Fiscal Note
No City appropriation required.
Title
Authorizing the City Attorney, in consultation with the Mayor, to join the City as amicus in any cases related to environmental sustainability, environmental justice, or climate change which promote or impact Madison's policy of being an environmentally sustainable and resilient community where all Madisonians can thrive now and in the future.
Body
WHEREAS, in March 2017, the Common Council adopted (RES-17-00213) which called on the City to establish a goal for City of Madison operations and community to reach a goal of 100% renewable energy and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; and,
WHEREAS, in March 2019, the Common Council adopted (RES-19-00267) the 100% Renewable Madison Report and set the goal of reaching 100% renewable energy and net zero carbon emissions for City operations by 2030; and
WHEREAS, in August 2024, the Common Council adopted (RES-24-00518) the 2024 Sustainability Plan Update and directed staff to implement the recommendations in the plan; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 Sustainability Plan Update includes actions to cut climate pollution, prepare for and minimize the impacts of climate change, improve environmental quality, advance environmental justice, and ensure the health and wellbeing of all Madisonians; and
WHEREAS, environmental protection, environmental justice, and climate action are also embedded in many other adopted City plans and initiatives, including the Comprehensive Plan, Parks and Open Space Plan, Vision Zero Action Plan, and others; and,
WHEREAS, amicus briefs are filed in court cases by municipalities who are strongly invested in the outcome of cases, but are not themselves party to the cases and amicus briefs can present additional information and context to the legal issue being decided and can be time sensitive and require immediate action; and
WHEREAS, new and ongoing litigation continues to potentially impact climate and environmental policy, and can either significantl...
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