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RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING CLIMATE CHANGE AND URGING CONGRESS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE BY CONSIDERING A CARBON FEE AND DIVIDEND.
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BY COUNCILOR RUSS:
WHEREAS, the city administration and council are responsible for maintaining and enhancing the health, safety and quality of life of all Duluth residents;
WHEREAS, scientist overwhelmingly agree that current climate change is caused by human activity, especially the combustion of fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and that climate change is a threat to our economy, safety, public health and quality of life;
WHEREAS, climate change is having an effect on the city of Duluth by producing more severe rain events, such as the one that cause the 2012 flooding, by warming the temperature of the water in our rivers and streams and reducing trout populations, and by contributing to higher water levels in Lake Superior which has caused shore line erosion and millions of dollars in infrastructure damage;
WHEREAS, the city’s administration is committed to reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 and the council, administration and community partners are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the city by supporting electric vehicle charging stations, purchasing solar generated electricity, pursuing renewable fuel options for the city’s steam plant, installing energy efficient lighting and helping citizens reduce energy waste through the energy audit program; and
WHEREAS, while it is important for state and local governments to do their part to address climate change, the United States Congress must also take responsibility to act swiftly and meaningfully on the issue of climate change.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVE, that the Duluth city council urges the United States Congress to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels by considering a carbon fee and dividend as a sound, effective policy.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to recognize that climate change poses a serious threat to the city of Duluth and to urge the United States Congress to take prompt and effective action to address climate change by promoting and encouraging a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and to explore a carbon fee and dividend as good public policy.