IPAM's Stuart Valentine and city sustainability coordinator Scott Timm hosted a visit from Iowa's Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge at the Arts and Convention Center Tuesday, March 2nd at 9:15am to discuss progress for Fairfield's model Go Green Intitiative.

Lt. Governor Judge highlighted Power Fund investments as part of her Moving Iowa Forward tour. The City of Fairfield has been granted $80,000 from the Power Fund to create a sustainable city demonstration project based on a goal of energy independence, community-based energy solutions, carbon neutrality, and a durable economic future.

Their comments will be presented Thursday at 1pm CST on Fairfield's solar-powered grassroots independent radio station KRUU-LP 100.1 FM, 'The Voice of Fairfield, Iowa... and Beyond'.

From the Lt . Gov's blog 03/02/10:

This morning, we got up and headed over to the Convention Center to talk about some really exciting work that is taking placein this community.

Now, when we took office, the Governor and I created the Iowa Power Fund to help keep Iowa on the forefront of renewable energy. This program has had an impact all across our state. And while wind turbines and biofuels factories are visible signs of the progress we have made, to really cement our place as leaders in green energy, that work must be done on the local level. And that is exactly what is happening in Fairfield.

This community has embraced the ideas of sustainability. They are doing some impressive work in making themselves a leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Their buildings are being retrofitted to save energy. They are practicing innovative soil and water conservation practices. And they are trying to get their energy from more renewable sources. In fact, KRUU - a local radio station - runs almost entirely on solar power.

Our administration is helping to make Fairfield a national model in the sustainability movement. Thanks to support from the Iowa Power Fund, we are helping this community plan for a brighter future. The Governor and I would love to see this type of work taking place in communities all across our state, and that is why we are asking the legislature to make the final investment of $25 million into this important program.

And if you don't think it works, come to Fairfield, and see for yourself. It was a very inspiring visit, and I can't wait to come back in a year and see the progress they have made.
The community is rightfully proud of the work they have done. They shared with me a quote from Tom Bender that sums up how our state should view our future, and I want to make sure you have it as well:

"Appropriate technology reminds us that before we choose our tools and techniques we must choose our dreams and values, for some technologies serve them while others make them unobtainable."

Until next time,

Patty

Posted by Lt. Governor Patty Judge at 12:00 PM