Columbia, SC Intent on Becoming a Leader in Fuel Cell Technology (2006)
Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 3/1/06
Source File: Received via mail
Text:
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-009
A RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THE USE OF HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA WITH THE INTENT OF ACHIEVING THE STATUS OF A LEADER IN THIS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
WHEREAS, in 2005, the City of Columbia along with the University of South Carolina launched the SC Next Energy Initiative which brought together higher education, business, national laboratory and community leaders from South Carolina to develop a twenty year strategic plan to capitalize on the trillion dollar hydrogen and fuel cell economy; and
WHEREAS, the SC Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Economy Strategy recommended that as a state, regions in South Carolina should focus on their individual areas of strength while maintaining statewide collaboration; and
WHEREAS, Columbia's strength is in fuel cells, a research area where the University of South Carolina is considered among the top five in the world; and
WHEREAS, in his 2006 State of the Union address, President Bush introduced the Advanced Energy Initiative, promoting new technology breakthroughs for alternative means of powering our homes, businesses, and automobiles in order to significantly decrease America's dependence on foreign sources of energy; and
WHEREAS, in his 2006 State of the City address, Mayor Bob Coble announced the creation of the University of South Carolina Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative between the University of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, and the South Carolina Research Authority with the goal of positioning Columbia as a leader in fuel cell innovation, world-class innovators for the fuel cell and hydrogen economy, and for recruiting and retaining fuel cell scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators to make Columbia a preeminent location for the fuel cell and hydrogen economy; and
WHEREAS, President Bush's 2007 budget allocates $289 million to support the development of hydrogen fuel cells and affordable hydrogen-powered cars;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council this 1st day of March, 2006, as follows:
1. The City of Columbia will consider using fuel cell technology applications where appropriate, recognizing that while fuel cell alternatives may not be the lowest cost option, that by using such technology, the City is advancing the goal of becoming a leader in fuel cell innovation.
2. The City Manager is hereby directed to explore opportunities for demonstrating fuel cell technology applications in City buildings and facilities, including, but not limited to, the Columbia Canal Hydroelectric Plant and the City's wastewater treatment facility.
3. The City Manager is hereby directed to explore opportunities to create and incorporate incentives for use when recruiting fuel cell related research teams and companies to Columbia.
4. The City Manager is hereby directed to explore methods and develop city policies designed to encourage local businesses to implement hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in future or existing projects.
5. The City Council will evaluate and, if available, appropriate the resources necessary to train City staff in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and applications in an endeavor to classify City staff as experts and leaders in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell technology and to prepare them to develop national and international building codes relating to the installation of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
6. The City Manager is hereby directed to propose amendments to the City's procurement code and other pertinent City ordinances, policies and procedures so as to allow for implementation of fuel cell applications, even when such applications may not be the lowest cost alternative as compared to more conventional applications.