Mendocino County Committee finalizes draft Precautionary Principle Policy

The Ad Hoc Committee of the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors along with department heads and the Mendocino Partnership for the Precautionary Principle met to finalize the language for the Precautionary Principle Policy. The final draft will be brought before the Board of Supervisors in the next few months.

According to Partnership member Britt Bailey, "This policy is very exciting. The Precautionary Principle stands to become Mendocino County's first environmental policy - a cornerstone for environmental protection."

At one point in Monday's meeting, General Services Director Pete Halstad was asked whether he believed the Precautionary Principle Policy would have a negative impact on the local economy and jobs. "In fact, I believe the passage of the Policy may have the reverse effect - it could create more local jobs." San Francisco City and County has certainly experienced this outcome. Since the passage and implementation of the Precautionary Principle in San Francisco, they have experienced an increase in innovation and enhancement in local job growth. With Mendocino County's growing green technology and environmentally friendly businesses, we are likely to see the same effect here.

The County's Executive Office is taking the lead on developing a staff report and materials for the supervisors review prior to a hearing. When a hearing date is determined, the Mendocino Partnership for the Precautionary Principle will get the word out to the community.

For more information, see:

• www.mendoprecaution.org
• Final draft policy 32K