City recognized by Sierra Club for sustainability efforts

FAYETTEVILLE — The Sierra Club has listed the city among 10 national leaders in energy use.

The annual case studies report for the club’s Ready for 100 campaign, which encourages cities to commit to 100 percent clean energy, was released Tuesday.

Fayetteville joins Columbia, S.C.; Concord, N.H.; Denton, Texas; Denver; Minneapolis; Norman, Okla.; Orlando, Fla.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; and St. Louis among clean energy leaders.

More than 75 cities in the United States have committed to eventually running completely on clean, renewable sources, such as wind, solar, hydropower and biofuel, according to a Sierra Club news release. The city, under its energy action plan adopted in January, set a goal to run entirely on clean and renewable energy by 2050.

The city’s administration is trying to lead by example with an objective to run all city facilities and vehicles on clean energy by 2030. The entire plan sets forth city goals in transportation, energy supply, buildings and waste.

Sustainability Director Peter Nierengarten said the city strives to be a leader in environmental protection. Fayetteville became the first in Arkansas to commit to 100 percent clean energy when it adopted its action plan.

“We are honored and excited that our commitment to 100 percent clean energy is included in the Sierra Club’s new report that highlights efforts of cities across the country to reduce carbon emissions and limit climate change,” he said.

The report commended the city for its partnership with the University of Arkansas and electric companies Ozarks Electric and SWEPCO to achieve goals in sustainability, as well as its adoption of a bicycle share program and commitment to urban tree planting.

To read the report, go to sc.org/10-case-studies.

The city, under its energy action plan adopted in January, set a goal to run entirely on clean and renewable energy by 2050.