Green Neighbors meeting
December 14, 2015
Petworth Library Conference Room

Meeting began at 6:35 pm with Robert Chairing, David as timekeeper and Fritz taking notes. Also attending Basev and Catherine.

I.  Meeting place for January 11, 2016
Lisa has said her house is available. TBA
Feb meeting should be Feb 8, in order to avoid conflict with holiday, location tbd

II.   Exelon/Pepco

The DC Public Service Commission has set a deadline of Dec 23, 2015 for comments on the merger.

Those who haven’t submitted comments for the record are strongly encouraged to write their own comments (instead of signing on to a form letter) and send them to Basav —  basav <at> igc.org — for a planned “mass submission” of comments.

For ideas/talking points for writing your comments, go to: http://www.powerdc.org/learn-more.html

Tactical discussion was held regarding mechanisms to fight the merger going forward, continue the fight for a clean energy, non-nuclear, DC energy future. Discussion on how to oppose suggestion that nuclear power constitutes “clean and carbon free” power.

III.  Bee-Killing pesticides (neonics)

It was decided to postpone most of this discussion until a time when Lisa could be present to present the results of her research.

IV. Green Neighbors Event Series (including issue forums):

Two beginning committees were established with a goal of preparing two GN forums for the new year.

1) Report back from the Paris Climate Talks (David and Basev leads)
2) Pollenators and Pesticides (Catherine and Fritz leads)

Discussion on when, where, and how to do these events. Interest in holding the Paris Climate Talks forum in January 2016, possibly 21 or 22nd at either Petworth Library or one of the Ruppert spaces.

Further ideas for programs included: various movie possibilities, a program on the local watershed and rivers, a picnic, and Earth Day. Discussion on best options for building ideas and marketing events. Discussion on potential partners for events including government, non government, local business, varied opinions.

V.  Polar Bear Plunge

Plunge is Jan 23 2016. Fritz and Catherine will participate. Discussion letting other neighbors know about it, how to participate. Tentative goal is $350/per person, with a GN goal of $2000 and 5 participants. Catherine has set up the GN page on the Plunge Webpage for team members to set up their personal pages in our team.

VI.  General Discussion on the Paris Talks

VI.  Adjourn 8:09p