6 Days until Election Day, issue of the day: Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy/Green initiatives:  I will work with others to encourage the City of Golden Valley to become a greener city.

The 2012 Minnesota State Legislature passed an omnibus energy bill to provide incentives and encourage the development of more solar power and alternative energy sources. Golden Valley can take advantage of some of the incentives and net-metering discounts by installing solar panels and systems on public buildings.  Also available from the state is a grant/loan program called the guaranteed energy savings program which can be used to make public buildings more energy efficient.  I would like to see the City lead the way in setting an example for the use of renewable energy use and building efficiencies.  I think it is important to lead by example to encourage businesses and residents to install alternative energy resources and more efficient energy use systems.  One possible use is by using solar gardens or cooperative neighborhood solar installations that could provide power to several users in a neighborhood.  Using alternative sustainable energy sources and looking for ways to make our city buildings more energy efficient is better for the environment and it will help reduce our utility bill.