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<br />City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT <br /> <br />. Smart design and location for structures - east, west, south exposure for <br />solar gain, natural ventilation to reduce air-conditioning, recycled and natural <br />building products. <br />. Transportation hubs and depots - walkable, bikeable, electric vehicle <br />distance to local community centers or business districts. <br /> <br />This section does not include all low impact design practices and tools. As <br />technology and ideas are availability, they should be evaluated to determine if they <br />could advance the City's goals. The above practices and tools could be encouraged <br />or required through the City's regulations. <br /> <br />12.4 Carbon Reduction <br /> <br />The state of Minnesota legislature passed the "MN Next Generation Energy Act of <br />2007" in an effort to plan for energy change and climate uncertainty. This act <br />included the following goals related to reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels <br />and conserving energy by: <br />. Reducing per capita use of fossil fuel by 15% by 2015; <br />. Annual energy savings of 1.5 percent of electricity and natural gas; <br />. Generate 25% of energy from renewable sources by 2025; <br />. Based on 2005 emissions, make reductions of <br />o 15% by 2015 <br />o 30% by 2025 <br />o 80% by 2050 <br /> <br />These are all carbon reduction goals that proactive planning will help to achieve. In <br />Arden Hills, a significant contributor of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions is <br />traffic passing through Arden Hills on Interstates 1-694, 1-35W, Highway 10, Highway <br />96, Snelling Avenue, and Lexington Avenue. Some options for lowering emissions <br />include: <br />. Lowering speed limits <br />. Higher mpg vehicles <br />. Using hydrogen buses <br />. Using electric cars or personal vehicles <br />. Traffic circles that siow speeds but do not stop traffic <br />. Light rail transport from potential hub or depot sites at existing rail lines <br /> <br />Some of the above options are based on individual decision; however, the City and <br />other governmental agencies can encourage, or possibly require, certain actions. <br />For example, Arden Hills, along with other agencies, could provide transit hubs, light <br />rail, or hybrid/hydrogen buses. Each person must make responsible decisions to <br />reduce carbon emissions. Cities, counties, and the state need to work cooperatively <br /> <br />DRAFT <br />4/18/2008 <br /> <br />94 <br />