Title
A Resolution expressing the support of the Urban County Council for solar energy initiatives and encouraging the Departments, Divisions, and Agencies of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to explore strategies for the use of solar energy, expressing support for solar energy campaigns and for Grant opportunities to assist lower income families to participate in solar energy initiatives, and encouraging other solutions to make solar energy more affordable in Lexington-Fayette County. [Council Office, Maynard]
Summary
Body
WHEREAS, the Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government recognizes that solar power is a clean source of energy that can power homes, businesses, vehicles, streetlights, and other infrastructure in Lexington-Fayette County; and
WHEREAS, the United States Energy Information Administration estimates that, in 2015, 76.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide were emitted in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the production of electricity; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan adopted by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government in 2013 encourages the reduction of the city’s carbon footprint as a goal to be pursued by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government recognizes that the use of solar energy will reduce carbon pollution and improve air quality; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government recognizes that installation of solar energy creates jobs, and as the use of solar energy becomes more widespread, the number of solar jobs is expected to increase; and
WHEREAS, in light of the advantages of solar energy in the reduction of carbon pollution, improved air quality, and the creation of jobs, the Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government desires to exercise statewide leadership by supporting solar energy initiatives as an important clean energy solution.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT:
Section 1 - That the Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government expresses support for solar energy initiatives, and encourages the departments, divisions, and agencies of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to explore strategies to support the use of solar energy. Possible strategies to explore may include the use of solar energy in new construction and in municipal buildings, improvements in the permitting process for commercial and industrial solar installations, the use of solar energy in the public infrastructure, the facilitation of investments in solar energy, and support for city-wide solar education programs.
Section 2 - That the Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government expresses support for public and private solar energy campaigns to promote the expanded use of solar energy in Lexington-Fayette County.
Section 3 - That the Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government expresses support for grant opportunities to assist lower income families to participate in solar energy initiatives and encourages other solutions to make solar energy more affordable in Lexington-Fayette County.
Section 4 - That this Resolution shall become effective on the date of its passage.
PASSED URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL: