University of Wisconsin-River Falls
PAE-24: Sustainability Policy Advocacy

UWRF's St. Croix Institute for Sustainable Community Development has seat on the committees listed below, and thus has or is having a direct impact on the decisions listed. POWERFUL CHOICES: -Powerful Choices has been instrumental in pushing the City of River Falls toward two prestigious designations - an EPA Green Community designation, and a Wisconsin "Energy Independent Community" designation. -Powerful Choices pushed forward a River Falls approved "NEV Ordinance" allowing use of NEVs on nearly all city streets, including those adjacent to UWRF. -Powerful Choices developed a River Falls approved property tax financed renewable energy program which leverages the city's bonding rate for providing homeowners low-interest loans to install renewables which are paid-back through annual property tax payments. -Powerful Choices has developed a grant program which allows residents to apply for grant funding for conservation and/or renewable energy funds up-to $5,000. ENVIRONMENTAL TASK FORCE: Established as a formal advisory group to the Planning Commission to be a watchdog for all aspects of environmental impact from proposals for development. JOINT ECO-MUNICIPALITY RESOLUTION: UWRF, RIVER FALLS SCHOOLS, CITY OF RIVER FALLS: Joint Resolution for Sustainable Community Development and Declaration of Eco-Municipality is drafted and under consideration for co-signing by the City of River Falls, UWRF Campus, and River Falls School District.