I have written several times about the “green” movement in Lincoln. It seems that it’s time for an update as we appear headed for more green codes in Lincoln. Fred Hoke, the city of Lincoln Director in charge of development, has made appearances at LIBA, the Realtors and other organizations. For the first time that I can recall, he was carrying around the International Green Construction Code book. To his credit, Fred was asking for input from area organizations. I hope he heard the “loud and clear” message from LIBA members that “green construction” can be very expensive and it doesn’t always equal energy savings.

On November 30, 2010, Mayor Beutler joined the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), an international association formed in 1990 to promote “sustainable development.” Due to pressure from LIBA and others, the Mayor has since dropped our membership in ICLEI. However, we now have a number of city committees that are meeting in the name of green. Last year the city formed the Lincoln Green Team. This year, we have another committee called the Blue Ribbon Sustainable Lincoln Leadership Team.

We worry that these committees may produce new city code based on 2011 visit from the EPA when suggestions were made like requiring developers to put community gardens into subdivisions and requiring commercial buildings to have rooftop gardens or grass planted on the roof.

Another way that Lincoln is trying to make us more sustainable is by reducing carbon emissions.

Lincoln has doubled its parking fees in downtown Lincoln. What does that have to do with carbon emissions? This is another way of trying to get you out of your car and into public transportation. City officials believe that by doubling the parking fees and lowering the StarTran bus fare from $45 to $17 a month, you will park your car and ride the bus. All in the name of sustainability.

So what is in our future? Look for even more changes from the city regarding your trash and the way you separate the recyclables from your trash. You will also be hearing more about purchasing park land around the edges of our city. You see, if you create a green belt around the city, you can’t grow at the city edges.

I have said before that as Nebraskans, we care about our environment and want to protect the quality of our air, drinking water, and living space from harmful contaminants. Necessary regulations include controlling pollution, banning the use of hazardous chemicals in production, and protection from toxic dumping.

Environmental activism must be balanced with respect for private property rights and freedom of choice. Changes in consumption should be based on consumer choice. LIBA does not support regulatory changes that are not voluntary or absolutely necessary to support public health and safety. There must be balance between necessary regulations and freedom from onerous regulations supported by special interests.

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining LIBA, please call me at 466-3419 or visit  www.Liba.org.

LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses.  We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.