State and Local Climate and Energy Program
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Development of an Innovative Climate Projects Coordination Structure
Gila River Indian Community, Arizona
Federal Funding: $262,124
Project Timeline: February 2010 – December 2012
Project Summary
Implementing Recycling, Renewable Energy, and Green Building Programs to Fight Climate Change
The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) has identified a range of potential projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These efforts, however, are currently uncoordinated, unfunded, and in need of grant-writing support and technical assistance to succeed. The goal of this project is complete these projects by:
- establishing a Climate Projects Specialist in the community's Department of Environmental Quality,
- completing a community–wide GHG Inventory,
- implementing a curb-side recycling program,
- implementing a compact fluorescent (CFL) lighting and Green Building program, and
- developing options for reducing industrial facilities' GHG emissions.
To provide staff support for GHG emission reduction projects, the Gila River Department of Environmental Quality will establish a Climate Projects Specialist position. This staff person will provide coordination to new and existing project teams, receive training on LEED certification, and promote the program through presentations and articles in local media outlets.
One of the Climate Projects Specialist's duties will be to coordinate a Recycling Team to implement a demonstration curb-side recycling program. Outreach will be provided to community members through presentations and information materials, and the team will evaluate the program to determine how to expand the program to the remaining districts in the community.
The Climate Projects Specialist will also work with the Department of Environmental Quality to promote the benefits of CFL light bulbs and Green Buildings in the community. The target is to replace approximately 90 percent of conventional light bulbs in the community with CFLs, develop green building guidelines for the community, and construct at least one LEED-certified home.
Finally, the community's air quality program will develop a GHG emissions inventory of facilities operating in the community and an options paper of reduction strategies and their costs. Based on this report, the council will provide direction for implementing GHG reduction programs within the community's jurisdiction.
The benefits of this program include direct GHG emission reductions through curbside recycling, CFL bulb replacements, and the construction of LEED-certified homes. The establishment of a Climate Projects Specialist will build internal capacity, establish strong community partnerships, and ensure the results are replicated through the community. These projects are consistent with natural resource protection, a core cultural value of the Akimel O'odham and Pee Posh peoples of the Gila River Community.
Community Characteristics
| Population: | 22,000 |
|---|---|
| Area: | 640 square miles |
| Government Type: | Tribal |
| Community Type: | Rural |
| Median Household Income: | $34,000 |
Program Results/Estimated Results
| Expected GHG Emissions Reductions: | 10,000 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) total |
|---|---|
| Expected Recycling Participation: | 1,000 households |
| Expected CFL Bulb Replacements: | 90% of households |
