The City of Bend is serious about adapting to climate change. With the help of the Climate Action Steering committee, the city now has goals for cutting carbon emissions of government, business and residents over the next 10 to 30 years.
Sustainability Coordinator Cassie Lacy and Committee member Russ Donnelly shared the goals for reducing energy use and waste in order to lessen our impact on the environment.
Goals: community wide 40% reduction of fossil fuels by 2030 50% reduction by 2050
The path to carbon neutrality will involve – upgrades of city lighting; incorporating solar and biogas alternative fuels; electric vehicle fleet; water reclamation. Residents are encouraged to have energy audits of their homes and incorporate energy saving measures as well as reducing waste by recycling and repurposing the “stuff” in our lives.
The City council hopes to reduce fossil fuel use by 40% in the next 11 years and 50% by 2050.
Since we are all in this together, the city is seeking our opinions about how to prioritize and achieve these goals with a short survey. You can share your opinions right now at:
GO.PARTICIATE.ONLINE/BENDCLIMATESURVEY
It is our responsibility as Bend residents and business owners to let our government know what we think and how we want to achieve these goals.