HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 05/20/2008 - RESOLUTION 2008-051 ESTABLISHING CITY GREENHOUSE G ITEM NUMBER: 29
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: May 20, 2008
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Lucinda Smith
SUBJECT
Resolution 2008-051 Establishing City Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
The Climate Task Force recommends adoption of the goals contained in this Resolution.
The Natural Resources Advisory Board recommends adoption of the goals contained in this
Resolution.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The short-term financial impact will be assessed through the development of the updated Climate
Plan that will be brought for Council consideration later this year. The timing and magnitude of the
financial impacts,including costs and savings,will be established as Council makes decisions about
how and when to implement strategies presented in the updated Climate Plan. Additional resources
will be needed to manage the annual reporting and biennial review process.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 1999, Fort Collins City Council adopted a community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goal "to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30%below predicted 2010 levels,by 2010"and a plan to meet it.
Biennial progress reports have shown that good progress is being made but that Fort Collins is not
on track to meet the goal. At a February 26, 2008 work session, Council reviewed a series of
measures developed by the Fort Collins Climate Task Force designed to help meet the 2010 goal.
Council supported continued efforts to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions but expressed interest
in establishing a new, longer-term goal that aligns with the newly established statewide goal. This
resolution sets a goal to reduce Fort Collins greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2020 and 80% by
2050,both when compared to 2005 emissions levels. It also calls for the preparation of an updated
Climate Plan addressing how progress can be made on interim milestones and calls for an annual
progress report and biennial review of progress on the new goal.
May 20, 2008 -2- Item No. 29
BACKGROUND
I. Original 2010 Greenhouse Gas Goal
In 1999, City Council adopted Resolution 1999-137,setting the goal to reduce citywide greenhouse
gas emissions 30%below predicted 2010 levels,by 2010. The 1999 Fort Collins Local Action Plan
to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions outlines how to accomplish that goal.
Fort Collins has made good progress reducing emissions since adopting the original goal.
Highlights include conversion of traffic signals from incandescents to LEDs,implementing the still-
growing Climate Wise business program, offering numerous energy conservation programs to
residents and businesses, increasing Fort Collins percent of renewable energy through voluntary
wind subscriptions and rate-based green power programs, and increased community recycling
opportunities including installation of a centralized recycling drop-off facility. Benefits to the
community from implementing measures in the 1999 Local Action Plan have been wide-ranging and
include air pollution reduction,reduced waste in the landfill,increased support for local businesses
and the economy, and generally improved quality of life.
By 2006, over 243,000 tons of greenhouse gases were reduced through these efforts, or about 8
percent of emissions in that year. Recognizing that Fort Collins was not on track to meet the 2010
goal, City Council authorized a Climate Task Force(CTF)to develop an updated plan for the 2010
goal and to recommend a future direction for climate protection. The CTF developed an interim
package of measures that were designed to meet the 2010 goal. At a February 26, 2008 work
session, Council reviewed the interim Short-Term Provisional Package and raised questions about
the appropriateness of the 2010 goal. Council decided to step back and revisit the community's
greenhouse gas goal in hopes of finding an approach that reflects longer-term thinking yet remain
appropriately aggressive in the short-term.
11. Consideration of a New Greenhouse Gas Goal
At a Council work session on March 26,2008,Council was presented with information about three
alternative future greenhouse goals, including a pair of statewide goals identified in the Colorado
Climate Action Plan. City staff and the Climate Task Force recommended that Fort Collins adopt
the same goals identified for the state of Colorado:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20%below 2005 levels, by 2020.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 2005 levels, by 2050.
At the work session, Council expressed support for a Resolution to bring forward these goals for
adoption.
Two important factors set this pair of goals above other alternatives:
1. Consistency
2. Need.
May 20, 2008 -3- Item No. 29
1. Consistency
The Colorado Climate Project was convened in 2007 to bring Coloradans together to reduce the
state's contribution and vulnerability to climate change. In October 2007,the Climate Action Panel
(CAP) recommended setting goals for reducing Colorado's emissions "in the vicinity of a 20%
reduction in greenhouse gas emission by 2020 and an 80%reduction by 2050,both compared to 200
levels," along with numerous policy recommendations to reduce emissions. The goals
recommended by the CAP were meant to be consistent with the parallel goal of an efficient,robust
Colorado economy. The CAP believes these goals are realistic because:
(1) the panel's quantified recommendations would achieve most of the reduction needed to meet
the goal,
(2) the remaining unquantified CAP recommendations would provide additional reductions,and
(3) other measures beyond the CAP recommendations are available now and more will become
available in the future.
In November 2007, Governor Ritter released the Colorado Climate Action Plan that established the
same goals to reduce Colorado's emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80%below 2005
levels,by 2050. On April 22,20008 Colorado Executive Order D00408 formally established these
goals for the State of Colorado.
Local alignment with the statewide goals can increase cohesion of efforts and reduce confusion and
lack of focus that could result when different goals are established by different entities. Even the
terminology of goals can be confusing to the public. Adopting the same goals that have been set for
the state may help diminish this confusion.
In addition,the recommended 2020 goal is in alignment with the directive provided to Platte River
Power Authority in the Colorado Climate Action Plan that utilities should seek to lower their
emissions 20%below 2005 levels by 2020. The recommended 2020 goal is also in alignment with
discussion currently underway by the City of Fort Collins Energy Policy Update Committee.
2. Need
Significant thought went into the selection of statewide goals,including considerations of short-term
feasibility and longer-term efforts needed to avert the worst impacts of climate change.
• The state 2020 goal is largely built upon a plan of action strategies,and state leaders
believe it is achievable in parallel with a robust Colorado economy.
• The recommended 2050 goal is grounded in scientific basis indicating that
reductions of greenhouse gas emissions by at least of 80% are needed by mid-
century to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
In addition, the Fort Collins Community could realize tremendous ancillary economic,
environmental, and social benefits when continuing to taking responsible steps to combat climate
change, such as:
May 20, 2008 -4- Item No. 29
• Support local businesses and stimulate economic development
• Provide economic stimulation of research and development activities
• Reduce home and business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting
• Reduce home and business motor vehicle fuel costs
• Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources
• Reduce vulnerability to energy prices increases and volatility
• Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system
• Diversify energy supply and reduce loads on transmission system
• Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles
• Improve public health
• Improve local visibility
• Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates
• Reduce vehicle miles traveled and road congestion
• Reduce water consumption in the community
• Increase Fort Collins' ability to adapt to a changing climate
• Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition.
III. Current Emissions Projections
The following table provides the current best estimates for Fort Collins greenhouse gas emissions
levels and future projections. It is important to keep in mind that the emissions inventory and
reduction quantification methodologies and data availability may continue to change with time,
requiring updates to the numbers.
Table 1. Fort Collins GHG Emissions,Projections, and Reductions Needed (5/7/08)
Year Emissions Inventory Source Emissions Inventory Emissions Inventory if
Tons CO2e Achieve Linear
Reductions from 2008
to 2020
1990 Calculated from existing data 1,366,000
2005 Calculated from existing data 2,540,000
2006 Calculated from existing data 2,551,000
2007 Calculated from existing data 2,653,000
2008 Future Projection 2,727,000 2,727,000
2009 Future Projection 2,782,000 2,669,000
2010 Future Projection 2,838,000 2,611,000
2011 Future Projection 2,894,000 2,553,000
2012 Future Projection 2,951,000 2,495 000
2013 Future Projection 3,008,000 2,437 000
2014 Future Projection 3,065,000 2,379,000
2015 Future Projection 3,123,000 2,321,000
2016 Future Projection 3,179,000 2,263,000
2017 Future Projection 3,235,000 2,205 000
2018 Future Projection 3,292,000 2,147,000
2019 Future Projection 3,349,000 2,089,000
2020 Future Projection 3 407 000 2.032.000
May 20, 2008 -5- Item No. 29
Figure 1. Graph of Emissions and Reductions Needed to Meet 2020 Goal
4,000,000
2020 "Business As Usual'
3,500,000 2005
Emissions
3,000,000
CO2e
m 2,500,000
N
O
02,000,000
2020 Target J'
0 1 500 000 2.032 M tons CO2e
' ' 4 (20% below 2005)
1,000,000
500,000
0
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N
V O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O
O N W V t0 V O + N W A N N V W 10 O
IV. Relationship of 2010 Goal to 2020 Goal
The original 2010 greenhouse gas emissions goal would be successfully met ifthe community-wide
emissions in the year 2010 were 2.466 million tons CO2e or less, according to the 2010 emissions
projections when the goal was set in 1999. The Climate Task Force was charged with developing
an updated plan to meet the 2010 goal and recommending a future direction for climate protection.
They are working to bring forward an updated plan that, if implemented, will begin to turn Fort
Collins emissions trajectory from growth to reduction. Achievement of the 2010 emissions target
of 2.466 million tons CO2e will necessarily occur at some point between now and 2020 if actions
are implemented to reduce emissions and progress is being made on a 2020 goal.
May 20, 2008 -6- Item No. 29
V. Climate Planning and Reporting on a New Greenhouse Gas Goal
In order to make progress on a goal, it is important to develop implementation plans, monitor
progress and update plans as necessary. The proposed resolution calls for the development of an
updated climate action plan that identifies interim milestones and strategies for achieving those
milestones. It is not an efficient use of resources now to develop a detailed implementation plan that
addresses the entire path from the present to 2020 in light of evolving technology, market and
regulatory conditions. However,the Resolution calls for the development and proposal to Council
of an updated climate action plan that identifies interim milestones and sets the community on
course to meet the 2020 goal. The Resolution also calls for annual progress reports to be prepared
and biennial review of progress relative to interim milestones. Selecting even years for milestones
will allow the opportunity to recommend actions in the next budget cycle. For example, a review
of progress in 2010 would be completed in spring of 2011 and implementation actions could be
recommended for inclusion in the 2012/2013 budget cycle during the summer and fall of 2011. The
Climate Task Force endorses an annual reporting and biennial review schedule.
VI. Anticipated Next Steps
May- Climate Task Force completes recommendations to City Manager.
June and July Staff develop recommendations, taking into consideration CTF
recommendations.
July 22 Council work session on draft updated Climate Plan.
August Public Outreach Board and Commission review.
Sept. 16 Council action to adopt updated Climate Plan.
Fall 2008 forward Subsequent Council actions to adopt specific GHG recommendations.
ATTACHMENTS
1. February 26, 2008 and March 25, 2008 Council work session summaries.
2. CTF Goal recommendation.
3. NRAB recommendations regarding 2020 goal.
4. Summary of Data for Graphs and Charts from March 25, 2008 work session.
5. Powerpoint presentation.
ATTACHMENT
Natural Resources Department
200 West Mountain Ave.,Suite A
PO Box 580
Fort Collins,CO 80522
City of Fort Collins 970.221.6600
970.224.6177-fax
fcgov.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Hutchinson and City Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager
FROM: Lucinda Smith, Sr. Environmental Planner
CC: Marty Heffernan, CPRE Director
John Stokes,NRD Director
DATE: February 29, 2008
SUBJECT: February 26, 2008 Work Session Summary—Climate Task Force
On February 26, 2008, City Council held a work session to discuss the Climate Task Force work
to date. All Councilmembers were present except Councilman Brown. In addition to John
Stokes and Lucinda Smith, several staff were present in the audience as well as a number of
Climate Task Force members, in case questions arose.
In summary, Councilmembers present indicted support for Fort Collins working to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. They did not discuss many details of the Short-term Provisional
Package, but raised questions about the appropriateness of the existing 2010 greenhouse gas
goal. They recognized the challenge of achieving a 2010 goal that was accentuated by the cost
estimates of the Short-Term Provisional Package. They encouraged an approach that reflects
longer-term thinking yet be appropriately aggressive in the short-term. They asked about the
relationship of Fort Collins' existing goal (to reduce emissions 30% below predicted 2010 levels,
by 2010)to the state's 2020 goal (to reduce emissions 20%below 2005 levels by 2020).
Councilmembers individually suggested that the task force consider economic opportunities and
impacts to Fort Collins, whole energy-systems thinking, green building, regional coordination,
the importance of community engagement, the importance of periodic progress reporting, and
ensuring synchronization with other City planning efforts currently underway.
Next Steps
On March 3, 2008, the City Leadership Team will discuss the process by which the City's
greenhouse gas goal will be revised to consider a longer planning horizon. The results of this
discussion will be communicated to the Climate Task Force so the next steps can be planned
accordingly.
where renewal is a way of life
/ 015al Resources Department
est Mountain Ave.,Suite A
x 80
olins,CO 80522
Citvof Fort Collins 21.6600
24.6177-fax
cm
Vigo I
March 25,2008 Council Work Session Summary
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Hutchinson and City Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager
FROM: Lucinda Smith, Sr. Environmental Planner
CC: Brian Janonis, Utilities General Manager
Marty Heffernan, CPRE Director
John Stokes,NRD Director
DATE: March 31, 2008
SUBJECT: March 25, 2008 Work Session Summary—Greenhouse Gas Goals
On March 25, 2008, City Council held a work session to discuss the greenhouse gas goals for
Fort Collins. All Councilmembers were present. At the start of the agenda item, Brian Janonis
and Brian Moeck provided comments to Council about Renewable Energy Credits and answered
questions. Council requested two follow-up items:
• A two-pager that defines "Renewable Energy Credits", what we have and are expected to
purchase, why we would invest in more RECs instead of creating more of our own product,
what do our policies say vs. the perception of what boards would like to see done in the
future, etc., including a list of acronyms and the associated descriptions.
• A "road map" related to the Smart Grid.
n St
okes and Lucinda Smith then made the staff presentation on greenhouse gas goals. Kevin
Cross, representing the Fort Collins Sustainability Group, was invited to the table.
In summary, all Council members supported consideration of a resolution adopting the state
greenhouse gas goal to reduce emissions 20%below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80%below 2005
levels by 2050. Two members also wanted an interim goal established to achieve the existing
2010 goal threshold of 2,466,000 tons greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2011. Council
stressed the importance of continuing existing actions, taking additional actions soon and
establishing a robust process for annual reporting, public review and course correction. There
was some interest in establishing a public review board.
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Council members indicated support for the following chronological process:
• Council resolution to adopt goal
• Climate Task Force (CTF) complete recommendations to the City Manager
• Staff develop recommendations on updated climate action plan, taking into consideration
CTF recommendations
• Council work session
• Public outreach
• Council action to adopt climate action plan. (Note: Specific recommendations in the plan
would require subsequent Council implementation steps.)
Council also asked for the following information to accompany the resolution on greenhouse gas
goals:
• 2007 Fort Collins greenhouse gas emissions inventory
• Side by side comparison of all the slides to provide an organized, complete graphical
depiction of the goals
Requests were made that the Resolution to adopt the goal include statements about:
• Importance of climate change issue locally and globally
• Importance for Fort Collins to do its share
• List of co-benefits from climate protection strategies
• The need for the climate plan to articulate interim milestones and establish an annual
reporting and review process
• A caveat for updating the goal, in light of evolving science, technology or other
opportunities
• Encouragement of all organizations in Fort Collins to do their share
Some Council members raised concerns that little had been done to reduce or track emissions
since the goal was set in 1999. A brief summary of progress is provided in Attachment 1.
Next Steps
Staff will prepare a resolution to adopt the state greenhouse gas goals and supporting materials
for consideration at a future City Council meeting as soon as possible.
ATTACHMENT
Natural Resources Department
200 West Mountain Ave.,Suite A
ggo
PO Box 580
Fort Collins,CO 80522
Cityof Fort Collins 970.221.6600
970.224.6177-fax
fcgov.com
Climate Task Force Goal Recommendation
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Hutchinson and City Council Members
Darin Atteberry, City Manager
FROM: Fort Collins Climate Task Force
DATE: March 12, 2008
SUBJECT: Recommendations on Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Goal
Executive Summary
The Climate Task Force (CTF) unanimously recommends that Fort Collins adopt the statewide
greenhouse gas reduction goals to:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20%below 2005 levels, by 2020
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80%below 2005 levels, by 2050
The CTF believes that local alignment with the statewide goals will increase cohesion of efforts
and reduce confusion and lack of unified focus that would result from differing goals. The CTF
recognizes that significant thought went into the selection of statewide goals, including
considerations of short-term feasibility and longer-term efforts needed to avert the worst impacts
of climate change.
Introduction
This memo summarizes the Climate Task Force input into your discussions about Fort Collins'
greenhouse gas reduction goals. The CTF work over the past ten months has afforded ample
opportunities to carefully consider the importance and feasibility of greenhouse gas reduction
efforts for Fort Collins, and this has informed the content of this memo.
For context and to inspire the change that will be needed to meet the greenhouse gas policy
goal(s) City Council chooses, the CTF recommended goals are presented in a broader framework
that includes a discussion of rationale, vision statement suggestions, and guiding principles.
This broader framework accommodates many important points that you raised during the
February 26 study session that a numeric goal alone cannot achieve. Namely, this framework
attempts to shift towards a positive vision of the future that capitalizes on the numerous ancillary
benefits from a comprehensive and systems-approach to climate protection.
Above all, the CTF would like to impart the importance of City Council providing a fret
statement of leadership and commitment to climate protection in developing and delivering the
revised goal to the community.
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Rationale
The Climate Task Force holds the following statements as true and therefore has used to guide
the development of the vision, goal, and guiding principles:
• The Fort Collins community has demonstrated its leadership on the issue of climate
protection and should continue to act from a position of leadership and focused intent so
as to inspire other communities across the region, state, and globe to likewise step up to
share in the solution.
• The community will realize tremendous ancillary economic, environmental, and social
benefits when taking responsible steps to combat climate change. Accordingly the goal
and plan should actively pursue and manage these benefits including but not limited to
economic vitality, community cohesion, societal and individual health, improved air
quality, and state and national recognition.
• The City of Fort Collins government should play a special role in energizing the
community by first leading by example in greening its own operations, then by
establishing policy directions that will lead the community to a sustainable future, and
most importantly by inspiring community involvement.
• Fort Collins is fortunate to have a number of organizations leading sustainability efforts
including Poudre School District, Colorado State University, and the wide array of
Climate Wise partners that have publicly committed to voluntarily reducing their
organization's greenhouse gas emissions. For perspective, the Climate Wise program
represents the city's top employers (representing 12,000 employees) and the city's top
energy users (representing approximately one third of Fort Collins Utilities total annual
electricity delivered). Building collaborations and sharing experiences with other leaders
in the community and region will be integral to achieving success.
• Based on scientific evidence, forecasts, and models under different scenarios of action,
the CTF believes that the local goal should target an 80% or more reduction in our
greenhouse gas emissions inventory by mid-century in order for Fort Collins to perform
at a level consistent with global requirements for reversing the effects of climate change.
• In the end, we must come together as a community, a state, a nation, and a globe to
dedicate ourselves to the serious task of addressing climate change while not losing sight
of the fact that we can make a difference and leave the world a better place for future
generations.
Vision statement
The CTF believes that a clear vision statement is needed to create a common understanding
among the wide range of participants needed to meaningfully address climate change in Fort
Collins. Without this clear picture, goals and plans run the risk of drifting off course. As well,
it's difficult to create a vision around climate protection without acknowledging the broader
topic of sustainability.
2
Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without jeopardizing the ability of future
generations to do the same...In other words, living off the interest of the earth, not the capital
itself The process to be increasingly sustainable addresses known issues of major social,
economic, and environmental importance. Climate change is one of these issues that will have
major impact on the world and on the Fort Collins community, if steps are not taken to address it.
Using the rationale statements as a guide and sustainability as the backdrop,the CTF offers the
following example vision statement for consideration. This is meant as illustrative,
acknowledging that it is City Council's role, not the role of the CTF, to set the vision for the
community.
"Fort Collins will be a carbon neutral, environmentally sustainable, economically
healthy community that offers its citizens a high quality of life. We will build on our
culture of`heroic pragmatism'to lead by example and do our part to thwart the known
global environmental threat of climate change. We are inspired to action now so that as
future generations look back on this period, they too can be inspired and know that we
did everything in our power to create a future world that is thriving, vibrant, sustainable,
and full ofpossibility. "
Guiding Principles
• The City of Fort Collins must lead by example in policy-making and implementation.
• Embrace the opportunity to tap into the unique combination of innovation, creativity and
technical expertise that abounds within the Fort Collins community to develop long-term
sustainable solutions.
• Address all aspects of the challenge, including emissions source categories (electricity,
transportation, natural gas, and municipal solid waste) and user sectors (residential,
commercial and industrial).
• Engage all sectors, including large organizations within the community who can provide
leadership and influence.
• Focus on action but use goals as guidance to develop plans.
• Greenhouse gas reduction strategies must consider technical, economic,political, and
social feasibility, and be reasonable and prudent.
• Identify and factor the multiple co-benefits of strategies into decision-making.
• Strategies should promote economic vitality and prioritize investments into our
community
• Identify interim goals, milestones and reporting metrics in implementation plans.
• Commit to and institutionalize regular reporting to track progress and determine whether
course corrections are needed.
Recommended Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Goals
The Climate Task Force unanimously recommends adoption of the following goals:
• Reduce Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions 20%below 2005 levels, by 2020
• Reduce Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80%below 2005 levels, by 2050
All twelve CTF members voted to recommend these goals to Council, but one task force member
had serious concerns that there is no limit or "safety valve" placed on cost to reach the goal.
3
These goals are the same as those established for the state of Colorado under Governor Ritter's
Climate Action Plan. The recommended 2050 goal is grounded in scientific basis indicating that
reductions of global greenhouse gas emissions by at least of 80% are needed by mid-century to
avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
The state 2020 goal is largely built upon a plan of action strategies, and state leaders believe it is
achievable. The measures introduced in the Fort Collins "Short-Term Provisional Package" can
play an important role in achieving progress on the recommended 2020 Fort Collins goal. Many
of these measures are very cost-effective and a number are voluntary. Recognizing the
importance of getting additional actions underway soon, the CTF looks forward to refining its
recommendations to optimally address Council's recommendation on the community's
greenhouse gas goals.
4
ATTACHMENT3
�X. Natural Resources Department
200 West Mountain Ave.,Suite A
PO Box 580
Fort Collins,CO 80522
CitV of Fort Collins 970.221.6600
970.224.6177-fax
fcgov.com
NRAB Recommendation on Greenhouse Gas Goals
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Hutchinson and City Council Members
FROM: Alan Apt, Chair,Natural Resources Advisory Board
CC: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
John Stokes,NRD Director
John Armstrong,NRAB Staff Liaison
NRAB
DATE: March 20, 2008
SUBJECT: Recommendations on Fort Collins' Greenhouse Gas Goal
The Natural Resources Advisory Board met on March 19, 2008 and discussed the subject of
greenhouse gas goals for Fort Collins. All members present voted unanimously to make the
following recommendation to City Council, in advance of your March 25, 2008 work session.
The Natural Resources Advisory Board enthusiastically supports the Climate Task Force
recommendations to reduce Fort Collins greenhouse gas emissions:
• 20%below 2005, by 2020
• 80%below 2005, by 2050.
However we feel that an aggressive, proactive approach should be taken on short term goals.
Since we will have 12 years to achieve these goals, we agree with City Council's request that
annual goals be considered. We suggest that an annual goal of no less a 2%reduction be
implemented.
As part of an implementation plan we would like to see most of the Green Power funds
redirected to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that support the local economy
and community; such as, Fort Zed.
Thank you for considering this recommendation.
where renewal is a way of life
ATTACHMENT 4
Summary of Data for Graphs and Charts from March 25, 2008 Work Session
At the March 25 work session, some Council members asked for a review of graphs and charts
presented in the Agenda Item Summary and Powerpoint presentation. The table below identifies
all the data points that were used in various combinations in the charts and graphs presented on
March 25 , 2008 .
Table 1 . Data presented at the March 25 , 2008 Council work session on Greenhouse Gas Goals
Year I What Data Point
2005 Emission inventory 2 . 540 million tons CO2e
2010 "Business As Usual" Projection 2 . 913 " "
2010 Emission inventory needed in 2010 along a straight- 2 . 371 " "
line trajectory from 2005 to 2020
2020 Emission goal of 20% below 2005 levels 2 . 032 " "
2010 Reductions needed in 2010 to meet 2020 goal 0 . 542 million tons reductions
2020 Business As Usual (projected from 2005 3 .478 millions tons CO2e
2050 Emission goal of 80% below 2005 levels 0. 508 " "
As always, estimates of current and future greenhouse gas emissions are based on the best
procedures and data available at any given time. Emissions estimates are often improved as time
moves forward. As an example, the electricity coefficient used to estimate greenhouse gas
emissions from electricity use was updated in April 2008 and is reflected in this May 20, 2008
Agenda Item Summary.
1
Fort Collins
Greenhouse Gas
Goals
Fort Collins City Council Meeting
May 20 , 2008
City of Fort Collins
1
■
Background
■ 1999 — Council established goal to reduce Fort
Collins greenhouse gas emissions 30 % below
predicted 2010 levels , by 2010 .
■ 2000 through 2007 - Good progress made but not
on track to meet goal
■ 2007 — Council convened Climate Task Force to
update greenhouse gas plan
■ Feb . 26 , 2008 Council work session raised
questions about appropriateness of existing 2010
greenhouse gas goal
Z
1
■
March 25 , 2008 Council Work
Session
■ Considered goal alternatives , including a
recommended goal of
20 % reduction below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80 %
reduction below 2005 levels by 2050 .
■ Council provided direction to bring back
recommended goal for adoption as soon
as possible .
3
■
Recommended Fort Collins Goal
■ 20 % reduction below 2005 levels , by 2020 , and
■ 80 % reduction below 2005 levels , by 2050
Recommended by :
■ Fort Collins Climate Task Force
■ Natural Resources Advisory Board
■ City staff
4
2
■
Reasons for Recommendation
■ Consistent with statewide goals in :
L Colorado Climate Action Panel ( Oct 2007 )
❑ Colorado Climate Action Plan ( Nov 2007 )
❑ Colorado Executive Order D00408 (April 2008 )
■ Increase cohesion and unify focus
■ Reduce confusion
5
■
Reasons for Recommendation
■ 2020 Goal — state level 2020 goal built
"from the ground up " ; Strategies
recommended by Colorado Climate Action
Panel can get there .
■ 2050 Goal - global scale of greenhouse
gas reductions that scientist are currently
saying is needed to avert the most
significant impacts of climate change .
6
3
■
Reasons for Recommendation
■ Multiple other benefits from
continuing climate protection efforts :
Air pollution reduction , especially ozone
E: Reduced reliance on fossil fuel and foreign oil
❑ Reduced pressure on landfill
E Supporting the local economy
E: Cost savings for citizens , business , and
government
Resolution Under Consideration
Tonight
■ Sets goals to reduce community-wide
greenhouse gas emissions
20 % below 2005 levels by 2020 and
❑ 80 % below 2005 levels by 2050 , consistent with
state goals .
■ Calls for development of an updated Climate
Plan containing interim milestones to put Fort
Collins on a trajectory to met the 2020 goal .
■ Establishes annual reporting and biennial
review prior to biennial budget cycle .
8
4
■
Next Steps
■ May Climate Task Force complete
recommendations to City Manager
■ June/July Staff develop recommendations ,
taking into consideration Climate
Task Force recommendations
■ July 22 Council work session on draft
updated Climate Plan
■ August Board and Commission review and
public input
■ Sept 16 Council Action on updated
Climate Plan
9
5
RESOLUTION 2008-051
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ESTABLISHING CITY GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION GOALS
WHEREAS, there is widespread consensus that human emissions of greenhouse gases are
impacting the earth's climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale adverse
health, social, economic and ecological effects; and
WHEREAS, climate disruption is likely to cause, and may already be causing, damage to
the environmental and economic health of Colorado communities, risks associated with reduced
snow pack that could affect both water supply and tourism,and secondary impacts such as changes
in agriculture economics; and
WHEREAS, local governments can greatly influence their communities' greenhouse gas
emissions by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste
management, and, in many cases, energy and water supplies and management; and
WHEREAS, there currently is no comprehensive federal regulations of greenhouse gas
emissions and the United States is itself the largest per capita emitter of greenhouse gas emissions;
and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate for local governments to take responsibility for emissions
occurring within their jurisdictions since local community actions can speed the development of
technology-based solutions and more rapidly promote market transformation that will help drive
reductions in global emission levels; and
WHEREAS, the Fort Collins community could realize tremendous ancillary economic,
environmental, and social benefits by undertaking responsible steps to combat climate change; and
WHEREAS,by the adoption of Resolution 1999-137,the City Council established a policy
that the City shall proactively identify and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
within the City by at least 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 2010 while achieving cost-
effectiveness in each program; and
WHEREAS, the City has demonstrated its leadership on the issue of climate protection
through the implementation of Climate Wise, the Electric Energy Supply Policy, recycling
initiatives and other programs to reduce emissions, and should continue to lead by example so as
to encourage other communities across the region, state, and globe to share in the solution to the
problem of greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, despite this progress, Fort Collins is not on track to meet the greenhouse gas
emissions goal established by Resolution 1999-137 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to an
inventory level of 2.466 million tons in the year 2010; and
WHEREAS, the Fort Collins community offers a unique combination of innovation and
technical expertise that can be utilized to develop long-term sustainable solutions and facilitate all
sectors and organizations in Fort Collins in taking action to reduce emissions; and
WHEREAS, scientists have identified a need to reduce the global emission of greenhouse
gases by 80%by the year 2050, at the latest,in order to avert the worst impacts of global warming;
and
WHEREAS, the 2007 recommendations of the Colorado Climate Project convened by the
Rocky Mountain Climate Organization to reduce the state's contribution and vulnerability to climate
change include reducing statewide emissions in the vicinity of 20%below 2005 levels by 2020 and
80%below 2005 levels by 2050; and
WHEREAS, the 2007 Colorado Climate Action Plan establishes these same goals; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is intent upon continuing its efforts to achieve meaningful
reductions in local greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, aligning local greenhouse gas goals with state goals will minimize confusion
on the part of the public and facilitate statewide collaboration in reducing the damage caused and
risks created by greenhouse gas emissions.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the Council hereby establishes the goals of reducing Fort Collins'
community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 20%below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80%below 2005
levels by 2050.
Section 2. That the City must continue its existing efforts and take additional steps to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the Fort Collins community so as to make substantial
progress toward the attainment of these goals.
Section 3. That the City government must lead by example in this area by minimizing
greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations through the establishment of policies and directions
that will lead the community to a sustainable future,and,most importantly,by inspiring community
involvement in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Section 4. That the City Manager is hereby directed to prepare for Council consideration
an updated plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the Fort Collins community that
identifies interim milestones needed to put Fort Collins on a trajectory to meet the 2020 goal,
including a milestone for the year 2012.
Section 5. That such updated plan shall include a list of strategies demonstrating how
interim milestones can be met and that these strategies should: consider relevant technical,
economic,political,and social factors;promote economic vitality and prioritize investments in the
Fort Collins community; address all emissions sectors; and promote involvement by all segments
of the community (local businesses, governments, utilities, schools, universities, non-profit
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organizations, homeowners, and other individuals).
Section 6. That the City Manager is further hereby directed to: (a) prepare an annual
report tracking progress toward attainment of the goals established herein, including a community-
wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory and a list of quantified emission reductions actions for the
preceding calendar year; and (b) biennially, at least six months in advance of the City's biennial
budget preparation, prepare a report evaluating progress on greenhouse gas reduction relative to
established interim milestones and recommending actions for consideration in the upcoming budget
cycle.
Section 7. That the Council hereby recognizes that new data, scientific findings,
mitigation technologies, and quantification methodologies may emerge over time and that future
Councils may choose to update the community greenhouse gas goal to take in account evolving
science, technology or other opportunities.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 20th
day of May A.D. 2008.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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