Title
Approval of a Resolution Adopting Revised Greenhouse Gas Emissions Targets and Authorizing a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan Interlocal Agreement
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
In June 2018, the Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) recommended that Council adopt revised community-wide greenhouse gas emissions targets.
In August 2018, LUEC recommended that the Scope of Work for Phase 2 of a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan and the Interlocal Agreement for that work move to Council for approval.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution adopting revised community-wide greenhouse gas emissions targets and authorizing the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement for Phase 2 of a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution adopting revised community-wide greenhouse gas emissions targets and authorizing an Interlocal Agreement for Phase 2 of a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan.
Staff Contact:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Public Works Director, 360.753.8495
Danelle MacEwen, Performance Management Specialist, Administrative Services Department, 360.753.8211
Presenter(s):
Danelle MacEwen, Performance Management Specialist
Background and Analysis:
In November 2015, the City formally committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. The Global Covenant is a coalition of cities committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a local level. Currently, more than 9,000 cities worldwide participate. As a member of the Covenant, the City committed to several actions, including the development of a climate mitigation plan. Additionally, the City’s Comprehensive Plan states in the Environment chapter the following:
“PN8.1 Participate with local and state partners in the development of a regional climate action plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gases by . . .”
In April 2018, Thurston County, Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) signed an Interlocal Agreement to complete Phase 1 of a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan, with TRPC leading the effort. Phase 1 work included the recommendation and adoption of a common baseline and revised emissions targets for all participating jurisdictions. Phase 1 work also included scoping Phase 2 of the planning effort.
Emissions Targets
The participating jurisdictions desire to adopt common targets using the same baseline year. Common targets put all four jurisdictions on the same reduction path. TRPC analyzed each jurisdiction’s existing emissions targets, targets recommended by international climate scientists, and targets adopted by state and local governments. The recommended targets are:
• 45% below 2015 levels by 2030
• 85% below 2015 levels by 2050
Staff believes these new community-wide targets are reasonably equivalent to the City’s existing targets, previously adopted in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The existing targets are:
• 25% of 1990 levels by 2020
• 45% of 1990 levels by 2035
• 80% of 1990 levels by 2050
Approval of the new emissions targets will require a Comprehensive Plan amendment in 2019.
Phase 2 Scope of Work
TRPC and staff from the four participating jurisdictions developed of a scope of work for Phase 2 of the Climate Mitigation Plan. Phase 2 work, which will also be lead and managed by TRPC, will focus on analysis of mitigation actions, review of current emissions inventories, community engagement, jurisdictional specific implementation strategies, and a plan for tracking and reporting progress towards the reduction targets. The timeframe for this work is approximately eighteen to twenty-four months at an estimated cost of $175,000. The four participating jurisdictions will share the cost equally, not to exceed $43,750 each. TRPC anticipates hiring a consultant to assist with technical aspects of the Climate Mitigation Plan and community engagement.
Phase 2 will convene an Interjurisdictional Policymakers Panel, which will include one policymaker from each jurisdiction. A Steering Committee, which includes the members of the Policymakers Panel and supporting staff from each jurisdiction, will be formed to guide this work. A Stakeholder Committee will also be formed, which will include local residents, students, non-profits, special purpose district representatives, businesses, and issue experts. The Stakeholder Committee will make advisory recommendations to the Steering Committee.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is strong community interest in local action on climate change. Thurston Climate Action Team, a local non-profit organization, has expressed interest in engaging with the City and our regional partners in the development of a climate mitigation plan. People for a Carbon Free Olympia and local students from Olympia High School have also expressed interest in the City’s climate mitigation work.
Options:
1. Approve a resolution adopting revised community-wide greenhouse gas emissions targets and authorizing the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement for Phase 2 of a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan. This is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan goals and the commitments under the Global Covenant of Mayors.
2. Modify the Resolution and Interlocal Agreement to address Council concerns. This would require further negotiation with the other cities, County, and TRPC.
3. Do not approve the Resolution adopting revised community-wide greenhouse gas emissions targets and authorizing the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement for Phase 2 of a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan. This would require the City to withdraw from the Regional Climate Mitigation planning effort and possibly pursue independent efforts.
Financial Impact:
The City’s share of Phase 1 work is $5,000 and Phase 2 work is $43,750, for a total of $48,750. $80,000 in funding for climate mitigation planning is included in the 2018 budget.
Attachments:
Resolution
Interlocal Agreement
Memo: Emissions Targets
Phase 2 Snapshot