Welcome to our 316 United Newsletter. We have a new format on a new platform. With this change, it is easier for people to sign up for our newsletters as well as unsubscribe.

Mark your calendar! 316 United is busy planning an Earth Day event. Here is the link to check it out. We have more activities and vendors yet to be announced. We are looking forward to meeting you in person!

Our next newsletter will summarize the various governmental agencies in Sedgwick County. We hope you will keep it as a handy reference to find the right people to express your concerns or approval.

Thank you for your interest in creating a more sustainability community. You may contact us at [email protected].

All my best, Randi Thimesch

P.S. Please check us out on Facebook and follow our page where we share local events and interesting environmental articles. https://www.facebook.com/316United/

Update to the Solar Moratorium in Sedgwick County

Several newsworthy environmental developments are happening in the Wichita area. First, our Sedgwick County Commissioners are considering extending of the moratorium on solar energy farms at their next meeting on March 6, 2024. Check out their agenda here.

Ever since the community meetings were held last November, the County Planning Department and Planning Commission have deep dived into a comprehensive review process. They read all the public input in addition to reviewing legal regulations related to solar energy. Over the past 30 days, they have been giving feedback to District Advisory Boards and the Sedgwick County Citizen Advisory Boards. The results of their efforts can be found at this link.

I recently sat in on a feedback session during the Sustainability Advisory Board meeting on February 28.  I can not say I fully understand all the issues at hand; however, I can say I am impressed by the committee’s thoroughness and their commitment to transparency. My key takeaway from the presentation was that solar energy and solar farms involve many complex factors. Anticipating future solar proposals and enacting pre-emptive regulations just can not be done. The committee recognizes each solar application will be assessed independently, and the regulations we have now should be seen as a guide.

Whether you're a fan of solar energy or not, citizens should jump in with questions and get involved at every level of the decision-making process. Your voice matters in shaping what's going on in our community!

Lawn Care Rebate program is back!

Did you know a regular gas lawn mower may produce up to six times more emissions than the average car? Older lawn equipment emissions are adding to the ground level ozone pollution. Such emissions pose increased risk for kids, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

You can help by replacing your gas powered lawn equipment. The City of Wichita’s air quality program encourages residents in Sedgwick, Butler, Sumner, and Harvey counties to reduce harmful emissions by using battery operated lawn equipment. The details of the rebate can be found at this link.

Prolonged exposure to ground-level ozone can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and lungs leading to inflammation, chest pains, and difficulty breathing. High ozone levels also damages vegetation and reduces crop production. Sedgwick County’s website has additional resources how to limit our contribution to the ozone level.

It is advisable to keep tabs on local air quality online and take precautions when the quality because unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups. Numerous smartphone apps are available that can alert users to poor air quality conditions. Understanding the factors influencing air quality and and being prepared to take precautions is crucial for maintaining the health of your family members. Our air quality can swiftly change depending upon the wind and weather. A wildfire in Texas can be unhealthy for us in Kansas.

Gardening Season has begun

Time to check out all your favorite local greenhouse for seeds, seed starting kits and friendly advice. Sign up Sedgwick County Extension Service email newsletters to learn more about their education services. If you don’t have room to grow a garden check out ICT Treehuggers and ICT Farms. They need volunteers to help plan, plant and maintain community gardens.

EPA has released an Emission Reduction Report

This is an important working document as to how Kansas Dept of Health and Environment plans to work with local entities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Kansas. Download the report and put it on your reading list. We will circle back soon to pull out the details for further discussion.

Local Community Events

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