Title
Resolution to Eliminate the Need to Burn Coal to Generate Our Electricity Through Conservation, Efficiency and Renewable Energy Use
Memorandum
The attached resolution recommended for passage by the Ann Arbor Energy Commission would establish the City of Ann Arbor's opposition to the continued burning of coal to generate electricity. Acknowledging coal's significant contribution to global warming and regional air quality issues, the resolution calls for Ann Arbor to continue its leadership role in reducing the need for coal-generated electricity through energy conservation, efficiency programs and renewable energy use. The resolution further calls for other municipalities and the state government to join with Ann Arbor in advancing this cause.
After the Energy Commission approved this resolution at its January 13, 2009 meeting, Governor Granholm issued an executive directive placing strict limitations on new air quality permits for coal power plants in Michigan.
The Energy Commission is working with staff to help Ann Arbor meet the Energy Challenge goals of 30% renewable energy use for municipal operations by 2010 and 20% community-wide by 2015, set by the Mayor and City Council in 2006 (R-172-5-06). In fiscal year 2007-2008, municipal operations used 14% renewable energy. Staff and the commission are also working toward the City's long-term goals of eventual climate neutrality and 100% renewable energy use.
Staff
Prepared by: Andrew Brix, Energy Programs Manager
Approved by: John Hieftje, Mayor
Body
Whereas, Michigan utilizes coal-fired, generation for approximately 60% of its total electrical demand and imports 100% of its coal, sending billions of dollars out of our State economy each year;
Whereas, The burning of coal to generate electricity adds toxic emissions into our atmosphere and increases the risk of human breathing diseases;
Whereas, The mining and extraction of certain coals can destroy woodlands, natural habitat, and can degrade the hydrologic health of US watersheds adjacent to such mining;
Whereas, The reality of global warming and its consequences has been confirmed by a critical majority of the world's leading scientists and such awareness requires the urgent reduction of man-made pollutants contributing to global warming effects by as much as 80% by 2050;
Whereas, Renewable energy sources do not increase toxic atmospheric pollutants and do not require carbon mitigation or sequestration;
Whereas, Increasingly limited capital resources in the State of Michigan may best be invested in Michigan-based renewable energy sources that enhance our long-term economic prospects and create sustainable jobs in Michigan;
Whereas, Recent research from the University of Kassel, Germany has demonstrated that Combined Power Plant (CPP) technology is potentially viable to use renewable energy to displace fossil-fuel based energy as electricity base load;
Whereas, The use of renewable energy in the U.S. grew by approximately 32% (now 11% of total U.S. electricity generation) between June 2007 and June 2008;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has an Energy Plan and has decided to pursue a goal of providing 30 percent of its municipal government energy usage by the end of year 2010 and 20 percent of its citywide energy usage by the end of year 2015 both with renewable energy (Mayor's Energy Challenge); and
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor can, through its leadership in responsible energy planning and action, attract and form partnerships with other Michigan cities to support the development and use of clean, efficient and renewable energy in Michigan;
RESOLVED, That the City of Ann Arbor work toward the elimination of coal-fired generation of our electricity;
RESOLVED, That the City of Ann Arbor commit to reducing its need for future electricity demand growth through the city-wide implementation of cost-effective energy conservation and efficiency strategies; and
RESOLVED, That the City of Ann Arbor calls for other Michigan municipalities and the State of Michigan Government to join with us in reducing the need for new electricity generation through energy conservation and efficiency measures and through expanded use of renewable energy sources.