of a degree of warming avoided protects human
health and well-being in the Bozeman community and beyond. Improvements to per capita emissions demonstrate that
individuals can pursue a lower-carbon lifestyle in thriving, resilient, connected cities that support more efficient buildings
and infrastructure. Progress towards our goals will require further prioritization and implementation of the Climate Plan,
coupled with supportive state and federal climate policy comprised of consumer incentives, technology investments, and
regulatory oversight.
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18
Figure 14. Bozeman Climate Plan Goals: Annual Emissions & Reduction Pathway
0.39 0.36
0.52 0.55 0.52
0.61
0.58
0.69 0.71
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Emissions (millions mt CO2e)Bozeman Climate Plan Goals:
Annual Emissions and Reduction Pathway
Climate Plan Goal GHG Emissions Inventory
26%
reduction
from 2008 100%clean
electricity
Carbon
Neutral
30
19
SUMMARY
Bozeman’s 2024 greenhouse gas emissions inventory offers a clearer understanding of community-scale emissions
following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, outsized population growth, and increased tourism throughout the
mountain west. While some sectors saw a rise in emissions, others showed stabilization or even reductions. Having a
broader perspective of emissions for the City of Bozeman allows for the reevaluation and prioritization of the solutions and
actions that will bring the community closer to achieving the goals established in the 2020 Climate Plan.
The increase in greenhouse gas emissions from 2022 to 2024 was substantially smaller than the previous inventory year,
which generally aligns with the increase in population. Overall emissions increased 3% from 2022 to 2024 while population
increased 2%, a notable slowing from years past when Bozeman experienced rapid population growth, and as a result,
emissions growth across all sectors. During this time, both commercial and residential energy use decreased slightly,
indicating reduced energy use in homes and workplaces, as well as the construction of more efficient buildings. The most
significant increase in emissions was observed in the Waste sector, in both total and per capita measures, highlighting an
area the city and community can prioritize for emissions reduction opportunities.
Accelerating the implementation of the solutions and actions outlined in the 2020 Climate Plan will bring Bozeman closer to
achieving its community climate goals for 2025, 2030, and 2050. Ongoing monitoring of community-wide greenhouse gas
emissions provides valuable insight into where policy, collaboration, and individual efforts can strengthen progress toward
these goals.
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20
APPENDIX A: DATA SOURCES
Emissions Source Data Source
Were Emissions
Estimated or
Calculated?
Building Electricity Use NorthWestern Energy Calculated
Building Natural Gas Use NorthWestern Energy Calculated
Building Propane Use
US Census ACS House heating Fuel Survey data, Bozeman
commercial square footage data, CBECS data, and US EIA unit
conversions
Estimated
Building Wood Use US Census ACS House heating Fuel Survey data Estimated
Fugitive Emissions from
Natural Gas Leakage GPC Protocol default leakage rate Calculated
Transmission & Distribution
Losses NorthWestern Energy loss rate Calculated
Vehicle Miles Traveled City of Bozeman and MT DOT Calculated
Vehicle Registrations EPA State Inventory Tool Mobile Combustion Module Calculated
Electric Vehicle Registrations Atlas EV Dashboard Calculated
EV Transmission &
Distribution Losses NorthWestern Energy loss rate Calculated
Transit Fuel Use Human Resources Development Council Calculated
Aviation Fuel Use Bozeman/Yellowstone International Airport Calculated
Waste and compost tonnage Gallatin County Solid Waste, City of Bozeman Calculated
Closed landfill emissions Estimated emissions depreciation rate via ICLEI Estimated
Waste transport, collection,
and processing emissions GPC Protocol methodology Calculated
Wastewater City of Bozeman Calculated
Refrigerant Leaks Commercial square footage and IPCC methodology Estimated
NorthWestern Energy Electric
Emissions Factor NorthWestern Energy N/A
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APPENDIX B: EMISSIONS FACTORS
Stationary Energy Emission Factors—Electricity & Natural Gas
Emission Source GHG Value Unit Source
Electricity
CO2 0.457 mt CO2/MWh Northwestern Energy's EEI-ESG
Template
CH4 0.00003 mt CH4/MWh EPA's eGrid 2023 N2O 0.000004 mt N2O/MWh
Natural Gas
CO2 0.0053 mt CO2/therm
2013 ICLEI US Community Protocol:
Appendix C
CH4 0.0000005 mt CH4/therm
N2O 0.00000001 mt N2O/therm
Propane
CO2 0.00559 mt CO2/gal
CH4 0.000001 mt CH4/gal
N2O 0.0000001 mt N2O/gal
Wood
CO2 93.8 kg/MMBTU
CH4 0.316 kg/MMBTU
N2O 0.0042 kg/MMBTU
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22
Transportation Emission Factors—Ethanol, Gasoline, and Diesel
Emission Source GHG Value Unit Source
Gasoline
CO2 0.00878 mt CO2/gal
EPA Estimates
CH4 Varies by vehicle g/mile N2O
Diesel
CO2 0.01 mt CO2/gal
CH4 Varies by vehicle g/mile N2O
Ethanol
CO2 0.006 mt CO2/gal
CH4 Varies by vehicle g/mile N2O
Off-road Emissions Factors
Emission Source GHG Value Unit Source
Agriculture
CO2 0.00878 mt CO2/gal
EPA Estimates
CH4 6.26 g CH4/mile
N2O 1.05 g N2O/mile
Aviation
CO2 0.00878 mt CO2/gal
CH4 3.88 g CH4/mile
N2O 2.13 g N2O/mile
Boating
CO2 0.00878 mt CO2/gal
CH4 3.41 g CH4/mile
N2O 0.05 g N2O/mile
Commercial Industrial
CO2 0.00878 mt CO2/gal
CH4 6.13 g CH4/mile
N2O 0.97 g N2O/mile
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23
Off-road Emissions Factors
Emission Source GHG Value Unit Source
Construction
CO2 0.00878 mt CO2/gal
EPA Estimates
CH4 7.57 g CH4/mile
N2O 1.01 g N2O/mile
Lawn & Garden
CO2 0.00878 mt CO2/gal
CH4 6.53 g CH4/mile
N2O 0.92 g N2O/mile
Recreation
CO2 0.00878 mt CO2/gal
CH4 4.29 g CH4/mile
N2O 1.21 g N2O/mile
Miscellaneous
CO2 0.00878 mt CO2/gal
CH4 5.44 g CH4/mile
N2O 1.05 g N2O/mile
Transit Emission Factors
Emission Source GHG Value Unit Source
Diesel
CO2 0.01021 mt CO2/gal
EPA Estimates CH4 0.0095 g CH4/mile
N2O 0.0431 g N2O/mile
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Aviation Emission Factors
Emission Source GHG Value Unit Source
Jet fuel
CO2 9.75 Kg CO2/gal Per guidance from ICLEI on
emissions factors used in the
ClearPath tool.
CH4 0.41 g CH4/gal
N2O 0.08 g N2O/gal
Aviation Gasoline
CO2 8.31 kg CO2/gal Per guidance from ICLEI on
emissions factors used in the
ClearPath tool.
CH4 0.36 g CH4/gal
N2O 0.07 g N2O/gal
Waste Emission Factors
Emission Source GHG Value Unit Source
Municipal Solid Waste CH4 Varies by waste type mt CH4/ ton waste 2013 ICLEI US Community Protocol,
Appendix E
Recycled Waste CH4 Varies by waste type mt CH4/ ton waste 2014 ICLEI US Community Protocol,
Appendix E N2O mt N2O/ wet short ton waste
Green Waste CH4 0.0036 mt CH4/ ton waste
EPA Waste Reduction Model (WARM)
Documentation
N2O 0.00004 mt N2O/ ton waste
Food Waste CH4 0.00251 mt CH4/ ton waste
N2O 0.00004 mt N2O/ ton waste
Wastewater CH4 Varies by treatment Varies 2013 ICLEI US Community Protocol,
Appendix F N2O
36
26%
reduction
from
2008
100%
net clean
electricity
Carbon
neutral
Inventory year
Bozeman Climate Goal
Bozeman’s Climate Goals
Bozeman has ambitious climate goals to protect our community from climate change.
The Bozeman Climate Plan outlines a pathway to reaching those goals.
Climate Plan Reduction Pathway
2008
2024
2030
2050
2025
mt COe2We need YOU to help reach our goals
Learn more about how you can take action at www.bozeman.net/sustainability
2008 2012 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024
14.7 14.7
11.6 12.5 10.8
12.2 12.3
2024 Community Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Inventory
GHG Emissions Per Person
Population
GHG Emissions Per Person
From 2008 to 2024 Bozeman’s population has
increased 61%, however, greenhouse gas
emissions per person have decreased by 16% 11%
23%
On-road
Aviation
28%
Commericial
Residential
22%
4%
Off-road
Buildings
50%
Transportation
38%
Waste
11%
Other
1%
Total 2024 Emissions
705,542 mt CO e2
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Sustainability Board
FROM:Natalie Meyer, Sustainability Program Manager
Jon Henderson, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT:69th Montana Legislative Session Environmental Sustainability Recap
MEETING DATE:July 9, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study
RECOMMENDATION:69th Montana Legislative Session Environmental Sustainability Recap
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.3 Public Agencies Collaboration: Foster successful collaboration with other
public agencies and build on these successes.
BACKGROUND:The 2025 Montana Legislative Session convened from January 6 through
April 30, 2025. During the session, 1,769 bills were introduced, and 884 were
passed by the Legislature.
City staff from all departments engaged in the process by reviewing
legislation and providing input—either through formal testimony or
coordination with Central House Strategies—on bills that could affect City
operations or adopted plans.
As bill drafts became available, staff evaluated them for departmental
relevance. A legislative core team met weekly to identify and prioritize key
legislation. This work session will highlight the priority bills tracked with a
focus on environmental sustainability throughout the session and outline
how they are expected to impact City operations.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Report compiled on: July 3, 2025
38
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Sustainability Board
FROM:Natalie Meyer, Sustainability Program Manager
Jessica Ahlstrom, Water Conservation Manager
Jon Henderson, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT:Sustainability Board Appointments to the Water Advisory Committee for the
Integrated Water Resources Plan
MEETING DATE:July 9, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:I move to recommend the appointment of Sustainability Board members
Brooke Lahneman and Shelby Smith to the Public Advisory Subcommittee of
the Water Advisory Committee for the Integrated Water Resources Plan
Update.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.2 Community Engagement: Broaden and deepen engagement of the
community in city government, innovating methods for inviting input from
the community and stakeholders.
BACKGROUND:At the May 15, 2025 Sustainability Advisory Board meeting, Water
Conservation Program Manager, Jessica Ahlstrom presented on the Water
Advisory Committee for the Integrated Water Resources Plan Update. The
Water Advisory Committee is comprised of two subcommittees, the
Technical Advisory Subcommittee and the Public Advisory Subcommittee.
The Commission approved a Community Engagement Plan for the Integrated
Water Resource Plan Update, which recommends Sustainability Board
representation on the Public Advisory Subcommittee.
Two Sustainability Board members, Brooke Lahneman and Shelby Smith,
submitted a statement of interest in serving on the Public Advisory
Subcommittee. The Integrated Water Resources Plan project leaders support
the addition of two Sustainability Board representatives on the Public
Advisory Subcommittee.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Report compiled on: July 3, 2025
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