Fiscal Note
Adoption of this resolution would not require an additional appropriation or immediate amendment of the 2009 or 2010 Capital or Operating Budgets. Implementation of some of the recommendations would, however, have fiscal impacts in future years. Such impacts will be determined, developed, and considered as part of future Capital and Operating Budget processes.
Title
A resolution declaring the City of Madison an Energy Independent Community with the goal of procuring 25% of the City of Madison's (Operations) electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025 and joining the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has established a commitment to environmental sustainability through adopting the "Building a Green Capital City" sustainability/energy plan and through adopting the Natural Step and the City's framework for sustainability; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison already has a sustainability page on its website; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison already purchases equipment that meets the Energy Star Standard; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has begun to explore the use of renewable fuels for the City fleet; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has already adopted a green building policy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has implemented many projects to increase the energy efficiency of its buildings; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison, has installed several PV and hot water solar systems on municipal property; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison already has a Sustainability Manager; and
WHEREAS, eighty communities in Wisconsin have adopted 25x25 resolutions, including Dane County, the Village of Waunakee and the Cities of Fitchburg, Middleton, and Stoughton; and,
WHEREAS, having the City of Madison designated as a Energy Independent Community will provide benefits to the City including:
1) Additional access to state and federal funding
2) Increased technical assistance from state and federal agencies
3) Improved energy efficiency creating additional savings and capital availability for budgeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Madison join the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership and become an Energy Independent Community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison establish a goal of procuring 25% of the City's electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison communicate and educate about the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership activities through posting information on the City's website, linking to the Office of Energy Independence's website, and promoting Energy Independence Community Events; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison review and update its energy standards for all energy-consuming equipment purchased by government agencies and departments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison increase utilization of Renewable Fuels in vehicles owned and operated by the City over time; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison continue to implement its green building policy and to undertake energy efficiency projects in municipal facilities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison evaluate its current energy use and sources; determine an energy efficiency and savings strategy; and determine the community potential for energy independence, following a five-step process:
1. Define community boundaries
2. Inventory energy uses
3. Design an energy efficiency and savings strategy
4. Evaluate potential energy technologies
5. Match energy needs to capacity
This process will lead to the preparation of an energy independent plan with projected savings and costs to implement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor's Office and City Lobbyists help shape state policy for the future on funding and legislation to help further the energy independency goals of the state; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the City of Madison designates the Facilities and Sustainability Manager its Energy Independence Coordinator and instructs her to pursue funding opportunities for the abovementioned projects.