The LFUCG joined the voluntary KY Excellence in Environmental Leadership (KY EXCEL) program administered by the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC) in November 2006. The goal of this program is to improve the environment through voluntary environmental projects. The LFUCG joined at the Leader level, and was the first local government to join this program. One of the benefits of this program is that the LFUCG can request and receive priority review for all EPPC approvals and authorizations (to include permit reviews from the Division of Waste Management, the Division of Air Quality, and the Division of Water).

We joined the University of Kentucky, Fayette County Public Schools, and other Partners to form the new Bluegrass Partnership for a Green Community in August of 2005. The purpose of this Partnership is to create a greener Lexington and Bluegrass Region that helps to ensure the local economy remains vibrant and sustainable. To accomplish this mission, the Partnership will promote sustainable environmental practices, will endeavor to educate students, employees and citizens on environmental issues, and will work with other public and private sector organizations to protect and preserve the local environment.

We partner with the US Mayors’ Conference and in 2005 signed the US Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement. This is a voluntary initiative designed to allow communities to act locally to reduce the impacts of climate change by taking steps such as improving energy efficiency, promoting alternative transportation, increasing recycling rates, etc.

We also joined the EPA’s Energy Star Partnership, the EPA Change-A–Light Campaign, the Department of Energy’s Rebuild America Partnership, and the EPA’s Million Monitor Drive in 2003, all of which are designed to improve energy efficiency.

Additionally the Lexington Metropolitan Planning Organization joined the It All Adds up to Cleaner Air partnership designed to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.