Climate Action Plan Introduction

The Town of New Castle has adopted a Climate Action Plan. Drafted and recommended by the Town’s Climate Action Advisory Commission, the plan has 5 key strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

Lead by example. Municipal government will make its buildings and operations a model of energy efficiency and renewable energy while reducing energy costs.

Change the rules that influence energy use. Energy use is greatly affected by the municipal code. The Town will upgrade ordinances and regulations to achieve more efficient energy use. Where appropriate, it will join with others to address issues beyond town boundaries.

Create programs to remove barriers to wiser energy use. The Town will work with Xcel Energy, Holy Cross Energy, the Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA), the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE), Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO), and others to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future, offering programs to households and businesses that combine financing, technical assistance, and education.

Increase local renewable energy supplies. The Town will use its ability to access funding to act as a local energy producer and investor.

Cultivate clean energy jobs and businesses. New Castle will pursue implementation of this energy plan in ways that strengthen the community’s reputation for being green to attract green and sustainable energy enterprises.