Q&A on the Environment

Q: As Chair of the City Council’s Growth & Natural Resources committee, what are your top priorities for environmental conservation in Raleigh?

Jane Harrison: My top priorities are climate and environmental justice. This means protecting and restoring natural resources, especially in neighborhoods that have traditionally faced environmental harm or have had limited access to green spaces. For instance, the City has a tree equity program aimed at planting trees in areas that lack tree canopy and shade. More trees means cleaner air and cooler temperatures for residents.

Q: We all love trees. Are there other ways you are working to protect our tree canopy?

Jane Harrison: City Council has tasked the Parks Board with developing a master plan for tree planting and preservation citywide. This plan will leverage data from a recent Wake County canopy study, which highlighted areas experiencing significant tree loss. The goal is to set clear objectives and allocate resources effectively to enhance our urban forest on City land.

Tree protections for private developments are a bit more complex. Currently, there are no requirements to save or plant trees on developments under two acres. I’m working to bridge this gap by engaging with the development community and tree advocates like the Oak Folk Collaborative. I want to ensure that even small developments contribute to the city’s green space and ecological health. We will discuss new tree protection proposals for missing middle projects at our Oct. 15 Council meeting.

Q: What power does the city have over prohibiting the use of invasive species?

Jane Harrison: The city has significant authority to regulate plantings in public spaces, and we’ve already enacted a prohibition on invasive species in these areas. During my Council term, we prohibited the planting of invasive species in public areas such as parks and right-of-ways. This policy was recommended by the Growth and Natural Resources committee and approved unanimously by City Council. We also expanded our approved tree list to include more native species, which are better suited to our local environment and provide critical wildlife habitat.

Q: What steps are you taking as Vice Chair of the Upper Neuse River Basin Association to safeguard Raleigh’s drinking water supply?

Jane Harrison: In my role with the Upper Neuse River Basin Association (UNRBA), we collaborate closely with municipalities and counties within the Falls Lake Basin, which is crucial as Falls Lake is Raleigh’s main drinking water supply. One of our strategies is to fund land preservation efforts. The City purchases land and donates it to organizations like the Triangle Land Conservancy to protect it from development. Additionally, we have development restrictions in place within the watershed to minimize impervious surfaces, which helps maintain water quality. It’s a delicate balance, as we need to work with our neighboring municipalities, like Durham, which doesn’t rely on Falls Lake for their water supply but is an essential partner in protecting the watershed.

Q: How has Raleigh achieved a 21% per capita reduction in GHG emissions from 2007 to 2022?

Jane Harrison: Our success in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 21% per capita stems from several initiatives. One major factor is energy-efficient building design. New construction in Raleigh have advanced HVAC systems, better insulation, and energy-efficient windows, all of which significantly lower energy consumption. We’ve also seen an increase in the adoption of solar power and other renewable energy sources. Additionally, multifamily housing developments, which are generally more energy-efficient than single-family homes, have become more common. These efforts, combined with ongoing improvements in technology and infrastructure, have put us on a strong path towards our goal of an 80% reduction by 2050.

Q: What further strategies do you propose to continue reducing GHG emissions in Raleigh?

Jane Harrison: We need to focus on transportation and transit, creating reliable public transit, and ensuring safe walking, biking, and scooting options. Investing in green transit infrastructure like protected bike lanes and bus rapid transit is crucial for reducing vehicle miles traveled and associated emissions. Encouraging more compact, mixed-use developments near transit hubs can also reduce the need for car travel and promote a more sustainable urban lifestyle.

Q: How do you balance urban growth with the need to protect natural resources in Raleigh?

Jane Harrison: Urban growth and densification can positively impact natural resources by preserving parks, farmland, and forest land in surrounding areas. Compact, dense developments help conserve natural spaces and provide wildlife habitat, clean air, and water. By concentrating development in urban areas, we can reduce sprawl and protect more land for conservation and recreation. Urban areas need green space too though. Heat islands are prevalent downtown; tree-lined streets, pocket parks and green roofs are needed to reduce temperatures.

Q: Can you give examples of successful environmental programs in Raleigh that you have supported or initiated?

Jane Harrison: I’ve initiated the prohibition of invasive species and supported the expansion of trash collection systems in our waterways. I’ve worked with developers to include greenway connections, pollinator gardens, and additional floodplain protections to their projects. The City is also focusing on new urban litter reduction programs like the Great Raleigh Cleanup. Another example is the City’s work on green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, to manage stormwater and improve water quality. Did you know the City will pay you to install a rain garden?

Q: How do zoning laws and regulations relate to environmental goals?

Jane Harrison: Zoning laws can encourage compact, dense developments that preserve natural spaces and support environmental goals. Advocating for zoning changes that promote mixed-use developments and affordable housing near transit can balance growth with conservation. For instance, reducing parking requirements for new developments can lower costs and encourage the use of public transit, biking, and walking.

Q: What community initiatives are you supporting to promote native tree planting and preservation?

Jane Harrison: I support the city’s tree equity program and the creation of a master plan for tree planting and preservation. This initiative involves engaging community groups and educating the public about the benefits of native trees. We’re also working with local schools and organizations to involve students and residents in tree planting events, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship over our urban forest. By collaborating with these groups, we aim to create a more inclusive and widespread effort to enhance Raleigh’s green spaces.