Local governments slow to adopt green policies, survey says.

• Position: Brief article

Many jurisdictions have yet to make substantial, quantifiable efforts toward meeting goals related to ecological sustainability and energy conservation, according to a survey from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).While many communities have undertaken communitywide recycling programs, conducted energy audits of government buildings, and added biking and walking trails, few have adopted resolutions, targets, or benchmarks regarding policy goals, dedicated staff to the sustainability effort, or set aside money in the budget for sustainability

Some action is being taken. Of the 2,176 local governments that responded, 75.7 have established communitywide recycling collection programs; 62.9 percent have conducted energy audits of government buildings; 61.4 percent have added biking and walking trails; and 44.7 percent have planned for tree preservation and planting.

But when asked what actions...