Environmental Advisory Committee passes resolution supporting city's municipal emissions reduction plan

The emission reduction plan outlined a 50% reduction by 2030, a 90% reduction by 2040 and net zero by 2050. This would be done by reducing the city's emissions in buildings and facilities, water facilities and vehicle fleets through three phases.

Phase one will include:

• Taking the initial steps to retrofit municipal buildings to increase energy efficiency;

• Continue purchasing energy efficient hybrid or electric vehicles;

• Ensure walkability and bikeability of city sidewalks and bike lanes; and

• Develop a waste reduction strategy.

Phase two will include:

• Continue retrofits as old equipment ages out;

• Continue transitioning vehicles; and

• Implement strategies of waste reduction strategy or plan.

Phase three will include:

• Through a combination of on-site energy generation and offsite procurement, municipal facilities should be powered by renewable and low carbon energy sources;

• Complete upgrade of city vehicle fleet; and

• Prioritize waste reduction and diversion strategies.

Many of the committee members were excited about the long-time resolution being passed, but member Jennifer Coolidge was quick to voice her apprehension.

“I’ve talked to over 200 people now, which is way more than who’s shown up in the committee meetings, and none of them want this to go forward,” Coolidge said. “They see what’s going to happen on the backside and since I represent all those people, I am a little concerned. … With all due respect, I don’t believe the whole community is behind this and I wish that I had been here when it started. I get that you guys have worked on this for x number of years, but the whole community doesn’t even know this is going on — we should have done a better job at getting information to the public.”

The resolution was passed with a 6-1 vote with members Ellen Currano, Allen Doyle, Ronald Marrs, Kyle McDonald, Eric Hayes and Jakopak voting in favor and Coolidge voting against.

History of the plan

Since 2018, students from the University of Wyoming Haub School of Environmental and Natural Resources and the city of Laramie have been collaborating to create the city's first comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory.

The inventory was completed in 2019 and the results sparked conversation in the city about municipal and community emission reduction and energy efficiency. This discussion led to the Environmental Advisory Committee creating a subcommittee that included students and community members. Participants were asked to review data, research other cities emission plans and identify potential areas for emission reduction.

The subcommittee presented their recommendations, including setting specific reduction goals and creating a mock comprehensive plan, to the City Council. The council unanimously adopted a resolution to immediately reduce carbon emission from municipal operations and pursue a carbon neutral future for the city by 2025.

Future ideas

With the resolution passed and in the rearview mirror, the committee asked community members present to give suggestions for future projects.

Laramie resident Nancy Sindelar, suggested the reduction of speed limits around Laramie to make the city more walkable and bikeable.

“It will make it easier,” Sincelar said. “People will be more likely to ride their bike to run an errand — one less car driving at the time.”

Other residents suggested changing the use of plastic bags and possibly a survey on outdoor recreation accessibility.

“I’m interested to learn from other community members and how they feel about and how they experience access to the outdoors,” Laramie resident Conor Mullen suggested. “We live in a place where we have wonderful outdoor opportunities for recreation exploration here. I’d be curious to learn how other community members feel about their access to it.”

New member

The meeting was the first that included Doyle as new committee member. Following Aubrey Edwards' resignation on Jan. 24, City Council liaison Erin O’Doherty and County Commissioner liaison Pete Gosar began interviewing potential applicants. On March 5, Doyle was approved to occupy the vacant spot until his term ends on Nov. 7, 2025.

“I'm relatively new to Laramie,” Doyle said. “I moved here from Cody last August, where I served on the Conservation District. My background academically is at the intersection of religion and environmental science. My current paying job is the Episcopal chaplain at the University of Wyoming working with students but really excited and humbled to be here.”

For more information on the emission plan visit: tinyurl.com/emission-plan.