Last year, the city of Lexington, seeking a future with less carbon impact, announced a 2040 goal of carbon neutrality. Details of the strategy were presented yesterday at a crowded town hall meeting; the plan presented includes the strategies that will define the development of the energy systems, transport systems and structure of the city over the next twenty years.

Speaking at the launching event with experts in environmental conservation and political representatives in support, Mayor Linda Gorton launched the plan. As Mayor Gorton had said today, ‘We are no longer just discussing change, we are swearing to it.’ Every scheme and strategy outlined reflects our commitment to achieving a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lexington for future generations.

At the heart of the plan is a giant leap away from conventional sources of power such as coal and oil to renewable sources like wind and solar. The city also expects to produce 80% of its electricity using renewable energy particularly solar and wind energy by 2035 and 20% through other renewable energy sources by 2040. This transformation will require several utility-scale solar facilities on the periphery of Lexington, solar retrofits on some of the city’s buildings, financial bonuses for homeowners who install solar panels, and the like.

For this renewable energy initiative, the plan entail creation of a smart grid system that will enhance the manner in which energy is supplied and blended with renewable sources. This modernization of the power infrastructure is believed to open a door to several hundred more technology and energy sector employment opportunities.

Transportation is now another area of extensive concentration in the green initiative. The initiative involves conversion of the entire city bus to electric by 2030 and installation of more than 1000 electric vehicles charging stations across the Lexington city. Also, the city will link more bike lanes and pedestrian walkways across the city in an effort to discourage the reliance on automobiles.

There is no disagreement that the efforts toward the goal of carbon-neutrality rely heavily on urban planning. The plan establishes goals and objectives for the organization with regard to density and intensity as well as mixed-uses and open space. One of the key parts is a concept called the “20-Minute Neighborhood”, when a resident would be able to reach a majority of the places they need on a daily basis within 20 minutes of walking or biking distance from their home.

The initiative also include waste management as well as the concept of circular economy. Specific objectives that are supporting the overarching vision include recycling and composting 90% of city’s waste across Lexington by 2035 through implementing efficient collection programs, and working with local companies on eliminating the use of plastics.

Most environmental organisations have approved the plan, some describing it as among the most progressive in the country. Kentucky Climate Action Network Director Sarah Johnson said, “This plan demonstrates true foresight and dedication.” I was pleased to read this because it’s exactly the kind of bold action we need to see from cities across America if we’re going to tackle climate change effectively.

Nevertheless, the plan has attracted a lot of criticism from many people. Some local business people have questioned the impact and expense of change, as well as the emerging business regulations to implement the change. John Smith, the president at the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, said, “As much as we appreciate the call for sustainability, we need to work together so that this does not become a burden to businesses most especially since we are yet to fully recover from the losses occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In order to meet these issues the following policy measures have been incorporated in the plan element of business support and transition assistance. This requires assignment of special funds for the provision of grants to finance energy efficient modifications, for the financing of personnel training in the green economy, and for the gradual adoption of new regulatory changes so that businesses can adjust to the new systems.

To source for the funds for the aggressive strategy, the city will tap federal grants, partner with states, leverage private capital and introduce a green bond program where residents can support the city’s green agenda. The total budget for the plan is expected to be $2.5 billion over the next 20 years; City officials contend that the plan will reduce the cost of energy over the long-term besides improving citizens’ health.

Promisingly, education and community engagement are also elements of the strategy. This plan involves the cooperation with schools and universities within the local area to work together toward the development of teaching materials that concern the state of the environment and climate change. Several live discussion sessions will be organized within the community to update and engage residents in the process of the change.

Their plan to redevelop Lexington is creating a buzz among other cities across the nation as the word spreads. Environmental policy experts are pointing to it as a possible example of how mid-size cities to start taking deep action on climate change.

As climate policy researcher at the University of Kentucky Dr Emily Chen pointed out: “What’s particularly impressive about this plan is its breadth.” ‘It is not an energy issue or a transport issue; it is a complete redesign of how a city can operate in a sustainable way.’

The announcement has once again put Kentucky’s bigger energy picture back into the limelight. Though the state itself has long relied on coal, Lexington’s plan may mark a starting point for the transition toward more renewable energy sources in the Commonwealth.

When the last hours of the official announcement were through in Lexington, people had an air of passion and achievement. People flocked to parks and coffee shops, debating about how the plan is going to affect them as start drawing visions of the city in the year 2040. As if there is no doubt that the road to carbon neutrality will be a difficult process, the inhabitants of Lexington appear to be willing for the transition towards the effective greening of the city.