Peak Oil Task Force

The Peak Oil Task Force was appointed in September, 2008 to develop a response plan in active consultation with the community that will address both a sudden crisis-related reduction of fossil fuels and a long term depletion of fossil fuels.  The Peak Oil Task Force will:

• Assess Lawrence’s exposure to diminishing supplies of oil and natural gas and make recommendations to address vulnerabilities.
• Seek community and business input on the negative impacts of peak oil and proposed solutions.
• Acquire and study current and credible data and information on the issues of peak oil and natural gas depletion and the related economic and other societal consequences.
• Develop recommendations for the City regarding strategies the City can take to mitigate the impacts of declining energy supplies in areas including, but not limited to: transportation, business and home energy use, water, food security, health care, waste management, communications, and land use planning.
• If indicated by research, and deemed appropriate by the Task Force, develop an emergency plan to provide for the basic life sustaining needs of the citizens of Lawrence in the event of a sudden and dramatic increase in the price of oil or natural gas, or a sudden reduction in supply.
• Propose methods of educating the public about peak oil that promote positive behavior changes which can reduce community dependence on fossil fuels.

The Task Force is chaired by Vice-Mayor Rob Chestnut and will provide a final report to the City Commission no later than 12 months after the initial meeting. If the final report is not completed, a progress report will be presented.