RESOLUTION No. __________, Series 2015
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A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF SOLAR ENERGY IN METRO LOUISVILLE.
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Sponsored By: Council Members Blackwell, Hollander, and Johnson
WHEREAS, solar power is a clean source of energy that can power Louisville’s homes, businesses, cars, streetlights, and other infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, solar power will help achieve better air quality and will reduce carbon pollution; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Kentucky currently emits 90 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually to produce electricity; and
WHEREAS, every megawatt (MW) of solar energy installed is projected to create 20 manufacturing jobs and 13 installation or maintenance jobs, and each megawatt hour (MWh) of solar energy displaces approximately 2,000 pounds of carbon pollution from coal-burning power plants; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro Council recognizes the above assets of solar power, and desires to encourage this important clean energy solution; and
WHEREAS, Louisville is the 28th largest city in the country, and can take national leadership in pursuit of solar power; and
WHEREAS, Louisville stands ready to take full advantage of the new 21st century energy economy to be driven by clean solar power; and
WHEREAS, Louisville can set a goal of new solar installations with a capacity of 2 million watts (about 500 residential installations) by the end of 2016, with expanded goals to be set for 2025 and beyond.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (THE COUNCIL) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. The Louisville Metro Council urges all Metro Agencies and Departments to support the vigorous growth of solar energy in Louisville and to aggressively pursue strategies designed to meet this goal. Such strategies can include supporting solar for new construction, adding solar on school and other municipal buildings, streamlining the permitting process for commercial and industrial solar installations, integrating solar energy into public infrastructure and street lights, facilitating investment in solar energy, and supporting a city-wide solar education program such as Solar Over Louisville.
SECTION II. The Louisville Metro Council is supportive of public and private efforts and grant opportunities aimed at ensuring that lower income families are able to take advantage of greening and sustainability initiatives within Jefferson County, Kentucky
SECTION III. This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
_______________________________ H. Stephen Ott Metro Council Clerk |
_____________________________ David W. Tandy President of the Council |
_______________________________ Greg Fischer Mayor |
_____________________________ Approval Date |
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: ____________________________
Solar Energy Support R-124-15 ROCbkn Draft 1 070715