Letter on energy efficiency and conservation

The State Journal-Register published today a letter to the editor I wrote. Here's a copy:

City’s clean-energy plan will pay dividends

Over the past few months, I’ve been excited to see new expanded rebate programs by City Water, Light and Power, such as the heat pump rebate, expanded insulation rebate and the money-back program that refunds the cost of home energy audits for anyone who follows through with any of the energy-saving recommendations.

All of these programs will help residents save money on their utility bill by reducing energy use. It’s another example of how conserving to help the environment is also good news for your checking account. More programs like these will be part of the implementation of Springfield’s clean-energy plan negotiated with the Sierra Club and there is much more to come.

I’d like to thank the nine city council members who voted to approve the contract to develop a thorough plan for future energy-efficiency and conservation projects. These programs will provide significant benefits to area residents and businesses for years to come while also reducing pollutants that cause global climate change.

It’s worth the investment to do it right the first time. Springfield quickly became a national leader in clean energy with its pledge to purchase wind power and start a green buy-in program to promote further use of renewable energy. Now we have the chance to become an early leader in energy-efficiency and conservation efforts that are becoming a national trend. That’s something everyone in Springfield can be proud of.

Will Reynolds, Springfield