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Environment

A look at Newark’s sustainability plan

Renewable energy, compact mixed-use development and convenience for car-free community members are part of the plan's focus.

Newark residents used jars to indicate sustainability priorities. (Screenshot via Sustainable Newark)

Like many cities, Newark strives to be sustainable. In 2017, the city’s Sustainability Planning Steering Committee was created, comprised of a cross section of representatives from government bodies, civic organizations and residents with, as it says in a recent press release, “a common goal of creating a socially fair, economically strong, and environmentally healthy place to live, work, and play.”

On Oct. 8, Newark’s Conservation Advisory Committee reviewed the long-term plan it designed, Sustainable Newark, and unanimously recommended that Council “adopt and embrace” its goals and action items.

Goals, as worded in the plan, include:

  • To use renewable generation resources for its distributed electricity mix of at least 30% by 2025, 65% by 2035, and 100% as soon as practicable but no later than 2045
  • To facilitate innovative pilot renewable energy projects such as community solar and other developing renewable energy and energy storage technologies
  • To support a car-free lifestyle
  • To reduce its transportation GHG footprint and embraces the transition to clean transportation options for its own operations, its residents, and businesses
  • To requires all new investments in building and land development to use the latest sustainable design strategies
  • To use less water each year compared to the prior year through 2025

On Oct. 17, the City of Newark will hold a public workshop for members of the community at the the City Council Chamber to discuss the plan’s recommendations with City staff and steering committee members. The workshop will be in a “drop-in” style, where people may come and go during the event from 4 to 6 p.m. Community members can also stop in to see exhibits providing an overview of the sustainability plan.

Read the full plan

The final vote will happen after a discussion at the Newark City Council’s Nov. 11 meeting.

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