In 2008, the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission’s (MVPC) identified the need to support the region’s growth areas and energy needs by developing plans to reduce the region’s carbon footprint, the creation of model ordinances to guide alternative energy development and assist municipalities pursuing renewable energy projects. This resulted in the creation of an Energy Action Plan. The Plan identifies energy challenges, resources, energy strategies for each community in the region, and creates an action plan on how these communities can work together to reduce the region’s carbon footprint.