Westport a “Leader in Energy Conservation” Town Recognized at Oct. 14 Clean Energy Communities Award Ceremony

left to right: Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, Westport Building Official Steve Smith, Sen. Tony Hwang, and Westport Green Task Force Vice Chair Pippa Bell Ader attended the Oct. 14 Clean Energy Communities Award Ceremony where Westport was honored for its environmental stewardship and commitment to clean energy.

As part of the Energize Connecticut initiative, Eversource, The United illuminating Company and the Connecticut Green Bank on Oct. 14 honored Westport and other municipalities participating in the nationally-recognized Clean Energy Communities (CEC) program. Members of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency were present to recognize the municipalities on their accomplishments.

“Westport is a recognized leader in energy conservation and renewable energy use efforts,” Sen. Tony Hwang said during a ceremony at the Toyota Oakdale Theater in Wallingford. “That leadership and that energy efficiency is saving taxpayers and businesses money. It is great to see Westport be a role model for the rest of the state when it comes to environmental advocacy and reducing our carbon footprint. Congratulations to all town employees and to all of Westport’s environmental champions for their excellent work.”

“Westport has consistently been in the vanguard of communities embracing new state energy efficiency initiatives,” said Rep. Jonathan Steinberg. “I’m always proud to say I represent a town that demonstrates such a progressive approach to doing right by the environment and its citizens. Congratulations to my good friends on the Green Taskforce and in Town government whose efforts have been duly recognized.”

“I am proud that Westport has once again been recognized for its energy initiatives,” said Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe. “Westport citizens have a long history of commitment to energy conservation and sustainability. I thank all the members of our Green Task Force under the leadership of co-chairs David Mann and Pippa Bell-Ader, with the support of department directors Steve Smith and Steve Edwards, who are constantly seeking to find cost effective opportunities for Westport to save energy, reduce our carbon footprint and establish a sustainable environment.”

The CEC program is helping Connecticut municipalities take control of their energy consumption through energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. To participate in the CEC program, municipal leaders pledged to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent and support renewable energy by 20 percent by 2018.

Energize Connecticut helps people save money and use clean energy. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.