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RESOLUTION NO. 63 - 05
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
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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 (IPCe), 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 offour 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 ofthe 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 storms to erode beaches, inundate land,
and damage structures; more rrequent 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 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% 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"10 below 1990 levels by 2012; and
WHEREAS, many leading U. S_ companies that have adopted greeohouse gas reduction programs
to demonstrate corporate social responsibility have also publicly expressed preference for the U_S_ 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
WHEREAS, mayors ITOm 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, economical 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 oftradable 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:
1) Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create
compact, walkable urban communities;
2) Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs and
public transit;
3) Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting City
facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save
money;
4) Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use;
5) Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S, Green Building Council's
LEED program or a similar system; and
6) 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 ITom 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 (ILEA) Cities for Climate
ProtectÎon Program to track progress and implementation of the U,S. Mayors Climate Protection
Agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin, California, supports
the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and commitments to the six actions listed in this
Resolution, and authorizes the Mayor to execute the Agreement.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of April, 2005.
AYES: Councilmembers Hildenbrand, McCormick, Oravetz and Zika, and Mayor Lockhart
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ATTEST: ,4rtWtt- M ß/IA...J
Deputy CIty Clerk
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