Clallam County, WA Commitment to Address Global Warming
Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 4/10/07
Source File: http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commdevelopment/PDFS/Climate_Change/ClallamCC_%20res.pdf
Text:
RESOLUTION NO 32, 2007
COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS GLOBAL WARMING AND LEND SUPPORT TO THE "STEP IT UP" 2007 CAMPAIGN
THE BOARD OF CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS finds as follows:
1. A scientific consensus has determined that warming of the climate system is unequivocal as evidenced by increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level accelerating and potentially damaging our environment and our economy.
2. Energy consumption, specifically the burning of fossil fuels; e.g. coal, oil, and gas accounts for more than 80 percent of US greenhouse gas emissions and that the US produces nearly one quarter of all global emissions.
3. Government can greatly influence community energy usage by exercising power over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management, and energy supply and management.
4. Government can provide leadership by motivating and supporting citizens to improve energy use within businesses, port facilities, schools, churches, and homes.
5. The probable adverse effects on our mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers, oceans, and other waterways from severe weather, rising temperatures, and rising sea levels due to climate change pose a risk to future economic viability.
6. Government actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency provide multiple local benefits by decreasing air pollution, creating jobs, reducing energy expenditures, saving money, and reducing tax burdens on government, business, and citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Clallam County Commissioners, in consideration of the above findings of fact:
1. Commits to a program to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions throughout our jurisdiction, by specifically:
- Conducting a baseline emissions inventory and forecast;
- Adopting an emissions reduction target for 2050 of 80 percent with preliminary targets for earlier years;
- Implementing policies and measures to meet the emission reduction targets
- Monitoring and verifying results
2. Supports the "Step It Up" 2007 campaign and similar citizen initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness of the magnitude of the climate crisis.