Environmental Affairs Committee

NOTES

Call to Order: In attendance were Betsy Jordan, Ferris Kawar, Gina Brunell, Javier Cambron, and Thaddeus Phillips	Public Comments: SMC is in the beginning planning stages of a sustainable Giving Thanksgiving. We are planning to serve roughly 1000 students.	Approval of Minutes: Minutes approved.	AS Funding for Sustainability Projects: AS has additional funding and is looking for other projects to benefit students. Some topics include technology, sustainability, and EV charging stations.	(Former) Student Worker for Climate Corps: SMC recently hired 4 former/current students through climate corps. They work in the garden, recyling, and the bike repair program. SMC may be able to hire more students in the future. Ideally we would like a student with experience in energy efficiency to focus on saving money.	Updates on Aquaculture Certification: So far we have been awarded a Perkins Grant, Work Force Grant, and other Federal grants.	Divestment Updates: Harvard’s pension system has divested from fossil fuels. The CA state FA has asked to divest as well. There is a new student club called Divest SMC, looking into changing banks; as they are currently with Chase who invests heavily in fossil fuels. CTA is also petitioning to divest.	September 16, 2021