HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2007-041WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2007 - 358
CLEARANCES
Initial
Date
Date Received in Council O ice
Agenda Date
Assigned to:
Originator:
Pete Kreme
9/5/2007
9/11/2007
Council
Division Head.•
Dept. Head.
Prosecutor:
Purchasin /Bud et:
Executive:
TITLE OF DOCUMENT.•
Res. & Presentation on Climate Protection and Energy Conservation Action Plan
ATTACHMENTS:
SEPA review required? ( ) Yes ( ) NO
Should Clerk schedule a hearing ? ( ) Yes ( X ) NO
SEPA review completed? ( ) Yes ( ) NO
Requested Date:
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE. (If this item is an ordinance or requires a public
hearing, you must provide the language for use in the required public notice. Be specific and cite RCW or WCC as appropriate.
Be clear in explaining the intent of the action.)
Resolution and Presentation requesting that the Council adopt the Whatcom County Climate Protection and Energy Conservation Action Plan. This
document establishes formal goals and action steps to reduce greenhouse gas emisisons from both government operations and the Whatcom County
community. (Wording changed to include "Resolution" - see original in AB File)
COMMITTEE ACTION:
COUNCIL ACTION.
9/11/2007: Council Amended and Approved 6 -1
Nelson opposed lies. 2007 -041
Related County Contract #:
Related File Numbers:
Ordinance or Resolution
Number: Res. 2007 -041
Please Note: Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are available for viewing and printing
on the Coun 's website at: www. co. whatcom. wa. us /council.
PROPOSED BY: Executive
SPONSORED BY: Executive
INTRODUCED: September 19, 2007
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-041
APPROVING TARGETS FOR REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN WHATCOM
COUNTY AND APPROVING A CLIMATE PROTECTION AND ENERGY CONSERVATION
ACTION PLAN TO ACHIEVE THOSE REDUCTIONS
WHEREAS, the overwhelming scientific consensus is that climate change is occurring;
WHEREAS, a majority of climate scientists believe that human activities, particularly the
burning of fossil fuels, are responsible for a significant portion of the pollution that is inducing
climate change; and
WHEREAS, unmitigated climate change will bring about decreased agricultural output,
increased catastrophic weather events, and displacement of entire populations due to rising sea
levels; and
WHEREAS, in 2001 Whatcom County released 2.7 million tons of carbon dioxide
equivalent, the standard for measuring greenhouse gas, and it is projected to emit 35% more in
2020 if current practices continue; and
WHEREAS, in 2006 Whatcom County passed Resolution 2006 -033, resolving to
participate in the Counties and Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, thereby committing to be
a leader in efforts to promote awareness of the causes and consequences of climate change in
Whatcom County communities; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Whatoom County approves the goal of
reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of the Whatcom County community by 10% below 2001
levels by 2020 and approves the goal of reducing the emissions of government buildings and
operations to 40% below 2000 levels by 2012.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that Whatcom County will work toward removing obstacles
to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Whatcom County adopts the Climate Protection and
Energy Conservation Action Plan as the basis of efforts to achieve the targeted reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions.
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
D&a Bt Carl Weimer, Council Chair
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