The effort on the local front was organized by the Butte Environmental Council and members of the city's Sustainability Task Force, who warned of an impending climate disaster in the next decade in the absence of action. Mark Stemen, a professor of geography and planning at Chico State and member of the city's Sustainability Task Force, said he is hopeful that goals can be met to avert disaster. There are signs that change can come quickly in Chico, such as the city and county forming a joint powers authority to purchase and sell energy based on the needs of their residents

Public opinion is welcomed on several topics at BEC's meeting tonight, which are: Recommendations for greenhouse greens reductions from transportation energy; Solid waste recommendations for sequestration and mitigation projects; Engaging the community in ideas and incentives for funding.

Danielle Baxter, Butte Environmental Council's recently appointed general manager, says she wants to inspire environmental knowledge and activism and support longtime members while making "much-needed space for younger voices."