HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02 Supporting the Eagle County Climate Action PlanRESOLUTION NO. 2
Series of 2017
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR
THE EAGLE COUNTY COMMUNITY AND SETTING FORTH DETAILS IN REGARD
THERETO.
WHEREAS, during the year 2016, a group of 30 stakeholders representing local
governments, businesses, schools, and nonprofits from throughout Eagle County, has
collaboratively worked together to create a community -wide climate action plan to help
guide greenhouse gas emission reductions into the future;
WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community
recommends greenhouse gas reduction targets and actions that can be integrated with
The Town of Vail's other plans, including the Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan,
the Gore Creek Water Quality Improvement Plan, Vail Economic Development Strategic
Pian, Comprehensive Open Lands Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Vail Housing 2027
Strategic Pian, and others, and where each of these plans may include opportunities to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
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 such as coal, petroleum and natural gas 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;
WHEREAS, the county -wide 2014 Eagle County Energy Inventory identifies
energy sources, uses, and emissions by sector. According to the Inventory, greenhouse
gas emissions in the baseline year 2014 totaled 1.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide
equivalent (CO2e), with 60% of the emissions from commercial uses and residential
buildings, 27% from vehicles, 10% from landfill, and 3% from the airport. Community-
wide energy costs for the year 2014 were totaled at $243 million;
WHEREAS, adopting the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community
will help the Town of Vail ensure a sustainable future by protecting the natural
environment and recreational economy, reducing Tong -term financial expenses, creating
more affordable solutions for residents and businesses, and supporting a new post
carbon energy economy with less climate pollution and more clean renewable energy;
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail's Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan,
adopted by the Vail Town Council in 2009, includes Goal #2, "Reduce the Town of Vail
municipal and community energy use by 20% below 2006 levels by 2020, in order to
effectively reduce the Town's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and impact on
global climate change";
WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community (attached)
includes: recommended greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of 25% by 2025,
and 80% by 2050, and recommended climate action goals and strategies by sector, and
key recommendations for community leaders and decision makers to take proactive
steps to reduce climate pollution and help create positive solutions for future
generations.
Resolution No. 2, Series of 2017 Page 1 of 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO:
The Town of Vail hereby supports the goals of the Climate Action Plan for the
Eagle County Community, and endeavors to meet the recommended greenhouse gas
emission reduction targets through ongoing initiatives, and through continuing support
and participation in community actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
2017.
INTRODUCED, READ, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of January
David Chapin, Mayor,
own of Vail
Resolution No. 2, Series of 2017 Page 2 of 2