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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4477 RESOLUTION NO. 4477 . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO THE CITY JOINING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY ("ICLEI") WHEREAS, scientific consensus has developed that carbon dioxide (C02) 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 Intergovernmental 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 gas emissions; 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, the U.S. Conference of Mayors endorsed the 2005 U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement initiated by Seattle Mayor Nickels and signed by more than 900 mayors in the United States as of March 2009; 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 2003 the American Geophysical Union adopted a Statement noting that human activities are increasingly altering the Earth's Resolution No. 4477 April 21, 2009 Page 1 of 4 climate and that natural influences cannot explain the rapid increase in near- surface temperatures observed during the second half of the 20th century; 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, the 2000 U.S. Global Change Research Program's (USGCRP) First National Assessment indicated that global warming has begun; and WHEREAS, 162 countries including 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, and its residents; and WHEREAS, Local Governments for Sustainability ("ICLEI") is a membership association of local governments committed to advancing climate protection and sustainable development; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, HEREBY RESOLVES as follows: Resolution No. 4477 April 21, 2009 Page 2 of 4 Section 1. That the City of Auburn shall join ICLEI as a Full Member and pledges to take a leadership role in promoting public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change. , Section 2. That the City of Auburn shall undertake ICLEI's five milestones to reduce both greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions throughout the community, and specifically: • Conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast to determine the source and quantity of greenhouse gas emissions in the jurisdiction; • Establish a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target; • Develop an action plan with both existing and future actions which when implemented will meet the local greenhouse gas reduction target; • Implement the action plan; and • Monitor and report progress. Section 3. That the City of Auburn requests assistance from ICLEI as it progresses through these milestones. Section 4. That the Mayor is authorized to implement such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out the directives of this legislation. Section 5. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in full force upon passage and signatures hereon. Dated and Signed this 4 day of 2009. ~ C " L P TER B. LEWIS MAYOR Resolution No. 4477 April 21, 2009 Page 3 of 4 ATTEST: ~ Danielle E. Daskam, City Clerk AP V O FOR . niel B. e, City Attorney Resolution No. 4477 April 21, 2009 Page 4 of 4