Green is the Color of Business

Identify sustainable initiatives to attract environmental entrepreneurs

As environmental responsibility takes on life-sustaining importance, Palo Alto can be a leader in providing a welcome climate to companies that are driving the environmental revolution. These new entrepreneurs will bring ideas that we can adopt locally and create solutions that will become a driving force in the economy of our city and Silicon Valley.

I support the recommendations of the Green Ribbon Task Force and will work to ensure that climate protection policies remain a priority for Palo Alto. I applaud, and will promote, the efforts of PaloAltoGreen, the renewal energy alternative utility program, that has one of the highest participation rates in the nation.

Tie environmental sustainability to long-term economic vitality

We can be environmentalists with a sustainable lifestyle and still be business friendly. We must all be concerned with the impact of escalating consumption of critical resources. I will encourage commercial and housing construction techniques that embrace energy-efficient building materials and designs that minimize impact on the environment. Reductions in energy consumption, water use, and more recycling of waste will amount to significant savings over time that can be reinvested to contribute to the health of our local and regional economy.