Whatcom County, WA Climate Protection Action Plan

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted on 9/11/07

Source File: http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/council/2007/res/res2007-041.pdf

Text:

Resolution No. 2007-041
APPROVING TARGETS FOR REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN WHATCOM COUNTY AND APPROVING A CLIMATE PROTECTION AND ENERGY CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN TO ACHIEVE THOSE REDUCTIONS

WHEREAS, the overwhelming scientific consensus is that climate change is occurring; and

WHEREAS, a majority of climate scientists believe that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are responsible for a significant portion of the pollution that is inducing climate change; and

WHEREAS, unmitigated climate change will bring about decreased agricultural output, increased catastrophic weather events, and displacement of entire populations due to rising sea levels; and

WHEREAS, in 2001 Whatcom County released 2.7 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, the standard for measuring greenhouse gas, and it is projected to emit 35% more in 2020, if current practices continue; and

WHEREAS, in 2006 What County passed Resolution 2006-033, resolving to participate in the Counties and Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, thereby committing to be a leader in efforts to promote awareness of the causes and consequences of climate change in Whatcom County communities; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Whatcom County approves the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions of the Whatcom County community by 10% below 2001 levels by 2020 and approves the goal of reducing the emissions of government buildings and operations to 40% below 2000 levels by 2012.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that Whatcom County will work toward removing obstacles to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Whatcom County adopts the Climate Protection and Energy Conservation Action Plan as the basis of efforts to achieve the targeted reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.