Many cities across the nation are taking on the challenge of addressing energy issues, pollution, climate change, and developing policies that focus on a more sustainable lifestyle. In order to succeed at these growing challenges local leaders are getting involved.

On October 22, 2007, the Gladstone City Council passed a resolution of support to a guiding document called the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The agreement urges federal government and state government to enact policies and programs that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to develop alternative ways to meet our energy needs. It also focuses on implementing practices that have less of an impact on our natural environment, save on energy costs, and are a better use of our natural resources.

Mayors from the greater Kansas City area convened on November 2, 2007 at Rockhurst University to participate in a sustainability and climate protection summit and to jointly sign the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The City of Gladstone was among the many other regional leaders who committed to this agreement - marking an historical time in the region. At that time of the signing over 700 U.S. mayors had made a commitment to preserve the environmental, economic, and social well being of their communities. To date there are over 960 mayors who have signed the agreement, click here. The City of Gladstone's commitment will mean taking steps to develop programs and policies that promote sustainable city operations.

The city is actively pursuing the guiding recommendations of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and will continue to partner with others in the region to make Gladstone and the Kansas City metropolitan area a better place to live. Gladstone has converted many fleet vehicles to hybrids or more efficient models, increased purchasing of energy efficient products, and is actively increasing trails within the city. These are just a few of the many positive actions the city is pursuing and many more will be on the way.

“Here's a great way to heat your pool and get some cool savings. New solar water heating systems are available that use the pool's filtration system to pass water through a heat-collection and transfer solar array that heats the water before returning it to the pool. You save money on electric bills and get to splash around guilt-free.”