2012-12

Resolution on Urban Farming and Green Roofs

REPRESENTATIVE MICHEL CONSEJO (VT) INTRODUCED AUG. 2012 MEETING (RATIFIED)

WHEREAS there is mounting evidence of the need for consumers to eat healthy, nutritious foods; and

WHEREAS consumers in urban areas are often unable to gain ready access to fresh and wholesome fruits and vegetables; and

WHEREAS there is a renewed national interest in the source and quality of the food that we eat, the nutritional impact of such foods, and the costs and carbon emissions related to the transportation of these goods; and

WHEREAS the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new dietary guidelines for Americans stress that Americans on average consume too few vegetables, fruits, high-fiber whole grains, low-fat milk, milk products, seafood, and nutritious meats, and eat too much added sugars, solid fats, refined grains, and sodium; and

WHEREAS a growing number of states and localities have worked to expand the number of farmers' markets and have passed revisions to state laws facilitating urban farming and community-supported agriculture; and

WHEREAS there is a need to harmonize state building, tax and agricultural codes with current developments such as urban farming and green roofs; and

WHEREAS the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification standards account for the benefits of green roofs in the management of waste and storm water, improving insulation, reducing heat islands and creating green spaces;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NHCSL will seek to develop best practices for state regulations on urban farming, community supported agriculture, green roofs and share this information to the organization’s membership; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NHCSL will work with other nonprofits, state and federal government agencies and other partners to promote urban greening activities as described in this resolution; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, a copy of this Resolution will be transmitted to leadership of the Committees of jurisdiction in Congress, the Departments of Agriculture and of the Interior, White House, and organizations that advocate similar views.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED ON AUGUST 25, 2012, AT THE NHCSL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA AND RATIFIED AT THE NHCSL 2012 ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO ON NOVEMBER 17, 2012.

Sponsored by: Representative Michel Consejo (VT)