Hurricane City Council vows to reduce greenhouse gases

HURRICANE, W.Va. -- Hurricane City Council vows to go "green" in efforts to save the environment while also saving city funds.

Mayor Scott Edwards explained that as a part of the Governor's Earth Day Resolution and the Kyoto Treaty, both efforts that focus on pollution and reducing greenhouse gases that cause climate change, the city has begun taking steps to preserve the environment. A secondary benefit to these efforts comes in projected cost savings.

One of their first actions taken was to have a free state audit conducted on the lighting systems of all five city buildings. Based on the state's recommendations, just by addressing bulbs and fixture options, the city anticipates saving roughly $7,300 annually. Additionally, the mayor said he intends to pursue a state grant that would virtually cover all the initial installation and supply costs of these improvements.

City officials have also begun to look at the purchase of hybrid vehicles and the use of synthetic oils, among other ideas.

"The next step, we want to educate the citizens to make one or two small changes," Edwards said.