General Election: June 28, 2021 Candidates for Tribal Council
RICKY COMPO
TAMARA KIOGIMA
LEROY SHOMIN
DOUG EMERY
WILLIAM ORTIZ
MARCI REYES
KENNETH DEWEY
AARON OTTO
SHARON SIERZPUTOWSKI
SIERRA BODA (WITHDREW 5-14-21)
Climate change poses significant environmental challenges, impacting air quality, energy consumption, and natural resources. The Climate Change Program aims to address these issues through strategic initiatives focused on adaptation and mitigation.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change. The Climate Change Program tracks the energy efficiency of LTBB-owned facilities, aiming to reduce overall energy consumption and emissions.
In addition to promoting energy efficiency, the program provides technical support for implementing renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind power. Several LTBB facilities have already adopted solar energy solutions, including:
- The LTBB Fish Hatchery 20 kW Solar Array
- The LTBB Natural Resources Department 30 kW Solar Array
The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Solar Arrays
Above (top): LTBB Fish Hatchery 20 kW Solar Array. Above (right): LTBB Natural Resources Department 30 kW Solar Array.
Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar power helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas—major contributors to climate change and environmental harm. The table below provides a year-by-year breakdown of solar energy production by the LTBB, along with the corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions avoided each year. The infographic also illustrates the total GHG equivalencies of LTBB’s solar energy production to date (as of 2024), showing the positive environmental impact in relatable terms. LTBB continues to seek funding opportunities to expand renewable energy projects across tribal lands and further reduce its carbon footprint.
Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience
The Climate Change Program also focuses on climate adaptation strategies to prepare for the impacts of a changing environment. This includes assessing vulnerabilities in the local ecosystem and infrastructure, developing community-based solutions, and advocating for sustainable policies that align with LTBB’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
LTBB recognizes that continued progress in climate adaptation and resilience requires additional funding and resources. The program is actively seeking further funding opportunities through grants and partnerships to expand its climate resilience initiatives. Securing additional financial support will enable LTBB to implement more robust climate adaptation projects, such as improving stormwater management, enhancing community preparedness for extreme weather events, and developing sustainable infrastructure solutions. By leveraging external funding sources, LTBB aims to strengthen the tribe’s ability to respond to climate change challenges while protecting cultural and environmental resources for future generations.
Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP)
Catalyst Partners and the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians (LTBB) have partnered to create a report that meshes goals of LTBB’s Climate Emergency Action Plan Resolution with an implementable plan for the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. For the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB), costs are not the most important aspect of their carbon emissions: sustainable practices for the planet are. This is why LTBB has been striving toward more sustainable practices as a Tribe since 2005 and has goals to achieve zero net carbon in the near future. After taking the steps to understand where the emissions of the LTBB are coming from, Catalyst Partners was able to define opportunities to reduce those emissions. In addition to meeting LTBB’s carbon goals, reducing emissions can save both energy and operational costs.
