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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-051-05/20/2008-ESTABLISHING CITY GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION GOALS 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; and WHEREAS,the Fort Collins Climate Task Force has recommended that Council include in this Resolution an additional goal to the effect that the Fort Collins community reduce its current greenhouse gas emissions so that, by the end of 2012, such emissions do not exceed 2.466 million tons. 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, pending attainment of such goals, the Council hereby expresses its intent to reduce current community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not to exceed 2.466 million tons. 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 the milestone for the year 2012 referenced in Section 2 above. -2- 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 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 Coun ' the City of Fort Coll' s this 20th day of May A.D. 2008. l Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk f(' ;l,-, -3-