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~ SIERRA ;- <br />I.,LJB ~ 1= i <br />h _ __ __ <br />~I <br />~ ~ „ ~ ~ ~ ~ <br />s ~.~ ~ ~ <br />>, r <br />;rtkrt? s E ,w - <br />~ i`~~5." T~ ~. e ~:' ~ ~ .i~ ~' k. <br />a ~= i ~ ~ . ~ ";~ <br />-~ „ <br />Solving Gloh~l°Warming One Gity at a Time. <br />~.~- ~;, <br />._ <br />_ _ ~ :_ <br />,, <br />~, <br />{~ <br />,~'~'yp <br />_~__ __.........~~1 <br />COOL CIT9ES TAKE THE LEAD <br />_~ ommunities all over America <br />are responding to the threat <br />of global warming with smart <br />energy solutions. These "Cool <br />Cities" are taking decisive action to reduce <br />heat-trapping emissions, lower energy bills, <br />save taxpayer dollars, and protect our <br />environment. <br />At a time when the federal government is <br />failing to act, mayors and other local lead- <br />ersare taking the lead to curb global warm- <br />ing. Beginning with Seattle Mayor Greg <br />Nickels, more than 200 mayors represent- <br />ing 42 million Americans in 38 states have <br />signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection <br />Agreement to reduce global warming car- <br />bon dioxide (COz) pollution in their cities to <br />7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012 (see <br />seattle.gov/mayor/climate). <br />These Cool Cities are working to meet this <br />goal with practical and innovative energy <br />solutions that reduce energy waste and pol- <br />lution, and thereby cut our dependence on <br />oil, benefit public health, and save money. <br />GLOBAL WARMING: <br />NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT <br />Scientists have concluded that burning <br />fossil fuels-like oil, coal, and natural <br />gas-to power our cars, homes, and <br />businesses is causing global temperatures <br />to rise. This heating of the earth poses a <br />serious threat to our health, safety, <br />economy, and environment. <br />The good news is that we have the tools <br />today to reduce global warming pollution, <br />and cities of all sizes are pursuing <br />innovative energy solutions. <br />While every city's energy solutions plan <br />will be unique, there are three key com- <br />mon Cool City strategies: Green Vehicle <br />Fleets, Energy Efficiency, and <br />Renewable Energy. <br />GREEN VEHICLE SOLUTIONS <br />The biggest single step we can take to curb <br />global warming is making our cars, trucks, <br />and SUVs go farther on a gallon of gas. <br />Many cities are cutting their global warming <br />emissions by purchasing gas-electric hybrid <br />cars and SUVs for their city vehicle fleet. <br />By using less gasoline, hybrid vehicles <br />release a fraction of the global warming and <br />. ~.;: , <br />