Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck

March 18, 2008
Air Quality and Energy Savings: Two Smart Moves for the Environment

Recently the City Council and I reviewed an environmental policy to improve Arlington’s air quality. Cement, used in almost every building project, is a wonderful material, but the making of cement can create air borne pollutants.

Over the past several years I have worked toward cleaning up Arlington’s air and this is another step toward keeping that goal. The resolution that Council passed is called the Green Cement Resolution. It essentially allows the City of Arlington to give a preference when bidding for cement to companies that, regardless of production method, reduce high emission rates of nitrogen oxide.

According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, cement kilns produce 43 percent of all point-source air pollution in the DFW area. Technology now exists, allowing cement kilns to produce cement through a process that burns half as much fuel and produces half as much carbon dioxide.

Although cement may not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about global climate change, the Council and I had the facts about the technology which improves the cement industry’s air quality emissions. That was why we voted unanimously in favor of the Green Cement Resolution. And we are not alone. Similar resolutions have been endorsed by other North Texas cities, including Fort Worth and Dallas.

At the same City Council meeting, we celebrated another milestone event. On February 12, the City of Arlington received its first energy savings check from Oncor Electric Delivery for $24,000.

Arlington joined the Oncor CitySmart Initiative in 2007 to help improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs in city-owned buildings.

Through CitySmart, the City is eligible to receive incentive checks for implementing energy efficient appliances and equipment. Incentives are paid by Oncor and equal $150 per peak kilowatt of energy saved. The Public Utility Commission of Texas provides the formula for calculating these energy savings. Part of the recent check was for savings achieved by replacing older florescent lighting with new more energy efficient lights.

Energy efficiency and air quality conserve our natural resources and protect our future. The City Council and I believe these projects in city-owned buildings are a great financial investment and a priceless investment for our community’s good health.

Robert Cluck, MD
Mayor
City of Arlington