Middletown, CT Support for Connecticut "Clean Energy Community" Program

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted on 5/2/05

Source File: http://smartpower.org/MiddletownResolution.htm

Text:

Resolution No. 47-05
COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT THE CONNECTICUT “CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES” PROGRAM

Whereas, technology is now available to produce electricity using wind turbines, photovoltaics, low flow water turbines and methane gas (Connecticut Class I Renewables). These technologies are reliable, safe and affordable and produce energy which is clean, sustainable and emission free; and

Whereas, Middletown seeks to take measures to improve air quality standards because of its importance to public health; and

Whereas, electricity generation from fossil fuels produces harmful air pollution that contribute to asthma, respiratory illness, as well as, increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas linked to the acceleration of global warming; and

Whereas, the Connecticut legislature has mandated the creation of a clean energy option for consumers who will be able to sign up for clean energy on their electric bills; and

Whereas, the 20% by the year 2010 campaign is a Connecticut not-for-profit initiative being undertaken to encourage community action in support of clean energy in an effort to improve public health, create a clean energy market, improve the environment and create jobs in these technologies; and

Whereas, Wesleyan University has committed to the purchase of 1 giga-watt of clean energy (equivalent to approximately 100 residential homes) to support the Middletown program; and

Whereas, the City of Middletown and the Board of Education are involved in multiple programs seeking ways to conserve electric energy use and cost in municipal buildings and schools; and

Whereas, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund has agreed to provide to municipalities photovoltaic solar panels that can produce approximately 1,200 kilowatts of clean energy, annually, for every 100 residential homes signing up for CL&P’s clean energy option program at the 100% level. The units will be received and installed at no cost to the municipality and allow for direct reductions in conventional electric supply at a site to be determined by the City.

Now therefore, be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Middletown: That Middletown supports and commits to the 20% by 2010 campaign where, by the year 2010, the town’s municipal electric load will be met; and

Be it further Resolved: That Middletown thanks Wesleyan University for making the largest institutional purchase of clean energy in support of a municipal program in Connecticut, to date; and

Be it further resolved: That a Clean Energy Task Force be created comprised of not more than nine (9) City officials, municipal leaders, environmental organizations, businesses, institutions and/or interested citizens to research and make recommendations so that Middletown can reach the 20% by 2010 goal. The Task Force will investigate clean energy options, including purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and/or on-site renewable energy installations, and funding opportunities; and

Be it further resolved: That Middletown encourages all businesses, institutions, and households within the city to adopt the goals and purpose of promoting clean energy in our City by purchasing clean energy through Connecticut Clean Energy Options program or other Connecticut Class I Renewable Suppliers to advance this program.