RES-2009-006 Resolution and Cool Counties Climate Stailization Declaration

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WHEREAS, counties have a unique role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change through their regional jurisdiction over policy areas such as air quality, land use planning, transportation, zoning, forest preservation, water conservation, and wastewater and solid waste management; WHEREAS, the economic arguments for implementing climate solutions are compelling, from the near-term economic gains of energy efficiency to the long- term climate stabilization that can prevent irreparable harm from catastrophic climate change impacts; WHEREAS, many counties throughout the nation, both large and small, are reducing global warming pollutants through programs that provide economic and quality of life benefits such as reducing energy bills, preserving green space, implementing better land use policies, improving air quality, promoting waste-to- energy programs, expanding transportation and work choices to reduce traffic congestion, and fostering more economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new technologies; and WHEREAS, Orange County and its municipalities have already recognized the need for local action toward greenhouse gas emissions reduction, by developing an inventory of emissions, possible reduction measures and potential reduction targets for the year 2030, to be presented to the elected bodies in February 2009; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: Orange County, as a member of Cool Counties, will take immediate steps to help the federal, state, and our governments within our County to achieve the 2050 climate stabilization goal by making the following commitments: i. Complete the ongoing inventory of County government (operational) greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions and implement policies, programs and operations to achieve significant, measurable and sustainable reduction of those operational GHG emissions to help contribute to the regional reduction targets as identified in paragraph ii and in the Countywide GHG Emissions Inventory and Forecast (as well as subsequent actions that may be created from this report that is currently underway); ii. Work closely with local, state, and federal governments and other leaders to reduce countywide GHG emissions to 80 percent below current levels by the year 2050, by completing and implementing the GHG emissions inventory and forecast and establishing short-, mid-, and long-term GHG reduction targets, with recommended goals to stop increasing emissions by 2010, and to achieve a 10 percent reduction every five years thereafter through to 2050; and