OPINION:
As Kansas City experiences the negative impacts of climate change, including increased temperatures and more frequent flooding, we are committed to leading the nation and finding innovative ways to fight climate change, while also helping keep energy costs low for families across our city.
Just last month, I advanced legislation for Kansas City’s proposed 3000-acre solar array at the Kansas City International Airport. In its final phase, this project could produce up to 500 MW of electricity, which is enough to power up to one-third of all Kansas City homes.
Across the runway, I was proud to stand next to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg last spring as we opened a new terminal at the Kansas City Airport, which was awarded with a LEED Gold certification—the first airport project in the Midwest and the second in the United States to achieve this recognition.
Not only are we working to construct Kansas City’s first utility-scale solar farm, families across the city are installing panels on their homes to lower their power bills. Thanks to our Solarize KC program, families are purchasing solar panels at a reduced rate and we secured a grant to provide solar panels to low-income families. Clean, renewable solar energy should be available to each and every home in Kansas City, and we are working to expand the opportunity for everyone.
As part of our ongoing efforts for the city to reach carbon neutrality by 2040, we are converting city vehicles to EVs where possible—including electric inspector vehicles in our neighborhoods and water services departments. We have zero emissions buses at the brand-new, LEED Gold Kansas City International Airport.
We are also working to mitigate the environmental impacts of Highway 71, which disproportionately affect neighborhoods surrounding the highway, which have the highest rates of childhood asthma in Kansas City. With the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant we will be able to study how to mitigate Highway 71’s negative environmental impacts and ultimately make it safer for everyone.
Kansas City is also leveraging natural solutions to fight climate change. I’ve committed the city to plant 10,000 trees across our community over the next three years. After receiving a $25,000 Climate Protection Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and securing another $1 million from the city’s budget, we created a tree fund and giveaway program for residents to help increase our tree canopy across the city—particularly in areas underserved by tree coverage.
As a lifelong Kansas Citian, I am proud of our work to enhance our commitment to climate action and create a cleaner, greener, and healthier Kansas City.
• Quinton Lucas is the 55th mayor of Kansas City. Born and raised in Kansas City’s East Side communities, he represented the City’s Third District At-Large on the City Council prior to serving as mayor.
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