EPA: 35 Midwest communities commit to reduce carbon footprints

by jbs021110 j3 — February 15, 2010 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 5 announced February 10 that 35 Midwest communities have joined its Community Climate Change Initiative and committed to take action to reduce their towns’ carbon footprint.

The communities include:

  • Illinois: Alton, Bellwood, Carbondale, Des Plaines, Evanston, Evergreen Park, Gilberts, Hoffman Estates, Niles, Oak Park, Orland Park, Rock Island, Schaumburg, Urbana, Warrenville and Westmont;
  • Indiana: Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Michigan City and West Lafayette;
  • Michigan: Delta Township and Kalamazoo;
  • Minnesota: Apple Valley, Falcon Heights, Northfield, Oakdale, Roseville, Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud;
  • Ohio: Cleveland, Columbus, East Palestine and Rittman; and
  • Wisconsin: Bayfield and Waukesha.

    EPA Region 5 launched the Community Climate Change Initiative Web site in 2009, calling on communities to join one of six EPA climate change partnership programs: Energy Star Challenge, WasteWise, WaterSense, Combined Heat and Power, Green Power Partnership, or Landfill Methane Outreach Program.

    These programs offer free resources to help communities address climate change while protecting human health and the environment, enhancing local economies, and reducing energy costs.