FAIRFAX TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STAFF REPORT
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #1
MEETING DATE June 4, 2025
PREPARED FOR Mayor and Town Council
PREPARED BY Christine Foster, Deputy Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager SUBJECT Interview and consider appointment of applicant to the Climate Action Committee
RECOMMENDATION
Interview and consider appointment of applicant Dan Cardozo for the Climate Action Committee to fill a vacant term to June 2027.
DISCUSSION
There are currently two (2) vacancies for the Climate Action Committee, each with a term of two (2) years. There is one applicant for the position, Fairfax resident Dan Cardozo, who has attended Climate Action Committee meeting(s) recently.
The Climate Action Committee (“CAC”) was established to implement the Climate Action Plan, adopted by the Town Council on February 5, 2014. Its mission is to mitigate the production of greenhouse gases and compile existing and potential strategies to address climate change. Initially it was a subcommittee of the General Plan Implementation Committee (“GPIC”); in July 2015, CAC was established as a separate Town Committee.
CAC develops an annual action plan as well as any recommended amendments to the Climate Action Plan. In addition, the committee keeps a scorecard to track greenhouse gas reduction actions taken.
ATTACHMENTS
Dan Cardozo Application (Redacted)
Apply to join a board or commission
Date Submitted:
04/13/2025
Please select the board/committee/commission to which you are applying:
o X Climate Action Committee
o Community Emergency Preparedness Committee
o Marin Commission on Aging Representative
o Measure F Oversight Committee
o Open Space Committee ("FOSC")
o Planning Commission
o Parks and Recreation Commission
o Tree Committee
Name
Daniel Cardozo
Address
Fairfax, CA 94930
Phone
Email
[email protected]
Please explain your interest in serving on this Board, Commission, or Committee While our Nation and the world face innumerable challenges, there is no issue more critical than the climate crisis. The latest IPCC report clearly demonstrates that urgent action is necessary to restabilize the climate if we are to avoid the most catastrophic disruptions.
Climate scientists overwhelmingly agree that the current decade will be pivotal in determining whether we can preserve a livable planet for our children.
The scope and scale of what is required goes beyond individual action and requires structural change and collective effort. Now more than ever, engagement in our communities and policy initiatives at the state and local level will be crucial to fostering the transition to a sustainable and green energy and economic future. In seeking volunteer opportunities and ways to be of service, my interests and work experience make the CAC a natural fit.
Please describe your relevant work/life experience or background for the board/commission you are applying for
I spent over 10 years working in local government, the California Legislature and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research under Jerry Brown (now the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation). I then went to law school and spent the last almost 40 years with a public interest law firm specializing in land use and environmental law, including climate change, retiring as Senior Shareholder in 2021.
Our firm has played a leading role in advancing California’s transition to a new green economy by advocating for energy and climate policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time creating high-quality jobs. We have been directly involved in drafting and negotiating California’s groundbreaking Renewable Portfolio Standard legislation, and in the regulatory review and permitting of renewable energy projects.
My law practice also included extensive experience in state and local adoption of building codes and standards. Most recently, this work has focused on green building and energy efficiency initiatives. For example, the firm successfully advocated for regulatory changes and programs to improve ventilation in schools, restrict the use of energy-inefficient flexible ducts, close loopholes on advanced lighting control and demand response requirements in existing building upgrades, improve water efficiency in buildings, and strengthen verification requirements to ensure that expected energy savings from California Energy Code requirements are actually realized.
As a result of this experience, I have a solid foundation and general understanding of the kinds of issues that inform the work of the CAC.
What is your vision for the Town of Fairfax?
I have reviewed the Town’s adopted Climate Action Plan, the CAC’s Annual Action Plan and the work of the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership and Resilient Neighborhoods. It is clear that the Town has already established a clear and ambitious vision for climate action.
The Town is to be commended for its leadership in setting a net zero goal by 2030, ahead of the State 2045 goal. The Town’s commitment to climate action is part of what attracts me to getting involved.
If appointed to the Committee, my intention would be to listen and learn about the work of the CAC from its experienced members. I would follow the lead of the Committee members in guiding and directing my involvement and am hopeful that with my background and experience I could make a positive contribution to the CAC’s work.
Please describe possible areas of conflict of interest.
None. Retired from law practice.
CAC Meeting Attended
04/15/2025
Daniel L. Cardozo
* I understand that the completed application will become a public record upon submittal to the Town.