ENN-5.01 - Local Action Plan on Global Warming

WHEREAS, there is broad agreement in the scientific community that average global surface temperature is likely to rise 2.5° to 10° F by 2100, leading to an increase in average global precipitation, more frequent intense storms, and a probable rise in sea level of two feet along most of the U.S. coast; and

WHEREAS, the ten warmest years in the 20^th century were recorded between 1985 and 1999 with the winter of 1999-2000 the warmest on record in the United States; and

WHEREAS the scientific community has convincingly established that the rise in global temperature is largely due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases; and

WHEREAS, a significant increase in global temperatures poses potentially the greatest economic, environmental, and social challenge of the 21^st century; and

WHEREAS, carbon dioxide is a primary greenhouse gas that is produced when fossil fuels are burned to generate electricity, to heat our homes, businesses and water, and to power our factories, cars, trucks, buses and airplanes; and

WHEREAS, the City of Portland recognizes and accepts responsibility for its substantial ability to impact energy use 1) through transportation, land use, and energy policies, building codes, and other public policies, 2) in city government facilities, and 3) through the example it sets for business, residents and other communities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Portland 1990 Energy Policy (Ordinance No. 162975) and 1993 Carbon Dioxide Reduction Strategy (Resolution No. 35207) established plans to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions; and

WHEREAS, many of the goals and objectives of the Energy Policy and Carbon Dioxide Reduction Strategy have been met, including a decrease in residential energy use by 10 percent since 1990, and a three percent reduction in per capita carbon dioxide emissions between 1990-1995; and

WHEREAS, the Sustainable City Principles direct City elected officials and staff to "use resources efficiently and reduce demand for natural resources, like energy …" and "act locally to reduce adverse global impacts of … ozone depletion and global warming, and support and implement innovative programs that maintain and promote Portland's leadership as a sustainable city"; and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 35879 directs the Office of Sustainable Development to prepare a Local Action Plan on Global Warming with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent from 1990 levels by 2010; and

WHEREAS, the 2010 Local Action Plan on Global Warming will replace both the 1990 Energy Policy and the Carbon Dioxide Reduction Strategy; and

WHEREAS, Multnomah County, other public agencies, local businesses, and individuals are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, a 10 percent reduction in energy use and related carbon dioxide emissions would provide significant economic benefit to the community and result in an annual savings of about $100 million to Portland businesses and residents.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Portland City Council adopts the joint City of Portland and Multnomah County Local Action Plan on Global Warming to reduce Portland-area carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent from 1990 levels by 2010.