RESOLUTION NO. _________, SERIES 2018
TITLE
A RESOLUTION FOR 100% CLEAN ENERGY FOR METRO LOUISVILLE OPERATIONS BY 2030 AND COMMUNITY-WIDE BY 2035.
BODY
SPONSORED BY: (Withdrawn)
WHEREAS, overwhelming scientific evidence affirms the existence of climate change and that the primary cause of recent climate change is human combustion of fossil fuels;
WHEREAS, climate change has already brought devastating impacts in our nation and globally and, if unchecked, will fundamentally undermine the stability of economic, natural, and social systems,, including the possibility of massive disruptions to human life on Earth;
WHEREAS, more frequent and severe flooding, storms, and droughts in our own region pose similar threats to the stability of the local environment and economy, including human health effects;
WHEREAS, there is no credible path to a safe climate that includes continued long-term combustion of fossil fuels or the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure;
WHEREAS, air pollution in the form of ozone and fine particulate matter brings about 46 deaths and 49,000 missed days of work or school in the Louisville metro area annually;
WHEREAS, existing technologies have served this city well for over 100 years, but newer technologies suited for current and future conditions are now available;
WHEREAS, local, state, and national economies are rapidly transitioning to 100% clean, renewable energy, along with multinational corporations and countries and cities globally;
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro government wishes to take full advantage of the new 21st century energy economy;
WHEREAS, our mayor is a signatory to the Mayors’ Pledge to support the Paris Climate Agreement and the Mayor’s Climate Compact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the Metro Council unanimously adopted a Resolution for Solar to expand solar energy and efficiency in the city;
WHEREAS, a just transition to 100% renewable energy will create high-quality local jobs;
WHEREAS, youth and future generations will be more severely affected by climate change, and it is the duty of current leaders to act promptly and resolutely to mitigate climate change for their benefit;
WHEREAS, low-income residents are often most burdened by energy costs and climate impacts, and the Louisville Metro is committed to ensuring all residents enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrified transportation, fair utility rates, and employment opportunities;
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro's commitment to clean energy will reduce carbon emissions and associated climate change, and reduce air pollution and associated public health risks and costs;
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro’s energy use could be served by existing renewable energy and efficiency technologies and energy conservation at reasonable cost;
WHEREAS, in 2017, 99% of electricity delivered to Louisville consumers by Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) was generated from fossil fuels - 80-90% coal and 9-19% natural gas - with only 1% from renewables;
WHEREAS, given the accelerating rate of climate change, the energy consumers, Louisville Metro, and LG&E must take strong action to quickly reduce carbon emissions and shift to 100% renewable energy for both Louisville Metro’s operations and the entire community through technical and consumer changes that are within practical and economic reach; and
WHEREAS, achieving these energy goals will require broad input and concerted action from government, business, and community leaders, LG&E, and individual citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (“METRO COUNCIL”) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: Metro Council supports (1) a 100% clean energy goal for Louisville Metro operations by 2030 and for the entire community by 2035; and (2) the revision of all building codes for new construction to require energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy applications, toward an eventual goal of net zero or net positive energy, water and waste for Louisville Metro.
SECTION II: Metro Council urges (1) the Louisville Metro’s forthcoming Climate Action Plan to support this goal; (2) public participation be prioritized in the planning, decision-making, and implementation process; and (3) underserved communities be brought into the political process to develop more just, equitable and sustainable energy systems and to facilitate more democratic ownership.
SECTION III: Metro Council prioritizes (1) energy efficiency and conservation projects, programs and outreach plus adding renewable energy infrastructure to reduce the Louisville Metro’s energy needs and carbon footprint and meet established Climate Action Plan goals; and (2) energy resources and programs that benefit low-income residents and create more equity in energy use, rates and jobs in the community.
SECTION IV: Metro Council opposes all new fossil fuel infrastructures including those whose primary purpose is transporting or storing fossil fuels in or through Louisville Metro or adjacent waterways.
SECTION V: This resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
_______________________________ ________________________________
H. Stephen Ott David James
Metro Council Clerk President of the Council
_______________________________ ________________________________
Greg Fischer Approval Date
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
By: ____________________________
R-173-18 Clean Energy Resolution sjm 9-12-18.docx