Sustainability pays off in Salida
Environmental stewardship is a priority for the community
Thanks to the photo-voltaic “community solar garden” at the northwest corner of US Highway 285 and CR 140 (Airport Road), the City of Salida has made a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and saved the City and taxpayers significant money.
In 2019, the City approved construction of the solar garden aimed at offsetting the City’s energy consumption through a bill credit program that is part of a state of Colorado mandate for Xcel Energy.
Since installation in January 2020, the City has saved taxpayers $21,892 in energy costs. Additionally, over the timeframe of seven short months, the City has offset its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equal to powering 129 passenger vehicles, or the equivalent of using 67,188 gallons of gasoline. This has kept 661,388 pounds of coal from being burned in order to produce electricity.
The City has a 20-year agreement with Oak Leaf Energy Partners to purchase approximately 1.6 million kilowatt-hours annually from the facility.
City United in Fighting Climate Change
The City of Salida is one of 34 local government members of the Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA), an organization dedicated to pursuing climate initiatives in Colorado at the state, legislative and policy level. On Tuesday, July 21, City Council approved Resolution 2020-26 adopting the 2020/2021 Policy Statement for CC4CA.
The Policy Statement guides the actions of staff and the organization. CC4CA was established to further the adoption of federal and state policies that will: a) strengthen statewide and federal policies impacting greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado; and b) provide local governments in Colorado with the tools, funding, flexibility and authority necessary to adopt effective climate protection strategies.
As a member of CC4CA, the City will have a voice in the development of statewide energy and greenhouse gas reduction policies. As a state municipal leader in alternative energy use through the community solar garden, the City of Salida is poised to address climate change challenges, and to work with state and regional partners to find sustainable climate change solutions.
Sustainability Committee Tackles Environmental Stewardship
Residents of Salida have long been strong advocates and stewards of our natural resources. In late 2019, City Council appointed a Sustainability Committee tasked with developing a Climate Action Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to identify policies and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the rate of climate change. Members of the Committee are also passionate about addressing other environmental challenges including recycling and energy efficiency in our homes and businesses.
