Bowie Doubles Down on Environmental Protection

Against the backdrop of a U.S. president who has backed away from efforts to address climate change and enforce measures to protect lakes and streams, the City of Bowie is affirming its
commitment to safeguard the environment.

Among Bowie’s many efforts on sustainability, it counts being an early supporter of curbside recycling, and setting aside land for parks and trails. “As the city has grown in size and complexity over the years, so too have our efforts in this arena,” the city said in a recent statement.

Last year, Bowie’s efforts were rewarded by the University of Maryland’s Sustainable Maryland Certified Program and received the Sustainability Champion Award.

The honor was most likely driven by the city’s consistent approach to address environmental concerns. For example:

• The 2003 Green Buildings Policy that makes energy efficiency a part of every new building project design and involving employees in identifying and promoting opportunities for conservation;
• The 2009 Climate Change Resolution that commits Bowie to being a leader in the energy arena and protects the local environment by reducing energy consumption;
• The 2015 Climate Action Plan that aims to reduce city greenhouse gas emissions by 20% from 2007 levels by 2020; and
• The 2016 Sustainability Plan that provides a far-reaching framework ensuring that Bowie remains a diverse and vibrant community committed to its citizens, economy, and natural environment. 

Bowie Mayor G. Frederick Robinson said of the programs, “not only are they innovative and cost effective, they are simply the right thing to do. We are firmly committed to a more sustainable Bowie and will continue to support this path for today’s residents and for those who will call Bowie home in the future.”

Photo credit: Anacostiatrails.org