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WHEREAS, these and other impacts will not be equally distributed; communities that already
<br /> face socioeconomic and health inequities, whether around the world or here in our
<br /> community, will be most severely impacted, including youth, senior, people of color, and low-
<br /> income populations; and
<br /> WHEREAS, City services, infrastructure, our local economy, the natural environment, public
<br /> health, and our homes and businesses are endangered by climate change; and Cities have a
<br /> primary duty and responsibility to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare of its residents
<br /> - both now and in future generations; and
<br /> WHEREAS, Cities are uniquely empowered to take proactive, resolute, and prompt measures
<br /> to directly influence activities that have climate impacts, such as energy use in homes and
<br /> buildings, transportation, and by promoting sustainable development; and
<br /> WHEREAS, the Common Council, in February of 2019 at two joint committee hearings of
<br /> Health and Public Safety and Utilities Committees, were presented with clear and compelling
<br /> science, public testimony, letters, and petitions by local youth of all ages and other community
<br /> members, to take immediate, real, and lasting legislative actions to reduce emissions of
<br /> greenhouse gases and thus reduce global warming and contribute to the recovery of our
<br /> planet; and
<br /> WHEREAS, Climate action provides opportunities for South Bend to improve our air
<br /> quality, mobility, public health, social equity, energy independence and energy security, and
<br /> the quality of our natural environment; it also can serve to attract jobs and economic
<br /> development opportunity and increase long-term competitiveness. Action on climate
<br /> change supports the development of a livable, sustainable City with a strong economy and
<br /> high quality of life.
<br /> Action can also improve resilience in face of climate change and other challenges; and
<br /> WHEREAS, South Bend has pursued various climate action with Mayor Stephen Luecke
<br /> having signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2008, convened the Green
<br /> Ribbon Commission in 2009, and founded the Municipal Energy Office in 2010. In 2014,
<br /> Mayor Pete Buttigieg created the Office of Sustainability and reconvened the Green Ribbon
<br /> Commission, an advisory body of local climate and sustainability experts. The South Bend
<br /> Common Council, in 2016, unanimously passed the Cleaner Energy Resolution, and then, in
<br /> 2018 signed on with Mayor Buttigieg to a "Repower Indiana" letter calling for 100% clean
<br /> energy use by our utility supplier. In 2017, Mayor Pete Buttigieg signed the "We're Still In"
<br /> letter, joining Climate Mayors world-wide affirming a commitment to the Paris Agreement
<br /> on Climate,despite the United States' formal withdrawal from the talks; and
<br /> WHEREAS, this and previous Councils have also supported other energy efficiency and
<br /> renewable energy initiatives in the municipal budget, including but not limited to, energy
<br /> and water-efficient facilities, alternative fuel vehicles, reducing waste and paper use, and
<br /> robust community education and engagement endeavors. The City of South Bend actively
<br /> influences sustainable behaviors in our community, encouraging biking and walking,
<br /> supporting mass transit,yard waste and recycling opportunities,and advocating for clean and
<br /> affordable energy; and
<br /> WHEREAS, by way of executive authority in April of 2018, Mayor Pete Buttigieg committed
<br /> to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and effectively joined South Bend
<br /> to 9,296 cities representing 814 million people in a pledge to implement policies and to
<br /> undertake measures to (i) reduce/limit greenhouse emissions, (ii) prepare for the impacts of
<br /> climate change,
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