FREEHOLD - The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has appointed a group of 27 government, business and science professionals to serve on an advisory committee to explore ways in which Monmouth County can lessen the carbon footprint it leaves on the world.

"The development of a greenhouse gas reduction plan is a very important first step toward promoting energy efficiency," said Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow, who worked with Freeholder Lillian G. Burry to select committee members. "The county is already involved in renewable energy projects at the Reclamation Center, but we need to begin exploring the implementation of green initiatives such as wind and solar power, hybrid vehicles and LEED building technologies."

LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable (green) buildings, according to a press release from the county.

New Jersey has mandated a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, which amounts to a 20 percent reduction, followed by a further reduction of emissions to 80 percent below 2006 levels by 2050.

"Due to the county's regional perspective in transportation planning, water conservation and waste water and solid waste management, the county can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Freeholder John D'Amico, who earlier this year had co-hosted with McMorrow a series of environmental luncheons. "This is a very significant step for Monmouth County."

The advisory committee will produce a greenhouse gas reduction plan that will include the following tasks:

• create an inventory of the county's operational greenhouse gas emissions;

• develop a plan for the implementation of policies, programs and operations to achieve significant, measurable and sustainable reductions of greenhouse gas emissions;

• recommend steps to achieve New Jersey's climate stabilization goals that promote energy efficiency in county facilities;

• recommend steps for municipalities to consider when planning for reduced emissions and increased energy efficiency; and

• work closely with local, state and federal governments and other stakeholders to share ideas and promote New Jersey's climate stabilization goals.

"The economic arguments for implementing climate stabilization solutions are compelling, from near-term gains of energy efficiency to long-term climate protection initiatives," D'Amico said. "It all adds up to reducing the impact of greenhouse house emissions."

Members of the committee are: County Representatives: Lillian G. Burry, freeholder; Barbara J. McMorrow, freeholder; John W. Tobia, director of Public Works and Engineering; Robert Clark, director, Planning Board; Bonnie Goldschlag, assistant director, Planning Board; Linda Brennen, supervisor, Environmental Planning Section, Planning Board; Gerri C. Popkin, director, Purchasing; Michael Fredosh, Monmouth County Environmental Commission; Tom Pivinski, Monmouth County Environmental Commission.

Municipal, business and science professionals: Patricia Swannack, Monmouth University; Julie Schreck, mayor of Bradley Beach; Gerald P. Scharfenberger, mayor of Middletown; Peter Johner, Jersey Central Power & Light Co.; Bob Kudrick, New Jersey Natural Gas; David Meirs III, agricultural community; Jack Purvis, Green Building Council; Robert M. Gerard, Birdsall Services Group; Michael Oster, Clean Energy Holdings; Dr. Judith Kramer, environmental educator and leader in the Climate Project; Elias Abilheira, Millstone Township Committee; Sashe Annete, director of media and government relations, Renewable Energy International; Adele Keller, executive director, Monmouth Conservation Foundation; Nancy Grbelja, initiative coordinator, New Jersey Great Public Schools; Patricia M. Butch, Monmouth County Agriculture Development Board; Jerry Meyer, business owner; Carol A. Baker, co-president of Lincroft Village Green Association; Dr. Eugene Golub, civil engineer and consultant in water resources and environmental assessment.