Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton is interested in taking her central Kentucky city to the next level when it comes to the use of solar energy. Mayor Gorton said an internal group is evaluating current solar use and establishing future priorities. One of those for the mayor is seeing a solar farm situated on the 600-acre closed Haley Pike Landfill. The City is pursuing SolSmart accreditation, a national recognition and technical assistance program for local governments. Gorton said sustainable energy options are important to the health of residents and increasingly more important in attracting businesses. Lexington’s current solar program includes the placement of solar panels on government facilities where possible and designing solar into new government projects. Another one of the City’s solar initiatives, Solarize Lexington, helps Lexington homeowners, small businesses, non-profits, and places of worship install solar panels and reduce their electricity costs.  ** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation. The post Lexington mayor would like to up City involvement in solar energy appeared first on The Lexington Times.