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Home My WebLink AboutItem 5.3 US MayorClimateProtect CITY CLERK . File # Dr51~[o]-CD[(¿] · AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: April 19, 2005 SUBJECT: Request for Support for the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement Report Prepared By: Joni L. Pattillo. Assistant City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1. 2. Proposed Resolution with Agreement Background Information fium the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement RECOMMENDATI;V FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Adopt the resolution and authorize the Mayor to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. None, the City has already implemented these practices identified in the resolution. DESCRIPTION: A request was sent to the Mayor by the U.S. Mayors Conference asking for support of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement by the passing of the attached resolution, which includes the three key · elements of the agreement: Strive to meet the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns; Urge their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the green reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol-?% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and Urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan Climate Stewardship Act, which would establish emission. Seattle's Mayor Greg Nickels first announced this initiative on February 16, 2005, and the interest and positive feedback has remained intense. The U.s. Conference of Mayors will be meeting in June 2005 and are hopeful that at least 141 mayors (out of the 400 letters that were sent) will have signed up to participate in the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (as of writing of this staff report, 54 Mayors have signed on of which 13 of them are from California). The sample resolution provided by the U.S. Conference of Mayors included a list of possible commitments from which cities could choose to support. The draft resolution before the Council includes those commitments which the City of Dublin can support. · RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution and authorize the Mayor to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. .-w~____~______ø____~~____________~~~_~________________~_____________---------------~-----------~--------- COPIES TO: Q-ICc.-MTGNOO5.qtr2\Apt\04.1 ~~\JII-US Mnyors CIimill.1!; Prollit;lioll AfrUmcni,do.: \~ ITEM NO. 5.3 · · · ltJ'b '7 RESOLUTION NO. - 05 A RESOLUOON OF THE CITY COUNCn. OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN 1'1'."****** ENDORSING THE US MAYORS' CLIMATE PROTECTION AGREEMENT WHEREAS, the U S. Conference of Mayors has previously adopted strong policy resolutions calling for cities, communities and the federal government to take actions to reduce global warming pollution; and WHEREAS, the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international community's most respected assemblage of scientists, is clear that there is no longer any credible doubt the climate disruption is a reality and that human activities are largely responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollution; and WHEREAS, recent, well-documented impacts of climate disruption include average global sea level increases of four to eight inches during the 2011> century; a 40"10 decline in Arctic sea-ice thickness; and nine of the ten hottest years on record occurring in the past decade; and WHEREAS, climate disruption of the magnitude now predicted by the scientific community will cause extremely costly disruption of human and natural systems throughout the world including: increased risk of floods or droughts; sea-level rises that interact with coastal stonns to erode beaches, inundate land, and damage structures; more frequent and extreme heat waves; and more fTequent and greater concentrations of smog; and WHEREAS, on February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement to address climate disruption, entered into force in the 141 countries that have ratified it to date; 38 of those countries are now legally required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on average 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2012; and WHEREAS, the United States of America, with less than five percent of the world's population, is responsible for producing approximately 25% ofthe world's global warming pollutants yet is not a party to the Kyoto Protocol; and WHEREAS, the Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction target for the US., had it ratified the treaty, would have been 7% below 1990 levels by 2012; and WHEREAS, many leading US. companies that have adopted greenhouse gas reduction programs to demonstrate corporate social responsibility have also publicly expressed preference for the US. to adopt precise and mandatory emissions targets and timetables as a means by which to remain competitive in the international marketplace, to mitigate financial risk and to promote sound investment decisions; and WHEREAS, state and local governments throughout the United States are adopting emission reduction targets and programs and that this leadership is bipartisan, coming from Republican and Democratic governors and mayors alike; WHEREAS, many cities throughout the nation, both large and small, are reducing global warming pollutants through programs that provide economic and quality oflife benefits such as reduced energy bills, green space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new energy technologies; and !.\~\t1-0.5 5.:7';, A TT ACHMENT 1 ~ObÎ WHEREAS, mayors from around the nation hereto have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement which reads: The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement A. We urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol target of reducing global warming pollution levels to 7% below 1990 levels by 2012, including efforts to: reduce the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, econonúcaJ energy resources and fuel-efficient technologies such as conservation, methan recovery for energy generation, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and biofuels. . B. We urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan Climate Stewardship Act sponsored by Senators McCain and Lieberman and Representatives Gilchrist and Olver, which would create a flexible, market· based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries. C. We will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution by taking actions in our own operations and communities such as: 4) 5) 6) 1) 2) 3) Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create compact, wa1kable urban communities; Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs and public transit; Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting City facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save ~~; . Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use; Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program or a similar system; and Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors endorses the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and urges mayors from around the nation to join this effort. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors will establish a formal relationship with The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (JLEA) Cities for Climate Protection Program to track progress and implementation of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19'" day of April, 2005. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTA1N: ATTEST: Mayor . City Clerk O;\-tqp:i\R&i>-US M.yoœ Climaœ Prntc:ction.A¡mt.nt · · · 3rt;1 Cities Working Together to Protect Our Air Quality, Health and Environment: A Call to Action March 30, 2005 RECEIVED CITY OF DUBLIN Af>R 0,4 2005 CrN MANAGER'S OFFICE The Honorable Janet Lockhart Mayor, City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin CA 94568 Dear Mayor Lockhart: We invite you to join the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement by signing onto the enclosed resolution and supporting it at the US Conference of Mayors meeting in June. We also welcome the endorsement of other Mayors, whether or not you are currently a member ofthe US Conference of Mayors. With less than 5'10 ofthe world's population, the US produces more than 25% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, and those emissions are continuing to grow. We believe that US cities can ~ and should ~ act to reduce globàl warming pollution, both in our own municipal operations and in our communities. Many of uS arc already doing so through programs such as energy conservation, urban forest restoration, controlling sprawl and using alternative fuels in our fleets. Not only are we reducing our contributions to global warming polJution, we are investing in more livable cities through cleaner air, creation and preservation of open space and urban forests, and reduced energy costs. On February 16, the Kyoto Treaty, the international agreement to address climate disruption, becamc law for the 141 countries that bave ratified it to date. As you know, the United States is not among them. For 38 of the countries with the most advanced economies, the Treaty sets binding legal commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on average 5.2 percent below 1990 levels. lfthe United States had ratified the Kyoto Treaty our nation would be required to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 7% below 1990 levels by 2012. Please join us and the other Mayors who are already committed to providing leadership on this nation- wide, urgent effort. When we meet together at the June US Conference of Mayors we intend to have at least 141 mayors signed up to participate in the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The June meeting is an opportunity to promote and expand this effort by passing a resolution that endorses the Agreement. Although there have been climate protection resolutions adopted by the USCM in prior years, you wj]] see that we are urging specific actions ~ the only way we wj]] make real progress in reversing the trend toward global warming. Since Seattle's Mayor Greg Nickels first announced this initiative on February 16, the interest and positive feedback has remained intense, including national news stories. This is an opportunity to build on what is becoming an increasingly bi-partisan issue. And it is an opportunity to provide real leadership to the more than 80% of Americans who think the US should be acting to reduce global warming pollution. Enclosed, please tìnd the draft Resolution, which includes the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and a form for your signature. Also included are contacts for more information; the ATTACHMENT 2 4fù 1 ENDORSING THE US MAYORS' CLIMATE PROTECTION AGREEMENT . WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has previously adopted strong policy resolutions calling for cities, communities and the federal government to take actions to reduce global warming poilution; and WHEREAS, the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international community's most respected assemblage of scientists, is clear that there is no longer any credible doubt that climate disruption is a reality and that human activities are largely responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollution; and WHEREAS, recent, weil-documented impacts of climate disruption include average global sea level increases of four to eight inches during the 20th century; a 40% decline in Arctic sea-ice thickness; and nine of the ten hottest years on record occurring in the past decade; and WHEREAS, climate disruption of the magnitude now predicted by the scientific community wiil cause extremely costly disruption of human and natural systems throughout the world including: increased risk of floods or droughts; sea-level rises that interact with coastal storms to erode beaches, inundate land, and damage structures; more frequent and extreme heat waves; and more frequent and greater concentrations of smog; and WHEREAS, on February 16,2005, the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement to address climate disruption, entered into force in the 141 countries that have ratified it to date; 38 of those countries are now legaily required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on average 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2012; and e WHEREAS, the United States of America, with less than five percent of the world's population, is responsible for producing approximately 25% of the world's global warming pollutants yet is not a party to the Kyoto Protocol; and WHEREAS, the Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction target for the U.S., had it ratified the treaty, would have been 7% below 1990 levels by 2012; and WHEREAS, many leading US companies that have adopted greenhouse gas reduction programs to demonstrate c.orporate social responsibility have also publicly expressed preference for the US to adopt precise and mandatory emissions targets and timetables as a means by which to remain competitive in the international marketplace, to mitigate financial risk and to promote sound investment decisions; and WHEREAS, state and local governments throughout the United States are adopting emission reduction targets and programs and that this leadership is bipartisan, coming from Republican and Democratic governors and mayors alike; and WHEREAS, many cities throughout the nation, both large and smail, are reducing global warming poilutants through programs that provide economic and quality of life benefits such as reduced energy biils, green space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new energy technologies; and WHEREAS, mayors from around the nation (list attached) have signed the U.S. Mayors Ciimate . Protection Agreement which reads: . e . G I1f:J 7 US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement DATE: You have my support for the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Mayor (name) (signature) City: Address: Staff contact: (name, title) Staff phone: Email: Please add my comments in support of the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. We will add these to the Website (opTional): Please return completed form at your earliest convenience to: US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement clo City of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment PO Box 94729 Seattle Municipal Tower Seattle, WA 98124-4729 OR FAX 206·684-3013 ernail PDF file to: dena. gazin¡@.seattle.gov Seattle Mayor Nickels - US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement Page 1 of 5 ~'b7 M.tJ.ghÞQrhl;)od,,,W.all1...=..aL~en An... 'IV-"to~1Il.JlI<III!>J .. 1;'ifI...mnmént~1 A~tll'1n 1\11.._ HtIW CI!In I Help You? <11>0_...1 '_111:$1 CO....."."'! Natura\ di$1\sœt.. can'( bø Þ"'N""'ted, bu~ we """ be prepared. ·-[umMOro;';. May.rGI'O! Nlck.l, .~~ IDmØJœ );;jf;jI"i".,: Map of .':mi':':":'·.· N.ighb:r.h~â . I mproveì':fents p!~rtm.l'Il~ Staff Dlnu:tory . Top IliI.!iIuSIi NewliI R.I..Iia; I p~e'$ tanfl!!rl!!nc:slII I MiIIYol":¡ Stilllff I Contact the Mi!lY(;Ir Qulek J¡.¡mp; ?~,~r:t a~"lt What Is tht Agl'ftom9n Who 15 Inv~lvEl'r;f? How can I partiClpøte'i WhBt. ()tt)ent. are sayln Whom do I contact? Fa r mol'4l Information e Join the growing list of mayors who are signing onto the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreementl On Merch 30, 2005, 10 mayors representing more than 3 million American! together to invite cities from across the country to take additional actions to significantly global warming pollution. Joining Seattle Mayor tJreg Nickels to l!;Iad the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement ate: · Mayor ROck.y Anderson, Salt l.aKe City, Utf,lh · Mayor Peter Clavèlll!l, elJ~lJngton . Vermont · M.eyor Rosemarie IVé6. Redmond Wasnlngton · Mayor Gßvln Newsom, S~m Francisco, Califomla · Mayor Pam O'Conner, Santa Monics , Celifötnia · Mayo! Tom Poner, F'ortland ,Oregon · M.ßyor Mark Ruzzin, BDulder , Coloraclo · Mayor R,W. Ryb¡:¡ck, Minns.ßpolia, Minnesota · Mayor J9rry arown, Oakland, C¡¡.lfornla Read thl;!!Jéttsl' s~.ot l(;J"mQ,rQ, man.~.oO.,l)8; MAVor& Read t.!'\~,,\).s MélVo,I1t.C!ima.tf!d:~!9,~f!ÇijQ.r'l Aareement Read ths US ConferMte otM.ª.YJmi..8esq;lutlq[\,Endarsina the US Climete. Þrote,c;IIQr¡.Agœ~,! WHAT IS THE U.S, MAYORS' CLIMATE PROTECTION AGREEMI':NT? . http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/climate/default.htm 4/13/2005 · · · Seattle Mayor Nickels" us Mayors Climate Protection Agreement Page 20f5 . lvt>l Clima'te disruption Is an urgent thre¡¡:¡~ to the envjronmental ¡:Ind economic health of OUT communities, Many cltle!i. in this coun" elready hl;lve strong local policIes and programS In pla~ to reduce glObal warmIng polJuticn. but more. action Is neeaed at thE tederallevel.!il to mèelth8 Challenge. On Febfl.J;;I:ry 16, 2005 the Kyoto Protocol, the International agreement to addrs!õ!; Climat. law for the 14 1 coun~rlee¡. thBI havs ratified It 10 d¡:¡te, On that clay, Seattle MaYOr Greg Nickels ~unCh8d tnl8 initiative 10 adv.Ç:In Kyoto Protocol through leadership .i;:lnd ç¡ctlon cy at least 141 American cities. M¡;¡yor Nickel", along with a crowinc numb~Lj)f leading the dlilvalopmant of a Us M30vbrS Climate Prot~,r:tIM A(I'A.ml!n~; our goall~ for at least 141 cities to sign onta the time of tM U.S. Conference of Mayors June meeting in Chicago. Under the Agreðm~nt, plilrtlctpating cities commit to tak~ following three actions: · Strive to meat ot beat the Kyoto PrQtocol targets In their own communIties, through actions: ranging from snti·sprawl urban fore~1 re:storation projects to PUblic Informa1toll campaigns; · urge tner state government!;!, aM the federal government, to enact policie6snd þrograms to mée't Dr beat the gret;!1 reduction target suggestèd fot 1M United States in 1he Kyoto Prolocol ~ 7% reduction from 19S0 levels by 2012; <m · Urge the U.S. congress to paS!i the bipartisan Cllma.te Stewardahip Act, which would eatablish a national emission' In addition to buUdin!jl :a coalition of at least 141 cities to I;I.tgn on10 the: US Milyore. Clima~ Protection Agrðément, Mayoí NiGke other panh::lpatlng mayors, i!il leading an An-ort to win elldQn;lsment ~ the Agr~eme'lt by the U.S. ConfereMe or Mayors, thröL [rt;ll;lolution] at theIr upcoming meeting In Junl!l. u.s Mavor's ConfatMro}llf..bJ.Jk M,evor Nickels' Web cenf~H~U)'C,e Media Caveracs .!Jr¡lted N~tians Backoround O.l')..,qlmate..~ WHO IS INVOLVEO? On Marth 30, Mayor Nlckel¡;¡, along with nine other US m;Elyon;¡. sent a Jetteí and Ihe 2Œ:f! to ov~r 400 mayors a.cross tne cour parth::Jpation. ~..may.t'1r9i h:o!ll/t'! 9;laned onte the aor~,e,lTIont. ParticipatIng Cities http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/climate/default.htm 4/13/2005