WHEREAS:

Electricity generation produces more harmful air pollution than any other single human activity and emissions caused by the current methods of generation trigger asthma attacks and contribute to other respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cancer; furthermore, Massachusetts has the 8th highest current asthma rate in the United States; and

WHEREAS:

Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced in a cost-effective manner that enhances economic development by applying currently available energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy programs that save money, create jobs and strengthen local economies, and improves energy security by diversifying our energy supply; and

WHEREAS:

Renewable energy resources, such as wind, solar, biomass and wastewater residuals– are constantly replenishing themselves, and, if properly managed, will be available to serve our energy needs forever; and

WHEREAS:

The City of Cambridge adopted the Climate Protection Plan in 2002 which sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2010; therefore reducing air pollution and global warming; and

WHEREAS:

The City of Cambridge is a member of the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, which commits the City to be a leader in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions both through energy and fuel efficiency measures and through renewable energy generation and purchases; and

WHEREAS:

The City is fortunate that Cambridge businesses are now developing new technologies to further the use of our renewable energy resources; now therefore be it

RESOLVED:

That the City of Cambridge recognizes and supports the goal of the 20% by 2010 campaign; and be it further

RESOLVED:

That the City Council, with a commitment to the health of its citizens, commits the City of Cambridge to the 20% by 2010 campaign where, by the year 2010, the City’s own municipal facilities including schools will purchase 20% of energy needs from clean energy sources and that the City staff will investigate all options for meeting that goal and beginning the purchases as soon as possible, including purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates, local clean energy installations and possible state and federal funding opportunities; and be it further

RESOLVED:

That the City of Cambridge will lead by example and encourage all businesses, institutions and households within Cambridge to engage in energy and fuel efficiency measures and to adopt the goal of making at least 20% of their energy purchases come from renewable energy sources by the year 2010; and be it further

RESOLVED:

That the City of Cambridge encourages residents and businesses to choose the clean energy option on their electricity bill if it becomes available and at the presentation of the 2005 Go Green Business Awards on June 14, 2005 will announce the City’s commitment to 20% by 2010 and raise awareness of clean energy options.