On the outset of Aspen’s Renewable Energy Day, I would like to release my three-step environmental plan for the office of Pitkin County Sheriff. This is the first part of a broad, progressive platform (for a PDF of my overall platform, click here). In the following weeks I will expand upon other issues. If you have any quesitons, please email me.

With the Canary Initiative, progressive businesses like the Aspen Ski Company and innovative organizations and people throughout the county, Pitkin is becoming a global showcase for renewable energy and efficiency. Green is now part of our community’s essence-and the Sheriff’s office is no exception. Green can be more than just the color of our uniforms.
Personally, I have tried to live with concern to our environment. For instance, my Honda Civic HX averages 44mpg on the highway. I bike to work most days, recycle whenever possible, and my apartment has energy efficient appliances and lighting.

As Sheriff and as part of my proactive, community-oriented approach, I will bring a three-part platform to create on of the “greenest” police forces in the country:

1. Vehicles: Currently the Sheriff’s office uses mostly full-size, gasoline SUVs in its fleet. Each Chevrolet Tahoe averages under 16mpg and pumps almost 12 tons of CO2 into the environment. A Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD, for comparison, achieves almost 30MPG and emits only half the CO2, with similar interior volume.

I will look to transition the fleet to a mix of hybrids, biodiesel and E85 flex-fuel vehicles. As public safety is our first priority, I will ensure a “phased” approach where vehicles will be tested to ensure they meet the needs of our deputies. Many options exist-from the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Ford Escape to the upcoming diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee, to flex-fuel and dual-mode hybrid Chevrolet Tahoe. I am confident we will be able to increase our fleet efficiency and ultimately transition to renewable fuels. We will pay for the vehicles through a combination of fuel savings and sponsorship, as well as an examination of our fleet operations for cost savings.

2. Energy: I will bring a twofold initiative to the Sheriff’s office energy use. First, I will look to decrease our energy use by efficiency measures, including efficient lighting, transitioning to more effective office equipment (e.g., laptops).

Second, with the remaining electricity we use, we will purchase windfarm credits to be the first all-renewable Sheriff’s office in the United States. Currently the Sheriff’s office budgets $30,000 for electricity. With efficiency savings we should be able to pay for a sizeable chunk of our windfarm purchases.

3. Innovation: Lastly as part of building on the community’s leadership in green innovation, I will build partnerships with local organizations to look at bolder approaches at greening our department. One initiative is to convene a creative workshop to look at “greening the jail.” We will engage local experts and our staff to see how we can improve the facility.

These initiatives will not only save money and bring beneficial public relations to the community, but also showcase my approach to running the Sheriff’s department. I will bring new energy, new ideas and an active approach to this office, one that enhances public safety, emphasizes education, and builds a strong relationship with the citizens and visitors of Pitkin County.