The Tucson-Pima Metropolitan Energy Commission (“MEC”) was established in 1980 by resolution of City of Tucson Mayor & Council and Pima County Board of Supervisors. The goal of MEC is to serve "…as a catalyst for the City of Tucson and Pima County to build a more sustainable energy future in the region."

MEC is an appointed, all-volunteer civic commission. During the past twenty-three years, the Commission has actively educated the public on a variety of energy subjects, analyzed technical issues, commented on energy legislation, developed strategic plans, issued recommendations to the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, developed community support, and sponsored many energy-related community activities and projects.

Pima County and the City of Tucson have become national leaders in adopting energy-efficient building codes and permitting the use of sustainable natural building materials including, adobe, rammed earth, and strawbale construction. The Livable Tucson Forums, public meetings held throughout Tucson and completed in 1997, have led to the creation of the City of Tucson Sustainable Communities Program. Sustainability goals now form the framework for City policies and budget planning. The Affordable Strawbale Housing project won several national recognition awards. The main project currently undertaken by MEC is the creation and implementation of the Greater Tucson Strategic Energy Plan in coordination with the Pima Association of Governments.

Projects MEC successfully advanced and promoted include:

• Establishing the concept and viability of a “solar village”. MEC’s work since 1980 has led to the development of the Community of Civano, nationally recognized as a leader in energy efficiency construction and the first national master planned development to include the comprehensive use of solar energy in its buildings.

• Developed and established the Sustainable Energy Standard (“SES”) requiring 50% less use of energy and the beneficial use of solar energy. The SES is the City of Tucson’s standard for all new construction, as well as the energy code for the community of Civano.

• Spearheaded the development in 2006 of energy recommendations for the Greater Tucson region in collaboration with Pima Association of Governments.

• Encouraged the use of renewable portfolio standards in Arizona through its advocacy and briefing activities.

• Encouraged the development and use of multi-modal transportation.

• Encouraged the use of energy efficiency and renewable energy through briefings to elected officials and the community through events.

• Fostered the development of the Greater Tucson Coalition for Solar Energy. MEC provided seed capital for the Coalition, now completing its 10th year in existence. The Coalition has supported solar energy development in the area by raising nearly $4 million for solar energy development including $1.2 million in Federal support.

• Facilitated the Solar Energy Home Tour, a community tradition since 1995.

• Supported the Solar Car Races.

• Facilitated the Dark Skies initiative in support of proper lighting to sustain the regional astronomical activities.

• Facilitated the launch of the Livable Tucson Forums to present issues and concerns regarding sustainable practices with over 1500 citizen participants over a two year period.