Title
To express support for the establishment of a national goal to reach more than 50 percent clean and carbon-free electricity production by 2030 for the purpose of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, growing our economy, increasing our shared prosperity, improving public health, and preserving our national security.
Body
WHEREAS, failing to act on climate change will have a devastating impact on our nation’s economy, resulting in billions of dollars in lost GDP, as well as increased costs from infrastructure repairs and recovery efforts that will significantly increase budget deficits and undermine fiscal stability; and
WHEREAS, inaction on climate change will disproportionately impact communities of color and exacerbate existing economic inequalities; and
WHEREAS, the transition to clean energy is feasible with existing technology and will save lives and improve public health; and
WHEREAS, as of 2014, 89,000 Ohioans are working at 7,200 clean energy businesses--with more than 50 percent employed in installation, maintenance, manufacturing and assembly; and
WHEREAS, Ohio’s colleges and universities are investing in clean energy, and are leaders in clean energy research, development and deployment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus procured 15.6% of electricity used in city operations from renewable sources in 2015 and is working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from city operations and 20% from the community by the year 2020; and
WHEREAS, a plan to power America with more than 50 percent clean energy by 2030 is in Ohio’s best interest for a growing economy, a sustainable environment, and healthier families; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council supports a comprehensive plan to power America with more than 50 percent clean energy by 2030.