Richmond, CA In Support of Solar Energy
Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 3/21/06
Vote: Unanimous
Text:
RESOLUTION NO. 25-06
Resolution in Support of the SOLAR RICHMOND Initiative
WHEREAS, the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international community’s most respected assemblage of scientists, has found that climate disruption is a reality and that human activities are largely responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollution; and
WHEREAS, many cities throughout the nation, both large and small, are reducing global warming pollutants through programs that provide economic and quality of life benefits such as reduced energy bills, green space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new energy technologies; and
WHEREAS the City of Richmond in the aftermath of the 2001 energy crisis adopted an energy conservation strategy which included among other steps, obtaining state grants for energy conservation initiatives, partnering with other entities for rebates and installing photovoltaic (PV) systems on City Hall and the Hall of Justice buildings; and
WHEREAS as part of the same strategy adopted in 2001, the City of Richmond decided to conduct workshops to educate residents on energy conservation and to perform residential energy audits; and
WHEREAS, the mayor of Richmond, Honorable Irma L. Anderson joined mayors from around the nation in supporting the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement at the 73rd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, in a commitment to increasing the use of clean, alternative energy and advocating for the development of renewable energy resources. As well as to help to educate the public, schools, other jurisdictions, professional associations, business and industry about reducing global warming pollution; and
WHEREAS in 2005 the residents of Richmond have launched the SOLAR RICHMOND initiative, a not-for profit grassroots educational organization to promote solar power in the city of Richmond and to create a cleaner environment and to develop job opportunities, with the participation of residents, business owners, community leaders, and energy professionals ; and
WHEREAS the residents of Richmond organized in SOLAR RICHMOND have set the goals of having installed in the city of Richmond a total of 5 megawatts of solar energy by the year 2010 on the rooftops of private residences, business and public buildings, as well as to create 100 new jobs for Richmond residents; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Richmond commends the educational initiative taken by its residents in SOLAR RICHMOND, and supports their efforts, goals and aspirations; that the City of Richmond will facilitate in any way possible the educational and promotional efforts of SOLAR RICHMOND; and that their goals are good for the planet and good for Richmond.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Richmond continues to be committed to the principle of a cleaner environment through alternative energy sources, and in building off its 2001 energy conservation strategy, the City is specifically committed to the installation of the largest possible photovoltaic (PV) systems on the roofs of all Civic Center buildings.