Salida Sustainability Saves
The City’s efforts to reduce emissions and protect the environment pay off
As a global community and host to travelers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world, the City of Salida is committed to protecting the environment for everyone. In 2020, the City invested in several projects that align with its sustainability goals and benefit both current and future residents.
Following the approval by City Council in January, the City signed an agreement with Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, to lease City property at 232 G Street for the installation of new electric vehicle charging stations. Rivian is building a network of EV charging stations throughout the United States as it prepares for the first deliveries of its R1T pickup truck and R1S sport utility vehicle, and Salida will be one of its destinations.
This project will expand and improve Salida’s accessibility for electric vehicles for visitors and residents, helping combat the effects of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while bringing greater recognition to the City as a recreation destination.
Rivian will construct eight charging stations within the lease area (currently occupied by parking spaces). As part of the lease agreement, they will also install six trees along the Monarch Spur Trail and will resurface the City-owned parking lot between 2nd and 3rd Streets with a slurry seal to ensure long-term viability of the parking surface.
Benefits of Community Solar Garden Continue to Bloom
The City is already reaping the benefits of the community solar garden installed just over a year ago.
Since January 2020, the photo-voltaic solar panels at the northwest corner of US Highway 285 and CR 140 (Airport Road), have made a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and saved the City and taxpayers more than $42,000. The City offset its emissions equal to powering 251 passenger vehicles—keeping 1,280,001 pounds of coal from burning and avoiding 2,579,234 pounds of CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere.
The garden has allowed the City to take charge of our local energy needs in a way that supports sustainability, benefits the local economy and increases Salida’s grid resiliency.
Sustainable Salida
The City has continued its work with the Salida Initiative, a collaborative effort with the Salida Chamber of Commerce, the Salida Business Alliance and Chaffee County to reduce the use of plastic bags county-wide as well as educate interested businesses and individuals on working toward sustainability.
