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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-19 to Adopt Updated Goals of the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County CommunityRESOLUTION NO. 19 Series of 2021 RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE UPDATED GOALS OF THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR THE EAGLE COUNTY COMMUNITY WHEREAS, the Town of Vail recognizes that scientific evidence for warming of the earth' s climate system from human activities is unequivocal. Combustion of fossil fuels is increasing the concentration greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, pushing average global temperatures higher and changing our mountain ecosystems making winters warmer and shorter, summers longer and hotter, and increasing the risks of wildfires, droughts and floods; and WHEREAS, in 2016 a group of over 30 stakeholders representing local governments, businesses, schools, and nonprofits from throughout Eagle County collaboratively worked on the creation of a community-wide Climate Action Plan (CAP) to guide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions into the future; and WHEREAS, Vail Town Council approved Resolution No. 2, series of in January 2017 to adopt the goals of the Climate Action Plan and endeavored to meet the goals of the plan through financial support to the Climate Action Collaborative, ongoing Town of Vail initiatives, integration with Town of Vail and community plans, and participation in community actions that reduce GHG emissions; and WHEREAS, the 2014 Eagle County Energy Inventory found that GHG emissions in baseline year 2014 were 1.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 e) with 60% emissions from commercial and residential building sectors, 27% from vehicles, 10% from landfill, and 3% from airport. Community-wide energy costs for the year 2014 was $243 million; and WHEREAS, the first Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community dated December 13, 2016 set a GHG emissions reduction goal of 25% by 2025, and 80% reduction by 2050 (baseline 2014); and WHEREAS, in 2018 the second Eagle County Energy Inventory for year 2017 was conducted to compare GHG emissions to the baseline year 2014. The study found GHG emissions were reduced by 59,900 metric tons in 2017 compared to 2014, a 4% reduction. Residential buildings reduced electricity consumption by 2%, and Holy Cross Energy increased renewables on the grid from 20% in 2014 to 39% in 2017. A third Energy Inventory is now underway for year 2020; and WHEREAS, the 2020 Town of Vail community-wide Greenhouse Gas Inventory for year 2018 found GHG emissions totaled 244,217 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 e) with 43.4% emissions from commercial sources, 30.7% from transportation, 14.5% from residential buildings, 10% from solid waste, and 1.4% from water and wastewater treatment; and WHEREAS, Holy Cross Energy reports that 44% of electricity provided to their members in Eagle County is now produced from renewable energy sources, and is committed to providing 100% renewable-sourced electricity by 2030. Modeling provided by Western Colorado GHG emissions by 2025, but will not be sufficient to offset the increase in GHG emissions from population growth and continued use of natural gas for heating and gasoline/diesel for transportation in the years 2025 to 2030; and WHEREAS, the Town of Vail participates in the Holy Cross Energy PuRE program and pays a rate to ensure all electricity for municipal operations is 100% solar renewable energy; and WHEREAS, the update to the Climate Action Plan dated December, 2020, attached hereto as Exhibit A, shared community goals to reduce GHG emissions 25% by 2025, 50% by 2030, 70% by 2045, and 80% reduction by 2050 (baseline 2014). The Climate Action Plan, Update 2020 also provides revised priorities for climate actions, for consideration by community leaders and decision makers in creating positive solutions for future generations. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF VAIL, STATE OF COLORADO: THAT, the Town of Vail hereby adopts the goals of the Climate Action Plan, Update 2020, and endeavors to meet the goals of the Climate Action Plan, Update 2020 through ongoing Town of Vail initiatives, integration with Town of Vail and community plans, and through promotion of and participation in community actions that reduce GHG emissions. THAT, the Town of Vail hereby finds, determines, and declares that this Resolution is necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents/constituents of the Town of Vail, State of Colorado. INTRODUCED, READ, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20 th day of April 2021. __________________________________ David Chapin, Mayor, Town of Vail ATTEST: _______________________________ Tammy Nagel, Town Clerk