Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the City of Madison to join the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition (WLGCC) and the Office of Sustainability to serve as the City’s representative and contribute advocacy efforts to support the mission of the WLGCC. There is no cost to join WLGCC. Staff time associated with the coalition will be absorbed with existing resources. No appropriation is required.
Title
Resolution to support the City of Madison joining the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition (WLGCC).
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison recognizes that climate change threatens our health, our economy, our environment, and our quality of life therefore is one of the greatest threats of our time; and,
WHEREAS, action to mitigate the major contributing factors to climate change include fossil free clean energy solutions with a focus on equity to protect our health and our environment and expand our economy; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Madison Sustainability Plan in 2012 which included goals for renewable energy and carbon reduction; and,
WHERAS, on July 1, 2014, the Common Council passed File no. 34565, authorizing the City to intervene in Madison Gas & Electric’s 2014 Rate Case before the WI Public Service Commission to advocate for community renewable energy and carbon reduction goals; and,
WHEREAS, on March 21, 2017, The Common Council passed File No. 45569, Resolution establishing community-wide Energy and Carbon goals of 100% renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions; and,
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2019, The Common Council passed File No. 54508, Resolution adopting the 100% Renewable Madison Report with the recommendation for the City to follow the Scenario 3 measures and timeline of 100% Renewable Energy and Zero Net Carbon by 2030 for City operations; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin has set goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, and local government actions will be key in implementing the State’s goal and Clean Energy Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition (WLGCC) coordinates the efforts of local governments that are pursuing clean energy and climate change solutions in the state; and,
WHEREAS, the WLGCC provides a platform for members to collaborate on overcoming barriers to decarbonization, accelerating local climate change solutions, and ensuring the benefits of the clean energy economy are distributed to everyone throughout the state; and,
WHEREAS, WLGCC members have come to understand that climate change poses severe risks to our communities and that we cannot avoid the worst effects of climate change without effective state policy; and,
WHEREAS, WLGCC supports the following:
1. Increased State and Federal funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification of transportation and buildings, and advanced technology and research development solutions.
2. State policies and laws that enable local governments and others to implement such actions to grow the clean energy workforce.
3. A State plan to retire coal plants no later than 2040.
4. Choices and universal access to clean energy to reduce cost and participation barriers.
5. Smart growth development policies and funding to reduce vehicle miles traveled and to preserve natural resources, including agricultural, forestry, and recreational lands.
; and,
WHEREAS, there is no cost to becoming a WLGCC member; and
WHEREAS, The City of Madison shares the goals of the WLGCC; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED By the Common Council of the City of Madison, that the City of Madison officially joins the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Office of Sustainability is authorized to serve as the representative of the City of Madison and contribute advocacy efforts to support the mission of the WLGCC advocacy efforts.