According to a report published by the mayor's energy task force, the Madison area is at risk of being classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a non-attainment area for air quality because of tropospheric ozone levels.
\If these trends are not remedied,"" reads the report, ""they could negatively affect Madison's economic development, specifically business retention, business development, and the ability to attract new businesses.""
After declaring a green capitol city as a major initiative for his term, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz is working to make Madison a leader in measures that protect the environment, improve air quality and boost the economy.
Spokesperson for the mayor, George Twigg, defined a green capitol city as a combination of recycling, land use policies, energy conservation and water quality.
Twigg added the city has been successful thus far in addressing the renewable energy concerns, but that the city of Madison only plays a role in the large process.
""Part of the mayor's hope is that we can lead by example and encourage other communities to do the right thing and help us protect the environment,"" said Twigg.
There are a number of initiatives the mayor has put forth to make Madison a green city, including a new automated recycling program that increases recycling by adding new recyclables such as junk mail. The new system also conserves energy and reduces emissions because it requires fewer trucks and less time to collect.
City engineer Larry Nelson said the city is also working to conform university buildings to green standards, including the addition to the engineering service building.
""We used recycled materials for the flooring and wall coverings,"" Nelson said. ""We also tried to use natural light as much as possible by diffusing the sunlight throughout the building.""
The addition also boasts a green roof, which is the first of its kind in Madison, and a special layer of soil that absorbs water from the roof. The engineered soil is lighter weight and helps to insulate the building.
Although Madison has enjoyed measurable benefits with new green initiatives, attorney Brad Jackson, who specializes in energy regulation and is vice chair of Foley & Lardner LLP's National Energy Regulatory Practice Group, said there must be careful consideration of the costs along with the benefits.
""Everyone agrees that we should be efficient in our uses of energy and that use of renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels,"" Jackson said. ""While efforts to conserve energy and to obtain energy from renewable sources can have environmental benefits, the question is whether the benefits justify the costs.\
