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C O N S E R V A T I O N 11 CHAPTER The Conservation chapter is intended to address issues identified throughout the planning and public process during the creation of the Laramie Comprehensive Plan. The issues identified for the Conservation chapter range from general environmental issues such as open space, pollution (air, water, noise & light) and recycling, to other conservation related issues like energy resources, energy efficiency and environmental education. The community has expressed the importance of addressing these issues as a major factor in making the plan fit the community’s vision for the future. Identifying these issues of importance and providing mechanisms for accomplishing these goals provide the framework for this chapter. INTRODUCTION For the purpose of the Conservation chapter, policies and guidance will be provided to address many different issues generally related to conservation. Throughout the comprehensive planning process conservation issues were identified by many groups and individuals. Through compilation of the comments received during the many public meetings, presentations to different interest groups and the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), key issues were identified which form the basis of this chapter. Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) Is a committee tasked to research and provide recommendation to the Laramie City Council and Albany County Commissioners at their request. The EAC is a joint City of Laramie and Albany County committee, where members are appointed by the City Council and Albany County Commissioners. During the comprehensive planning process, environmental issues were identified as a key factor in making Laramie a livable community. Laramie is a unique city, with the environment and the environmental quality at the center of what makes this community special and sensitive to issues related to the environment. Many of the ideas found in this chapter will build upon or support the ideas found in the previous chapters, while others will present new issues that should be addressed. This chapter will provide guidance on a variety of issues in an effort that will continue to make this community one that considers conservation issues when making decisions. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION 11-2 L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N CONSERVATION ISSUES Summarized below is a compilation of the comments received during the many public meetings held, including presentations to different interest groups and the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC). The items listed below were the main issues brought up through the public process. Conservation Issues List Environmental issues identified through the public process: Sustainable Lifestyles Sensitive Areas Open Space Protection Waste Management Energy Efficiency Water Resources Air Quality Noise/Light Pollution Environmental Education Environmentally Appropriate Economic Development EXPLANATION OF CONSERVATION ISSUES Many of the issues identified and deemed important related to conservation require explanation as to what each entails. Some of the items are easily explained while others require more explanation as to how they relate to conservation in Laramie. All of the issues identified relate to Laramie and its ability to retain a lifestyle that is desired and identified as important by members of our community. Sustainable Lifestyles The livability of a community is extremely important in helping form a relationship between its residents and their perception of the community. Historically, communities were close‐knit, had defined neighborhoods and walking to the neighborhood store or park was a daily event. As time passed and with the popularity of the automobile, communities began to orient around the automobile instead of the pedestrian. In addition to the automobile, zoning also assisted in segregating residents away from their daily needs like work, school and shopping by separating uses such as residential, commercial and industrial. As Chapter 1, Planning Challenges and Chapter 3, Community Character describe, a live‐work community that is walkable and that has compatible mixed uses creates a livable Providing alternative means of transportation like biking allows citizens environmentally friendly ways to get to work, home or run errands. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N 11-3 community that benefits its residents in many different ways. By creating a sustainable lifestyle that does not require the use of an automobile, while encouraging other modes of transportation, daily needs can continue to be met while reducing dependency on fossil fuels, minimizing pollution, as well as leading healthier lives. Encouraging development that benefits the community’s livability also contributes to protecting valuable and critical wildlife habitat by discouraging sprawl development. Many other programs listed in this chapter, as well as previous chapters, will further promote a sustainable lifestyle for our community. Programs, such as continuing our participation in the Tree City USA program and local clean up days, promote the responsibility of all citizens making our community more sustainable and livable. The Laramie River and riparian area has a high level of biodiversity as well as aquatic life due to the river’s unique ecosystem. Sensitive Areas A variety of sensitive areas were identified through the public process. Areas deemed sensitive included wetlands, 100‐year floodplains, aquifer recharge areas, slopes over 15%, soils unsuitable for building and unique habitats. Some of these areas have been identified, and can be found on Map 7.3, Development Limitation Areas, Map 10.3, Flood Plain and Map 10.4 Casper Aquifer Protection Area. Of these areas identified, the Casper Aquifer and the Laramie River were considered especially important. The Casper Aquifer Protection Plan, a plan that regulates uses in the protection area, was recently updated as a result of concerns raised during recent development proposals. Many residents felt that the previous plan did not adequately protect one of Laramie’s main water sources, the Casper Aquifer. The Laramie River, unlike the Casper Aquifer, has no protection plan. However the entire zone is protected by State and Federal laws, such as the Clean Water Act which is administered by the Corps of Engineers, requiring permits and wetland mitigation for any proposed disturbance to the river and its accompanying wetlands. Development proposals may only be restricted, not prohibited, by the presence of a flood plain and zoning codes in areas around the Laramie River. River bottoms and riparian areas typically have high levels of biodiversity and aquatic life. Maintaining a contiguous riparian corridor provides highly desirable open space and water for the human and widely diverse wildlife population. Overlay zones similar to the Casper Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone, should be considered for areas like the Laramie River corridor and other critical areas such as sensitive areas, scenic vistas, wildlife migration routes and winter ranges. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Is a land development control tool used to preserve one area and direct development to a more suitable area. Typically the designated density that is allowed to be transferred can be applied to another zoning district or sold as real property. In some instances, requiring development setbacks can accomplish the goal of protecting critical areas. Setbacks from areas such as river and lake banks, wetlands, floodplains, recharge areas, scenic vistas and natural habitats can protect sensitive areas without special zoning regulations. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION 11-4 L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N Although regulation through overlay zones and setbacks can protect these valuable resources, non‐regulatory methods like providing incentives to relocate development can help guide development away from sensitive areas. Planned unit developments and transfer of development rights (TDR) and density bonuses are commonly used non‐ regulatory techniques. By allowing developers to transfer development rights from sensitive areas to areas of less concern, protection can be accomplished while encouraging, not prohibiting development. In addition, the City could consider providing tax incentives to enroll lands in conservation easements or provide quick and easy dedication of land to the city for permanent protection. Open Space Protection Chapter 4, Parks and Recreation addresses many issues related to resource conservation and preservation through open space and greenbelts. It notes the high importance that open space (natural or developed) and greenbelts play in the creation of livable communities as well as protecting environmental resources, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and viewsheds. Parkland dedication ordinances that require developers to dedicate a percentage of land to parks or open space or pay an in‐lieu fee offer a municipality the ability to acquire parkland at no cost, while adequately reducing a development’s impact on existing parks and open space system. Ideally, these areas that are acquired not only support human activities and transportation but also correspond to existing wildlife migration routes and grazing areas. Acquisition of open space and parks through development is not the only way to acquire parklands. Governments can purchase land outright or purchase conservation easements. Funds are typically generated by increasing sales or property taxes or through the creation of a special purpose tax, such as a recreation mill. Also noted during the public process were the types of open space or parklands that should be made available. In addition to the traditional parks found throughout the City, open spaces with natural vegetation, wetlands or other physical features that do not require the typical maintenance of a traditional park are desired. Non‐traditional park sites ranging from BMX bike tracks, natural open space and campgrounds could be made available to allow residents additional ways to enjoy more outdoor activities as well as improving or maintaining wildlife and natural habitat. The City of Laramie should also consider developing a Land Conservation Master Plan. This plan would provide more details on how the relevant goals in the Laramie Comprehensive Plan could be achieved and identify specific conservation efforts. The topics typically found in a Land Conservation Master Plan could also be merged with the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan, which is recommended in Chapter 4, Parks and Recreation. Waste Management Many issues related to the City’s waste management program have already been discussed in Chapter 6, Public Utilities and Chapter 10, Public Safety. Issues discussed include hazardous material disposal, the life expectancy of the landfill and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) notice of preliminary groundwater contamination. Of these ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N 11-5 issues the high cost associated with a new landfill or the lining of the landfill is a major concern. Similar recycling facilities are located at drop off location throughout Laramie. Chapter 6, Public Utilities also discusses issues related to recycling. Currently the City’s recycling program, which is performed at the landfill, is limited to the salvage of some steel, appliances, tires, wood, batteries and waste oil. No curbside recycling program is available through the City. Laramie is home to Ark Regional Services, a facility which takes recyclable material from the entire surrounding area (Casper, Lander and Walden, CO). Also, one local private recycling enterprise performs the only other function when it comes to recycling. Increased opportunities for citizens to recycle, as well as public education aimed at increasing recycling and waste reduction could help extend the life of the existing landfill. Yard waste such as leaves, tree branches and grass clippings take up valuable space in most landfills. In addition, the City of Laramie does not take an active role in waste reduction. Diversion of certain materials from the landfill could save the City money as well as extend the life expectancy of the current landfill. Programs could be developed that educate individuals and business towards reducing their contributions to the landfill, as well as possibly providing incentives for businesses such as contractors in an effort to reduce the amount delivered to the landfill. Other programs such as a “reuse” site, which allows drop‐off and pick‐up of items that can still be used (i.e. TV’s, paint, furniture, bikes, etc.) can reduce the number of items that make it into the landfill. Also the City could encourage composting through an expanded yard waste drop‐off program. It was also noted that the City government could dramatically reduce paper use by increasing the amount of business that could be done electronically. Hazardous waste disposal is also discussed in Chapter 6, Public Utilities. In 2007, the City initiated an e‐waste program to collect electronic waste from residents and businesses. The City should continue to promote and expand this program by increasing the number of times for pickup or making a permanent location for drop off to may make it easier for citizens to properly dispose of hazardous materials. Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is a conservation concept that spans a wide range of issues. Specifically related to building standards, the City of Laramie requires that all new construction and remodels follow the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This code requires standards that achieve higher energy efficiency for buildings. In addition to the IECC, requirements could be instituted to further promote energy efficiency. The City could institute or encourage builders and developers to build energy ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION 11-6 L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N efficient buildings and neighborhoods, by meeting the specific criteria set by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and LEED for Neighborhood Development. LEED certification is a voluntary building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council as a standard for sustainable buildings. LEED for Neighborhood Development is a voluntary neighborhood design program that integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into newly designed communities. Similar programs such as the Energy Star’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index, would provide home buyers an energy efficiency rating on their potential purchase, thus giving residents the ability to choose a home based on energy efficiency. Programs such as these could encourage a general increase in energy efficient building if these buildings are desired across the community. Wind energy being harnessed in Laramie. Other incentives encouraging energy efficiency could also be provided, such as no‐interest or low‐interest loans that could be used by developers or homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades and neighborhood design concepts, or through the expedited review for those projects that meet specific criteria such as LEED or LEED for Neighborhood Development. The City should also look at decreasing the number of non‐conforming mobile homes, due to their high energy inefficiency. Standards or regulations should be set that require non‐conforming mobile homes to meet (by renovation or replacement) the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards, develop a replacement program or amortize all non‐ conforming mobile homes within a set time limit. Furthermore, in response to the US Mayor’s Cool Climate Resolution, the City adopted Resolution 2007‐70 in the fall of 2007, authorizing preparation of a climate control action plan. In passing the Resolution, the Laramie City Council established an ad hoc technical advisory committee to prepare the plan. The goal of the plan is for the City to do its share in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In preparing the plan, the ad hoc committee is charged to: 1. Conduct an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions present in the immediate area, and propose reduction targets and plan for meeting the target; 2. Gather information and data from advocacy groups and the public regarding attitudes and opinions relating to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations; 3. Solicit public input and participation in the comprehensive review process concerning greenhouse gas reductions from municipal operations; 4. Identify and recommend a prioritized list of cost‐effective actions to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions to target levels and develop a plan for municipal operations; and 5. Engage in other specified duties or assignments as directed by City Council related to its review of greenhouse gas emissions, propose reduction targets, and plan for meeting the targets. Currently, the study has been placed on hold until it can be sufficiently funded and a city‐ wide energy conservation policy is established. Although the study itself has been postponed, the City has implemented a fuel conservation policy for its fleet and equipment ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N 11-7 operations. Other measures, have also been taken such as, purchases of smaller, fuel efficient hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, and acquisition of bicycles for commuting to off‐site meetings or city buildings. The City, in cooperation with Albany County, ARK Regional Services and the Town of Hanna, in May 2009 initiated an energy audit of its buildings through the Wyoming Business Council’s Wyoming Energy Conservation Improvement Program (WYECIP). Through energy conservation, the City has an opportunity to reallocate existing resources and improve facilities that will enhance long term energy savings. There are other ways the City and its residents could promote energy efficiency in our community. Encouraging energy companies to provide Laramie citizens (homes and businesses) and governments (government buildings) with the ability to purchase renewable energy such as wind or solar energy, or sell excess energy, would be a way for Laramie to be more environmentally friendly. Laramie and the surrounding community has an opportunity to harness both wind and solar energy relatively easily due to the frequency and velocity of wind and total number of sunny days per year. Due to the high number of sunny days, as well as the generally flat terrain, conditions in Laramie are also ideal for passive solar heating to be used in buildings and homes. Encouraging the design and building of passive solar homes and business through low interest loans, tax credits or ordinances Laramie could reduce the overall amount of energy used. The City should also consider expanding the public transportation network which would reduce the number of people driving, thus increasing the overall energy efficiency of the city. This program could be expanded by utilizing buses or vehicles that are fuel efficient, hybrids or use non‐conventional fuels. The concept of using non‐conventional fuel, hybrid or fuel efficient vehicles could be encouraged for larger organizations such as the City, University, Albany County and other large businesses with fleet vehicles. Water Resources Over the past few years, Laramie residents have become more cognizant of water conservation needs, particularly in response to the drought conditions and water restrictions imposed on residents by the City in 2002. Protection of the Laramie River and the Casper Aquifer has also been of high concern due to increasing development and the potential of contamination. These past occurrences and recent threats demonstrate that it may be beneficial for the City to encourage water conservation methods in an effort to protect this valuable resource. Requirements such as xeriscape standards for development could provide an aesthetically pleasing way to landscape residences or businesses lawns without high water usage. Additional incentives such as tiered water rates, water rebates for xeriscape, educational programs, xeriscape demonstration gardens or contests, could further help in an effort to conserve water. All of these methods could result in lower water consumption. The City of Laramie should also consider using “greywater” or untreated water (well water) for watering our parks and recreational lands. Although infrastructure costs may ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION 11-8 L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N be high at the installation stage (new infrastructure is required to move greywater), cost savings would be seen in addition to reducing the City’s overall potable water consumption. The use of a “greywater” system could also be expanded for use by individual residences and businesses. In addition to efforts related to water conservation, the City has approved an update to the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan and accompanying Overlay Zoning Ordinance. The County has not approved the update and continues to work on approval of the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan as well as the accompanying ordinances. The update to the plan will provide City and County governments information and tools to continue protection of the Casper Aquifer. More information related to water resource issues can be found in Chapter 6, Public Utilities and Chapter 10, Public Safety. Air Quality Many roads located in West Laramie are not paved, which creates excess dust throughout the year. It was noted during the public meetings that air quality should be addressed in the Laramie Comprehensive Plan. Although not one of the most frequently mentioned concerns, most residents noted that Laramie’s air quality is quite good. The most discussed issue related to air quality was dust generated by construction activity. Additional monitoring, stricter standards, increased enforcement measures and more detailed regulations regarding dust generated by construction activity could greatly mitigate this issue. Laramie and Albany County do not require vehicle emissions inspection. Local inspections, if instituted, would be costly and possibly not feasible. It should also be noted that many vehicles in the community are not registered locally and are traveling through the community on I‐80 or are students at the University of Wyoming, Laramie Community College or Wyoming Technical Institute. Because many emissions testing programs are based on where the vehicle is registered, many of these non‐local vehicles would be exempt from emissions testing under a standard testing program. Laramie roads were also noted as contributors to poor air quality. Most roads in west Laramie and in the one mile jurisdictional boundary are not paved. Higher amounts of dust result from high winds and traffic volumes on gravel and dirt roads. Gravel and dirt roads should be discouraged and all roads within City limits should be paved. Furthermore, the City should investigate the cleanliness of existing paved streets. The City’s existing street sweeping program should be expanded to better address poor air ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N 11-9 quality created by dust and dirt on city streets. Many western states and communities have adopted street sweeping mandates to protect air quality as well as water quality from point source runoff. Likewise, wood burning stoves can cause air pollution. Due to winter temperature inversions, accompanied by terrain and weather patterns, trapped air pollution can remain above a city for hours or days. However, evidence indicates that Laramie’s terrain and wind actually reduced the amount of pollution trapped, preventing a noticeable difference. Nevertheless, the use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified stoves or requiring new stoves to be EPA certified would reduce the amount and quality of the smoke introduced into the atmosphere. The EPA certifies a wide range of stoves (wood, pellet, gas, etc.) which reduces the amount of smoke emissions, produce cleaner smoke and increase efficiency. Noise/Light Pollution Noise and light pollution was not seen as a major environmental issue but was identified as a potential concern during the public input process. A loud or noisy environment is generally not desired or healthy, and should be mitigated. Many noise complaints were related to noisy vehicles. These noisy vehicles have been hard for Laramie to regulate, due to the complexity of the noise regulations found in LMC 8.40, that define compliance based on zoning as well as decibel level. A reduction of light pollution is also beneficial to the community not only from a quality of life standpoint, but also from a scientific standpoint due to the astronomy observatories located in the Laramie area. A variety of solutions are available specifically aimed at reducing light pollution. Because much of the light pollution comes from lights located in parking lots, on buildings or along streets, a stricter lighting ordinance could be enacted to provide a standard for new and existing development. An ordinance to regulate illumination levels, types of lighting, shielding and placement of lighting and heights of light fixtures (present commercial standards limit height to 18’) to minimize light trespass should be developed and could adequately address the problem. The City could also provide opportunities for existing light polluters to reduce their light pollution through various programs that may provide assistance or incentives. Environmental Education Environmental education is not related to only one specific conservation issue. Creating a strong environmental/conservation education and outreach program for the City of Laramie could contribute to furthering many of the goals contained within this chapter as well as other chapters. Activities such as working with the Albany County Library’s xeriscape gardens, writing conservation articles for the Laramie Boomerang, coordinating electronic recycling days, school outreach programs, conservation volunteer programs or implanting conservation goals found in other plans could greatly contribute to the conservation efforts for the City of Laramie and its residents. Most likely a position similar to the former City Public Works position of Water Outreach Coordinator would be developed or reinstated to coordinate environmental/conservation education programs and implement the other goals and action statements in this chapter. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION 11-10 L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N Environmentally Appropriate Economic Development Because conservation was deemed important by residents in Laramie, it is fitting that Laramie encourages businesses to be aware of the environment that its residents and workers feel so strongly about. The Laramie Economic Development Corporation and other groups are actively working towards expanding economic development by enticing businesses to move to Laramie. Groups like those mentioned above, as well as the City, could benefit by being more conservation minded, through the inaction of these ideas found in this chapter. As Laramie’s reputation for being conservation minded spreads, environmentally friendly businesses may want to locate in Laramie, which in turn will contribute to the economic base as well as benefiting the environment. Incentives such as tax breaks, reduced land prices and specialized districts that encourage like‐minded, environmentally friendly business and industry can help encourage, attract and create jobs, all while considering the environment. CONSERVATION GOALS AND ACTION STATEMENT In this section the goals and action statements for each element of the plan are set forth. The goals and action statements are to be used as a starting point to achieve the overall vision of this plan. Sustainable Lifestyles Goals and Action Statements 1. Update zoning code to allow for mixed use development that encourages residences, businesses and recreation destinations in close proximity of one another. 2. Develop neighborhood design concepts that make a neighborhood a live/work environment and apply to the whole city. The Turner Tract guidelines provide an example. 3. Continue to follow recommendations found in Chapter 4, Parks and Recreation as well as completion of a Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan. Special attention should be given to roads, trails and sidewalk designs that accommodate bikes and pedestrians and encourage pedestrian or bike only systems separated from road infrastructure. 4. Continue to follow recommendations found in Chapter 7, Urban Growth, more specifically related to the urban growth boundary and the encouragement of infill growth. 5. Continue to follow recommendations found in Chapter 8, Transportation. Recommendations related to alternative transportation modes should be concentrated on. 6. Develop neighborhood plans in an effort to encourage livable communities. 7. Continue participation in the Tree City USA program. 8. Continue participation in local clean up programs in an effort to promote sustainable lifestyles for our community. 9. Encourage developments to use standards found in the guidelines for LEED for Neighborhood Development. 10. Develop a Climate Action Plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N 11-11 Sensitive Areas Goals and Action Statements 1. Implement recommendations found in the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan. 2. Recommend and consider additional overlay zones that encourage resource conservation (i.e. critical environments, scenic areas, wildlife migration routes and winter ranges). 3. Require an environmental analysis report for development areas identified as areas of concern. 4. Identify sensitive areas that would benefit from setback measures and implement specific setbacks for identified areas based on expert advice. 5. Create incentive programs such as transfer of development rights and density bonuses for redirecting density away from sensitive areas. 6. Develop an impact fee to be used as a disincentive for developing in sensitive areas. 7. Develop tax incentives to encourage land owners to donate lands or place lands in conservation easements. 8. Identify areas of sensitivity in need of protection. Open Space Protection Goals and Action Statements 1. Implement Chapter 4, Parks and Recreation goals and action statements especially those related to parkland dedication and in‐lieu of fees. 2. Parkland and open space should be developed in an effort to protect wildlife corridors and habitat. 3. Create a tax/mill increase, where proceeds would be used to purchase open space, conservation easements and other lands. 4. Develop a Land Conservation Master Plan or incorporate the ideas related to land conservation into the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan. 5. Develop alternative forms of outdoor recreation within the City such as camping and biking. 6. Implement recommendations found in Chapter 7, Urban Growth more specifically related to the development limitation areas that recommend protection of viewsheds, wetlands, Casper Aquifer Protection Area, floodways, flood plains and riparian areas. Waste Management Goals and Action Statements 1. Provide additional opportunities for citizens to recycle by implementing curbside recycling. 2. Develop a business and residential education program aimed at increasing recycling and waste reduction. 3. Develop a waste reduction/reuse program for specified materials that typically are disposed of in a landfill. 4. Improve the current drop‐off service for yard waste to encourage composting. 5. City government should increase the amount of business that can be done electronically, thus reducing total paper usage. 6. Develop a program to collect hazardous waste more times a year or locate and develop a permanent location for year around drop‐off. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION 11-12 L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N Energy Efficiency Goals and Action Statements 1. Continue to monitor and adopt any updates to the International Energy Conservation Code. 2. Develop a program that could provide no/low interest loans for developers or homeowners meant for energy efficiency upgrades. 3. Provide priority development review for projects registered as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or LEED Neighborhood Development certified. 4. Require home builders to provide potential buyers with Energy Star’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index number. 5. Complete the Climate Action Plan and Study in an effort to establish a city‐wide energy conservation policy 6. Provide the ability for City residents to purchase renewable energy, such as wind power or solar to power homes and business. 7. Purchase only renewable energy for powering government buildings. 8. Examine the feasibility of City fleet vehicles using biodiesel, hybrids, or other non conventional fuels. Water Resources Goals and Action Statements 1. Develop a xeriscape standard for developments. 2. Providing incentives such as water rebates, xeriscape garden contests or other ways to encourage low water usage landscaping. 3. Implement recommendations found in the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan. 4. Develop a greywater system to water open space and parklands. 5. Develop education programs in an effort to utilize our water resources better. Air Quality Goals and Action Statements 1. Develop stricter enforcement and more monitoring related to regulations regarding dust generated by construction activity. 2. Develop emission testing for vehicles. 3. Recommend to residents that new stoves be EPA certified or adopt regulations requiring all new stoves be EPA certified. 4. All dirt and gravel streets within City limits shall be paved. 5. All new development within the City as well as the 1‐mile jurisdictional boundary shall be required to pave all streets. 6. Expand existing street sweeping program and standards to better address poor air quality standards created by dust and dirt on city streets. Noise/Light Pollution Goals and Action Statements 1. Work with the Laramie Police Department in an effort to curtail noisy vehicles. 2. Develop a more detailed lighting ordinance that regulates illumination levels, types of lighting, shielding and placement of lighting and heights of light to minimize light trespass at a minimum. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 11: CONSERVATION L A R A M I E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N 11-13 Environmental Education Goals and Action Statements 1. Development an environmental/conservation education program. 2. Reinstitute a position similar to the former City Public Works position of Water Outreach Coordinator that would coordinate environmental/conservation education programs as well as any other goals and action statements related to environmental or conservation principles. Environmentally Appropriate Economic Development Goals and Action Statements 1. Seek businesses and industry that practice environmentally friendly practices in an effort to seek environmentally responsible economic development. 2. Follow recommendations found in this plan and chapter in an effort to make Laramie attractive for environmentally friendly business. 3. Find alternative ways to encourage environmentally friendly business or industry such as tax incentives, reduced land values or special districts.