Meeker Sets Environmental Initiative For City Of Raleigh

With one new member, the Raleigh City Council is expected to lean more toward being environmentally friendly.

Mayor Charles Meeker said the first item of business that he will ask the new City Council to do is appoint an environmental board and have it up and running by February.

Meeker said with a comprehensive energy policy, the city can look at purchasing more hybrid cars and make more preparations for any future increases in gas prices. He wants the board in place by February.

"Since so many city services are dependent on transportation, Raleigh needs to use fuel wisely to make sound preparations for energy prices that could very well fluctuate up a good deal over the months ahead," Meeker said.

Tuesday is the last meeting of the Raleigh City Council before new members are sworn in next month.