Title
Resolution to Set Revised Energy Challenge Goals for Ann Arbor
Memorandum
The attached resolution directs staff to continue the development and implementation of plans to increase renewable energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in municipal operations and throughout the Ann Arbor community. The resolution sets revised Energy Challenge goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in municipal operations by 50% and in the community by 8% from 2000 levels by 2015. It also sets updated goals of using 30% renewable energy in municipal operations and 5% community-wide by 2015. Finally, the resolution directs staff to conduct an evaluation of options to purchase long-term, fixed-rate renewable electricity from wind turbines constructed in Michigan. These actions build on City Council’s original Energy Challenge goals resolution of May 1, 2006, and the resulting work that staff and the Energy Commission have undertaken.
While there are numerous compelling environmental benefits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing our use of renewable energy sources, the current economic downturn presents additional financial reasons to pursue these goals. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy use means reducing our use of fossil fuels, which produces a number of economic and financial benefits, including:
• Reducing the City’s expenditures on electricity, natural gas and motor fuel used in municipal operations, which totaled $5.2 million in fiscal year 2009-10, reduces the cost of providing City services.
• Most of the money spent on fossil fuel energy sources-over $300 million each year in Ann Arbor-leaves Michigan; reducing these expenses keeps money in the local economy.
• Energy efficiency and renewable energy projects tend to employ local contractors, creating jobs, and the money saved through reduced energy bills helps to keep workers employed.
Since the original Energy Challenge goals were set in 2006, the City has been ...
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