Moab City Embraces Sustainability
The Moab City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the community that the City of Moab take a leadership role in efforts to preserve and conserve natural resources and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for a resilient, sustainable future.
In 2004, Moab became the nation’s first EPA Green Power Community by exceeding a minimum threshold of voluntary green power purchases. By 2009, the formal scope of Moab’s sustainability had expanded with the adoption of the 2020 Vision: A Sustainable Moab Plan. The plan aims “to add to the quality of life of our current and future residents and lessen negative impacts on the environment.” It includes goals for water conservation, water reuse, energy efficiency, sustainable construction, retrofitting for sustainability, and community awareness.
Since then, the city has continued to pursue sustainability in its initiatives and goals. In 2017, the City committed to 100% renewable electricity by 2032 and an 80% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2040. By 2019, the City moved the date to 2030 to source 100% renewable electricity and become an anchor community for the Utah 100 Communities program enabled by House Bill 411.
In addition to renewable energy and greenhouse gas goals, Moab City is pursuing sustainability within its own operations. Moab City Center is a LEED Silver building, and five city buildings have solar arrays. All electricity consumed in city buildings is offset with Blue Sky solar credits. Furthermore, the City hired its first sustainability director in 2017. Sustainability is also evident in the City’s General Plan, Water Conservation Plan Update, Unified Transportation Master Plan, and Moab Tomorrow Together Think Tank Report.