Town of Boone Announces Steps Taken to Protect Environment

The Town of Boone made two important announcements recently proving just how serious they are about

environmental protection. 

Read  town press releases.

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE George Santucci

Sustainability and Special Projects Manager

January 14th, 2022
(828) 268-6200
george.santucci@townofboone.net

Town of Boone's Municipal Power will be 100% Carbon Neutral by February 2022

The Town of Boone’s Town Council voted during the January 12th, 2022 Town Council Meeting to
accept the proposal for all electricity used by the Town’s municipal buildings to be generated using 100%
renewable energy. Boone is the first municipality to achieve this in North Carolina.
App State’s New River Light and Power’s program, the “Green Power Program” will provide
approximately 1,600 MWh of hydroelectric power, which is approximately 25% of Boone’s municipal
electric consumption. Blue Ridge Energy is providing the Town of Boone with up to 4,800 MWh from
their newly constructed 11 MWh solar array. This solar generated electricity will account for
approximately 75% of Boone’s municipal energy consumption.
“Boone cannot meet its goal of municipal climate neutrality by 2030 and to transition the entire town to
100% clean and renewable energy by 2050 without New River Light and Power and Blue Ridge Energy
stepping up and sourcing renewable energy for Boone. We are grateful for their successful efforts.”
George Santucci, Sustainability and Special Projects Manager, stated.
The Green Power Program is available to all NRLP customers. This enables residents to lower their
carbon emissions, reduce the impact their energy usage has on the environment, and helps the Town of
Boone reach the 2050 goal. More information regarding the Green Power Program can be found at
NRLP’s website: www.nrlp.appstate.edu/green-power-program
“I've very proud of our accomplishments so far. The recent approval to move to 100% renewable energy
in all of our town facilities is a significant step for the town in achieving our goals and will serve as an
example of how private business and residents can join us in making a difference in our local
community,” commented John Ward, Town Manager of Boone.
For more information regarding Boone’s sustainability efforts, please visit the Town of Boone’s website
at www.townofboone.net/sustainability or contact George Santucci, Sustainability and Special Projects
Manager, at george.santucci@townofboone.net.

For more information contact:
Chief Andy Le Beau
andy.lebeau@townofboone.net
Phone: 828-268-6927
Fax: 828-268-6944
Release Date: December 6, 2021

Boone Police Department recently received three Toyota Rav4 AWD Hybrids

Boone, NC – The Boone Police Department recently received three Toyota Rav4 AWD Hybrids. The
vehicles were purchased in early October at Modern Toyota of Boone. After receiving the new SUV’s,
they were up-fitted with emergency equipment, emergency lighting, additional organizers, and storage
systems. The three vehicles entered service at the beginning of December, with two currently assigned to
the Criminal Investigations Division and the third assigned to the Community Resource Officer.
In order to remain the front-runner of industry trends, the implementation of hybrid technology and
updating the vehicle graphics and police markings is a must. Gradient shading in the lettering allows for a
subtle contrast in the graphics, which are now fully reflective rather than previously used contrast
reflective materials. The graphics are single pieced graphics printed on the latest 3M material using an
eco-solvent which is more environmentally friendly.
These hybrid vehicles burn less fuel by running on electricity part time, which ultimately reduces the
amount of carbon emissions from the town fleet, while also reducing the cost of fuel. The Town of Boone
has been working aggressively to eliminate the town’s environmental footprint. Adding hybrid vehicles
to the Town’s fleet moves the Town of Boone closer to the goal of zero Greenhouse Gas emissions by
2050.
“I’m proud of our staff for being open to changing technology and sustainability. These new hybrid
police vehicles will be added to the existing hybrid fleet vehicles in Administration, Planning &
Inspections and Public Works. We are working hard to become more sustainable, reduce costs and
to protect our environment, all of which will help make Boone better!” – Town Manager John A.
Ward III
For more information regarding the new Toyota Rav4 AWD Hybrids, please contact Chief LeBeau
at andy.lebeau@townofboone.net or (828) 268-6927.