June 01, 2007 07:58 AM UTC

Castle Rock Councilman to Push Recycling, Municipal Energy Conservation

• 1 Comments
• by: CastleMan

Castle Rock is not exactly known as a mecca of progressivism, particularly when it comes to environmental matters. If the newest member of the Town Council has his way, that reputation may begin to change.

Hank Lacey, elected last month, will ask his colleagues to authorize the Town Manager to start looking at ways to take advantage of HB 1288, which creates a grant fund enabling  municipalities and non-profits to pay for new recycling and re-use programs.

Right now Castle Rock has no municipal recycling program and the only way residents can get recycling services is by paying a garbage hauler for that service. There is no way to verify that the garbage haulers actually do recycle the items they pick up.

Lacey will also ask the Council to adopt a policy requiring the Town government to replace all incandescent bulbs in municipal buildings with compact flourescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use about 75% less energy than incandescents and can less up to ten times longer.

Lacey says he is also interested in looking into whether it is feasible to require the Town to replace the existing vehicles in its fleet, as they reach the end of their useful lives, with hybrid-electric or flex-fuel vehicles.

“Government should set an example of smart energy conservation practices,” Lacey said. “It’s good for the taxpayer, good for the environment, and good for economic development because it sends a message that we care about the quality of life.”

Lacey will introduce his ideas at a Council “study session,” which is open to the public, set for Tuesday, June 5 at 5:30 pm at Castle Rock Town Hall, 100 N. Wilcox St.

 Loading ...