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In a monumental triumph for sustainability on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, the City Council of Stillwater, Minnesota, has officially endorsed an Energy Action Plan aimed at slashing the city's greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% by the end of 2025. At the heart of this historic decision lies the invaluable contribution of Sustainable Stillwater MN, whose pivotal role in shaping the city's emission reduction strategy underscores their unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
Nestled along the picturesque banks of the St. Croix River, Stillwater, Minnesota, has long been celebrated for its natural beauty and historic charm. From its humble beginnings as a bustling lumber town to its present-day status as a vibrant community, Stillwater has continually evolved to meet the needs of its residents while preserving its rich heritage.
The development of the Energy Action Plan represents a collaborative effort involving diverse stakeholders from across the community. Citizens, business owners, and representatives from various sectors joined forces to shape a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy efficiency. This inclusive approach underscores Stillwater's commitment to harnessing the collective wisdom and resources of its residents to address pressing environmental challenges.
Why We Want an Energy Action Plan:
Stillwater's history of innovation and adaptability serves as the foundation for its approach to sustainability. The city's past successes, such as the installation of LED streetlights and the restoration of Lily Lake, demonstrate its ability to embrace practical solutions that benefit both the environment and the community.
The Energy Action Plan builds upon these achievements, offering a roadmap for reducing energy consumption, cutting costs, and enhancing the city's overall resilience. By leveraging the expertise and insights of its diverse population, Stillwater aims to create a more sustainable future that preserves its historic character for generations to come.
Stillwater Energy Action Plan:
Developed in partnership with Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy program, the Energy Action Plan outlines ambitious goals for reducing energy usage and carbon emissions. Through initiatives focused on residential and business energy efficiency, as well as renewable energy opportunities, Stillwater aims to achieve significant savings and emissions reductions by 2025.
VIEW THE FULL PLAN BELOW
Energy Action Team:
To support the implementation of the Energy Action Plan, a dedicated Energy Action Team has been formed. Comprised of community members, volunteers, and stakeholders, the team will serve as advocates for sustainability, promoting the city's energy vision and encouraging participation in outreach campaigns and programs.
The adoption of the Energy Action Plan represents a major milestone in Stillwater's journey toward sustainability. By uniting behind a shared vision and embracing practical solutions, the city has demonstrated its commitment to preserving its natural resources and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. As Stillwater continues to lead by example, it serves as an inspiration for communities everywhere striving to build a more sustainable future.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to the following individuals who contributed many hours of service to developing this Energy Action Plan.
The content of this plan is derived from a series of planning workshops hosted by Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy. Xcel Energy is the main electric and gas utility serving Stillwater. Partners in Energy is a two-year collaboration to develop and implement a community’s energy goals. For more information about the planning workshops, see Appendix 4: Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Planning Process.
STILLWATER ENERGY ACTION TEAM
Larry Odebrecht - City Council Member, City of Stillwater (Community Lead)
Griffin Brod - Stillwater Resident
Bethany Cox - Planning Commissioner, Stillwater Sunrise Rotary
Max Dalton - Environmental Specialist, Washington County
Glenn Hansen - Stillwater Resident
Rick Heidick - Sustainable Stillwater MN
Dory Herman - Stillwater Resident
Lindee Hermes - Stillwater Resident
Jessica Johnson - Stillwater Resident
Joe Kohlmann - City Administrator, City of Stillwater
Beau Marchwick - Stillwater Resident
Jesse Ordonez-Saybe - Stillwater Resident
Angela Peterson- Stillwater Resident
Paul Richtman - Stillwater Resident
M. Sarah Schaffer - Stillwater Resident
Utility Representatives and Facilitators
Paolo Speirn - Partners in Energy Community Facilitator
Megan Weck - Partners in Energy Community Facilitator
Michelle Frost - Partners in Energy Community Facilitator
Kelsey Poljacik - Partners in Energy Community Facilitator
Sofia Troutman - Program Manager, Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy
Tami Gunderzik - Team Lead, Xcel Energy
Adam Burr - Accounts Manager, Local Governments, Xcel Energy
Mike Wilhelmi - Community Relations Manager, Xcel Energy
This Energy Action Plan was funded by and developed in collaboration with Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy. Partners in Energy shall not be responsible for any content, analysis, or results if Stillwater has made modifications to the plan.