Title
Resolution to Endorse Ann Arbor's Participation in Earth Hour
Memorandum
Council recently approved Ann Arbor Climate Action Plan and the Sustainability Framework goal to “Reduce energy consumption and eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions in our community.”
Implementation of such plans and frameworks requires the City change support policy changes (such as proposed plug-in electric vehicle infrastructure review), our practices (such as the recently-approved LED light installation at the Wheeler Center). It also requires supporting a culture change that supports energy conservation by individuals, businesses, and governments.
Participation in Earth Hour is one way the City can promote the culture change needed to advance our sustainability and climate impact goals.
In addition to the call to dim or extinguish non-essential lighting in City Hall, which is already standard practice, staff is exploring the possibility of dimming street lights on Main Street for Earth Hour, as was done in 2009.
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor community is deeply concerned about the impacts of climate disruption and believes that energy efficiency and natural resource conservation are important elements to combating climate change;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor is nationally-recognized as a leader in combating climate change by improving energy efficiency, reducing fossil energy use, and promoting renewable energy;
Whereas, A significant and growing number of Ann Arbor residents engage in energy conservation activities such as turning off non-essential lights, recycling, choosing sustainable transportation, and weatherizing their homes and businesses;
Whereas, Ann Arbor City Council recently adopted a sustainability framework that includes the goal to “Reduce energy consumption and eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions in our community”;
Whereas, Earth Hour is both an international and local symbolic event organized by World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about climat...
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