HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-015-03/06/2007-CONVENING A TASK FORCE TO UPDATE THE CITYS CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN AND TO PROMOTE RENEWABLE ENERGY, RESOLUTION 2007-015
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
CONVENING A TASK FORCE TO UPDATE THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN AND TO PROMOTE RENEWABLE ENERGY, ENERGY
EFFICIENCY, WASTE REDUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION-RELATED
TECHNOLOGIES, SERVICES, AND PRACTICES
WHEREAS, reducing dependence on fossil fuels is widely recognized as beneficial to the
national, state, and local economies; and
WHEREAS, local businesses currently provide goods and services that reduce the reliance
of national, state, and local economies on fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS, local businesses currently have energy efficiency and renewable energy
practices that reduce the reliance of local economies on fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS, promoting additional green businesses and business activity in climate
protection activities would benefit the local economy by providing jobs, property tax revenue, and
sales tax revenue; and
WHEREAS,the City Council has recognized the importance of promoting the development
and application of clean and renewable energy sources by passing Resolution 2006-037, which
directs the City Manager to join with other local institutions to develop a Clean Energy Cluster for
Northern Colorado; and
WHEREAS, the development and application of clean and renewable energy sources and
energy efficiency technologies would reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, which are widely
recognized as contributing to global climate change; and
WHEREAS, the magnitude of climate change now forecast by the scientific community is
predicted to cause severe and costly disruption of human and natural systems throughout the world
generally and in Colorado in particular; and
WHEREAS, the scientific community believes that significant reductions in the emissions
of greenhouse gases can slow and minimize the negative impacts associated with climate change;
and
WHEREAS,the Cityhas previously recognized the importance of evaluating and mitigating
the cumulative impacts on the environment caused by greenhouse gas emission through its
participation in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign; and
WHEREAS,by the adoption of Resolution 1999-137,the City Council has previously stated
its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to the equivalent of 2,466,100 tons of
carbon dioxide or less by 2010; and
WHEREAS,if present trends continue,the City will be responsible for the emission of 30%
more greenhouse gases than the target established by Resolution 1999-137;
WHEREAS, the City's long-term goal is for the City organization to be climate-neutral in
its operation and in the provision of services to the citizens of Fort Collins and the City Council
wishes to consider undertaking additional, affirmative steps toward achieving that goal; and
WHEREAS,in 2006,Mayor Hutchinson was appointed as one often project directors of the
statewide Colorado Climate Project sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization, the
goal of which project is to bring Coloradoans together to study alternatives and develop
recommendations to reduce the state's contribution and vulnerability to climate change.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Manager shall appoint and convene a task force consisting of
members selected from citizens,members of City boards and commissions, and City staff to solicit
input from the public and from City boards and commissions charged with advising the City Council
in connection with matters related to energy conservation and environmental quality,and to develop
an updated plan that will describe steps that the Fort Collins community could take to meet the
greenhouse gas emissions target established by Resolution 1999-137.
Section 2. That said updated plan shall include measures to encourage local businesses,
governments, utilities, schools, universities, non-profit organizations, homeowners, and other
individuals to develop,provide, and apply(as appropriate)technologies, services, and practices to
promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation efficiency and waste reduction within
the City of Fort Collins.
Section 3. That it is the intent of the Council that said task force identify and incorporate
the most useful and defensible technical and policy resources as the basis for its recommendations,
including consideration of any relevant information from the Colorado Climate Project.
Section 4. That in addition to preparing recommendations for an updated 2010 plan, the
task force shall also make recommendations on how the City should develop a future direction for
climate protection after 2010, and shall report its findings on the matter to the City Manager.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Coynell of the City of Fort C lins this 6th
day of March, A.D. 2007. &04
Mayor
I
T:
City Clerk