Here are some photographs. Click on the images to make them larger.
A group poses with Mayor Greg Lemons (right) in front of the SolarPro exhibit.
LeAnn Pinniger Magee, Chairperson for the Abita Committee for Energy Sustainability (ACES)
Abita Springs aims to run on 100% renewable energy by 2030
In a March 23, 2017, article on NOLA.com, it was announced that "Abita Springs has become the first municipality in Louisiana, and the 24th in the United States, to commit to a full transition to clean and renewable energy. The Town Council on Wednesday (March 22) approved a resolution establishing a community-wide goal of transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030."
Mayor Lemons explained that several other cities in Louisiana are interested in reducing energy costs, and his work with the Louisiana Municipal Association reflects that interest.
The town is planning to replace its community message board, the one that was knocked down by a speeding driver last year, with an electronic message board that also serves as an electric charging station for electric vehicles (EV). The town actually hopes to have two such electric vehicle charging stations. "That's exciting," he said.
The town hall is also being considered for placement of solar panels on the roof, which could save taxpayers money on electricity. "That will be good for our citizens, and good for the environment," the mayor went on to say. An effort like this helps pull people together to try and figure out how to save the environment and save money at the same time, he noted.
An electrical engineer by trade, he understands the promise of 100 percent renewable energy sustainability. "A lot of people are working on a lot of things," he said, including what might become a community solar panel farm. "We have to get smart and make decisions for the future that are smart."
While oil and gas might still be available for the next 40 or 50 years, he noted, it will be produced and processed at what "environmental cost"? His work in fighting the fracking efforts near his community last year made a lot of people more knowledgeable of the dangers of fracking.
The Mayor explains how he is planning to put four solar panels on his boat.
In a March 23, 2017, article on NOLA.com, it was announced that "Abita Springs has become the first municipality in Louisiana, and the 24th in the United States, to commit to a full transition to clean and renewable energy. The Town Council on Wednesday (March 22) approved a resolution establishing a community-wide goal of transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030."
Mayor Lemons explained that several other cities in Louisiana are interested in reducing energy costs, and his work with the Louisiana Municipal Association reflects that interest.
The town is planning to replace its community message board, the one that was knocked down by a speeding driver last year, with an electronic message board that also serves as an electric charging station for electric vehicles (EV). The town actually hopes to have two such electric vehicle charging stations. "That's exciting," he said.
The town hall is also being considered for placement of solar panels on the roof, which could save taxpayers money on electricity. "That will be good for our citizens, and good for the environment," the mayor went on to say. An effort like this helps pull people together to try and figure out how to save the environment and save money at the same time, he noted.
An electrical engineer by trade, he understands the promise of 100 percent renewable energy sustainability. "A lot of people are working on a lot of things," he said, including what might become a community solar panel farm. "We have to get smart and make decisions for the future that are smart."
While oil and gas might still be available for the next 40 or 50 years, he noted, it will be produced and processed at what "environmental cost"? His work in fighting the fracking efforts near his community last year made a lot of people more knowledgeable of the dangers of fracking.
The Mayor explains how he is planning to put four solar panels on his boat.
Margie Vicknair-Pray with the Sierra Club
In an April, 2017, article on its website,
the Sierra Club said: "Residents of Abita Springs, Louisiana, take
pride in its beauty—the historic downtown, a town hall that dates back
to 1890, and the surrounding natural environment, which they hope to
preserve along with the small town's atmospheric charm.
So when Margie Vicknair-Pray, the conservation projects coordinator for the Sierra Club's Delta Chapter, told the Abita Springs mayor, Greg Lemons, about the Club's Ready for 100 campaign, he was enthusiastic. At a town council meeting on January 24, (2017) Lemons announced the city's goal to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035, adding Abita Springs to a list of at least 23 other cities across the United States that have made similar commitments."
So when Margie Vicknair-Pray, the conservation projects coordinator for the Sierra Club's Delta Chapter, told the Abita Springs mayor, Greg Lemons, about the Club's Ready for 100 campaign, he was enthusiastic. At a town council meeting on January 24, (2017) Lemons announced the city's goal to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035, adding Abita Springs to a list of at least 23 other cities across the United States that have made similar commitments."
PosiGen offered a solar panel display
A dozen or so visitors listened to the presentations
Outside
the town hall was a display comparing gas lawn mowers with the new
battery-powered electric lawn mowers. Small's Lawn Care Lawn Maintenance
had the renewable energy lawn mower display. From 2006 to 2017 SLC was
your traditional lawn care company, according to their literature. Last
year they decided to go green, recycling off their gas-burning equipment
and buy a clean burning eco diesel truck. With the addition of two
solar panels, a huge battery kit, and all new hand held trimmers,
blowers, cutters, they "cut" their carbon footprint in half.
Is Abita Springs ready for 100 percent renewable energy sustainability? CLICK HERE
For more information, click below:
https://www.townofabitasprings.com/readyfor100
http://www.louisiananorthshore.com/event/clean-energy-day%3A-geaux-solar!/2052/
http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/environment/article_78b1a41a-2c52-11e7-a2d4-93e0ed25b65a.html
Among today's exhibitors:
PosiGen SolarEnergy and Energy Efficiency
SunPro Solar Energy Specialists
Abita Lumber Co. Inc. Windows/Doors/Millwork
The Quad Area Community Action Agency Weatherization Assistance Program
