Position Statements
Metropolitan Energy Center aggressively pursues beneficial solutions available today, while simultaneously aggressively pursuing zero emission solutions as technology matures.
Transportation
Transportation emissions have now surpassed emissions from power generation and account for over one-fourth of national and global emissions. We must continue to partner with citizens, local governments, businesses, and federal agencies to advocate for policies that promote the use of cleaner fuels in communities across Kansas and western Missouri.
Energy Efficiency
Reducing energy use in buildings, which are intensive energy users with long lifespans, provides a unique opportunity to significantly improve public health. We must pursue policies in the built environment that increase energy efficiency, remove harmful pollutants, and improve the health, economies, and livability for all communities in the Kansas City metro and beyond.
Equity
We peacefully stand firm with the brave people protesting against the systemic racism that has scarred our society to the point of indifference and blatant disregard of basic human rights. We’re taking a moment in this time of outcry to reiterate our dedication to achieving a future where no person has to fear for their health, their future, or their very life because they’ve been set apart as “other.” Any reality that perpetuates such fear must be amended.
What We Do and Why
We provide resources, outreach, and training to make energy efficiency and alternative fuels commonplace.
MEC takes positions on public issues and policies to create resource efficiency, environmental health, and economic vitality in the Kansas City region and beyond. This often includes developing recommendations to combat climate change and tackle the two largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.: transportation and electricity generation.
MEC follows the below guidelines when determining our position on public issues and/or developing policy recommendations:
- Ensures position or recommendation aligns with MEC’s mission and core values: Community Based, Comprehensive, Credible, Committed to Results, Catalyst for Effective Partnerships, Empowerment through Education.
- Upholds staff-held standards of our work: proactive, hopeful, flexible, and committed to the cause.
- Considers how vulnerable populations and frontline communities are impacted.
- Considers the rural/urban divide.
- Considers our dedication to achieving a future where no person must fear for their health, their future, or their life.
- Works collaboratively with stakeholders to develop research-based solutions.
- Brings awareness to non-emission reduction and non-energy impacts (e.g. health of vulnerable populations or economic impact) of our work.