HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2021-049Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
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Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
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Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2021-625
File ID: AB2021-625 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 10/27/2021 Entered by: AKell@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Final Action: 11/09/2021
Agenda Date: 11/09/2021 Enactment#: RES 2021-049
Primary Contact Email: sdraper@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution approving the 2021 Whatcom County Climate Action Plan
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
The Climate Impact Advisory Committee is excited to present the final draft update to the Whatcom
County Climate Action Plan as required in Whatcom County Code 2.126.030. This Climate Action
Plan represents several years of work by the committee including significant input and support from
numerous members of the public as well as County staff. This final 2021 Whatcom County Climate
Action Plan and accompanying resolution is presented to the County Council for review and adoption.
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
11/09/2021 Council APPROVED
Aye: 4 Browne, Buchanan, Donovan, and Frazey
Nay: 2 Byrd, and Elenbaas
Absent: 1 Kershner
Attachments: Staff Memo, Proposed Resolution, 2021 Climate Action Plan
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 1111012021
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Public Works
INTRODUCED: 11/9/2021
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-049
Adopting the 2021 Whatcom County Climate Action Plan
WHEREAS, the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's 6t" Assessment
report found that climate change is already affecting nearly every part of the planet, human
activities are unequivocally the cause, net zero emissions is required by mid-century to
avert very costly and damaging climate impacts; and
WHEREAS, our 2017 greenhouse gas assessment (Whatcom County Greenhouse Gas
Inventory 2017) showed that Whatcom County has a per capita greenhouse gas emission
that is almost three times Washington state's per capita emissions; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County's employment and economy are seriously threatened by
climate change and the required energy transition and the County must be proactive in
developing and attracting the clean energy jobs of the future; and
WHEREAS, The Whatcom County Council, through Ordinance No. 2017-080, has
charged the Climate Impact Advisory Committee with the task of updating the County's
Climate Action Plan every 5 years; and
WHEREAS, The Climate Impact Advisory Committee completed a Community
Outreach effort in 2019, conducting over one hundred interviews with community stake-
holders to determine strategies and actions needed in the updated Climate Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, members of the Climate Impact Advisory Committee 1) continued to seek
advice from community experts over this last year and a half, 2) incorporated the latest
climate science specific to Whatcom County (Whatcom County Climate Action Plan:
Summary of Observed Trends and Projected Climate), and 3) followed recommendations
from the Washington 2021 State Energy Strategy and sought advice and review from the
authors of this plan; and
WHEREAS, the revised Whatcom County Climate Action Plan incorporates the climate
targets passed by the 2020 State Legislature and is consistent with state and federal climate
mitigation and adaptation approaches, thereby facilitating Whatcom County's ability to
compete for state and federal grants; and
WHEREAS, as instructed by the County Council, the Climate Action Plan incorporates
adaptation strategies and actions, that combined with greenhouse gas emissions reductions,
will build climate resilience to avoid the worst impacts of rising temperatures on our
economy, environment, and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan acknowledges that low-income, BIPOC, and
vulnerable communities within the County have and will continue to bear disproportionate
impacts of climate change and that a just transition to a low -carbon future will require
public investments that promote equity; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan acknowledges Whatcom County's obligation to
honor and uphold tribal treaty rights, as guaranteed by the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott
Page 1
between the United States government and the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Indian
Tribe.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council to commit Whatcom
County leadership to:
1. Establish the Office of Climate Action with dedicated staff to ensure climate action
that is transparent, equitable, urgent, and accountable to the Whatcom community.
2. Acknowledge, protect, and enhance the people's right to clean air, water, land, and
food, and access to education, jobs, and shelter; and
3. Execute the 2021 Whatcom Climate Action Plan and work diligently to prioritize and
incorporate key strategies and actions; and
4. Ensure that the County actions are rooted in equity and respect for the cultures and
traditions of our diverse population; and
5. Act with urgency and intention to address the climate emergency and build climate
resilience.
APPROVED this 9th day of November , 20 21.
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Civil Deputy Prosecutor
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
9
Barr uchanan, Council Chair