by Martin J. Chavez

As Albuquerque, N.M., mayor and a founding member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors? Climate Protection Agreement, I am compelled to lead an ambitious local initiative toward finding solutions for global warming and securing a sustainable energy strategy for Albuquerque.

Our nation?s cities are large consumers of energy and, thus, they can significantly impact our dependence on foreign oil, the increasing costs of fossil fuels, and the deterioration of our atmosphere from emissions that adversely affect our health and climate.

In February, Albuquerque hosted a Sustainable Energy Town Hall, enlisting national and local experts, policymakers and citizens to guide policy in developing and using sustainable energy resources. A recently-completed inventory for Albuquerque indicates that city government operations have made considerable strides, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 64 percent between 1990 and 2005. Landfill gas capture and destruction, where gases are collected from landfills and either destroyed in a flare or beneficially used as energy, were key GHG reduction drivers.

Currently, gas from a closed landfill is used to power gas collection and groundwater remediation systems. Similarly, wastewater digester gas is collected and used to power aeration blowers, pumps and lighting at the wastewater reclamation plant. Expanding gas-to-energy opportunities is under way so that Albuquerque takes full advantage of these waste-to-energy resources, which otherwise contribute to GHG emissions.

Albuquerque has expanded its alternative energy portfolio with wind and solar. Ten percent of city government?s energy is derived from wind power, which increased to 15 percent Sept 1. Installation of solar heating and photovoltaic systems for five municipal swimming pools is in progress.

Albuquerque?s Energy Conservation Council guides initiatives such as converting traffic signals to light-emitting diode technology, performing energy audits on municipal facilities, and supporting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design practices on new city buildings.

I am proud of what Albuquerque has accomplished thus far, and am mindful of the challenges ahead. Future success
depends on government continuing to set the example, together with community-wide use of alternative energy and public transportation.

On March 1, I issued Executive Instruction 19, paving the way to aggressively purchase alternatively-fueled fleet vehicles. Currently, about 22 percent of Albuquerque?s fleet is fueled with biodiesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), or E85 ethanol. Five city fleet fueling stations now dispense B-20 biodiesel and three dispense CNG. CNG fueling stations have been constructed at the airport, which is the primary fuel source for rental car shuttles. Preliminary indications are that conversion to B-20 results in a 15 percent increase in fuel efficiency. It is my goal to make the overwhelming majority of the city?s fleet running on alternative fuels.

Albuquerque?s ?Rapid Ride? public transportation uses articulated diesel/electric buses, has easy connections to downtown businesses, bus service to the major employment centers in Albuquerque and its Rio Rancho, N.M., suburb, with plans to expand. Albuquerque is partnering with federal and state governments on a light rail system. With the leadership of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, the Rail Runner, a commuter rail system serving the Albuquerque metropolitan area opened initial service on July 14.

Future Albuquerque initiatives include:

? Implementing a system to measure progress in moving Albuquerque toward sustainable energy resources;

? Increasing non-petroleum based energy resources by expanding wind energy from 15 percent to 20 percent in part by using an urban wind turbine and harnessing wind energy within Albuquerque to provide an opportunity to educate citizens about renewable energy, developing local alternative fuel supplies (such as biodiesel and ethanol) for use year round, and continued conversion of city fleet to alternative-fueled vehicles;

? Increasing recycling and use of recycled materials so that our consumption of natural resources, and the energy used in extracting them, is reduced;

? Initiating steps to meet U.S. Conference of Mayors? Resolution 50, calling for new buildings to use no fossil fuel GHG-emitting energy to operate by 2030;

? Enhancing markets for food and other products produced locally, reducing energy and costs for transportation;

? Developing Albuquerque Green Trust, funding to encourage best practices in energy sustainability;

? Working with New Mexico Legislature to amend Business Energy Tax Credit to cover Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification and facilitate pass-through of the tax credit; and,

? Launching an aggressive outreach program within the local community and nationally to enlist citizen and business participation in sustainable energy initiatives.

Albuquerque is a great place to live, work and visit. The things we do today will determine whether it remains a great place for future generations. Embracing sustainable energy options is an important step where together we can make a difference toward a sustainable future for our cities.

Martin J. Chavez is mayor of Albuquerque, N.M.