HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2009-37_Greenhouse Gas ReductionSponsors: Ozment/Cavanaugh
CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA
RESOLUTION NO.2OO9-3?
A RESOLUTION TO REDUCE MUNICIPAL GREENHOUSE CASES 25O/OBY 2O2O AS RECOMMENDED BY
THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN TASK FORCE
WHER.EAS, the City and Borough of Sitka has endorsed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection
Agreement arld its goal of meeting Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gas emission reduction targets; and
WHEREAS, the United States Global Research Frograrn has concluded that the impacts of increased
or continued levels of greenhouse gas emissions will be the most severe for Alaskan communities and
a scientific panel convened by the City and Borough ofJuneau has concluded that these changes are
already affecting Southeast Alaska; and
W.IIEREAS, numerous scientists and economists have concluded that ambitious greenhouse gas
emission reductions of 2O to 3O percent by 2O2O can and should be done to avoid the enormous
costs to human societies that would ensue if emissions continue to rise; and
WHEREAS, a 25o/" reduction level would be consistent with the Clobal Warming Solutions Act
enacted by the state of California for the purpose of meeting Kyoto Protocol targets using current
business as usual estimates; and
qnfEREAS, City and Borough of Sitka Resolution 2008-19 directs a municipal Climate Action Plan
Task Force to recommend greenhouse gas emission reduction measures that would achieve a specihc
reduction target; and
WHEREAS, local governments have a unique ability to address greenhouse gas emissions as many of
the most effective initiatives originate in the actions of local governments; and
WIIEREAS' Sitka's municipal operations generated 3,732 tons of greenhouse gases in the baseline
year of 2OO3, including 2,98 I tons emitted through the use of heating oil for municipal buildings and
another 550 tons from the municipal vehicle fleet; and
WHEREAS, a reduction of 25o/o below 2O03 baseline levels would eliminate 933 tons of greenhouse
gas emissions and reduce fuel consumption by over 84,0OO gallons, and create potential savings of
uP to one quarter million dollars per ye€rr in fuel costs at three dollars per gallon.
NOqf' THERtf'ORt AE IT RESOL\IED that the City and Borough of Sitka Assembly directs the
Climate Action Plan Task Force to set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 257o frorn the
20O3 Base Lcvel by 2020.
PASSED, APPROVED, AI\ID ADOPTED bY
lOth day of March, 2009.
ATTEST:
the Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska this
een Ingman, MMC
Municipal Clerk