In the heart of the South, Central Arkansas is stepping up to tackle environmental challenges while promoting economic and social benefits. The recently published Central Arkansas Energy and Environment Innovation Comprehensive Action Plan provides a strategic framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving air and water quality, and enhancing community resilience through five voluntary measures. Using this plan as a guide, local government, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals can make choices and investments that strengthen the region’s health, resilience, and economic vitality for generations.
Metroplan, the federally designated planning organization for Central Arkansas, developed the action plan with support from the Great Plains Institute (GPI). As a resident of Central Arkansas, it has been especially meaningful to me to serve as project manager for GPI’s work supporting the development of this plan. Contributing to a project that advances cleaner air, healthier communities, and long-term resilience in the place I call home has been a deeply rewarding experience.
Five powerful measures to cut emissions and boost Arkansas communities
The plan outlines five transformative measures with the potential to reduce GHG emissions by over 40 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050 and reduce annual emissions of ozone and fine particulate matter precursors by 2,448 tons. This represents a 63 percent reduction in GHG emissions from the status quo across Metroplan’s 25-year planning horizon. These measures are tailored to Central Arkansas but could be replicated across much of the South.
- Promoting active transportation (such as walking and biking) by investing in Green Corridors
By investing in regional greenways, complete streets, urban tree canopy, green infrastructure, and restored natural areas, Central Arkansas can improve community safety and well-being, improve air and water quality, reduce heat and related risks, increase energy savings, and improve flood resilience. While some Green Corridors projects are already underway, including construction of regional greenway segments and watershed conservation and restoration projects in White Oak Bayou and Lake Maumelle watershed, Central Arkansans have identified several additional opportunities across the region to complete many more projects.
- Increasing energy savings, independence, and resilience by investing in local energy resources
Deploying rooftop solar, battery storage, and energy efficiency upgrades at schools, businesses, and public buildings will cut energy costs, boost energy security, and reduce outage risks. Studies by the Electric Power Research Institute and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimate significant additional potential for deployment of these technologies with short payback periods for upfront investments in the region.
- Improving local air and water quality by investing in recycling and waste reduction
Expanding access to recycling and composting reduces methane emissions, improves soil and water quality, and limits the need for new landfill development. Communities in Central Arkansas could increase recycling and composting in the region by scaling up existing programs to accept more materials, increase participation, and expand geographic coverage. Compost from such programs could also be used to support community gardens.
- Revitalizing communities through infill development
Encouraging growth in already-developed areas reduces vehicle miles traveled, protects farmland, boosts productivity, and revitalizes communities while improving access to transit and jobs. Strategies include redeveloping abandoned and underutilized properties, implementing policies encouraging compact development, and long-range land use planning that promotes active transportation and access to multiple transportation options.
- Investing in clean transportation through regional electric vehicle charging access
Strategic placement of destination electric vehicle chargers at locations like parks, public campuses, and major employment centers will support everyday use, tourism, and long-distance travel by electric vehicle owners in Central Arkansas. Electric vehicles have many benefits over gas-powered equivalents, including reduced total cost of ownership (sum of vehicle, fuel, and maintenance costs) and zero tailpipe emissions of air pollutants. Increasing access to public charging is especially important for those without home charging options, such as renters.
Together, these measures don’t just reduce pollution; they improve quality of life. Cleaner air, safer streets, lower energy bills, and more jobs are just a few of the benefits.
Driving impact for all
This plan isn’t just about cutting emissions. It’s about delivering the benefits of energy and environmental innovation to everyone, including residents in low-income and rural communities. Every measure in the plan was designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that if implemented, all Central Arkansans could see real, measurable benefits, from heat mitigation and flood resilience to workforce development and energy savings.
Supporting local, regional, and state leadership on climate, clean energy, and innovation
The Central Arkansas Energy and Environment Innovation Comprehensive Action Plan is more than a vision—it’s a road map to a healthier, more prosperous future for everyone in the region. Moreover, the plan developed for Central Arkansas is an excellent model for other communities across the South. The measures outlined are highly applicable to similar environmental, economic, and social conditions across the region.
If you live in Central Arkansas, or you would like to see energy and environmental innovation in your community:
- Share the plan with your networks.
- Champion a project in your community.
- Support local policies and funding that align with these strategies.
- Partner with organizations to turn opportunity into action.
Together, we can turn greenways into lifelines, buildings into energy savers, and everyday choices into long-term investments in our future.
At GPI, we work with public and private sector partners across the country to craft energy solutions that benefit people, the economy, and the environment. As a senior policy manager on GPI’s Energy Systems team, I help lead this work by supporting state and regional climate and clean energy planning and implementation. My focus includes air quality planning and analysis, science and policy communication, policy development, program design and management, grant writing, and facilitation—all of which played a role in shaping this plan. I’m honored to use these skills to help strengthen communities like the one I call home. If you would like to explore a partnership opportunity or use our services for your upcoming project, we’d love to connect.
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