Agoura Hills wants more environmental awareness
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Plans are underway to establish a committee for "environmental responsibility" in the city of Agoura Hills, according to Mayor Dan Kuperberg.

Simple steps could reap big rewards, Kuperberg said. For example, switching out regular light bulbs for "greener" varieties would conserve energy and save the city money in the long run.

"This committee will address the future and longterm environmental effects of decisions and policies presently being made," Kuperberg said in report to the council. He called for the city's daily operations to be proactive and sensitive to the environment.

City Manager Greg Ramirez said basic changes could be made to reduce the amount of paper used in the city, and that some of the more long-range plans might include offering incentives to developers to build projects more efficiently.

The committee will identify, outline and recommend "positive environmental actions in the city of Agoura Hills," Kuperberg said.

The goal would be to form a "sustainable municipality" and reduce the negative impacts on the environment and community.

As part of the push, city officials launched a community education program to encourage green policies at homes and in businesses.

Kuperberg and Mayor Pro Tem John Edelston will serve on the committee. Kuperberg said they will work on a presentation and present it to the City Council next year.

"It just makes economic sense," Kuperberg said of the need to go green. "It's the wave of the future."