Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel is committed to enhancing the overall quality of life in the Evansville community, and signed a pledge endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement on January 30, 2007, because taking action to protect the health and welfare of Evansville residents and the environment is the right and reasonable thing to do.

Even before Mayor Weinzapfel signed the Agreement, the City of Evansville purchased hybrid buses, instituted a 2:1 tree replacement policy, instituted a no idling policy for city vehicles, installed no idling signs at area schools and City buildings, banned outdoor wood-fired boilers, which are much more polluting than EPA-certified wood burning stoves, passed a no smoking ordinance, and completed portions of the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage.

Since then, the City has been developing and implementing practical programs, policies and initiatives that prioritize energy efficiency and conservation, increase the use of alternative energy sources, promote alternative transportation options, promote sustainable building practices, increase fuel efficiency of City vehicles, increase recycling rates in City operations, preserve and enhance green space, and more.

Learn more about local, state and national sustainability efforts:

City of Evansville Sustainability Policy	City of Evansville Green Fleets Policy	Tax Credits & Incentives
What You Can Do	Energy Conservation Resources	Article:  Home Energy  Tax Credits
Air Quality	Article:  Green Remodeling	Article:  Introduction to LEED for Homes
	Wesselman Nature Society Events

Other Efforts

Much of Mayor Weinzapfel's work on behalf of the environment is done quietly, trying to influence decision-makers in industry and government at the local, state and federal levels. Mayor Weinzapfel has written numerous letters to the U.S. EPA, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Kentucky Department of Environmental Quality and our state and federal legislators in support of environmental funding and out of concern about the impact of ethanol plants and coal-fired utilities planned for this region.

The Evansville Environmental Protection Agency (EEPA) serves as a resource for Southern Indiana cities and counties, working with organizations throughout the region to implement local strategies to improve air quality.  Mayor Weinzapfel insists that the EEPA strongly enforce City ordinances, which are more stringent than state or federal requirements. The EEPA performs annual, unannounced compliance inspections at all permitted facilities in its jurisdiction – from the largest factory to the smallest auto body shop.

Have a question or comment about Mayor Weinzapfel's sustainability initiatives?  Want to get involved?  Contact us.