City of Fayetteville asking for community input on new Climate Action Plan

By: Camryn Johnson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)  – The City of Fayetteville is hosting a series of community engagement events in order to gain feedback on the city’s Climate Action Plan. 

Environmental Director Peter Nierengarten said the efforts being put forward seek to restructure the Energy Action Plan that was adopted in 2018. The goal of the initial plan was to highlight steps the city could take in decreasing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the area. After what Nierengarten described to be a successful five years, the newer initiative focuses on a more preventative strategy. 

“We’re revamping that climate action work and adding to that a nature-based solutions initiative that looks at trying to do a better job preparing for the impacts of climate change that we know are coming our way,” he said. 

Before any changes are made, Nierengarten said conversation with residents is essential so that the city can get a feel for where to put its energy. 

“Fayetteville really prides itself in doing community-driven planning work and trying to focus our efforts where our community’s priorities are, so that’s just where it’s really important to hear from the community on a topic as important as a climate action plan,” he said. 

Four in-person engagement events were scheduled for residents to come and learn more about the action plans while also voicing their own thoughts. The most recent gathering took place April 22 on Earth Day. Emily Tappana, president of the Biological Engineering Club at the University of Arkansas, was in attendance and shared the importance of getting involved with the city’s efforts.

“It’s really important, especially if you’re concerned about sustainability and keeping the city beautiful in the long-term, to do your part,” she said. “Since we’re all part of the problem of waste and producing trash, we should all be a part of the solution and clean it up together.”

The fourth and final engagement event will take place Thursday, April 27 at Bryce Davis Park from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. For anyone who is interested in participating but cannot attend, you can still take part by filling out a public input questionnaire on the City of Fayetteville website. 

To complete the Climate Action Plan survey, click here.