There is no question that one of the most important issues facing our world today is environmental responsibility and the threats of global warming. It’s often difficult for some to imagine how they can make a difference in this enormous challenge. We can certainly create positive change with our personal consumption choices.

However, those with the power to make the BIG progressive changes to our environmental priorities are our elected officials. Our President has failed us on this issue as has the Congress. Our Governor has a good record on this issue and the California Legislature is passing some historic measures that will hopefully get the nation’s attention.

So how’s our own City Council doing? Pretty good. In recent years, there has been numerous measures and legislation passed addressing the issue. Some of it executed, some of it not….but the Council gets an A for effort.

Take a look at Tuesday’s council agenda. There are three environmental actions for the council to vote on.

They are:

1) Addressing polystyrene (styrofoam) use in the city. (B. Lowenthal, O’Donnell)
 
2) Developing a Plastic Bag Reduction program (B. Lowenthal, O’Donnell)
 
3) Reviewing a report on Water Quality in Long Beach (B. Lowenthal, S. Lowenthal)

For full council items, click here.

The true test for the Council will be implementation. That will take more than just votes but political will.