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Concerned Citizens of Platte County, Inc. (CCPC)

June, 2008 Newsletter

Contents






Events





Lake at Tomahawke Hearing - Platte County Planning & Zoning - June 10 - 7pm - Platte County Administration Building - 415 3rd St, Platte City MO - www.noto500homes.com

CCPC Trivia Challenge - July 12 - 6pm - $20 - Holy Trinity Catholic Church - 407 Cherry St., Weston, MO 64098. Join us for our annual fundraiser. Groups of 8 compete for fame and fortune (mostly fame) as they answer carefully selected trivia questions. Door prizes, appetizers, drinks. This is a lot of fun! Contact Susan Brown at sbrown816@gmail.com or 816-450-8948 to reserve your table.

MO Renewable Energy Petition - Enough Signatures!

The initiative petition that will require utilities to gradually source more power from renewables received over 170,000 signatures and should now be on the November ballot. Visit www.renewmo.org for more info.


Holcomb plant and the Kansas Legislature - Defeated!



The Kansas Legislature was unable to override the Governor's veto of the coal plant legislation. Details at http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/630581.html. The Kansas House Speaker has announced that no override will be attempted at the Sine Die session on May 29. Visit www.gpace.org, www.climateandenergy.org, and www.kansascleanenergy.com for the latest info.


Missouri Legislation - Amazing!



70 bills passed on the last day of session. One of them was SB 1181 - This bill changes the laws regarding environmental regulation and energy efficiency and conservation procedures. In its main provisions, the bill accomplishes the following:

1. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to establish minimum energy efficiency standards for state buildings based on the 2006 International Energy conservation Code. State buildings must meet the new standards on or after July 1, 2009.

2. Allows low-interest loans through the Linked Deposit Loan Program for eligible alternative energy operation producing and selling fuel or power from alternative energy sources including solar, hydroelectric, wind, and qualified biomass.

3. Authorizes an income tax deduction administered by the department for the cost of home energy audits and implementing audit recommendations.

4. Establishes the Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday annually beginning in 2009. Energy Star certified appliances will be exempt from state sales tax from April 19th through April 26th. Political subdivisions may opt in at their discretion.

5. Establishes, subject to appropriations, professorships in energy efficiency at public state universities.

6. Creates minimum energy standards for certain appliances and goods sold in the state. The Department of Natural Resources and the Office of the Attorney General may prevent the sale of certain products that do no meet Energy Star certification requirements or that do no meet minimum energy standards established in federal law.

Platte County -




Platte County Green Build Program Adopted



The County Commission unanimously adopted the incentive based Green Build program on May 8. A percentage of building permit fees will be rebated depending on the level of energy efficiency achieved. Takes effect on July 1, 2008. http://www.co.platte.mo.us/

Lake at Tomahawke Update

Opposition to a 680 home subdivision at Hwy 92 and Winan Road called Lake at Tomahawke has stiff opposition from local residents. Their concerns are summarized at www.noto500homes.com. The case will be heard in Platte County Planning & Zoning - June 10 - 7pm - Platte County Administration Building - 415 3rd St, Platte City MO.


Platte Profile Adopted



The County Commission unanimously adopted the long range plan for the county, Platte Profile, on May 15. New this year is a section on Environment and Sustainability which calls for a citizen commission and staff to allow the county to achieve environmental goals. For the complete report - http://www.platteprofile.com/files/Platte%20Profile.pdf


Buildex Plant Expansion



In Platte County, near New Market Missouri, is a quarry and rotary kiln operation owned by Buildex, Inc. producing a product called Haydite Expanded Shale Lightweight Aggregate. The product is a construction material used in concrete masonry, structural concrete, asphalt chip seals and for other uses. The owners are planning an expansion and residents are concerned about high levels of dust (containing silica - a known human carcinogen), water problems and property value impacts. A community meeting was held this month with the owner of Buildex, MO Dept. of Natural Resources representatives, and Jim Plunkett - Platte County Dist. 2 commissioner. Read about it at http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2008/may/22/mining-expansion-plan-worries-platte-co-residents/ For more info - Paula Webb - 450-3310.


Lake at Tomahawke Update



Opposition to a 680 home subdivision at Hwy 92 and Winan Road called Lake at Tomahawke has stiff opposition from local residents. Their concerns are summarized at www.noto500homes.com. The case will be heard in Platte County Planning & Zoning - June 10 - 7pm - Platte County Administration Building - 415 3rd St, Platte City MO.


Brentwood Parc Zoning Denied by Platte County Commission



For the 4th time, re-zoning has been denied for a high density housing development near Parkville. The 115 home proposal on 78 acres conflicts with the low-density zoning and neighbors are concerned about increased traffic, devaluation of their own property and storm water runoff. The commission voted unanimously to uphold denial recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. http://www.plattecountycitizen.com/PDF/5-14-08_News_Articles.pdf


Headlines



KCMO Passes Sustainability Ordinance. The just adopted ordinance, No. 080246, requires those asking for ordinances and resolutions to answer the question: "How will this contribute to a sustainable Kansas City?"

DOE report: Wind could power 20% of US grid by 2030. May 12, 2008. http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/05/doe-report-wind.html


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