An energy plan that includes City of Fernley's future Green Vision and lists ten goals, along with principles the city would "live by" and energy recommendations, were all part of a document the Fernley City Council approved of by a vote of 4-1 at its last meeting.
City staff developed the document, entitled 'Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy,' as part of funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant in 2009.
In order for the City of Fernley to pursue additional energy grants through the DOE, the EECS had to be completed.
Assisting City staff in developing a conservation strategy was XL Energy Solution, according to an agenda report written by City Grants Administrator Leslieann Hayden.
Hayden also wrote, "This strategy is a vision document, a fluid blueprint that should be updated periodically as technologies evolve and budgets warrant. The document formulates opportunities to select which strategies the City would desire to pursue in striving to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions."
After a presentation by XL Energy Solution's Larry Burton, Eilrich said he felt the city was "burning a lot of energy," adding that he was worried about the energy plan and saying that eventually, the city will be asked to fund projects.
Eilrich added the timing was not right, as some residents are "worried about paying their mortgages." And he continued that energy conservation is wonderful, but it can't be implemented without government assistance.
"I have a real hard time with this when we have other issues to deal with," Eilrich said, also adding that the document included information about "greenhouse gases," which he said he did not support.
Mayor LeRoy Goodman said that he agreed with Eilrich, but also supported the document, saying that if the city can save money on its energy consumption, it will ultimately save money for taxpayers.
The mayor also pointed out the document is simply conceptual and no money was being requested.
City Community Development Director Fred Turnier said the city spends $1 million on energy costs each year, such as for pumps for its Water Treatment at Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Councilman Don Parsons said he hoped the city was pursuing grants that don't require matching funds, and he also questioned how the city could utilize geothermal energy, which was identified in the report.
"I can see wind and solar, but we have no money to do it," Parsons said.
Councilman Curt Chaffin supported the report, saying, "It's wise for us to go ahead."
Bob Chase, councilman, also supported the document, saying that the U.S. is too dependant on oil and the plan is "a crack in the door."
Chase also pointed out the city maybe able to save money on energy, saying a "soft start system saves energy."
According to the report, the ten goals would be achieved within the next 12 years and include:
1. Receive 50% of the City of Fernley facilities energy from clean renewable sources.
2. Create a new clean tech and green job initiative.
3. Reduce per capita energy use by 20%.
4. Prioritize and retrofit appropriate City building to Green Building standards.
5. Beneficially use available geothermal resources for renewable energy if practical.
6. Design and adopt a comprehensive plan with measurable standards for sustainable development.
7. Investigate using alternative fuels to operate city vehicles.
8. Plant new trees and replace city owned streetlights with LED.
9. Recycle or beneficially reuse of wastewater.
10. Investigate the use of solar, thermal, photovoltaic and wind energy on appropriate city buildings and other facilities such as the sewer treatment facility."
Some of the principles the city will live by to achieve the goals include leading by example by pursuing efficient energy use at city owned facilities, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment and encouraging development of renewable energy sources.
The plan also calls for a website to engage the public and to obtain feedback and outreach to the community.
