Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 58.75
Liaison Mark Klapatch-Mathias
Submission Date May 1, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Wisconsin-River Falls
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Kelly Cain
Director
SCISCD
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Does the institution advocate for national, state/provincial, or local public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability?:
Yes

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A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability, including the issues, legislation, and ordinances for or against which the institution has advocated:
UWRF's St. Croix Institute for Sustainable Community Development has a 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 has been co-signed by the City of River Falls, UWRF Campus, and River Falls School District.

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A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years:
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A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
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The website URL where information about the institution’s advocacy efforts is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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