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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-017 r RESOLUTION NO. 2009-017 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE CITIES FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS AND AIR POLLUTION EMISSIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY WHEREAS, a scientific consensus has developed that Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere have a profound effect on the Earth's climate; and, WHEREAS,the 2007 Fourth Assessment Report from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that it is very likely that most of the observed increases in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century are due to human-induced greenhouse gases; and, WHEREAS, in 2006 the U S. National Climatic Data Center confirmed clear evidence of human influences on climate due to changes in greenhouse gases; and, WHEREAS, an inventory of human activity impacts, i.e., a green house gas emission r inventory, is a means of documenting those impacts; and, WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors endorsed the 2005 U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement initiated by Seattle Mayor Nickels; and, WHEREAS, the Urban Environmental Accords adopted by local government delegates during UN World Environment Day 2005 call for reduced emissions through energy efficiency, land use and transportation planning, waste reduction, and wiser energy management; and, WHEREAS, in 2001, at the request of the Administration, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) reviewed and declared global warming a real problem likely due to human activities; and, WHEREAS, 162 countries include the United States pledged under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; and. WHEREAS, energy consumption, specifically the burning of fossil fuels, accounts for more than 80% of U .S. greenhouse gas emissions; and, WHEREAS, local government actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency provide multiple local benefits by decreasing air pollution, creating jobs, reducing energy expenditures, and saving money for the local government, its businesses r and its residents; and, City of Atascadero Resolution No. 2009-017 Page 2 of 3 +�r.. WHEREAS, the international organization known as, "ICLEI" —Local Governments for Sustainability, has invited the City of Atascadero to join ICLEI and become a partner in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, and has technical information and expertise that can assist the City in developing a greenhouse gas inventory, and in turn, contribute to ongoing efforts to promote sustainable building and, in the future, to prepare a climate action plan, and, WHEREAS, the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign sponsored by ICLEI has developed a proven method and tools for quantifying energy use, energy efficiency, and associated greenhouse gas emissions, and WHEREAS, local government actions taken to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions provide multiple local benefits by reducing energy expenditures, saving money for the local government, its businesses and residents, decreasing air pollution, and WHEREAS, the State legislature adopted AB 32 (known as the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006), established a multi-year program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020; and NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Atascadero takes the following actions +r.r SECTION 1.The City of Atascadero will loin ICLEI as a Full Member and participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and, as a participant, pledges to take a leadership role in promoting public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change. SECTION 2. The City of Atascadero will undertake the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign's five milestones to reduce both greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions throughout the community, and specifically • Conduct a baseline emissions inventory and forecast • Adopt an emissions reduction target for the forecast year •Develop a Local Action Plan • Implement policies and measure s • Monitor and verify results SECTION 3.The City of Atascadero requests assistance from ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection Campaign as it progresses through the milestones. On motion by Council Member O'Malley and seconded by Council Member Fonzi, the foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety on the following roll call vote +rrrrr City of Atascadero Resolution No. 2009-017 Page 3 of 3 AYES Council Members Fonzi, Kelley, O'Malley and Mayor Beraud NOES Council Member Clay ABSENT None ADOPTED None CITY,QF ATASCADERO B Ellen Beraud, Mayor ATTEST Marcia McClure Torgerson, C.M.ij, City Clerk APPR4 AS ORM. Brian Pierik, C ty Attorney +err.