[OKC] Low ranks spur green plans in Oklahoma

[Shauna Struby]

Low ranks spur green plans in Oklahoma

 

By John David Sutter
Staff Writer

 

Despite their efforts to appear more green, Oklahoma City and Tulsa again
ranked among the least environmentally friendly cities in the country,
according to an analysis released Monday by an environmental group.

 

Tulsa placed 48th and Oklahoma City 49th on the green cities list, which
includes the 50 most populous cities in the country. A group called
SustainLane creates the annual list based on a number of criteria that
include air quality, commute lengths, energy and climate policy, city
planning and the presence of a green economy. 

The greenest city on the list was Portland, Ore., followed by San Francisco.
The least environmentally friendly city was Mesa, Ariz. 

Oklahoma City held its place from last year's rankings, and Tulsa dropped
eight spots. 

Oklahoma's legacy as an oil and gas state hurt its two largest cities in the
report, as did the fact that neither city's bus system is well used by
comparison with other cities. 

Oklahoma City ranked last, and Tulsa ranked next to last in terms of the
number of people who use public transportation. 

Both cities also are failing to promote a green economy and energy-efficient
buildings, according to the report. 

Hope for future

Despite their listed shortcomings, the report says there is cause for hope
that Oklahoma City and Tulsa may have greener futures. Tulsa plans to plant
20,000 trees by 2010, and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has the public
buy-in necessary to make green improvements, the group says. 

Cornett said Monday that he was "disappointed" in Oklahoma City's low
ranking. 

"I'm not arguing with the ranking. I'm just pointing out that we've got a
long way to go," he said. "It's something we take seriously. ... We need to
do better." 

The city may address its lacking public transit system as soon as next year
and is looking to hire someone to address sustainability and environmental
issues in the city, the mayor said. 

Cornett said it's unclear whether humans are causing climate change. He said
Oklahoma City needs a cultural shift in order to be more environmentally
friendly. 

"We live in a culture that is still surrounded by the automobile," he said,
"and although we've taken some significant steps in the last year ... we've
got a long way to go."

::: http://newsok.com/article/3301492/

 

 

::: shauna lawyer struby

 

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