Last night, the Providence City Council voted to approve an ordinance proposed by Ward One Councilman Seth Yurdin creating the position of a City Energy and Sustainability Manager. This position, which was introduced by Councilman Yurdin in September and recommended in the Mayor’s Greenprint Providence report last week, will be charged with developing plans to reduce the City’s energy consumption and lower utility operating costs, and will oversee the implementation of those plans.

“Given the energy crisis our nation is currently in, we all need to become more energy efficient. The City needs to be proactive and set a positive example for our citizens and for the rest of the state,” said Councilman Yurdin. “Other cities around the nation have created similar positions and have quickly been able to have a positive impact on the environment.”

Shelia Dormody, Rhode Island Director of Clean Water Action, had praised the ordinance when it was introduced in September, stating, “Appointing a full-time employee to review and manage the City’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint is big step in the right direction.”

Yurdin also pointed to the potential financial benefits of this position, “I view this as an investment, both in terms of our planet and the financial health of our city. We’ve seen a dramatic rise in fuel costs over the past few years, so reducing our energy usage will lead to significant budget savings.” He added, “Every dollar we save in utility costs is a dollar we can put towards improving our schools, fixing our roads, and lowering our taxes.” Yurdin noted that last year the City of Providence spent more than $13.5 million on energy and utility costs last year.

The Energy and Sustainability Manager will be charged with documenting the City’s use of natural resources, recommending conservation policies, and monitoring the implementation and enforcement of our green initiatives. The ordinance requires that the person in this position have at least five years experience working in energy management and must have a degree in environmental science, resource management, or public affairs.

The Committee on Ordinances had recommended passage of the legislation and the full Council unanimously approved the new position last night. Yurdin noted that this ordinance continues the Council’s strong legislative track record on sustainability.