(Jennifer Sublett presented the recognition to myself for the Sierra Club, Mayor Tim Davlin for the city of Springfield, and Todd Renfrow for CWLP)
I accepted the award on behalf of the Sierra Club. It gave me the chance to remark that I'm happy to see the city maintain it's commitment to the goals in the power plant agreement, and that the most exciting parts of the agreement are happening right now in CWLP's Energy Services Office.
Energy efficiency is where we'll make the largest reductions in CO2 nationally. In Springfield, it will help customers save money on their utility bill and make Springfield more attractive to businesses. New programs are being funded through the Environmental Initiatives Fund created by the Sierra Club/CWLP agreement and from federal stimulus grants.
The next steps are to keep going with new efficiency projects and develop local sources of renewable energy.