USAEnergy.org has assembled various publications that can assist local officials and others in improving energy efficiency, finding ways to utilize renewable energy, and address problems and concerns associated with climate change. Publications are listed by topic area. For contact information on any jurisdiction or to access the file, simply click on the link.

Climate Change
City of Chicago: Urban Heat Island
City of Chicago
January 1, 2003

In urban areas, heat-absorbing materials act as giant solar collectors, typically raising urban temperatures 6 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit above those of surrounding areas. The increase in temperature translates to more energy used for cooling homes and businesses in urban areas. Trees can save energy by helping to shade and cool cities, thereby reducing the "urban heat island" effect. This article discusses how Chicago has addressed this problem through its Urban Heat Island Initiative.

A Guide to Rooftop Gardening
November 7, 2002

This city of Chicago guide demonstrates how rooftop gardens provide an attractive and energy-saving alternative to conventional rooftops. Rooftop gardens can keep buildings cooler, save energy, extend the useful life of the roof, add beauty and useable space, and help reduce air pollution. View Full Document

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Template
ICMA
July 1, 2002

Local governments are finding themselves under increasing public pressure to acknowledge and address the phenomenon known as global climate change. Many jurisdictions have already passed resolutions or initiated programs that strive to improve the global climate, including the development of local greenhouse gas reduction plans. With support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ICMA has developed this greenhouse gas reduction template to guide local governments who want to, or are requested to, demonstrate how their community is or will be addressing the issue of global climate change. View Full Document

Public-Private Climate Protection Program (Climate Wise) Annual Report
January 20, 2000

This annual progress report outlines the purposes of the climate wise program in Seattle, Washington. The report details several different areas such as recruitment status, action plan development, and peer group exchange opportunities. The Climate Wise program is a voluntary government-industry partnership program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Climate protection issues such as energy efficiency and emissions reductions are the focus of the Seattle partnership. View Full Document

County Energy Policy
January 1, 2000

This document details Montgomery County’s energy policy, which strives to continually improve the efficient use of energy resources in order to ensure a future with a secure sustainable energy supply. The policy discusses twelve requirements and creative ways the public can take advantage of cost-saving opportunities and reduce energy consumption. View Full Document

Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Management of Selected Materials in MSW
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
September 1, 1998

This report reviews previous research done in greenhouse gas emissions in relation to climate change. It also addresses carbon sequestration, source reduction and recycling, composting, combustion, and landfilling practices. View Full Document

Climate Change and Pennsylvania
September 1, 1998

This flyer reviews the climate system and provides an overview of how greenhouse gases affect climate, as well as highlights current climatic changes and related weather patterns in Pennsylvania. Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. View Full Document


Energy Efficiency
Green Home Choice Program
July 31, 2003

This fact sheet summarizes the county’s green homes incentive program, which allows home builders to qualify for accelerated plan review by the county if they meet certain criteria for environmentally friendly building design and construction. Outlines available incentives, green house program criteria, and application procedures. View Full Document

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Announces 2003 Climate Protection Awards
May 15, 2003

The 2003 Climate Protection Awards:
  • Chicago Department of Environment
  • City of Chula Vista
  • City of Seattle
  • (City of Portland was a 2002 recipient)
Individual Awards (Local Governments)
  • Mayor Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson, Salt Lake City
  • David Konkle, Ann Arbor Energy Office
View Full Document

2003 Green Building Award Winners
American Institute of Architects
April 29, 2003

In recognition of Earth Day 2003, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected 10 examples of architectural and "green" design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. Recognized examples include city and county buildings in San Francisco, California; Chicago, Illinois; and San Mateo County, California. View Full Document

EPA Honors Chula Vista With Top Environmental Award In Washington D.C.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
April 22, 2003

EPA awarded Chula Vista, California, the 2003 Climate Protection Award for accomplishments in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. View Full Document

Green Building Incentive Program
October 6, 2002

This fact sheet summarizes the county’s green building incentive program, which allows developers to build taller buildings or increase development density if they meet specific criteria for environmentally friendly building design and construction. Outlines available incentives, green building criteria, and application procedures. View Full Document

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Template
ICMA
July 1, 2002

Local governments are finding themselves under increasing public pressure to acknowledge and address the phenomenon known as global climate change. Many jurisdictions have already passed resolutions or initiated programs that strive to improve the global climate, including the development of local greenhouse gas reduction plans. With support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ICMA has developed this greenhouse gas reduction template to guide local governments who want to, or are requested to, demonstrate how their community is or will be addressing the issue of global climate change. View Full Document

Manage Energy Uncertainty: Use Quick Financing for Energy Efficiency Projects
Hatcher, Katy, and Tom Dietsche
May 1, 2001

This article describes a local government financing strategy to lease energy-efficient equipment and pay for the equipment with savings in funds allocated for utility bills through the use of a tax-exempt lease/purchase agreement or an energy-saving performance contract. Outlines the key features of each of these financing tools and the situations in which each is most useful. Presents a review of Boulder, Colorado’s experience using these financing tools to establish an ongoing energy efficiency upgrade program. View Full Document

General Plan: Energy Element
January 1, 2001

This document contains the city of Pasadena, California’s plan for handling public and official concern about future energy supplies. It contains the city’s implementation strategies, policies, and programs such as encouraging energy efficient new development and developing more energy efficient travel modes. View Full Document

Green Building Goes Local
Dietsche, Tom
October 1, 2000

Green building is one of many terms that refer to the concept of buildings that use substantially fewer resources in their construction and operation and that foster healthy workplaces and occupants. This article discusses the opportunities local governments can realize through green building. It includes the benefits of green building, examples of public green buildings, selections from reinforced building codes, incentives for the private sector, and references for building green. View Full Document

Public-Private Climate Protection Program (Climate Wise) Annual Report
January 20, 2000

This annual progress report outlines the purposes of the climate wise program in Seattle, Washington. The report details several different areas such as recruitment status, action plan development, and peer group exchange opportunities. The Climate Wise program is a voluntary government-industry partnership program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Climate protection issues such as energy efficiency and emissions reductions are the focus of the Seattle partnership. View Full Document

County Energy Policy
January 1, 2000

This document details Montgomery County’s energy policy, which strives to continually improve the efficient use of energy resources in order to ensure a future with a secure sustainable energy supply. The policy discusses twelve requirements and creative ways the public can take advantage of cost-saving opportunities and reduce energy consumption. View Full Document

Easy Ways for Your Community to Save Money
January 1, 2000

This article from the Department of Energy provides examples of ways for local governments to decrease their energy consumption levels and save money within a two to five year time frame. Includes sample communities that have successfully implemented the described strategies and offers ideas for sources of funding. View Full Document

Green Building Council Policy
November 18, 1997

This policy asserts the commitment to green building practices and provides leadership and guidance in promoting, facilitating, and instituting such practices in the community. It includes guidelines on planning and executing projects, health and resource conservation, energy efficiency, and outreach and education. View Full Document

Smart Savings: Climate Solutions for Cities
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
September 1, 1997

Developed by the State and Local Climate Change Program, Smart Savings highlights 20 municipal-level actions that can save money, contribute to cleaner air, reduce congestion, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Suggestions include implementing curbside recycling and capturing methane from landfills. View Full Document

Energy Dollars Relieve Municipal Budgets
October 1, 1995

This article from the Department of Energy looks at energy-reducing measures taken by Phoenix, Arizona decision-makers in order to relieve pressure on the budget. Emphasizes effective energy management and budget incentives. View Full Document

Financing Local Energy Efficiency Projects
June 1, 1994

This article from the United States Department of Energy offers tips on getting energy efficiency projects financed by local constituencies. Provides conventional means, such as matching grants and revolving loan funds, and more innovative methods, like performance contracts. Includes case studies of communities which have successfully funded energy programs using the various measures offered. View Full Document


Renewable Energy
Energy Department to Fund Eight Native American Tribes to Develop Renewable Energy
April 24, 2003

DOE to Fund Eight Tribes to Develop Renewable Energy In April 2003, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it has awarded $1.3 million to eight Native American tribes to develop renewable energy projects on their lands. The funds are for feasibility studies on tribal lands located in Alaska, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. Four of the tribes will investigate renewable energy resources in general, and the other four tribes will explore the potential of specific renewable energy technologies, including biofuel for power production, biogas generation from manure and other biomass sources, wind power, and a hybrid power system using both wind power and hydropower. Prepared by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Tennessee Valley Authority’s Green Power Program
Tennessee Valley Authority
April 22, 2003

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a public power entity that provides power to customers in Tennessee and surrounding states. Many of its customers are local government power distributors. The local governments, in turn, distribute this electricity to their residents and businesses. This program offers customers the choice to purchase renewable energy, including energy produced by wind. View Full Document

Record Global Wind Growth Seen as the Start of Trend
Haller, Colin
April 8, 2003

The global capacity to produce power from wind turbines grew at a record pace in 2002, according to two recent announcements, and at least one company expects that high-growth trend to continue for the next decade. The global capacity to generate electricity from wind power grew by a record 6,868 megawatts in 2002, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). The 28 percent growth in capacity represents an investment of $7.3 billion, boosting world wind capacity to more than 31,000 megawatts, enough to meet the annual electricity needs of 7.5 million average U.S. homes. Global wind power capacity has quadrupled over the past five years, according to AWEA. View Full Document

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Template
ICMA
July 1, 2002

Local governments are finding themselves under increasing public pressure to acknowledge and address the phenomenon known as global climate change. Many jurisdictions have already passed resolutions or initiated programs that strive to improve the global climate, including the development of local greenhouse gas reduction plans. With support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ICMA has developed this greenhouse gas reduction template to guide local governments who want to, or are requested to, demonstrate how their community is or will be addressing the issue of global climate change. View Full Document

Green Building Goes Local
Dietsche, Tom
October 1, 2000

Green building is one of many terms that refer to the concept of buildings that use substantially fewer resources in their construction and operation and that foster healthy workplaces and occupants. This article discusses the opportunities local governments can realize through green building. It includes the benefits of green building, examples of public green buildings, selections from reinforced building codes, incentives for the private sector, and references for building green. View Full Document

Public-Private Climate Protection Program (Climate Wise) Annual Report
January 20, 2000

This annual progress report outlines the purposes of the climate wise program in Seattle, Washington. The report details several different areas such as recruitment status, action plan development, and peer group exchange opportunities. The Climate Wise program is a voluntary government-industry partnership program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Climate protection issues such as energy efficiency and emissions reductions are the focus of the Seattle partnership. View Full Document

County Energy Policy
January 1, 2000

This document details Montgomery County’s energy policy, which strives to continually improve the efficient use of energy resources in order to ensure a future with a secure sustainable energy supply. The policy discusses twelve requirements and creative ways the public can take advantage of cost-saving opportunities and reduce energy consumption. View Full Document

Wind Energy Report
January 1, 2000

The document summarizes the city of Loveland, Colorado’s wind energy program and explains how local citizens and businesses can participate. Discusses the expansion of wind energy, the benefits, and other programs in the area. Also discusses the city’s expansion and construction of the local reservoir. View Full Document

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