Energy Action Plan to come before Fayetteville City Council on Jan. 2

Fayetteville City Council tabled a request to establish an Energy Action Plan on Tuesday (Dec. 19) after city staff worked with community and city leaders and stakeholders to develop the plan over the past year. The plan is expected to come before the city council again Jan. 2, said Peter Nierengarten, sustainability and parking director for Fayetteville.

If approved, the city would start to implement short-term action items in the plan, he said. The Energy Action Plan would be a framework for the city to be a resource and energy efficient community. Items in the plan include to offer incentives and encourage energy efficient homes and businesses, strive for energy independence, promote innovation and an understating of climate change and improve air, water and soil quality.

The plan focuses on four sectors: buildings, energy supply, transportation and waste reduction and recycling.

Plan goals include a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, and an 80% reduction in GHG by 2050, from 2010 emission levels. “These goals are consistent with the We Are Still In pledge signed by Mayor Lioneld Jordan in June 2017,” according to a news release. The city committed to reducing GHG emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement after President Donald Trump vowed to withdraw from the agreement. The United States is the only country that has rejected the global pact. However, We Are Still In pledge goals have been approved by cities, states, businesses, investors and universities throughout the United States. The city’s plan also aligns with the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100% Clean Energy Campaign for Cities.

Work on the Energy Action Plan started after the city council approved its development Feb. 2, 2017.

Click here for more information on the plan.