Neher, a senior lecturer at the Kelley School of Business and city council member representing District 5, said the city has worked during the past decade to reduce the use of fossil fuels. If elected mayor, he said, he plans to increase the use of renewable energy sources.
“This effort has positive consequences for local and global economies, people and the environment,” Neher said in a press release about the city’s effort to curtail the use of fossil fuels. “It’s time we take the next step toward energy independence, with Bloomington setting an example for other communities to ?follow.”
Neher said he plans to use public funds to invest in solar energy by placing solar panels on public buildings, including City Hall.
In addition, Neher said he would like the city to explore ways to help finance residents and businesses so they can invest in solar ?energy.
The second point of Neher’s three-point plan is to find ways to increase energy efficiency by upgrading lighting fixtures. He said the upgrade investment would break even in three to four years with a 25 to 30 percent return.
The last part of Neher’s plan is to integrate renewable energy into Bloomington’s Certified Technology Park.
The CTP is essentially part of downtown Bloomington, where many of the city’s technology companies are located.
Right now there is talk of installing a micro-grid, which is essentially a grid separate from the regular Bloomington electoral grid that could potentially incorporate some renewable energy sources, according to Neher.
“In the immediate term, the Monroe County Energy Challenge gives Bloomington and Monroe County a chance to show what this community can do,” Neher said in the press release. “We’ll wholeheartedly invest in this community-wide energy efficiency effort to reduce energy bills and win the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize, and then use the winnings to make our ambitious energy innovation goals a reality.”
Early voting for the ?May 5 primary election began Tuesday.
Neal Earley
