As they look towards the future, many local, regional and state governments are drafting climate initiatives. The City of Lacey has had climate initiatives in place for many years and recently brought on a dedicated Climate and Sustainability Coordinator to help see them through. Working alongside other regional civic officials, they are building a green, healthy, sustainable future for businesses, visitors, residents, and their families.
Washington State’s own Climate Commitment Act passed in 2021 and kicked off its first emissions allowance auction less than a year ago.
Lacey City Officials Prioritize Climate Resiliency and Clean Energy Futures
Linsey Fields is the City’s first Climate and Sustainability Coordinator. They were hired in May 2023 to spearhead this newly formed position. But, says Fields, this isn’t the City’s first green initiative. “In 2010, Lacey adopted our Carbon Reduction and Resiliency Plan (CR2), and in 2021 we adopted the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan (TCMP) into our Comprehensive Plan,” they explain. “We have been working with the cities of Olympia and Tumwater as well as Thurston County on implementing the actions of this plan since adoption.”
And the City is making tremendous progress. Since 2007, City buildings, City utilities, parks, recreation facilities and more than 4,300 streetlights are 100% green using electrical energy from renewable energy credits. Nearly all City vehicles are electricity or biofuel powered – 16 new electric vehicles were just purchased to help with fleet conversion – and there are 9 new electric vehicle charging stations around town. Local wetlands, salmon habitat, urban forestry, stormwater treatment, and reclaimed water use are also carefully managed.
Grants and Rebates Help Keep Your Home Efficient, Green and Working for You
But climate and sustainability issues aren’t just for public buildings and green spaces. There are plenty of ways your home and family can both assist and benefit from a climate-friendly future. Fields suggests starting with household appliances. Through 2024, or while funds last, the City is matching Puget Sound Energy’s rebate on energy efficient appliances and upgrades. This includes weatherization and insulation as well as updates to your home’s windows, heating, appliances, and thermostats.
Have an electric car? Look for several newly completed EV charging projects in the coming months. These include the RAC, Lacey Community Center, Lacey City Hall, Lacey Timberland Library, and North Thurston Public Schools district office. Additional EV chargers will be installed at the City’s maintenance office for fleet vehicles.
“These initiatives help our community by providing direct payments to decrease barriers to install energy efficiency equipment in homes,” says Fields, “and they help folks transition to EV’s by making charging more accessible in our community. Residential rebates were one of the top priorities from our community members when we conducted various outreach campaigns.”
Lacey is Climate Consciousness for Today, Tomorrow and the Future
Solving large-scale problems is never simple. When looking at climate change, there are solutions for today, tomorrow, and the future. “Making changes that are sustainable within our community equals doing our part towards creating climate resiliency,” says Fields. “Also, offering rebates to help reduce the cost of upgrading your home helps reduce energy bills in the long run to save folks money.”
By tapping into available state and local rebate money, the City can save dollars that would otherwise come from its operating budget and keep costs low for the whole community.
Fields stresses that the next few years are critical in long-range climate planning. “These next eight years are very crucial years to ensure that we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change,” they say. “My work feels urgent, and I know that although there’s a lot to do, we have a real chance to reduce our emissions and create a healthier city for now and the future.”
Looking ahead, Lacey is working on programs to help residents with solar installations and a residential electrification campaign for 2025. “New code updates and comprehensive plan efforts in 2024-2025 will make it easier to install solar panels while also putting climate resiliency as priority for City planning,” explains Fields. “By participating in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan we are leveraging staff time across four jurisdictions to ensure equitable participation for all our community members.”
Read more about the Lacey’s sustainability and resiliency efforts online or email Fields at lfields@ci.lacey.wa.us with questions about ways to make your home greener. Working together, we can make a greener future for the Evergreen State.
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