Title
Approval of a Resolution Regarding Climate Change
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee reviewed the proposed Resolution at its January 22, 2014, and unanimously recommended City Council adoption.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the attached Resolution, as recommended by the Land Use and Environment Committee.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt a climate change resolution prepared by the Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT).
Staff Contact:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Director, Public Works Department, 360.753.8495
Presenter(s):
Rich Hoey, P.E., Director, Public Works Department, 360.753.8495
Representatives of the TCAT Board will be present and available for questions.
Background and Analysis:
The Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT) is a local non-profit dedicated to creating a healthy and sustainable future for Thurston County by encouraging, coordinating and taking action on climate change. TCAT's priority areas include:
1. Energy efficiency,
2. Transportation, and
3. Developing a community greenhouse gas inventory and climate action plan for Thurston County.
On November 21, 2013, Tom Crawford, TCAT Board Member, presented TCAT's community greenhouse gas inventory for Thurston County to the Land Use and Environment Committee (see attached). The inventory establishes a 2010 baseline for regional greenhouse gas emissions based on data received from Puget Sound Energy, Thurston Regional Planning Council, Thurston County, LOTT and others.
The inventory indicates that the two primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Thurston County are the built environment (building heating, cooling and lighting) and transportation (vehicle emissions). Lesser sources of greenhouse gases include solid waste, wastewater and agricultural activities. Mr. Crawford presented data broken down by jurisdiction, including City of Olympia.
TCAT requested that the City of Olympia formally adopt a resolution accepting the greenhouse gas inventory and express a desire to collaborate with other regional municipalities on policies and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (see attached).
Staff will present highlights of the TCAT greenhouse gas inventory, as well as a summary of the many actions the City has taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with its municipal operations.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
TCAT is a local non-profit expressing the interests of its members. The City has not received public comment on the inventory prepared by TCAT. As part of the Imagine Olympia process, the City received many comments from residents about climate change and greenhouse gas reduction.
Options:
1. Adopt the climate change resolution.
2. Accept the inventory completed by TCAT and work on reducing emissions without need for a formal resolution.
3. Do not pursue a resolution at this time.
Financial Impact:
None at this time.