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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClimate Resolution Draft Structure (4-8-19)Climate Resolution/Ordinance Structure For Review - March 29, 2019 [Some whereas statements could be moved to a cover letter] Whereas Whereas Introduction Community members, including young people, requesting action from council Cities are responsible for ensuring the public health, safety, and welfare of its residents – both now and in future generations Climate change presents both a global and local threat to economic, social, and environmental wellbeing Cities must act to protect the most vulnerable of its residents  Whereas Scientific consensus Combustion of fossil fuels that create GHGs are driving climate change Cite specific resources/testimony International Panel on Climate Change National Climate Assessment Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment Quick action is necessary  Whereas Local risks/Impacts Risks from inadequate responses will cause economic, social, and environmental disruption Climate change poses a risk to City services, infrastructure, the local economy, the natural environment, public health, and local homes and businesses. Impacts for South Bend are projected to include Extreme rainfall Extreme heat Increase in disease, invasive species, and loss of habitat Impacts will not be equally distributed - communities that already face socioeconomic and health inequities will be most severely impacted including youth, seniors, people of color, and low-income communities   Whereas Climate action provides opportunities for South Bend Improve air quality, mobility, public health, social equity, energy security, quality natural environment Support development of liveable cities with high quality of life Improve resilience in face of climate change and other challenges Attract jobs and economic development opportunity, increase long-term competitiveness and wealth  Whereas Cities can influence, be proactive leaders South Bend can lead the region in addressing climate change and environmental efforts/sustainable development Cities are empowered to directly influence activities that have climate impacts, e.g. energy use in homes and buildings, transportation, and sustainable development.   Whereas Cities can influence, be proactive leaders South Bend can lead the region in addressing climate change and environmental efforts/sustainable development Cities are empowered to directly influence activities that have climate impacts, e.g. energy use in homes and buildings, transportation, and sustainable development.   Whereas Other cities have already passed climate-specific legislation Indiana cities w/ climate resolutions (Indy, Carmel, Fishers, Lawrence) Outside Indiana but in region? If Ordinance, City would be 2nd only to Eugene, OR, 1st in the state  Whereas City history of action Mayor Luecke signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2008, convened the Green Ribbon Commission in 2009, and founded the Municipal Energy Office in 2010. In 2014, Mayor Pete created the Office of Sustainability and reconvened the Green Ribbon Commission. In 2016, Council unanimously passed the Cleaner Energy Resolution, and has supported resolutions and ordinances for energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives In 2017, Mayor Pete signed on to “We’re Still In” and joined Climate Mayors In 2018, Mayor Pete and all council members signed a Repower Indiana letter In 2018, Mayor Pete signed on to the Global Covenant  Whereas City current activities/measures (can expand or replace any measures) Operations – efficient facilities, alt fuel vehicles, reducing waste and paper use, community education & engagement Community – encourage biking and walking, support transit, yard waste and recycling opportunities, advocate for clean, affordable energy  Whereas Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy 9,296 cities representing 800M people Provides a framework for climate action Committed to the process – completed Step 1 The city has already measured and reported community and govt ops GHGs, completing Step 2 Step 3 requires setting a GHG reduction goal and Step 4 requires creation of a climate action plan   Resolve Resolve Climate Action Plan w/ Goals Council supports the administration’s current (Q2/Q3 2019) initiative to develop a climate action plan Council requests this plan specifies climate actions most impactful in South Bend Council requests this plan identifies GHG reduction goals customized to South Bend Council requests this plan be completed by Fall 2019 Council requests the administration’s planning process consider Council and administration priorities Both immediate internal actions and longer-term programs and policies Opportunities for climate action to increase social equity Appropriate timelines for implementing the specific climate actions and achieving the GHG reductions Where stakeholder feedback will be essential  Resolve Updating and Reporting Council requests the administration create an iterative process of setting goals, tracking progress, and reporting Progress reports annually Muni GHG inventory updated every 3 years Community GHG inventory updated every 3 years Climate Action Plan updated every 3/5 years  Resolve Leadership Council will seek opportunities to demonstrate climate leadership and will support the administration in doing the same, including: Collaboration w/ other govts and agencies Leadership in Indiana and region Public private partnerships  Resolve Commitment Council to remain engaged in and committed to climate issues Support administration’s current and future internal policies to reduce local govt GHG emissions For community-focused measures, respond to administration proposals and take action to adopt proposed plans, goals, targets and measures as appropriate Ensure adequate funding and staffing for adopted climate priorities at both the local govt and the community levels Assist administration in engaging community stakeholders.