Let your voice be heard on Arkansas’ energy and environmental future

Driving future energy and environment innovations throughout our state starts with you.

That’s why Metroplan has collaborated with the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s Office of Air Quality, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, and the City of Fort Smith on a survey requesting your input.

We are asking everyone to participate in this Energy and Environment Innovation plan survey.

Whether you are a concerned citizen, city official, or business leader, we want to hear your ideas on how to continue making the state’s air cleaner and protecting its natural resources for future generations.

We are interested in understanding the types of incentive programs or specific projects residents, businesses, nonprofits, and other government agencies in Arkansas would like to see included in the state- and region-specific plans.

The feedback received will allow us to target investments in energy infrastructure and technologies that reduce pollutants, create high-quality jobs, and spur economic growth across the state. The Energy and Environment Innovation plan will make Arkansas eligible to compete for $4.6 billion in grant funding in 2024.

• What would you like to see implemented?
• Would you like incentives for solar panels at individual homes or small businesses or incentives for neighborhood/community-scale solar projects?
• What is your priority when it comes to efficiency and waste minimization?
• What about more compact, walkable, and transit-oriented development?
• Would you like to see our transportation infrastructure include more transit routes, sidewalks, bike paths, and trails?

Good news – Metroplan has already started on those efforts with an exciting project currently underway, the Central Arkansas Regional Greenway. This expanded trail system will connect new and existing trails throughout Central Arkansas, providing a bike and pedestrian link between communities, including Little Rock, Benton, Jacksonville, Conway, and Cabot. This 220-mile greenway is aimed at improving active transportation options.

Metroplan is also working with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and local governments to implement system efficiency projects like roundabouts and interchanges that help maintain Arkansas’ good air quality.

Let us know what is important to you. We are excited to use this survey to help guide investments in sustainable practices and carbon-reducing technologies. You can access the survey here.

Editor’s note: Casey Covington is the director of Metroplan. The opinions expressed are those of the author.