NEW: Sustainability Ordinance Helps City ‘Go Green’
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The Providence City Council has passed an ordinance codifying the position of Sustainability Director, continuing the Council’s many legislative actions to make Providence a greener, better place to live and work.
The ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Taveras on Friday, June 8th.
In addition to establishing the Sustainability Director position, the ordinance outlines how Providence will develop, implement, and report its green initiatives. “There will now be a Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), which will guide the City’s green initiatives and conservation efforts,” said Yurdin. “Annually, the Sustainability Director will update the SAP and will issue a report detailing the progress made.” The SAP will be developed in conjunction with the Environmental Sustainability Task Force.
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Yurdin added that, “Mayor Taveras hired the City’s first-ever Sustainability Director, Sheila Dormody, in December 2011. By establishing the position through an ordinance, the Council has ensured that the position continues into the future--even under different administrations.”
“Mayor Taveras, Councilman Yurdin, and the City Council have been true leaders in their commitment to making Providence more sustainable,” said Dormody. “Having a Sustainability Action Plan will hold us accountable to tracking and measuring the City’s work to promote clean energy, reduce costs, and create a healthier city for the next generation.”
“I commend Councilor Yurdin and the City Council for making the position of Sustainability Director a permanent part of Providence’s government,” said Mayor Taveras. “Under Sheila Dormody’s leadership, Providence is making progress on efforts to reduce the city's energy bills, increase recycling in the city and make Providence a greener city. This ordinance ensures that such efforts will continue in future administrations.”
The sustainability ordinance is just the latest in a long line of environmental proposals spearheaded by Councilman Yurdin and passed by the Council. Since being elected in 2006, Yurdin sponsored legislation improving air quality, lowering carbon emissions, and establishing new recycling goals for the City. “The Sustainability Director will oversee these many efforts and guide the City to greater efficiency and an improved quality of life,” explained Yurdin.