Energy Resources & Resource Efficiency

GOAL 8. Establish a regulatory process with respect to both geothermal exploration and development that ensures that permitted projects are carried out with minimal or no adverse environmental impacts.

Objectives A-E and the associated policies and actions are pursuant to a 1989 Settlement Agreement.

Objective 8.A.

Establish separate permit processes for geothermal exploration and for geothermal development.

Policy 8.A.1. Mono County ordinances, rules and regulations shall establish a phased permit process for geothermal development in accordance with the provisions of this Element.

Action 8.A.1.a. The permit for the first phase (exploration) shall regulate geothermal exploration and reservoir characterization activities. It shall be called the "geothermal exploration permit."  The primary purpose of this exploratory phase is to determine hydrologic, geologic and other relevant physical characteristics of the geothermal resource that might be developed.

Action 8.A.1.b. During the exploratory phase, the permittee shall develop sufficient data to determine whether there is a geothermal resource adequate to sustain the proposed development project.

Action 8.A.1.c. The permit for the second phase (development) shall regulate geothermal development and operations. It shall be called the "geothermal development permit."  The purpose of the development phase is to regulate all geothermal development, including the siting and construction of facilities, conditions of operation, and the maintenance of roads and equipment, and to assure the protection of the environment. This phase also includes the termination of operations and reclamation of the site.

Action 8.A.1.d. The implementing ordinances, rules and regulations shall provide for the use of common environmental documentation for both permit stages when consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Action 8.A.1.e. Whether an activity is exploratory or developmental shall be determined by reference to regulations of the California Division of Oil and Gas.

Objective 8.B.

Establish procedures for project review that comply with, and, where determined to be necessary by the Board of Supervisors, exceed existing environmental protection laws.

Policy 8.B.1. Mono County, through its permitting process, shall assure compliance with existing law and the carrying out of policies relating to restricted development zones.

Action 8.B.1.a. Permits for both geothermal exploration and development shall contain conditions that assure compliance with CEQA and with applicable laws and regulations of Mono County and other agencies with jurisdiction.

Action 8.B.1.b. Except for projects in the vicinity of Casa Diablo and associated monitoring or mitigation wells or other facilities, a proposed geothermal project within either the Deer Migration Zones (see Figure 1) or Hot Creek Buffer Zone (see Figure 2) identified in this Element shall not be permitted, notwithstanding the provisions of CEQA or the County guidelines, unless a finding is made that all the identified environmental impacts of the proposed project are reduced to less-than-significant levels by the permit conditions.

Objective 8.C.

Establish procedures that assure that the cumulative impacts of geothermal and other projects on hydrologic and biologic resources are mitigated to less-than-significant levels.

FIGURE 1: Hot Creek Deer Migration Zone

 

FIGURE 2: Hot Creek Buffer Zone

 

Policy 8.C.1. Geothermal development projects shall be phased so that the operational impacts of a permitted project can be assessed before a subsequent project is permitted within an area that may be affected by the permitted project.

Action 8.C.1.a. After a permit for geothermal development has been issued by Mono County, no subsequent application for a permit for geothermal development within an area that may be affected by the permitted project shall be accepted until hydrologic and biologic monitoring data relating to the permitted development has been collected for a period of not less than two years. If an area in which a new permit for geothermal development is sought has been previously developed and hydrologic and biologic monitoring data has been collected in the area for in excess of two years, it shall be not less than six months before the new application is accepted.

Action 8.C.1.b. Geothermal exploration and development operations shall be monitored, and the monitoring data shall be evaluated by the Mono County Community Development Department (MCCDD) and the Long Valley Hydrologic Advisory Committee (LVHAC), or other appropriate regional hydrologic committees, and CDFW. The purpose of the monitoring is to determine whether there are or may be adverse hydrologic or biologic impacts. The data and evaluations, to the extent they are not proprietary, shall become a part of the record of any proceeding to consider subsequent geothermal exploration or development permit applications within the Hot Creek Buffer Zone, the deer migration zones, or any other regions that may be affected by the existing projects.

Action 8.C.1.c. Prior to the issuance of any permit for either geothermal exploration or development within the Hot Creek Buffer Zone, the MCCDD shall prepare a written analysis of the cumulative hydrologic and biologic impacts of the proposed project and other development projects of any kind or nature that may individually or cumulatively affect springs, streams, fumaroles, or significant biologic resources within the zone. The analysis shall be a part of the record.

Action 8.C.1.d. Except for projects in the vicinity of Casa Diablo and associated monitoring or mitigation wells or other facilities, and notwithstanding the provisions of CEQA or the County guidelines, where there is credible scientific evidence contained in the foregoing cumulative impact analysis that shows that the project for which a permit is sought, taken together with other development and development projects, may substantially adversely affect springs, streams, or fumaroles within the Hot Creek Buffer Zone, the permit shall not be granted.

Objective 8.D.

The permit holder shall establish data collection for hydrologic and biologic mitigation and monitoring programs to serve as the basis for assuring protection of hydrologic and biologic resources and water quality and quantity. These programs shall be approved by the MCCDD, after consultation with the LVHAC or another appropriate regional hydrologic advisory committee, and the CDFW, prior to implementation.

Policy 8.D.1. Geothermal exploration and development projects shall be sited, carried out and maintained by the permit holder in a manner that best protects hydrologic resources and water quality and quantity.

Action 8.D.1.a. During the permit processing period, the applicant for a geothermal development permit shall submit draft hydrologic and biologic monitoring plans to the MCCDD. The plans and proposed mitigation measures, as modified and as accepted by the County or its officers, boards and commissions, shall be approved as part of the initial use permit conditions, if a permit is granted.

The operator under a geothermal development permit shall implement the hydrologic resource monitoring plan to monitor baseline conditions and detect changes in the existing hydrothermal reservoir pressures and shallow aquifer water levels, as well as the discharge (flow) rate and temperatures of selected thermal springs in the project area, if any exist.

Action 8.D.1.b. The monitoring plans shall include a formula to calculate the appropriate portion of costs to be repaid to the County by the permit holder in the event that the County expends monies to collect baseline data for the plans.

Action 8.D.1.c. Upon the basis of relevant scientific evidence and the recommendation of the LVHAC or another appropriate hydrologic review committee, the monitoring plans may be amended during operations upon prior written approval of the MCCDD or the Planning Commission.

Action 8.D.1.d. The hydrologic and biologic resource monitoring plans shall include:

1. A schedule for periodically collecting and submitting data to the MCCDD;
2. A schedule for preparing a periodic monitoring report to the MCCDD; and
3. Provisions for periodic review and assessment of the monitoring data by qualified consultants.

Action 8.D.1.e. The applicant for a geothermal development permit shall prepare a baseline data report to be included as part of the hydrologic and biologic resource monitoring plans that identifies all significant hydrologic and biologic baseline information available for the project area. Permit conditions shall require that the permit holder or operator continually collect and submit production data to the MCCDD. The frequency and manner of data collection must be approved by the MCCDD, after consultation with the LVHAC or another appropriate hydrologic advisory committee, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Action 8.D.1.f. If scientific evidence indicates that geothermal exploration or development is significantly threatening, or causing, pressure or temperature changes to springs, streams or fumaroles within the areas of the Hot Creek Gorge or Hot Creek Hatchery that are beyond the natural variations determined through baseline data collection, the permit holder shall implement such mitigation measures as are required by the MCCDD, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Drilling and monitoring new observation wells, or otherwise amending the hydrologic resource monitoring plan;
2. Reorienting existing exploration, production or injection operations, or any of them, to increase or decrease hydrologic reservoir temperatures or pressures at the appropriate locations;
3. Injecting hot geothermal fluid from the production area directly into injection wells at the appropriate locations to compensate for pressure or temperature changes in the direction of Hot Creek Gorge springs and Hot Creek Hatchery springs, if either group of springs has been shown to be adversely affected by the permit holder's operations;
4. Drilling new injection wells in the vicinity of the project area and injecting hot geothermal fluid from the production area to compensate for temperature and pressure decreases in the direction of Hot Creek Gorge springs and Hot Creek Hatchery springs, if either group of springs has been shown to be adversely affected by project operations; and
5. Curtailing or entirely discontinuing geothermal operations.

Action 8.D.1.g. In order to minimize hydrothermal reservoir pressure declines, and provided the conditions do not conflict with regulations of the California Division of Oil and Gas, development permit conditions shall require the reinjection of substantially all extracted geothermal fluids. Incidental uses of the produced geothermal fluids (i.e., well drilling, well testing, emergency fire water makeup) are exempted from this injection requirement.

Action 8.D.1.h. The permit holder shall prepare and submit to the MCCDD, prior to commencement of construction, a detailed blowout contingency plan, which includes a description of blowout prevention equipment required during drilling. Sufficient cold water shall be stored by the permit holder at each well site to quench the well should a blowout occur during drilling.

Water used for this purpose shall not be extracted from surface water sources in a manner that would harm aquatic vertebrate species dependent upon the surface water source. The plan shall provide for regular maintenance and testing of equipment. It shall be approved by the MCCDD prior to operations as condition of the permit.

Action 8.D.1.i. If biologic monitoring indicates that permitted geothermal exploration, development and operations, or any of them, have significant adverse effects, then the County shall take such action as is necessary to reduce the effects to less-than-significant levels, including curtailing or entirely discontinuing geothermal operations.

Action 8.D.1.j. Binary working fluids shall be cooled without the use of additional hydrologic resources and without creating additional environmental impacts.

Action 8.D.1.k. The consumptive use of surface water and groundwater, consistent with the reasonable needs (as determined by the MCCDD) of project operations and personnel, shall not decrease the natural flow of surface waters or the perennial yield of groundwater.

Action 8.D.1.l. Appropriate measures shall be taken to confine fluid spills. The capacity of the containment facilities shall be equal to at least twice the volume of the entire fluid contents of the facility, including pipeline capacity and the amount that would flow until automatic shutdown devices would stop the flow.

Action 8.D.1.m. No geothermal development located within the Hot Creek Buffer Zone shall occur within 500 feet on either side of a surface watercourse (as indicated by a solid or broken blue line on US Geological Survey 7.5- or 15-minute series topographic maps).

Action 8.D.1.n. Permit conditions for both geothermal exploration and development shall assure that required reclamation is completed within one year after a project is completed. Reclamation plans shall contain provisions that assure the protection of springs, streams, and fumaroles from erosion, sediment transport, and similar adverse effects. Plan provisions shall also assure that project sites are restored as closely as reasonably possible to natural conditions, as determined by the MCCDD, in consultation with the Visual Review Committee.

Action 8.D.1.o. All geothermal permit applications, environmental documentation and proposed project conditions shall be referred to the appropriate hydrologic advisory committee and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) prior to final action on the permit applications.

Action 8.D.1.p. The County shall cooperate with the CDFW in promptly referring documentation on proposed geothermal projects to it.

Action 8.D.1.q. Permits for both geothermal exploration and development shall incorporate by reference and require compliance with all applicable rules and regulations of other governmental agencies meant to protect the environment, including the CDFW, the California Division of Oil and Gas, the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control Board.

Action 8.D.1.r. All geothermal pipelines potentially visible in scenic highway corridors or important visual areas shall be obscured from view by fences, natural terrain, vegetation, or constructed berms, or they shall be placed in stabilized or lined trenches.

Objective 8.E.

Permit conditions for geothermal exploration or development projects shall minimize impacts on deer migration within the deer migration zones identified in this Element.

Policy 8.E.1. Deer are an important natural, biological, and recreational resource. Geothermal exploration, development and operations shall be undertaken in a manner that minimizes or prevents adverse effects on deer population and migration within the deer migration zones.

Action 8.E.1.a. All policies and actions applicable to geothermal development generally that do not conflict with policies specifically applicable to deer migration zones shall be enforced by appropriate permit conditions.

Action 8.E.1.b. Development may be prevented in any part of a deer migration zone upon a finding that it will interfere with adopted regulations of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the goals of the CDFW deer herd management plans.

Action 8.E.1.c. The County shall cooperate with the CDFW in devising conditions meant to carry out this policy.

Objective 8.F.

Geothermal exploration and development projects shall be carried out with the fewest visual intrusions reasonably possible.

Policy 8.F.1. Permit conditions shall require compliance with all applicable policies and actions of the Conservation/Open Space Element.

Objective 8.G.

The permit holder shall establish procedures that ensure that neither geothermal exploration nor development will cause violations of state or federal ambient air quality standards or the rules and regulations of the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD).

Policy 8.G.1. Permit conditions shall require compliance with all requirements of the regional air pollution control district, and with all other applicable provisions of the Conservation/Open Space Element.

Action 8.G.1.a. Air quality shall be monitored by a representative of the MCCDD, or the regional air pollution control district with jurisdiction. The costs of such monitoring shall be funded by the permit holder or project operator.

Objective 8.H.

Mono County shall establish procedures that assure that neither geothermal exploration nor development creates unacceptable noise.

Policy 8.H.1. Project conditions shall require compliance with all applicable provisions of the Noise Element and the County Noise Ordinance.

GOAL 9. Permit the productive and beneficial development of geothermal resources consistent with the objectives of Goal I and national and local interests.

Objective 9.A.

Provided that the environment is protected in the manner required by the policies and actions of Goal I of this section of the Conservation/Open Space Element, County policy shall ensure the orderly and sound economic development of geothermal resources under the appropriate circumstances.

Policy 9.A.1. Decisions on applications for geothermal development permits may take into account evidence of national needs for alternative energy development.

Policy 9.A.2. Decisions on applications for geothermal development permits should be relatively more favorable during times of scarcities of other energy sources.

Action 9.A.2.a. Applicants for permits for geothermal exploration and development may be required to submit information showing the benefits of geothermal energy during the proposed period of geothermal operations. Benefit may be established by showing a contract for the sale of geothermal power to a utility engaged in the business of providing electrical power to the general public.

Policy 9.A.3. Mono County's geothermal resources shall be managed in a manner that assures reasonable economic benefits to the citizens and businesses of the county.

Action 9.A.3.a. Applicants for permits for geothermal development shall be required to submit information showing the economic benefits or detriments of the proposed development during the proposed period of operation.

Action 9.A.3.b. Decisions on applications for development permits should not be made in the absence of information showing the economic benefit or detriment of such development to the citizens and businesses of Mono County, including impacts on natural resources.

Action 9.A.3.c. Geothermal development permits should not be granted in the absence of a reasonable showing of economic benefit to the community, unless findings are made that there are overriding state or national energy needs.

GOAL 10. Protect the natural resources of Mono County from the potentially damaging effects of water storage and diversions for hydroelectric power generation.

Objective 10.A.

Prevent conflict between the environment and hydroelectric power generation uses.

Policy 10.A.1. All hydroelectric power generation projects located on land under Mono County jurisdiction shall require a use permit. [3]

Objective 10.B.

Water diversions for hydroelectric power generation shall not occur on any stream that already has more than 20% of its length that is not contained in a wilderness area affected by water diversions or in a watershed that already has more than 25% of its average annual inflow diverted.

Policy 10.B.1. Mono County shall cooperate with the CDFW, State Water Resources Control Board, the BLM, the USFS, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in assessing impacts to streams from existing and proposed hydroelectric power generation, diversion for consumptive use, or other uses.

Action 10.B.1.a. Mono County shall develop, as part of its hydrologic database, information on water diversions (see the Water Resources Section of this Element).

Policy 10.B.2. The County shall consult with those federal and state decision-making bodies having the authority to grant permits for hydroelectric plants.

Objective 10.C.

Water diversions for hydroelectric power generation shall not be permitted to occur on any stream when credible scientific evidence indicates potential significant impacts to habitat for sensitive, listed or candidate threatened or endangered species; important spawning areas or other fishery values; key recreational resources; or viability for hydrologic research purposes, unless a statement of overriding considerations is made through the EIR process.

Policy 10.C.1. Mono County shall cooperate with the CDFW, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the BLM, and the USFS in assessing potentially sensitive surface water resources.

Action 10.C.1.a. Mono County shall develop, as part of its hydrologic database, information on water resources and areas that should be protected (see the Water Resources Section of this Element).

Policy 10.C.2. The County shall provide input to those federal and state decision-making bodies having the authority to grant permits for hydroelectric plants regarding criteria to be evaluated prior to issuing or denying permission to develop further the hydroelectric potential of already impacted streams and watersheds.

Objective 10.D.

Hydroelectric facilities shall be sited so that they are not easily visible from scenic highways or important visual areas.

Policy 10.D.1. Project conditions shall require compliance with all applicable provisions of the Conservation/Open Space Element.

GOAL 11. Encourage appropriately scaled renewable energy generation for use within the county.

Objective 11.A. Increase renewable energy generation that is consistent with the county’s visual and aesthetic qualities and values.

Policy 11.A.1. Support and incentivize residential and nonresidential distributed renewable energy generation.

Action 11.A.1.a. Pursue installation of solar photovoltaic systems, power purchase agreements, or solar collective programs to meet all or part of the electrical energy requirements of County-owned or -leased buildings.

Action 11.A.1.b. Continue offering and promoting incentives (e.g., streamlined permitting, prescriptive designs, fee waivers/reductions) to encourage installation of photovoltaic systems on new or existing buildings.

Action 11.A.1.c. Continue offering workshops and information for residents and businesses to provide resources and permitting assistance for those interested in adding renewable energy systems to their properties.

Policy 11.A.2. Encourage community-scale (<3 MW) renewable energy development on suitable lands, such as a biomass co-generation facility if sufficient supply becomes available.

Action 11.A.2.a. Support the development of appropriately sited community-scale renewable energy systems that meet critical evaluation criteria, such as environmental standards, sensitive species, financial feasibility, and transmission capacity.

Action 11.A.2.b. Work with utility providers, regulatory agencies, and local stakeholders to develop technical, environmental, and social feasibility.

Policy 11.A.3. Oppose commercial-scale (e.g., >3MW) solar and wind energy projects in Mono County on non-county public lands to protect visual, recreational, and wildlife habitat and biological resources, and the noise environment, and ensure projects on private lands protect these resources.

Action 11.A.3.a. Where pre-empted by state law or other jurisdictional authority, work with applicable agencies to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to the environmental, visual, recreational, wildlife habitat and noise environment within the county.

Action 11.A.3.b. Ensure (or for non-county public lands advocate) for no adverse project impacts to the visual, recreational, and noise environment in Mono County.

Action 11.A.3.b. Ensure (or for non-county public lands advocate) for no adverse project impacts to biological resources and wildlife habitat in Mono County, including sage grouse habitat and wind energy development impacts to migratory birds.

GOAL 13. Regulate use of other energy resources for power generation to ensure that environmental impacts and impacts to public health and safety are minimal.

Objective 13.A.

During the course of evaluating any power generation project under the jurisdiction of Mono County, the California Energy Commission shall be consulted.

Policy 13.A.1. Mono County Community Development Department shall solicit assistance from the CEC for the purposes of reviewing proposed power generation facilities.

Objective 13.B.

Power generation facilities shall not adversely impact the visual resources, recreational resources, and noise environment in Mono County.

Policy 13.B.1. Project conditions shall require compliance with all applicable provisions of the Conservation/Open Space Element and the Noise Element.

Objective 13.C.

Emissions from the operation of power plants shall not adversely impact wildlife habitat, residents, or visitors and shall not constitute a hazard to public health and safety.

Policy 13.C.1. Project conditions shall require compliance with all applicable provisions of the Conservation/Open Space Element and the Safety Element.

GOAL 14. Minimize the visual, environmental, and public health and safety impacts of electrical transmission lines and fluid conveyance pipelines.

Objective 14.A.

Electrical transmission and distribution lines and fluid conveyance pipelines shall meet the utility needs of the public and be designed to minimize disruption of aesthetic quality. See also Chapter 11 of the Land Use Element.

Policy 14.A.1. New major steel-tower electrical transmission facilities shall be consolidated with existing steel-tower transmission facilities except where there are technical or overload constraints or where there are social, aesthetic, significant economic, or other overriding concerns.

Action 14.A.1.a. Require selection of rights of way to preserve the natural landscape and minimize conflict with present and planned uses of land on which they are to be located.

Action 14.A.1.b. Encourage the joint use of transmission and pipeline corridors to reduce the total number of corridors and service and access roads required.

Action 14.A.1.c. Require the coordination of siting efforts so that other comparable utility uses can share rights of way in a common corridor where feasible.

Action 14.A.1.d. The County shall adopt a proactive position in the future siting of transmission and pipeline corridors by working with utilities and project proponents to specify those locations where transmission corridors are acceptable.

Action 14.A.1.e. Cooperate with the USFS and BLM in planning the use of utility corridors.

Policy 14.A.2. At the expense of the project proponent, comprehensive and detailed planning studies, including review of all feasible alternatives, shall demonstrate a clear need for new transmission lines or fluid conveyance pipelines, prior to the siting of these facilities.

Policy 14.A.3. New transmission or distribution lines or fluid pipelines shall be buried when such burial does not create unacceptable environmental impacts or the potential to contaminate shallow groundwater resources.

Policy 14.A.4. Where burial is not possible, transmission facilities and fluid pipelines shall be located in relation to existing slopes such that topography and/or natural cover provide a background where possible.

Policy 14.A.5. Transmission line rights of way shall avoid crossing hills or other high points at the crests. To avoid placing a transmission tower at the crest of a ridge or hill, space towers below the crest or in a saddle to carry the line over the ridge or hill. The profiles of facilities should not be silhouetted against the sky.

Policy 14.A.6. Where transmission line rights of way cross major highways or rivers, the transmission line towers shall be carefully placed for minimum visibility.

Policy 14.A.7. Avoid diagonal alignments of transmission lines through agricultural fields to minimize their visibility.

Policy 14.A.8. Require location of access and construction roads so that natural features are preserved and erosion is minimized. Use existing roads to the extent possible.

Policy 14.A.9. Require that materials used to construct transmission towers harmonize with the natural surroundings. Self-protecting bare steel and other types of non-reflective surfaces are appropriate in many areas. Towers constructed of material other than steel, such as concrete, aluminum, or wood should be considered. Coloring of transmission line towers to blend with the landscape should be considered.

Policy 14.A.10. Above-ground transmission lines shall be non-specular wire construction.

Objective 15.B.

Transmission and distribution lines shall not adversely impact wildlife, fisheries, or public health and safety.

Policy 15.B.1. New transmission or distribution lines shall avoid open expanses of water, wetland, and sagebrush steppe, particularly those heavily used by birds. They shall also avoid nesting and rearing areas.

Policy 15.B.2. Avoid the placement of transmission or distribution lines through crucial wildlife habitats such as deer fawning and migration areas, and sage grouse lekking and brood-rearing habitat.

Policy 15.B.3. Design transmission lines to minimize hazards to raptors and other large birds, and require the installation of anti-perching devices when overhead placement in sensitive habitat is unavoidable.

Policy 15.B.4. Where burial is not possible, overhead transmission lines shall provide a maintenance and fire safety plan.

GOAL 15. Encourage the prudent use of energy and to allow substitution of alternative energy sources for conventional energy when such substitution would result in minimal environmental impacts.

Objective 15.A.

Promote the direct use of geothermal, biomass and other heat sources provided that such use does not conflict with recreational uses and does not create unmitigatible environmental impacts.

Policy 15.A.1. Support the use of direct alternative heat sources in Mammoth Lakes, Bridgeport, and other communities where such resources are available.

Action 15.A.1.a. Identify applications for the direct use of alternative heat sources, in addition to space heating, which could support environmentally compatible light industry (such as greenhouses, aquaculture, vegetable dehydration, etc.).

Action 15.A.1.b. Cooperate with other agencies and jurisdictions on the development and implementation of projects utilizing alternative heat sources.

Action 15.A.1.c. On potential thermal biomass projects, work with applicable entities to develop a tight management plan for on-site wood chip storage and handling to avoid spontaneous wood pile combustion, and determine distance to residential neighborhoods and uses to avoid complaints about odors.

Policy 15.A.2. Through participation in the LVHAC Hydrologic Monitoring Program, ensure the implementation of adequate geothermal reservoir monitoring for those direct use projects that have the potential to affect Hot Creek Hatchery springs or Hot Creek Gorge springs.

Goal 16. Improve energy efficiency in existing buildings.

Objective 16.A.

Improve the information and support available to residential and nonresidential property owners to reduce energy use.

Policy 16.A.1. Work with nonprofits and utility providers to provide property owners with technical assistance, energy efficiency programs, and financial incentives.

Action 16.A.1.a. Support and publicize compact fluorescent (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) giveaways, and incandescent bulb exchange programs.

Action 16.A.1.b. Work with utility providers to encourage home/commercial audits and energy efficiency retrofits.

Action 16.A.1.c. Support or host events that highlight and promote successful programs.

Action 16.A.1.d. Promote and reward energy efficiency efforts of local visitor-serving and recreational businesses.

Policy 16.A.2. Provide green building information and resources in a publicly available format, such as a dedicated page on the County website.

Action 16.A.2.a. Provide green building information and resources.

Action 16.A.2.b. Provide information about programs, rebates such as the California Solar Initiative, on-bill financing, or other financial incentives to help residents and businesses complete energy-saving measures such as audits and whole-house retrofits.

Action  16.A.2.c. Provide information on low-income assistance programs, such as weatherization.

Action 16.A.2.d. Provide information to local businesses about resource-efficient procurement opportunities.

Objective 16.B.

Increase the number of programs available and accessibility to capital to assist residential and nonresidential properties with implementation of resource-efficient practices.

Policy 16.B.1. Provide programs and information to reduce existing energy use.

Action 16.B.1.a. Offer a property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing program for residential and nonresidential energy efficiency.

Action 16.B.1.b. Work with the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District to provide incentives to replace non-certified woodstoves with Environmental Protection Agency-certified wood or pellet stoves or propane units.

Policy 16.B.2. Encourage energy-efficient measures and practices through standard County programs, such as well and building permits.

Action 16.B.2.a. Promote installation of variable frequency drive water pumps to serve existing residential buildings.

Action 16.B.2.b. Encourage voluntary upgrades of residential and nonresidential HVAC systems.

Action 16.B.2.c. Encourage energy audits and voluntary retrofits for residential and nonresidential buildings at the time of sale or major renovation (>50% of building square footage, or addition of >500 square feet).

Policy 16.B.3. Provide incentives and information to support upgrades to rental properties, non-primary housing, and other types of housing.

Action 16.B.3.a. Promote opportunities to improve energy efficiency and install renewable energy systems in rental or secondary homes.

Action 16.B.3.b. Provide information on programs such as upgrades to mobile homes, blow-in insulation, and double-paned glazed low-e windows.

Objective 16.C. Reduce energy use in existing County facilities.

Policy 16.C.1. Continue progress toward net zero energy use in County facilities.

Action 16.C.1.a. Seek funding for and then develop a net zero energy feasibility study for County facilities that would include renewable energy generation, whole-building energy audits, construction costs and return on investment horizons, and potential time frames.

Action 16.C.1.b. Consider installing cool roof materials on existing and new County-owned buildings.

Action 16.C.1.c. Replace appliances and equipment in County-owned and leased buildings with energy-efficient models.

Action 16.C.1.d. Develop and implement a schedule—for example, through whole-building energy audits—to address no cost/low cost energy retrofit projects in County-owned and -leased buildings.

Action 16.C.1.e. Reduce energy demand in County-owned buildings by capturing “daylighting” opportunities.

Action 16.C.1.f. Collaborate with owners of leased buildings to audit and benchmark energy use, retrofit for efficiency, and develop a preferred leasing agreement that incorporates energy-efficient practices.

Policy 16.C.2. Continue to manage maintenance and ongoing programs that support energy reduction.

Action 16.C.2.a. Periodically audit and benchmark energy use in County-owned buildings to identify opportunities for energy efficiency and conservation.

Action 16.C.2.b. Ensure that HVAC and lighting systems in County-owned and -leased buildings are operating as designed and installed.

Action 16.C.2.c. Continue to use energy management software to monitor real-time energy use in County-owned and -leased buildings to identify energy usage patterns and abnormalities.

Action 16.C.2.d. Install motion sensors, photocells, and multi-level switches to control room lighting systems in County-owned and -leased buildings.

Action 16.C.2.e. Encourage utility providers to install smart meters on County-owned buildings.

Goal 17. Reduce energy use in new construction and major renovations.

Objective 17.A.

Increase green building practices in new construction and major renovations.

Policy 17.A.1. Support and promote residential and nonresidential green building construction.

Action 17.A.1.a. Offer incentives (e.g., streamlined permitting, prescriptive designs, fee waivers/reductions) for green building practices, such as verifiable green building practices that exceed state or local minimum standards, ground-source heat pumps, or photovoltaic solar installations.

Action 17.A.1.b. Work with utility providers to provide information to businesses about available rebates for new residential and commercial buildings that exceed Title 24 by at least 15%.

Action 17.A.1.c. Offer technical expertise and assistance for community members, builders, and businesses undertaking green building projects.

Action 17.A.1.d. Provide information on how contractors can attend energy efficiency training.

Policy 17.A.2. Continue to transition to green building practices in new County facilities.

Action 17.A.2.a. Consider certification by a third-party rater to ensure all new County facilities and renovations of existing facilities comply with green building standards.

Action 17.A.2.b. Target meeting net-zero energy requirements or exceeding minimum Title 24 requirements for new County buildings and renovation of existing facilities.

Goal 18. Collaborate with community partners, and empower the public to improve resource efficiency within the county.

Objective 18.A. Leverage resources regionally to build capacity for resource efficiency programs.

Policy 18.A.1. Work with local schools to support educational opportunities that promote resource efficiency.

Action 18.A.1.a. Collaborate with high schools to provide students with resource-based internship opportunities.

Action 18.A.1.b. Partner with local community colleges and grade schools to develop classes or workshops with a resource focus.

Policy 18.A.2. Collaborate with local, state, and regional agencies and organizations to identify resource conservation opportunities and share information.

Action 18.A.2.a. Integrate energy conservation discussions and opportunities into projects or efforts with other federal, state, and regional agencies.

Action 18.A.2.b. Utilize the Regional Planning Advisory Committees to create ongoing opportunities for community members to provide feedback on resource policies and programs.

Action 18.A.2.c. Promote the Mono County “Living Light Guide” that outlines steps residents and businesses can take to reduce energy and water use, recycle, and use alternative transportation.

Action 18.A.2.d. Include information in County mailings, websites, and other media about actions that individuals and businesses can take to improve resource efficiency.

Action 18.A.2.e. Participate in the CoolCalifornia Challenge which challenges local agencies to engage residents in taking action to reduce household energy use and vehicle miles traveled.

Policy 18.A.3. Support and participate in the outreach, education, and collaboration efforts of the Eastern Sierra Energy Initiative partnership.

Action 18.A.3.a. Distribute giveaway items, such as reusable bags and compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs, to encourage environmental responsibility.

Action 18.A.3.b. Develop public service announcements and/or talk shows related to resource efficiency.

Action 18.A.3.c. Use social media to inform the community about resource efficiency activities and opportunities.

Action 18.A.3.d. Host a leadership summit for community leaders, school groups, and businesses to gather and share resource conservation experiences, expertise, strategies, and ideas.

Action 18.A.3.e. Provide recognition programs for individuals, groups, and businesses that adopt resource efficiency practices.

Goal 19. Reduce generation of waste within the county. (See also the County’s Integrated Waste Management Plan.)

Objective 19.A. Reduce waste deposited in the County’s landfills.

Policy 19.A.1. Increase composting and recycling programs, and reduce waste generation, throughout the county.

Action 19.A.1.a. Identify and encourage reducing, reusing, and recycling opportunities for construction and demolition waste.

Action 19.A.1.b. Establish a program to use the maximum amount of organic waste possible generated within the county to produce compost for use in parks and landscaping.

Action 19.A.1.c. Increase opportunities for e-waste and hazardous materials collection and recycling.

Action 19.A.1.d. Evaluate current recycling infrastructure relative to future needs and anticipated waste generation. Provide incentives for new recycling infrastructure facilities in the county.

Action 19.A.1.e. Encourage the installation of recycling receptacles and containers at multi-family housing developments.

Action 19.A.1.f. Explore measures to reduce waste from commercial operations, such as banning single-use bags and polystyrene containers.

Policy 19.A.2. Promote a standard of reduce, reuse, and recycle within County government operations.

Action 19.A.2.a. Provide County staff with information on recycling items such as ink cartridges, toner, batteries, and light bulbs.

Action 19.A.2.b. Encourage paper use reduction through activities such as:

• Promoting a “think before you print” campaign.
• Reducing margins and logos on County templates, letterhead, and memos.
• Setting printer default options to print double-sided pages.
• Using computer software that removes blank pages and images from documents.
• Using “e-copy” machines that allow users to scan and distribute documents via e-mail.
• Uploading bid documents using online resources.
• Requiring fewer or smaller-sized copies of project plans or submittals, and allowing digital submittals.
• Using electronic devices for agendas and notes at public meetings.

Action 19.A.2.c. Review and implement the adopted procurement policy to establish purchasing standards for climate-friendly products.

Policy 19.A.3. Partner with other agencies, such as the Town of Mammoth Lakes, on green procurement, waste reduction, and recycling activities.

Objective 19.B. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from County solid waste operations.

Policy 19.B.1 Reduce or offset methane generation from County landfills.

Action 19.B.1.a. Investigate new technologies available to capture methane at County landfills.

Action 19.B.1.b. Identify opportunities to install renewable energy systems at County landfills.

[3]Only those retrofit projects that entail major revisions to or replacement of the primary components of the system (i.e., penstock, generator, diversion structure, etc.) shall require a use permit.