Title
Resolution to Support Environmental Protection Agency Administrator in Reducing Greenhouse Gases under the Clean Air Act
Staff
Prepared by: Matthew Naud, Environmental Coordinator
Body
Whereas, The current level of CO2, a known greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere is approximately 392 parts per million (ppm);
Whereas, The Environmental Protection Agency determined that current and potential greenhouse gas concentrations endanger public health, and according to the Global Humanitarian Forum climate change is already responsible every year for some 300,000 deaths, 325 million people seriously affected, and economic losses worldwide of U.S. $125 billion;
Wheras, For four decades, the Clean Air Act has protected the air we breathe through a proven, comprehensive, successful system of regulations that saves lives and creates economic benefits exceeding its costs by many times;
Whereas, With the Clean Air Act, air quality in this country has improved significantly since 1970, in parallel with major growth both in our economy and industrial production;
Whereas, The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Massachusetts vs. EPA (2007) that the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor recognizes the serious threats that climate change poses to the local environment, economy, and livelihoods;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has a citizen-advisory Energy Commission, Energy Plan (1981), and Energy Office;
Whereas, In 2005, Ann Arbor Mayor, John Hieftje, officially endorsed and adopted the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement,
Whereas, In 2006, City Council unanimously passed a resolution to formally commit to Mayor Hieftje’s Energy Challenge to use 30 percent renewable energy by 2010 for municipal operations and by 2015;
Whereas, In 2011, City Council set goals for municipal operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent from 2000 levels by 2015 and the community to reduce greenhouse gas em...
Click here for full text