On Tuesday morning, a representative from the Sierra Club was in Fowler to officially recognize the town as a Cool City. Jenny Kedward, secretary of the Sangre de Cristo chapter of the Sierra Club, said Fowler is at the top of the list for being innovative regarding alternative energy options as well as other environmentally conservative practices. Fowler is the first community on Colorado's eastern slope to be named a Cool City.
So what is a Cool City? These are cities that have made a commitment to stopping global warming by signing the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement or joining the Partners for Climate Protection program. Begun in 2005, the Cool Cities campaign empowers city residents and local leaders to join and encourage their cities to implement smart energy solutions to save money and build a cleaner, safer future. Fowler Mayor, Ray Wards, signed the agreement earlier this year on Aug. 10.
Initiated and led by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, the USCPA is a pledge by mayors to reduce global warming pollution in their cities by 7 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2012.
Several projects in the Fowler area contribute to these efforts. Solar lights recently installed in Gerard Park as well as a city-wide solar energy plan underscore Fowler's dedication to seeking alternative energy solutions. Also noted at Tuesday's press conference was the renovation of Park School. “Fowler has already implemented several measures and is well on its way to expanding efforts to protect the environment,” commented Kedward.
More information on the Cool City program may be found online at www.coolcities.us.
