About Sustainable Skylines

What is it?

Sustainable Skylines is a locally-led, EPA-supported, public-private partnership to reduce air emissions and promote sustainability in urban environments. Greater Kansas City was chosen as one of the first pilot communities for the Sustainable Skylines program. Learn more about the national Sustainable Skylines program »

Why was Kansas City chosen for the Sustainable Skylines program?

Greater Kansas City was chosen as a pilot community for Sustainable Skylines because of air quality concerns and proven local leadership.

In March 2008, EPA strengthened the national air quality standard for ozone. It is likely that the Kansas City area will be designated “nonattainment” for ozone, meaning that the air does not meet the health standards set by the EPA. Ozone is unhealthy for all of us, but especially for people with respiratory illnesses. Sustainable Skylines projects will help reduce pollution that causes ozone.

Greater Kansas City has also proven that it is ready to show public and private leadership on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As of January 2009, 16 local mayors had signed on to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and more than 130 local businesses and organizations had signed on to the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Climate Protection Agreement.

What will Sustainable Skylines do for Kansas City?

Sustainable Skylines provides a flexible framework for stakeholders to choose projects to implement over the next three years. Those projects will: