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2 <br /> To date, 37 counties across the nation have passed the climate stabilization declaration <br /> resolution to become Cool Counties. Orange County would be the first county in North Carolina <br /> to become a member. Participating counties in the program commit to four actions: <br /> 1. Reducing contributions to climate change through internal operations; <br /> 2. Demonstrating regional leadership to achieve climate stabilization and protect our <br /> communities; <br /> 3. Helping our community become climate resilient; and <br /> 4. Urging the federal government to support the efforts. <br /> As a participating member in ICLEI and as noted above, the County is already conducting an <br /> inventory of emissions and identifying reduction measures for possible implementation. This <br /> report is slated for presentation to the joint elected boards on February 25, 2009, with <br /> subsequent public input sessions and anticipated discussion at the March 2009 Assembly of <br /> Governments meeting. <br /> Although the timelines between ICLEI CCP and Cool Counties programs are different (the ICLEI <br /> project addressed reductions for the year 2030, while the Cool Counties Program looks to the <br /> year 2050), they are compatible and it is anticipated that the County will be able to set targets <br /> that meet both program goals. Adoption of the resolution indicates intent to work toward the <br /> reduction goals, which have already been reflected in County policies, and is non-binding. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with joining the Cool Counties <br /> Program. The inventory and partnership efforts called for in the program are already underway <br /> and/or are expected to be achievable through future measures. Implementation of reduction <br /> measures may have financial implications on future County operations, capital and purchasing <br /> processes. A presentation of GHG emissions and reduction measures is planned for February <br /> 25, 2009 and more concrete evaluations on the costs of reducing emissions within County <br /> government will be assessed following this presentation and in subsequent reports. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve the resolution to <br /> become a member of Cool Counties, and instruct staff to begin investigating the means of <br /> achieving the desired emission reductions (in conjunction with the ongoing ICLEI greenhouse <br /> gas emissions project to be presented February 25, 2009), and report back in the spring of 2009 <br /> on potential future actions. <br />