Battle Creek, MI Renewable Energy Policy

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted on 3/6/07

Vote: Unanimous

Source File: http://ci.battle-creek.mi.us/ReferenceDesk/CommissionMeetingMinutesArchive/2007/070306.pdf

Text:

Res. 88

Resolved by the Commission of the City of Battle Creek:

Traditional, non-renewable fossil fuel energy sources make up over 95% of the energy used in the United States. Increasing demand for fossil fuels, along with diminishing supplies, has caused energy prices to become increasingly unstable, causing Michigan energy costs to rise rapidly in three years. Money spent on renewable energy sources stays in the local economy and supports local businesses and farms.

Renewable energy is a new economic sector for Michigan investments and the purchase of renewable energy will lead to creation of new jobs and investment in this sustainable technology which will create a competitive edge for all of Michigan.

Renewable energy sources greatly reduce global warming emissions compared to fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources produce less air pollution than fossil fuel based energy and contribute to making our air cleaner and meeting EPA clean air standards.

The City of Battle Creek establishes a goal of meeting 15% of the energy demand for municipal facilities from renewable energy by 2015. The City of Battle Creek further urges the State of Michigan to adopt a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard based on a “15 by 15” renewable energy pledge.

The City Manager and his designees are encouraged to explore available technologies for energy efficiency and renewable energy use in municipal operations in support of this renewable energy challenge and to prepare and implement a plan to reach a goal of at least 15% renewable energy for all municipal operations by 2015.