What is "sustainability"? 
Sustainability is a fundamentally new way of looking at the world in which there is a balance between conflicting demands on natural and human resources.  Sustainability means finding a way to accommodate human needs without damaging the environment, even restoring damaged ecosystems so that they function somewhat like they did before being so heavily modified. 

Why do we need to be sustainable? 
The history of resource use in the United States has been one of overexploitation - exterminating species, damming rivers, over-cutting timber, over-harvesting fish, over-developing landscapes, polluting air and water, all for short term economic gain.  As a society, we have reached a point where the pursuit of our current need is compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 

What is a "Sustainability Board" and what will it do? 
The seven-member board consists of private citizen members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Although the positions are specified, the descriptions are general and give the Governor wide latitude in appointing members with variable backgrounds and interests appropriate to sustainability. The board is directed to identify and propose incentives along with the removal of disincentives that would be helpful in achieving sustainability goals. Although it can recommend regulatory change, it has no regulatory authority. 

What is an "Institute for Natural Resources" and what will it do? 
One of the primary barriers to the achievement of sustainability goals is the lack of reliable and integrated information about the status and trends in the condition 
of natural, social, and cultural resources. An Institute for Natural Resources could draw upon the resources of the state's system of  higher education, private academic institutions, agencies, and other entities that generate information; serve as a clearinghouse for scientifically based information; provide that information to the public and policy-makers in integrated and accessible formats; coordinate its efforts with state agencies and other providers of natural resource information; facilitate and conduct research; and provide information and technical tools to assist decision-making on natural resource issues.

What can the government do to be more sustainable.?
State government consumes reams of paper, builds offices, buys power, paves roads,     and manages forests.  A policy maker needs to ask:  "Does this all happen with the overarching goal of sustainable economic growth that is respectful of both our environment and our communities?”  We should not be legislating over others if             we can’t keep our own house in order.