Phoenix Continues To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

June 10, 2020

A progress report conducted by the city of Phoenix and Arizona State University shows that the city once again met its goal by achieving a 15.4 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from city operations from 2005 to 2018.

“Despite being the fastest growing city in the nation Phoenix has seen emission reductions due to our city’s proactive environmental planning measures,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “COVID-19 has further illuminated the link between public health and the environment. Investments in clean energy technologies and emissions mitigation can assist in our recovery and make us one of the most dynamic economies in the country.”

The most significant GHG reduction measures implemented by the city include: advanced methane capture systems at city-owned landfills; increased transition to alternative fuels; completed installation of energy-efficient streetlights and traffic signals; additional solar power projects; increased waste diversion rates, including the construction of a compost facility; and the continued construction of the PHX Sky Train.

The decrease in emissions is also attributed to efforts by Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service to use alternative energy sources to produce power purchased by the city.

A community-scale GHG emissions inventory was also completed for 2018. The results show that GHG emissions on a community-scale were 0.5 percent lower than in 2012. GHG emissions decreased during a period where the city’s population grew 12 percent.

The city’s goal is to reduce GHG emissions by 40 percent from city operations and 30 percent community wide by 2025.

The next important step is to involve all city departments and the community in developing an updated Climate Action Plan for Council consideration this fall that will highlight the actions necessary to achieve these future goals. An online survey later this month will give Phoenix residents the opportunity to express their concerns and needs in relation to climate change.

For more specific details, visit https://www.phoenix.gov/oep/2018GHG.

Related Social Media Hashtags and Handles: #environment #GHG Keywords: Greenhouse gas emissions, GHG, environment, climate change

• Media Contact: Alejandro Montiel
• Cell: 602-531-7987
• Office: 602-534-3443
• E-mail: alejandro.montiel @phoenix.gov

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This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.