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