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.
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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,-,
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