RESOLUTION NO. _________, SERIES 2020
TITLE
A RESOLUTION FOR 100% CLEAN RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY FOR METRO GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS BY 2030, 100% CLEAN ENERGY FOR METRO GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS BY 2035 AND 100% CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITY-WIDE BY 2040 (AS AMENDED).
BODY
SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBERS COAN, GEORGE, AND HOLLANDER
WHEREAS, “clean renewable electricity” is defined as electricity that: (1) can be extracted, generated, transported, and consumed with neutral carbon emissions or no emissions at all, and with no current or future significant threat to life and the natural environment; and (2) is generated and stored from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, geothermal, tides, and, conditionally, bio-matter and various forms of hydropower. “Clean energy” encompasses electricity, transportation, buildings, and food systems; and
WHEREAS, according to the Sierra Club, “[a] community is powered with 100% renewable energy when the amount of energy generated from the renewable energy source equals or exceeds 100% of the annual energy consumed within the community.”
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; and
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; and
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; and
WHEREAS, there is no credible path to a safe climate that includes continued long-term combustion of fossil fuels and the proliferation of new fossil fuel infrastructure; and
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; and
WHEREAS, existing technologies have served this city well for over 100 years, but newer technologies suited for current and future conditions are now available; and
WHEREAS, local, state, and national economies are rapidly transitioning to 100% clean renewable energy along with multinational corporations and countries and cities globally; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro Government wishes to take full advantage of the new 21st century energy economy; and
WHEREAS, the 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 Resolution 079, Series 2015 to expand solar energy and efficiency in the city; and
WHEREAS, a just transition to 100% clean renewable energy will create high-quality local jobs; and
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; and
WHEREAS, low-income residents are often most burdened by energy costs and climate impacts, and Louisville Metro is committed to ensuring all residents enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency, clean renewable energy, electrified transportation, fair utility rates, and employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro's commitment to clean renewable energy will reduce carbon emissions and associated climate change, and reduce air pollution and associated public health risks and costs; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro’s energy use could be substantially served by existing renewable energy and efficiency technologies and energy conservation at reasonable cost; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, 99% of electricity delivered to Louisville Metro consumers by utility companies was generated from fossil fuels - 80-90% coal and 9-19% natural gas - with only 1% from renewables; and
WHEREAS, given the accelerating rate of climate change, energy consumers, Louisville Metro, and utility companies must take strong action to quickly reduce carbon emissions and shift to 100% clean 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, utilities, and individual citizens; and
WHEREAS, no one can predict what a final action plan will look like, one possible scenario might include: (a) reducing demand through conservation and energy efficiency policies and incentives; (b) creating electricity with many installations of solar panels on rooftops and solar farms; (c) creating storage for that electricity through batteries, phase change, and other upcoming technologies; (d) using the existing Ohio Falls Generating Station; (e) importing wind power with power purchase agreements (PPAs); (f) during the transition period, using existing fossil fuel energy temporarily; (g) offsetting local fossil fuel generation by purchasing renewable energy credits, (h) replacing fossil fuel-powered vehicles with electric or biofuel-powered ones, either through conversion or incentives and devising more efficient and convenient public transportation; and (i) creating a renewable energy trust fund, green bank, or other innovative financing mechanisms.
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 renewable electricity goal for Metro Government operations by 2030, a 100% clean energy goal for Metro Government operations by 2035, and a 100% clean energy goal community-wide by 2040; 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; and (3) the opening of free market pricing for electrical generation and guarantee of total cost access to the electrical grid in order to provide the public with cleaner and cheaper electricity.
SECTION II: Metro Council urges (1) Metro Government’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 adds to its priorities as Metro budget allows: (1) energy efficiency and conservation projects, programs and outreach plus adding renewable energy infrastructure to reduce 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: This resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
_______________________________ ________________________________
Sonya Harward 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-102-19 Clean Energy Resolution (CAM on 12-5-19).docx