Section 473.41. Energy city designation program.

  1.  The authority shall establish an energy city designation program, with the objective of encouraging cities to develop and implement innovative energy efficiency programs. To qualify for designation as an energy city, a city shall submit an application on forms prescribed by the authority by rule, indicating the following:

  a.  Submission of community-based plans for energy reduction projects, energy-efficient building construction and rehabilitation, and alternative or renewable energy production.

  b.  Efforts to secure local funding for community-based plans, and documentation of any state or federal grant or loan funding being pursued in connection therewith.

  c.  Involvement of local schools, civic organizations, chambers of commerce, and private groups in a community-based plan.

  d.  Existing or proposed ordinances encouraging energy efficiency and conservation, recycling efforts, and energy-efficient building code provisions and enforcement.

  e.  Organization of an energy day observance and proclamation with a commemorating event and awards ceremony for leading energy-efficient community businesses, groups, schools, or individuals.

  2.  The authority shall establish by rule criteria for awarding energy city designations. If more than one designation is awarded annually, the criteria shall include a requirement that the authority award the designations to cities of varying populations. Rules shall also be established identifying and publicizing state grant and loan programs relating to energy efficiency, and the development of a procedure whereby the authority shall coordinate with other state agencies preferences given in the awarding of grants or making of loans to energy city designated applicants.

2007 Acts, ch 157, §1

; 2009 Acts, ch 108, §37, 41

; 2011 Acts, ch 118, §50, 89