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LAS CRUCES - There was still some hesitance, some questions among some City Council members and a few residents Monday about rushing too quickly to approve a Sustainability Action Plan.
But the process of developing the plan has been under way for about 14 months, and a majority of the council came to the conclusion that the plan now needs to go forward.
Council voted 6-1 Monday, with Dolores Connor casting the lone dissenting vote, to approve the city's first Sustainability Action Plan. The plan's approval came after the council tabled it Feb. 21 because of numerous questions.
The plan identifies eight goals city government will pursue in the coming years. Those include: increasing energy efficiency; accelerating deployment of renewable energy; ensuring a sustainable water supply; reducing and recycling solid waste; preventing air and water pollution; encouraging sustainable development and transportation options; conserving habitat and ecosystems; and supporting local food networks.
The goals were determined from public comments at two meetings last year. Many of them were considered goals the city can realistically achieve.
"The presentation made by city staff was very well received by the public,"
While no one was opposed to a sustainability plan, there were some residents who asked why the council needed to rush it.
"If this is such a great plan, it's worth waiting a couple of weeks, a couple of months more," Jim Harbison said.
Harbison's comments echoed those of Connor's, who said more clarity for the plan, and more public input, would have only made the document that much better.
"Overall, the concept is right, but the plan ... is not helpful to city residents," Connor said. "This is going to take a lot more public input."
But Thomas Schuster, the city's sustainability officer, pointed out the plan is a "living and breathing document" that could easily be changed as years pass and circumstances change. He also noted that the plan, as a resolution, does not have the legal authority a city ordinance would, so it will serve more as a guide that can be followed.
Councilor Gill Sorg said despite the concerns, there was no doubt in his mind that the plan will be good for Las Cruces.
"This is for jobs, we're going to create jobs as part of the sustainable plan," Sorg said.
Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452
Sustaining Las Cruces city government
• The Sustainability Action Plan will define goals and action items related to Sustainability for city government.
• The plan will also serve as a work plan for the city's sustainability officer with respect to developing and reporting on programs.
• Development of a Sustainability Action Plan began in January 2010.
