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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19-2016 Public Comment, SimonCOUNCIL N4tr TtNC►: c? �_ � ct �2� t b REC�IVff� _ ITEM NO.: r u1b` e I- JAN 19 2016 SLO CITY CL R�< (I,m Citizens' Climate Lobby San Luis Obispo City Council Resolution Urging Congress to Levy a Revenue - Neutral Fee on Carbon in Fossil Fuels (L, Citizens' Climate Lobby BINDER INDEX 1. City of San Luis Obispo Climate Action Plan Executive Summary; Climate Change Impacts; Conclusion and Local GHG Reduction Strategies 2. Examples of municipal Resolutions passed 3. H.R. 4283 - Consumers Rebate Act by U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney 4. Proposed Resolution Urging Congress to Levy Revenue - Neutral Fee on Carbon in Fossil Fuels C I- S:rC = C,,C % =a CC u- Jl J CCi Executive Summary The global challenge of climate change requires action at all levels of government. A wide range of policies have been adopted at the state and regional levels to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as developing clean energy resources and promoting energy - efficient buildings and vehicles. States with Adopted GHG Emission Reduction Targets State(s) Vr Emission Adopted - 25% below 1990 levels by2012 Cr, MA, ME, NH, NY, OR, RI 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 CA, HI, NJ, MT, IL, WA 1990 levels by 2020 Fl- 1990 levels by 2025 NM 10% below 2000 levels by 2020 AZ 2000 levels by 2020 CO, MI, MN 15-20% below 2005 levels by 2015 -25 UT 2005 levels by 2020 MD 25% below 2006 levels by 2020 VA 3096 below BAU by 2025 Executive Sununaiy Climate Action Plan California is among the nation's leaders in GHG emission reduction initiatives, including: an aggressive renewable energy portfolio standard, public benefit funds for renewables and efficiency, alternative fuel policies, new vehicle standards, and a statewide emission reduction target. The State's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) establish a goal of reducing statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. Local governments are well positioned to develop and implement locally effective strategies to address the consequences of climate change and mitigate GHG emissions. In 2008, the City of San Luis Obispo committed to address climate change and joined ICLEI -Local Governments for Sustainability's Cities for Climate Protection campaign. Since that time, the City has completed the first step of the five milestone climate protection process: conduct a baseline emissions inventory. This Climate Action Plan (CAP) marks completion of the second and third milestones: adopting a GHG emissions reduction target and developing a plan to achieve that target. The adopted target is a reduction of communitywide emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, consistent with AB 32. The fourth and fifth milestones are implementation and monitoring. Climate Action Plan Development The process of drafting a CAP included a series of steps accomplished from 2010 thru 2012: research, outreach, local policy audit, and strategy review. Research included review of climate science, climate planning guidance documents, climate policy enacted in other jurisdictions, and existing local policies and programs already serving to reduce GHG emissions. In addition, an City of San Luis Obispo extensive public outreach effort was begun that continued throughout the process. Outreach was conducted through farmers' market booths, community group meetings, a website '_OCOOL.org) and Facebook page, digital surveys, feedback boards at local grocery stores, and a visit to a local elementary school. Early in the plan development process, the goal of public outreach was to raise public awareness of climate planning and to hear from community members about their hopes and fears for the future of San Luis Obispo. The research phase of plan development was concluded with development of a policy audit. This audit served as a basis for emissions reduction strategy development. During strategy development, outreach efforts shifted focus with the intent of gauging the level of support for potential measures. Feedback was solicited from the community, City staff, and multiple local groups, and used to refine strategies in the plan. A complete list of public outreach events is included in the Appendix. Strategies that act directly on emissions sources were quantified to demonstrate the projected effectiveness of the CAP. GHG Reduction Strategies Community strategies for climate change adaptation and reduction of GHG emissions are divided into six chapters: Buildings, :M1a: r+ua?L;l ;ae eal_;, Transportation & Land Use, vv, ate r, Solid Waste, and Parks & Open Space. Strategies that will help reduce 4G emissions associated with City have .,een separated into their own chapter. Buildings addresses emissions associated with the heating, cooling, and operating of structures. This includes electricity and natural gas consumption in residential and commercial buildings, as well as the energy needed to run industrial processes. The goal is to make buildings more energy efficient In the GHG Emissions Inventory, buildings account for 43% of total GHG emissions, largely due to aging inefficient structures. Over 80% of the City's housing stock is more than 20 years old. New construction is already subject to stringent State efficiency standards, so significant emission reductions will be achieved through energy efficiency improvements to older building stock. The Rf�n walale hier(iv chapter focuses on local energy production from renewable sources that produces no or minimal GHG emissions. The goal is clean and renewable energy sources. One of the barriers to renewable energy installations is high upfront costs. Several strategies seek to ease the initial financial burden through the use of incentives, including: federal, state and local financing, reduced permit fees, and streamlining of development review processes. Transportation & Land Use addresses the largest con - tributor to community emissions: vehicles. The goal is to improve transportation options. This chapter encourages use of a variety of transportation modes and cleaner vehicles. It also outlines long -term changes to land use patterns to reduce trip lengths and encourage safe, attractive environments where people will want to walk or bike. Vk used by the community must be pumped, treated, and delivered. Each of these steps uses energy, which creates GHG emissions. The goal is to reduce and reuse consumed water. Community-wide strategies focus on voluntary programs to reduce water use in existing buildings, require new buildings to reduce anticipated water use, and encourage use of reclaimed water when possible. Solid Waste deposited in a landfill emits methane, which is 21 times more powerful in trapping GHGs than carbon dioxide. The goal is to prevent, reduce, reuse and recycle waste. The chapter focuses on increasing the rate at which waste is diverted from the Cold Canyon Landfill through recycling and other programs. Strategies include consideration of an adjusted volume -based rate system, improved recycling and composting options, and researching other waste reduction programs such as a food packaging ordinance or waste audits. While the maintenance of areas J generates GHG emissions, these areas also have the l potential to directly reduce emissions through carbon i sequestration; trees, plants and soils absorbing carbon. The goal is to maintain natural areas, plant additional trees and acquire more open space. Strategies in this chapter cover energy - efficient maintenance, water conservation, tree planting, community gardens and open space preservation. Climate Action Plan Government Operations identifies GHG reduction strategies for City facilities, fleets, infrastructure and employees. The goal is to reduce GHGs from government '1 operations to 1990 emissions levels. This is the same level ' of GHG reductions as the community target. Strategies focus on facilities, streetlights and traffic signals, water and wastewater infrastructure, the vehicle fleet, employee commuting, and employee business travel. GHG Reduction Summary This CAP is a policy document, adopted by Resolution, that provides a road map to achieve the City's GHG reduction goals. It needs to be dynamic, with continual updates that address changes in technologies and the natural environment. When combined with State policies, the local GHG reduction strategies presented in this CAP can achieve the target of 1990 emissions levels by 2020; a 22% reduction from projected business -as -usual (15% below the 2005 emissions baseline). 2020 GHG Reductions by Topic Contribution Renewable Transportation lkjildings Energy & Land Use -6% 4 %_� -8% Water <1% Waste -12% Parks and Open Space •2% State Policies -69% Government Operations -1% City of San Luis Obispo The majority of local emissions reductions come from transportation, waste and buildings strategies. Collectively, local strategies included in this CAP will address 31% of the emissions duction required to achieve the 2020 target. State policies to reduce GHG emissions, such as vehicle fuel efficiency standards, renewable portfolio standards, and building energy efficiency and CALGreen construction standards, will result in emissions reductions in the community that make up the remaining 69% required to reach the target. Conclusion The adjusted GHG emissions forecast shows that implementation of all strategies in this plan can achieve a 15% reduction from baseline levels by 2020, which will meet required AB 32 State reduction goals. For consistency with County and regional planning efforts, a second reduction forecast year of 2035 is included. The target emissions curve slopes dramatically downward after 2020 in response to the Governor's executive order (S -3 -05) to reach a reduction in statewide emissions of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. This is a laudable yet challenging goal, which will likely require significant technological innovation. Nevertheless, the path to the closer target in 2020 is a measurable reality. The appendix provides further detail on the calculations and assumptions used to document that path. Public Outreach and Edcucation �e majority of the GHG reduction strategies in the CAP are based .n voluntary behavior from the community. The most vital step towards achieving the reduction target is public outreach and 350,000 Adjusted Forecast of Community-wide GHG Emissions , A 300,000 ° 250,000 IL -15% 200,000 \ 150,000 X 100,000 2005 2010 2020 2035 -• +• Business As Usual Forecast Baseline —Ar- Adjusted Forecast with State Reductions Adjusted Emissions with State & Local Reductions CIE • Target Emissions education. A well informed community is empowered to make alternative decisions, or in many cases, to continue environmentally sound practices already taking place in SLO. The City will work with the County, State and other regional organizations to develop a comprehensive education program targeting energy - efficiency, renewables, alternative transportation, and other CAP communitywide objectives. A specific Public Outreach and Education strategy section is included at the end of each chapter. Executive Summary City of San Luis Obispo areas are able to adapt to climate change effects. The solution lies in global action, which is the cumulative sum of local reform. The Greenhouse Effect Some solar radiation is rFOKked by Ihr Earth.—I Ow atmosphere Some of the Infrared and re- emitted by greenhouse gas Solar radlatlon % molecules passes through ' the atmosphere and most Is tW.aiib11 absorbed by the ' 4rad IF Earth's surface e_. ..... . _. Source: Tufts University. Climate Change Impacts California's climate is already changing. Annual nighttime temperatures statewide have increased 0.33 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1920, while daytime temperatures have increased by 0.1 degrees Fahrenheit per decade during the same period.", Increases in average temperatures in California result in variations in 6 California Natural Resources Agency, 2009. temperature by area and by season, which will have a number of potential consequences including: wildfire, public health issues, flooding, drought, and agricultural risks. Higher Emissions Scenario Medlum Emissions Scenario Lower - Emissions Scenario Potential Climate Change Impacts 151 17 n tlylra • ■ y Wdk. Vk-*V Raw • k t� r ra Source: California Energy Commission Increased Wildfires Wildfires have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years .7 Rising temperatures cause shifts in precipitation patterns and earlier melting of mountain snowpack. This reduction in rainfall, combined with a longer growing season (i.e. more fuel) and higher 7 California Natural Resources Agency, 2009. introduction temperatures, can lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. In a relatively hot and and climate like that of San Luis Obispo, an increase in wildfire danger in wildland -urban interface areas is an expected consequence of climate change. Impacts on Public Health Higher overall temperatures increase the likelihood and severity of heat waves. Higher temperatures are associated with increased risk of heat - related deaths and illness. This risk is greater for people in economically depressed areas with reduced access to air conditioning. Higher temperatures also increase air pollution by increasing fuel evaporation, raising energy demand, and creating ideal conditions for smog formation. Flooding, Drought & Reduced Snowpack Climate change threatens to alter rainfall patterns in San Luis Obispo, increasing the frequency and severity of both flooding and drought. It also threatens the State's overall water cycle. The majority of precipitation in California falls as winter snow in the mountains. The mountain snowpack stores this water, supplying the State's water needs in the dry summer months. Rising temperatures will have two significant impacts on this important process: more precipitation comes as rain and less as snow causing flooding; and spring snowmelt will happen earlier. This means a longer period of low -flow conditions in the warmer months causing impacts to water supplies, fish and other aquatic life." 8 California Natural Resources Agency, 2009. Climate Action Plan Threats to Agriculture Agriculture is a critical industry in California ($37.5 billion in revenue in 2010) that supplies half of the nation's domestic fruits and vegetables.' Rising temperatures and increased drought conditions in the State's agricultural areas will increase water demand and constrain agricultural output when water supply becomes less reliable. Rising temperatures can also negatively impact crop yield and quality. Many of the most valuable crops in California —such as fruits and nuts — require a certain period of cool temperatures in the winter to properly set their fruit. Rising winter temperatures can lead to late or irregular blooms, meaning lower quality and yield at harvest time." Five Milestone Process The City of San Luis Obispo has a long history of supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives and practices. Upon joining the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign in 2008, San Luis Obispo committed to following its established Five Milestone Process consisting of the following steps: 1. Conduct a baseline emissions inventory and forecast. 2. Adopt an emissions reduction target for the forecast year. 3. Develop a local climate action plan. 4. Implement the plan's policies and measures. 5. Monitor and verify results. 9 California Department of Food and Agriculture, 2012. 10 California Natural Resources Agency, 2009. City of Philadelphia EM-,W-40=1 1 211-1 " � Council of the City of Philadelphia Office of the Chief Clerk Room 402, City Hall Philadelphia (Resolution No. 150935) RESOLUTION Calling on the Unites States Congress to address Climate Change by considering and exploring a Carbon Fee and Dividend. WHEREAS, The City Council of Philadelphia is committed to fighting climate change and is committed to protecting Philadelphians from the effects of climate change and air pollution; and WHEREAS, Climate change poses a serious threat to the City of Philadelphia in terms of the economy, public health, and the environment; and WHEREAS, As a result of climate change, the Northeast is experiencing warming temperatures and a large increase in the amount of rainfall measured during heavy precipitation events; and WHEREAS, More frequent heat waves in the Northeast are expected to increasingly threaten human health through more heat stress and air pollution; and WHEREAS, Sea levels rise and more frequent heavy rains are expected to increase flooding and storm surge, threatening infrastructure; and WHEREAS, As temperatures rise, agriculture will likely face reduced yields, potentially damaging livelihoods and the regional economy, and WHEREAS, Congress has the responsibility to act swiftly and meaningfully on the issue of climate change; and WHEREAS, Legislation addressing climate change should not economically burden Philadelphia or Philadelphians; and City of Philadelphia -1- City of Philadelphia RESOLUTION NO. 150935 continued WHEREAS, Carbon Fee and Dividend as put forth by the Citizens Climate Lobby greatly helps fight climate change, protects Philadelphians from the effects of climate change, and is a net economic boost to Philadelphia and Philadelphians; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Calls on the United States Congress to address climate change and explore a Carbon Fee and Dividend as a sound, effective policy. City of Philadelphia -2- City of Philadelphia RESOLUTION NO. 150935 continued CERTIFICATION: This is a true and correct copy of the original Resolution, Adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the tenth of December, 2015. Darrell L. Clarke PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL Michael A. Decker CHIEF CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Introduced by: Councilmember Reynolds Brown Sponsored by: Councilmember Reynolds Brown City of Philadelphia -4- SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION �.esnlu #ion JOINT RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO LEVY REVENUE- NEUTRAL FEE ON CARBON IN FOSSIL FUELS r' +t-ai WHEREAS, climate scientists worldwide are in near - unanimous agreement that the planet is warming rapidly wand this must be slowed to prevent the development of a climate that is perilous to human civilization, numerous species, and the global ecosystem we all share; and s=r, sue`; WHEREAS, Salt Lake City is already feeling the local effects of climate change through increased temperatures, changes in water systems, extreme weather events and other disruptions that W threaten our economy, residents and overall quality of life; and WHEREAS, the primary cause of that warming globally is human activity, especially the combustion offossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and alter the chemical composition of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans.; and WHEREAS, Salt Lake City Corporation has demonstrated its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the transformation of City facilities to 'het zero °energy use, increased use of clean or alternative fuel vehicles in the City fleet, reduction of barriers to installing renewable energy such as solar panels and ongoing regulatory, programmatic and policy supportfor clean energy and clean vehicle deployment on a community -scale and regionally throughout Utah; and WHEREAS, the urgent need to transition from fossilf tels can be accelerated through a market -based 5, program, namely a revenue - neutral carbon fee on producers and corresponding rebate to consumers, and WHEREAS, a market -driven mechanism such as a carbon fee and dividend would encourage and empower residents to reduce and replace their consumption of carbon -based energy with renewable and other innovative energy sources, whether through conservation, being more efficient or by choosing less carbon - intensive energy sources; and WHEREAS, the transition to low - carbon, renewable energy resources will prouide a range of additional co-benefits including enhanced public health, increased national and energy security, local green jobs, reduced reliance on finite resources and myriad other positive outcomes. NOW, THEREFORE, BETPRESOLVED that that the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City strongly urge the United States Congress to pass legislation that levies an annually increasing revenue - neutral fee on the carbon in fossil fuels at the point ofproduction and importation, sufficient to: 1. Encourage individuals and corporations to produce and use less fossil fuels; 2. Make the transition from fossil fuels less onerous to consumers and to the economy by returning to American households on an equitable basis all of the revenues gained from the fee; 3. Reduce United States' CO2- equivalent emissions to io% of i9go levels by 2050; 4. Encourage similar actions by other nations trading with the United States, by suitable carbon content =based fees for imports and rebates for exports to nations that have not taken such actions. Ralph Becker Luke rrotd" hgiK Salt Lake City Mayor Salt 1AAb: ouncilMember,DistrictFour � f �._� } / R � � } 8 i k � � 8 ] ] �- ��� 7� %! { $! � U ; a& J« � 22 j2 �_ � q � � � A $ A � 2 2 k � � 2 � � � J2 )) _ J' � \ {k mn �) � � ] ! 2� .. J � March 19, 2015 The Honorable Michael Bennet Representative in Congress 458 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20515 TOWN OF CARBONDALE 511 COLORADO AVENUE CARBONDALE, CO 81623 Re: National Carbon Fee and Dividend Legislation Dear Senator Bennet: Concerning the above enclosed find a copy of Resolution No. 15 -003, which was passed by the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado on February 24, 2015. In summary, the Board of Trustees of Carbondale supports climate change legislation and urges the United States Congress to pass legislation without delay that reduces CO2 equivalent emissions of fossil fuels into the atmosphere. The Board of Trustees of Carbondale prefers a fee levied on all fossil fuels at the point of extraction or importation, with the dividend returned entirely to the American people. Sincerely yours, Stacey Bemot Mayor March 19, 2015 TOWN OF CARBONDALE 511 COLORADO AVF.Ni E CARBONDALE, CO 81623 The Honorable Cory Gardner Representative in Senate Senate Dirksen Office Building SD -B40B Washington, DC 20515 Re: National Carbon Fee and Dividend Legislation Dear Senator Gardner: Concerning the above enclosed find a copy of Resolution No. 15 -003, which was passed by the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado on February 24, 2015. In summary, the Board of Trustees of Carbondale supports climate change legislation and urges the United States Congress to pass legislation without delay that reduces CO2 equivalent emissions of fossil fuels into the atmosphere. The Board of Trustees of Carbondale prefers a fee levied on all fossil fuels at the point of extraction or importation, with the dividend returned entirely to the American people. Sincerely yours, Stacey BernJ Mayor March 19, 2015 The Honorable Scott Tipton Representative in Congress 218 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 TOWN OF CARBONDALE 511 COLORullO AVENUE CARI3ONDALE, CO 81623 Re: National Carbon Fee and Dividend Legislation Dear Representative Tipton: Concerning the above enclosed find a copy of Resolution No. 15 -003, which was passed by the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado on February 24, 2015. In summary, the Board of Trustees of Carbondale supports climate change legislation and urges the United States Congress to pass legislation without delay that reduces CO2 equivalent emissions of fossil fuels into the atmosphere. The Board of Trustees of Carbondale prefers a fee levied on all fossil fuels at the point of extraction or importation, with the dividend returned entirely to the American people. Sincerely yours, _jk -3 - -40 '-414 Stacey e y ot Mayor RESOLUTION NO.3 SERIES OF 2015 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARB ONDALE URGING THE U.S. CONGRESS TO PASS LEGISLATION THAT LEA AN ANNUALLY INCRFA.SING R>EVENtJE- NEtJTRA.L FEE ON TIME CARBON IN FOSSIL FUELS AT THE POINT OF PRODUCTION AND ENIPC]RTATION WHEREAS, climate scientists worldwide are in near- unanimous agreement that the planet Earth is warming rapidly and to a degree that is perilous to human civilization to numerous species, and to the global ecosystem; and WHEREAS, the primary cause of the rapid warming is human activity, especially through the accelerating combustion of fossil fuels that create carbon dioxide as a byproduct; and WHEREAS, the newly - released 2014 Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( "IPCC ") has reinforced these findings, especially the extent of human agency in causing climate change, to include: 1. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have increased to levels unprecedented in the last 800,000 years with carbon dioxide concentrations having increased by 40% since pre - industrial times; 2. It is extremely likely ( 9 5 - 10 0 % ) that more than half of the observed increases in global average surface temperatures from 1951 to 2010 were caused by the manmade increase in greenhouse gas concentrations and other anthropogenic forces; 3. Every additional release of greenhouse gases diminishes the planet Earth's chances of avoiding catastrophic climate change; and WHEREAS, the United States Global Change Research Program, in its 2014 National Climate Assessment, makes this statement about climate change in the Southwestern United States: "Increased heat, drought, and insect outbreaks, all linked to climate change, have increased wildfires. Declining water supplies, reduced agricultural yields, health impacts in cities due to heat, and flooding and erosion in coastal areas are additional concerns "1; and ' http:// nca2014. globalchange. gov /highlights/regions/southwest WHEREAS, the Carbondale Board of Trustees has a record of acknowledging the reality of climate change, its probable effects on the Town, and t h e T o w n ' s ability and responsibility to reduce its contribution to the causes of climate change, as evidenced by the Town's Energy and Climate Protection Plan and participation in regional clean energy efforts including Garfield Clean Energy and Energy Smart; and WHEREAS, the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels can best be accomplished with a market -based program, namely a revenue - neutral carbon fee and dividend; and WHEREAS, such an instrument would encourage consumers and the market to replace their consumption of carbon based energy with innovative energy sources, whether by being more efficient or by choosing other, less carbon intensive energy sources; and WHEREAS, this revenue - neutral carbon fee and dividend is a superior method to reduce carbon emissions for the following reasons: 1. The fee would motivate everyone to conserve and to adopt renewable energy without the need for extensive governmental regulatory controls or infrastructure; 2. The fee would employ a free market approach to encourage innovative processes, not only in energy production, but also in every other field in which energy is consumed, e.g. electric cars, mass transportation, architectural planning and construction, water heating, lighting, and air conditioning in residential and commercial buildings; 3. Levying the fee at the point of production would be more efficient, less expensive and provide more accurate price signals than would doing so at the points of consumption; 4. The fee would incentivize the development and use of alternative energies and attendant technologies, eliminating the need for government subsidies that attempt to forecast alternative energy winners and losers; 5. Because the fee is levied on the same basis on all businesses, it is fairer to every business and easier to administer than alternatives, such as a cap and trade system; and WHEREAS, further delay in responding to this crisis increases the risk of catastrophic climate change, imminently threatens low lying coastal areas and land and sea species, threatens water supplies, increases the frequency of severe weather events, increases the cost of undertaking adequate responses, and increases risks to the global economy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE BOARD OF TRUSTEES THAT THE TRUSTEES: recognize that the pollution caused by humans burning fossil fuels is recognized by scientists as a primary cause of climate change, and that a necessary measure to address this problem is the enactment of a revenue - neutral fee on carbon production at its source, with the fees being returned to Americans as a dividend. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE BOARD OF TRUSTEES THAT THE BOARD: 1. Strongly urges the U.S Congress to pass legislation that levies an annually increasing revenue neutral fee on the carbon in fossil fuels at the point of production and importation, that would be sufficient to: a. Encourage individuals and corporations to produce and use less fossil fuels; b. Make the transition from fossil fuels less onerous to consumers and to the economy by returning to Americans on an equitable basis all of the revenues gained from the fee; c. Reduce US CO2- equivalent emissions to 10% of 1990 levels by 2050; d. Encourage similar actions by other nations trading with the United States, by suitable carbon- content -based fees for imports and rebates for exports to nations that have not taken such actions. 2. Requests that the U.S. Congress construct and implement this policy with the speed appropriate to the gravity and urgency of the situation. INTRODUCED, READ AND PASSED ON 'Ila, � � i , 2015 BY:- I Allyn Harvey, IVi yor Pro Tern ©F.GARg, SS O ATTEST: Cathy �a • Cathy Derby, Town CIe EAIL RX 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 FILE NO. 140930 RESOLUTION NO. 336 -14 [Urging Enactment of a Revenue - Neutral Carbon Tax] Resolution urging the United States Congress to enact a revenue - neutral carbon tax. WHEREAS, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated in its recently released 5th Assessment Report, Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis, that "Warming of the climate system is unequivocal," and "It is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid -20th century;" and WHEREAS, In May of 2013, the global atmospheric concentration of CO2 reached 400 parts per million —the highest level in the last 800,000 years; and WHEREAS, In May of 2014, two separate scientific papers were published in the journals Science and Geophysical Research Letterthat documented dramatic retreats of Antarctic glaciers and predicted that large -scale destruction of the West Antarctic ice sheet was likely now inevitable and would lead to sea level rises of ten feet or more; and WHEREAS, The 2004 Climate Action Plan for San Francisco found that continued warming of the atmosphere would cause San Francisco to experience flooding; threats to City infrastructure, the sewage system, Bay wetlands, and marine life; as increased asthma and respiratory illness due to higher ozone levels; increased insurance and mitigation costs; and negative impacts to the fishing and tourism industries; and WHEREAS, Conservative estimates by the world's climate scientists state that to achieve climate stabilization and avoid cataclysmic climate change, emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) must be brought to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050; and WHEREAS, The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 commits the State of California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and the Governor's Executive Supervisors Avalos, Breed, Mar, Yee BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Order S -3 -05 further calls on the State establishes as State policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050; and WHEREAS, The City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 158 -02 committing the City and County of San Francisco to a greenhouse gas emissions reductions goal of 20% below 1990 levels by the year 2012; and WHEREAS, Under Resolution No. 158 -02, the Mayor and Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco actively support the Kyoto Protocol; and WHEREAS, The failure of the world's nations to ratify the Kyoto Protocol or any other meaningful climate regulations combined with escalating impacts of climate change demonstrate that broader, more powerful policies are needed to supplement local and regional efforts to reduce emissions; and WHEREAS, Presently the environmental, health, and social costs of carbon emissions are not included in prices paid for fossil fuels, but rather these externalized costs are borne directly and indirectly by all Americans and global citizens; and WHEREAS, To begin to correct this market failure, Congress can enact a national carbon tax on fossil fuels, based on the amount of CO2 the fuel will emit when burned; and WHEREAS, For efficient administration, fossil fuels can be taxed once, as far upstream in the economy as practical, or at the port of entry into the United States; and WHEREAS, A national, revenue - neutral carbon tax starting at a relatively low rate and increasing steadily over future years is a market -based solution that would minimally disrupt the economy while sending a clear and predictable price signal to businesses to develop and use non - carbon -based energy resources; and WHEREAS, The Citizens' Climate Education Corporation (CCEC) contracted a third party, Regional Economic Modeling, Inc. (REMI) to do a nation -wide macroeconomic study on the impact of a revenue - neutral carbon tax; and Supervisors Avalos, Breed, Mar, Yee BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 WHEREAS, REMI's study predicted that, after 10 years, a revenue - neutral carbon tax would lead to a decrease in CO2 emissions by 33 percent, an increase in national employment of 2.1 million jobs, and an average monthly dividend for a family of four of $288; and WHEREAS, Border adjustments— carbon content -based tariffs on products imported from countries without comparable carbon pricing, and refunds to our exporters of carbon taxes paid —can maintain the competitiveness of U.S. businesses in global markets; and WHEREAS, A national carbon tax can be implemented quickly and efficiently, and respond to the urgency of the climate crisis, because the federal government already has in place mechanisms, such as the Internal Revenue Service, needed to implement and enforce the tax, and already collects taxes from fossil fuel producers and importers; and WHEREAS, A national carbon tax would make the United States a leader in mitigating climate change and in the clean energy technologies of the 21st Century, and would incentivize other countries to enact similar carbon taxes, reducing global CO2 emissions without the need for complex international agreements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco urges the United States Congress to enact without delay a tax on carbon -based fossil fuels; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the tax should be collected once, as far upstream in the economy as practical, or at the port of entry into the United States; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the tax rate should start low and increase steadily and predictably, to achieve the goal of reducing U.S. CO2 emissions to 10% of 1990 levels by 2050; and, be it Supervisors Avalos, Breed, Mar, Yee BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 FURTHER RESOLVED, That all tax revenue should be returned to households to protect low and middle income Americans from the impact of rising prices due to the tax; and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the international competitiveness of U. S. businesses should be protected by using carbon content -based border tariffs and tax refunds. Supervisors Avalos, Breed, Mar, Yee BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Page 4 City and County of San Francisco City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place Tails San Francisco, CA 94102 -4689 Resolution File Number: 140930 Date Passed: September 09, 2014 Resolution urging the United States Congress to enact a revenue - neutral carbon tax. September 09, 2014 Board of Supervisors - ADOPTED Ayes: 11 - Avalos, Breed, Campos, Chiu, Cohen, Farrell, Kim, Mar, Tang, Wiener and Yee File No. 140930 1 hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was ADOPTED on 9/912014 by the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco. Unsigned Mayor Angela Calvillo Clerk of the Board 9/19/14 Date Approved I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution, not being signed by the Mayor within the time limit as set forth in Section 3.103 of the Charter, or time waived pursuant to Board Rule 2.14.2, became effective without his approval in accordance with the provision of said Section 3.103 of the Charter or Board Rule 2.14.2. Angela Calvillo Clerk of the Board City and County of San Francisco Page 19 Printed at 2:34 pm on 9110114 I CITY OF SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2013-99 3 INTRODUCED BY: 4 5 Councilor Bushee 6 Councilor Ives 7 8 9 10 A RESOLUTION 11 RELATING TO CLIMATE CHANGE AS A REAL AND GROWING THREAT TO THE 12 WELL -BEING OF PRESENT AND FUTURE INHABITANTS OF SANTA FE AND URGING 13 THE U.S. CONGRESS TO PASS LEGISLATION THAT LEVIES AN ANNUALLY 14 INCREASING REVENUE NEUTRAL FEE ON THE CARBON IN FOSSIL FUELS AT THE 15 POINT OF PRODUCTION AND IMPORTATION. 16 17 WHEREAS, climate scientists worldwide are in near- unanimous agreement that the planet is 18 warming rapidly and to a degree that is perilous to human civilization, to numerous species and to the 19 global ecosystem and that the primary cause of that warming is human activity, especially through the 20 accelerating combustion of fossil fuels that create COZ as a byproduct; and 21 WHEREAS, the newly - released 2013 IPCC Report has reinforced these findings, especially 22 the extent of human agency in causing climate change, including that: 23 • Atmospheric concentrations of COZ, methane and nitrous oxide have increased to levels 24 unprecedented in the last 800,000 years, and CO2 concentrations have increased by 40% 25 since pre - industrial times; and l 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 • It is extremely likely (95- 100 %), that more than half of the observed increase in global average surface temperature from 1951 -2010 was caused by the manmade increase in greenhouse gas concentrations and other anthropogenic forces; and • Every additional release of greenhouse gases diminishes our chances of avoiding catastrophic climate change; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Fe Municipal Charter charges the governing body with the responsibility "to secure for ourselves and our children the continuity of our cultural values, our personal freedoms, and our well- being," declares that "[t]he natural beauty of Santa Fe" is "among the city's most valued and important assets," and charges the governing body of Santa Fe to "protect, preserve and enhance the city's natural endowments, plan for and regulate land use and development, manage the city's growth, encourage source reduction," and take such actions as are necessary to do so; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Fe has a record of accepting these responsibilities and acknowledging the reality of climate change, probable effects of climate change on our City, and our ability and responsibility to reduce our contribution to the causes of climate change — as evidenced by the City's endorsement of the U. S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement; the adoption of the Sustainable Santa Fe Plan (Resolution 2008 -93); the establishment of the Sustainable Santa Fe Commission; and the passing of Resolutions addressing these concerns (e.g., Resolutions 2009 -45, 2011 -17, 2012 -12, 2013 -12 and 2013 -12, among others); and WHEREAS, the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels can best be accomplished with a market -based program, namely a revenue-neutral carbon fee and rebate; and WHEREAS, such an instrument would encourage consumers and the market to replace their consumption of carbon -based energy with innovative energy sources, whether by being more efficient or by choosing other, less carbon - intensive energy sources; and WHEREAS, this revenue - neutral carbon fee and dividend is a superior method to reduce 2 I I carbon emissions for the following reasons: 2 (1) The fee would motivate everyone to conserve and to adopt renewable energy without 3 the need for extensive governmental regulatory controls or infrastructure; 4 (2) The fee would employ a free market approach to encourage innovative processes, not 5 only in energy production, but also in every other field in which energy is consumed, 6 e.g., electric cars, mass transportation, architectural planning and construction, water 7 heating, lighting, and air conditioning in residential and commercial buildings; 8 (3) Levying the fee at the point of production would be more efficient, less expensive 9 and provide more accurate price signals than would doing so at the points of 10 consumption; 11 (4) The fee would incentivize the development and use of alternative energies and 12 attendant technologies, eliminating the need for government subsidies that attempt to 13 forecast alternative energy winners and losers; 14 (5) Because the fee is levied on the same basis on all businesses, it is fairer to every 15 business and easier to administer than alternatives, such as a cap and trade system; 16 and 17 WHEREAS, further delay in responding to this crisis increases the risk of catastrophic 18 climate change, imminently threatens low -lying coastal areas and land and sea species, threatens 19 water supplies, increases the frequency of severe weather events, reduces the time available and 20 increases the cost of undertaking adequate responses, and increases risks to the global economy. 21 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE 22 CITY OF SANTA FE that the governing body recognizes that the pollution caused by humans 23 burning fossil fuels is recognized by scientists as a primary cause of climate change; that the City of 24 Santa Fe Municipal Charter charges the governing body with protection of our city's residents and 25 natural assets; and that a necessary measure to address this problem is the enactment of a revenue- L� 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 neutral fee on carbon production at its source, with the fees being returned to Americans as a dividend. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the governing body: (1) Strongly urges the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that levies an annually increasing revenue neutral fee on the carbon in fossil fuels at the point of production and importation, that would be sufficient to: (a) Encourage individuals and corporations to produce and use less fossil fuels; (b) Make the transition from fossil fuels less onerous to consumers and to the economy by returning to Americans on an equitable basis all of the revenues gained from the fee; (c) Reduce US CO2-equivalent emissions to 10% of 1990 levels by 2050; (d) Encourage similar actions by other nations trading with the United States, by suitable carbon - content -based fees for imports and rebates for exports to nations that have not taken such actions. (2) Requests that the U.S. Congress construct and implement this policy with the speed appropriate to the gravity and urgency of the situation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the City's Congressional Delegation. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 13th day of November, 2013, ATTEST: j1ANDA Y. NaIL, C1 Y CLERK 4 DAVID COSS, MAYOR I APPROVED AS TO FORM: 2 3 4 KELLEY BRENNAN, INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 M /Melissa /Resolutions 201312013 -99 Climate Change i Text - H.R.4283 - 114th Congress (2015- 2016): Consumers REBAT... https: / /www.congress.goviNII /114th - congress /house- bill/4283 /text Legislation Congressional Record Committees Members Browse ONGRESS.G _ V H.R.4283 - Consumers REBATE Act 114th Congress (2015 - 2016) 1 � t aler =s BILL Hide Overview Sponsor: Rep. McNerney, Jegy ID-CA-91 (Introduced 12/17/2015) Committees: House - Ways and Means Latest Action. 12/17/2015 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Tracker: Introduced Passed House Passed Senate To President Became Law Subject — Policy Area: Taxation Vi.ewMbiects -f Summary (0) Text (a) Actions (2) Titles (3) Amendments (0) Cosponsors (0) Committees (1) Text: H.R.4283 —114th Congress (2015 -2016) There is one version of the bill. Text available as: XMUHTML XMUHTML (new windolrv) TXT i PDP Shown Here: Introduced in House (12/17/2015) 114TH CONGRESS Ho � � 4283 1ST SESSION All Bill information (Except Text) To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a tax on coal, oil, and natural gas, and for other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1 of 7 12/23/15,5:38 AM Text - H.R.4283 - 114th Congress (2015- 2016): Consumers REBAT... https: / /www. congress .gov /bill / 114th- congress /house- bill/4283 /text DECEMBER 17, 2015 Mr. McNERNEY introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means 4W TIM M To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a tax on coal, oil, and natural gas, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Consumers Rebate to ban Emissions and Boost A1Temative Energy Act" or the "Consumers REBATE Act ". SEC. 2. EXCISE TAX ON CARBON DIOXIDE CONTENT OF COAL, OIL, AND NATURAL GAS. (a) IN GENERAL. —The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following: �atal ��� Sec. )201, '1111 1ni i9 of n. "Sec. 9902. (_` irhon fee. "Sep_ !Y)03. Defiititiot-. _Set,.. 9904. speC1 11 "SEC. 9901. IMPOSITION OF TAX. "(a) IN GENERAL. —There is hereby imposed a tax on producing at the wellhead or mine in the United States, or importing, a taxable carbon substance. "(b) RATE OF TAX. — "(1) IN GENERAL. —The tax imposed under subsection (a) shall be the applicable amount per ton of carbon dioxide content of the life -cycle emissions from the taxable carbon substance. "(2) APPLICABLE AMOUNT. —For purposes of paragraph (1) 2 of 7 12123/15,5:39 AM Text - H.R.4283 - 114th Congress (2015 - 2016): Consumers REBAT... https: / /www.congress.govNII /114th- congress /house- bill/4283 /text "(A) For calendar year 2016, the term `applicable amount' means $15. "(B) For a calendar year after 2016, the term 'applicable amount' means the amount in effect under subparagraph (A) for the preceding calendar plus $15. "(3) TARGET ATTAINMENT YEAR.— "(A) IN GENERAL. —For any calendar year that is a target attainment year, paragraph (2)(B) shall be applied by substituting `zero dollars' for 115'. "(B) TARGET ATTAINMENT YEAR. —For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `target attainment year' means any calendar year for which the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, determines that the life -cycle emissions from taxable carbon substances in the United States is 50 percent of the life -cycle emissions from taxable carbon substances in the United States in 2005. Each determination under the preceding year shall be made not later than 180 days before the beginning of the calendar year to which it relates. "(c) BY WHOM PAID. —The tax imposed by subsection (a) shall be paid by the producer, miner, or importer of the taxable carbon substance. "(d) REGULATIONS. —The Secretary shall issue such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this subtitle, including regulations relating to the timely and efficient issuance of permits and collection of payments for such pen-nits. "SEC. 9902. CARBON EQUIVALENCY FEE. "(a) PURPOSE. —The purpose of this section is to ensure the environmental effectiveness of this subtitle. "(b) IMPORTS. —The Secretary shall impose carbon equivalency fees to be collected by the Commissioner responsible for U.S. Customs and Border Control on imports of goods containing or produced using a taxable carbon substance. The amount of the carbon equivalency fee with respect to the import of any good shall be equal to the cost that domestic producers of a comparable good incur as a result of— "(1) the tax imposed under section 9901, and "(2) carbon equivalency fees imposed under this subsection on any goods used in the production of such good. "(c) EXPIRATION. —This section shall cease to have effect at such time as and to the extent that- 3 of 7 12/23/15, 5:39 AM Text - H.R.4283 - 114th Congress (2015- 2016): Consumers REBAT... https: / /www.congress.gov /bill/ 114th- congress /house -bill /4283 /text "(1) an international agreement requiring countries that emit carbon dioxide or produce goods containing or using taxable carbon substances to adopt equivalent measures comes into effect, or "(2) the country of export has implemented equivalent measures, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State. "SEC. 9903. DEFINITIONS. "For purposes of this subtitle— "(1) TAXABLE CARBON SUBSTANCE. —The term `taxable carbon substance' means— "(A) coal, "(B) oil, and "(C) natural gas. "(2) COAL. —The term `coal' includes lignite, anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous, peat or other forms of what is commonly referred to as coal produced from a mine. "(3) OIL. —The term `oil' includes crude oil condensates, natural gasoline, shale oil, any bitumen or bituminous mixture, any oil derived from a bitumen or bituminous mixture, and any oil derived from kerogen - bearing sources. "(4) NATURAL GAS. —The term `natural gas' means either natural gas unmixed, or any mixture of natural and artificial gas. "(5) LIFE -CYCLE EMISSIONS. —The term `life -cycle emissions' means total life -cycle emissions of carbon dioxide from a taxable carbon substance which shall be determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. "(6) UNITED STATES. —The term `United States' means the States, and territory or possession of the United States, and the District of Columbia. "SEC. 9904. SPECIAL RULES. "(a) EXPORT. —For purposes of this subtitle "(1) IN GENERAL. —No tax shall be imposed under section 9901 on the production or mining of a taxable carbon substance which is intended for export, including the sale or resale 4 of 7 12/23/15,5:39 AM Text - H.R.4283 - 114th Congress (2015- 2016): Consumers REBAT... by a purchaser to a second purchaser for export. https: / /www.congress.gov/bill/ 114th - congress /house- bill/4283 /text "(2) PROOF OF EXPORT REQUIRED. —Rules similar to the rules of section 4221(b) shall apply for purposes of paragraph (1). "(3) CREDIT OR REFUND WHERE TAX PAID. "(A) IN GENERAL.— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), if- "(i) tax under section 9901 was paid with respect to any taxable carbon substance, and "(ii)_(I) such substance was exported by any person, or "(II) such substance was used as a material in the manufacture or production of a substance which was exported by any person and which, at the time of export, was a taxable carbon substance (as defined in section 9902(1)), credit or refund (without interest) of such tax shall be allowed or made to the person who paid such tax. "(B) CONDITION TO ALLOWANCE. —No credit or refund shall be allowed or made under subparagraph (A) unless the person who paid the tax establishes that he- "(i) has repaid or agreed to repay the amount of the tax to the person who exported the taxable chemical or taxable substance (as so defined), or "(ii) has obtained the written consent of such exporter to the allowance of the credit or the making of the refund. "(4) REFUNDS DIRECTLY TO EXPORTER. —The Secretary shall provide, in regulations, the circumstances under which a credit or refund (without interest) of the tax under section 9901 shall be allowed or made to the person who exported the taxable carbon substance, where— "(A) the person who paid the tax waives his claim to the amount of such credit or refund, and "(B) the person exporting the taxable carbon substance provides such information as the Secretary may require in such regulations. 5 of 7 12/23/15,5:39 AM Text - H.R.4283 - 114th Congress (2015- 2016): Consumers REBAT.. https: / /www.congress.gov /bill/ 114th- congress /house- bill/4283 /text "(5) REGULATIONS. —The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection. ". (b) QUARTERLY PAYMENTS TO ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.— (1) IN GENERAL. —From amounts deposited in the Treasury of the United States pursuant to �,eetioit 99011 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Secretary shall make a payment for each calendar quarter to each eligible individual. (2) QUARTERLY PAYMENT —For purposes of paragraph (1), the amount of each payment with respect to an eligible individual shall be the amount determined by the Secretary by dividing— (A) for the years 2017 through 2026— (i) the total amount deposited in the Treasury of the United States pursuant to section 9901 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for the preceding calendar quarter, by (ii) the total number of eligible individuals for such preceding calendar quarter, and (B) for year 2027 and subsequent years- (i) the smaller of— (I) the average of the total amounts deposited in the Treasury of the United States pursuant to 4c cf tioti 9901 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for the four quarters of 2026, and (II) the total amount deposited in the Treasury of the United States pursuant to section 990 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for the preceding calendar quarter, by (ii) the total number of eligible individuals for such preceding calendar quarter. (3) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL. —For purposes of this subsection, the term "eligible individual" means, with respect to any quarter, any individual with a valid social security number (other than a nonresident undocumented individual) who is lawfully present in the United States for such quarter, as determined and verified by the Secretary in consultation with any other Federal entity the Secretary determines appropriate. 6 of 7 12/23/15,5:39 AM Text - H.R.4283 - 114th Congress (2015- 2016): Consumers REBAT... https: / /www.congress.gov/bill/ 114th- congress /house- bill/4283 /text (4) UNITED STATES. —For purposes of this subsection, the term "United States" means the States, and territory or possession of the United States, and the District of Columbia. (c) CONFORMING AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS. — (1) The table of subtitles for the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new item: "Subtitle L. C arhon Dioxide Content Of'(.o:i1,_0iL And Nahjra .JGtS (d) EFFEcrIVE DATE. —The amendments made by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2017. 7 of 7 12/23/15,5:39 AM RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO LEVY REVENUE- NEUTRAL FEE ON CARBON IN FOSSIL FUELS WHEREAS, climate scientists worldwide are in near - unanimous agreement that the planet is warming rapidly and this must be slowed to prevent the development of a climate that is perilous to human civilization, numerous species, and the global ecosystem we all share; and WHEREAS, San Luis Obispo is already feeling the local effects of climate change through increased temperatures, droughts, increased tree mortality, sea level rise, increased fire danger, and agricultural impacts which threaten our economy, residents and overall quality of life; and the primary cause of that warming globally is human activity, especially the combustion of fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and alter the chemical composition of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans; and WHEREAS, San Luis Obispo has demonstrated its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the transformation of City facilities through implementation of its Climate Action Plan which calls for making buildings more energy efficient, improved transportation options, reduced use and recycling of water, reducing greenhouse gases from government operations, achieving the target of 1990 emissions levels by 2020, and programmatic and policy support for clean energy and clean vehicle deployment on a community -scale and regionally throughout California; and WHEREAS, the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels can be accelerated through a market -based program, namely a revenue - neutral carbon fee on producers and corresponding rebate to consumers, and WHEREAS, a market - driven mechanism such as a carbon fee and dividend would encourage and empower residents to reduce and replace their consumption of carbon -based energy with renewable and other innovative energy sources, whether through conservation, being more efficient or by choosing less carbon - intensive energy sources; and WHEREAS, the transition to low- carbon, renewable energy resources will provide a range of additional benefits including enhanced public health, increased national and energy security, local green jobs, reduced reliance on finite resources and myriad other positive outcomes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Luis Obispo City Council and Mayor of San Luis Obispo strongly urge the United States Congress to pass legislation that levies an annually increasing revenue - neutral fee on the carbon in fossil fuels at the mine, well or port of entry, sufficient to: 1. Encourage individuals and corporations to produce and use less fossil fuels; 2. Make the transition from fossil fuels less onerous to consumers and to the economy by returning to American households on an equal basis all of the revenues gained from the fee; 3. Reduce United States' CO2- equivalent emissions to 10% of 1990 levels by 2050; 4. Encourage similar actions by other nations trading with the United States, by suitable carbon content -based fees for imports and rebates for exports to nations that have not taken such actions. Jan Marx San Luis Obispo City Mayor John Ashbaugh, Vice Mayor San Luis Obispo City Council Member Dan Carpenter San Luis Obispo City Council Member Carlyn Christianson San Luis Obispo City Council Member Dan Revoire San Luis Obispo City Council Member I (� Citizens' Climate Lobby 4- Place a steadily rising fee on the CO2 content of fossil fuels. Give all of the revenue from the carbon fee back to households. ■ 05 -� It's good for the economy AND even better for the climate. www.CitizensClimateLobby.org ccl@citizensclimatelobby.org 619- 437 -7142 � OUR GROWTH &IMPACT Volunteer Groups 10 at Lobby Meetings rift Letters to the Editor [a Outreach Events • ,ICI ■A■ x,17 4' 2 &V M 1041 2010 ,':) 2011 ■ 2012 18 2013 10 2014 rj ah 228 2253 QNs Do you Want to stop global warmi ri -P g. We need citizens like you to help us Put Price Carbon .r *.r citizens, Climate Lobby www.citizensclirnatelobby.org Sa f r ,a { 4 5 r� r - tir Lai Citizens' Climate Lobby is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that can empower you to become an advocate for a livable world. Our thousands of volunteers across the country promote: Carbon Fee and Dividend A climate solution that's simple, fair, and market - friendly • Place a fee on fossil fuels at the source (mine, well or port) • Return 100% of the revenue to U.S. households • Apply a border adjustment to discourage businesses from relocating to where they can emit more CO2 and to encourage other nations to adopt an equivalent price on carbon Stabilize the Climate and Boost the Economy • Cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in 20 years • Create 2.8 million jobs, boost our GDP and save 200,000 lives Join usl Find your local chapter at www.citizensclimatelobby.org