April 27, 2021
Today, the City of Lawrence announced that, for the first time, it appears on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Top 30 Local Government list of the largest green power users from the Green Power Partnership (GPP). Lawrence currently ranks as No. 23 on that list.
In June 2020, the Lawrence City Commission approved the City entering into an agreement with Evergy that will have the City sourcing about 98% of its energy from wind for the next 20 years. This move was in alignment with City Ordinance No. 9744, which was passed in March 2020, and set the ambitious goal to have 100% clean, renewable energy for electricity in municipal operations by 2025.
Currently, the City of Lawrence is using nearly 35 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which represents nearly 98 percent of its operations’ total power needs.
“We are proud to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for our green power use,” said Jasmin Moore, Sustainability Director. “By committing to sustainability and making the choice to use green power, our organization reduces its emissions footprint while also sending a message to other communities that using green power is also a financially responsible choice. By switching to renewable energy, the City is projected to save approximately $100,000 per year on electricity bills.”
The City’s choice to use green power helps advance the voluntary market for green power, as well as the development of those sources. The City and other Green Power Partners are also helping to reduce the negative health impacts of air emissions, including those related to ozone, fine particles, acid rain and regional haze.
“This list of the largest users of green power across the nation is proof that good business practices can also benefit the environment,” said James Critchfield, Program Manager of EPA’s Green Power Partnership. “EPA applauds the leading organizations in the Green Power Partnership’s Top Partner Rankings for their notable commitment to expanding their use of green power and protecting the environment.”
According to the U.S. EPA, the City of Lawrence’s green power use of nearly 35 million kWh is equivalent to the annual electricity use of more than 3,000 average American homes.
Environmental sustainability is one of six commitments the City has outlined in its new strategic plan. By making this commitment, the City is acknowledging a deep respect for our place in relationship with the planet and environment and committing to considering the environmental consequences of every decision, big and small.
Contact: Jasmin Moore, Sustainability Director, Lawrence-Douglas County Sustainability Office, jamoore@lawrenceks.org | 785-331-9813