Rick Longley, Willows Journal

Supervisor Leigh McDaniel will head a county panel to develop a green technologies policy for Glenn County.

That was the decision of his colleagues Tuesday after he brought up the topic following discussion the county landfill and the recruitment of companies to help divert the solid waste stream to energy or other recycled materials.

"We could not be blessed with a better expert to help organize a panel and see where the 'green lights' are in the county," Supervisor Tracey Quarne said, of McDaniel's knowledge.

McDaniel is a retired NASA engineer who now has a farm in Glenn County near Hamilton City.

He said the county needs to develop a green tech policy since it is heading that direction with the landfill and other proposed recycling facilities.

"But we have not discussed policy at the board level to help department heads during the next two years," McDaniel said.

He added grants are available along with low-interest loans that the county could pursue in planning for its future.

McDaniel said he wants to plan for 30 years and noted technology is advancing at rapid rates compared to when he was in college.

The efficiency of solar, wind and other technologies is much greater now, he said.

Supervisor Mike Murray said "tomorrow is a good time to start," and the county needs to blend in green technology with its requests for proposals from companies.

No time frame for setting up a panel is scheduled, but McDaniel said he is happy to work with county staff on the issue.