At the announcement, Mayor Davlin said the clean energy agreement between CWLP and the Sierra Club is something the city can be proud of, and becoming a Cool City will increase Springfield's reputation as an environmental leader. This is a way for the city to evaluate what needs to be done and work with the community to plan the next steps.
The press release from the city quotes the Mayor as saying:
“We have already taken the first steps toward achieving some of these goals. Now, we must rally the entire community to creatively find additional ways to reduce emissions and make our planet a better place to live for our children and their children.”
IEPA Director Doug Scott spoke after the Mayor, followed by myself speaking for the Sierra Club. Scott spoke about the city providing wind power for state buildings as called for in the Sierra Club agreement and how Springfield is being recognized for its actions.
A coalition of groups have been spreading the word and passing petitions in support of Cool Cities, so a lot of people are very happy about today's announcement. For individuals, this means the city will make it easier for people to reduce their personal global warming emissions.
The next CWLP Smart Energy Forum will focus on the Cool Cities program and give people an opportunity to offer suggestions and hear new ideas about what Springfield can do next. It happens Thursday, September 18, 6 p.m., Illinois National Bank, Fourth and Jackson Streets.
This is big news for Springfield as we act locally on a global problem!