MEMO

TO: Devens Enterprise Commissioners, Peter Lowitt
FROM: Donna Neely, EcoStar Coordinator
DATE: August 17, 2006
SUBJECT: Devens Joining Other Communities to Address Climate Protection

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability is an international association of 660 local governments "that have made a commitment to sustainable development." The ICLEI acronym stands for International Council for Local Environmental Issues. The organization has a Northeast Regional Office based in Boston's City Hall.

In 1993 ICLEI launched the "Cities for Climate Protection" (CCP) campaign to engage "cities, towns and counties in reducing the pollution that causes global warming." There are currently more than 190 jurisdictions participating in the program, 21 are based in Massachusetts. Communities of any size are encouraged to be a part of CCP. The annual membership cost, which is based on population, would be $600 for Devens; the fee would be prorated to $200 for September enrollment.

To join CCP, the jurisdiction must first adopt a resolution or make an executive proclamation that "commits to reducing local emissions that contribute to global warming." A proposed resolution for Devens that follows ICLEI's suggested format is attached. Members focus on achieving five milestones:

1. Conduct a local emissions inventory and forecast of greenhouse gas emissions
2. Adopt an emissions reduction target
3. Draft an action plan to achieve the target
4. Implement the action plan
5. Evaluate, report on progress, and update plans.

This process would incorporate much of the work already done by the DEC in developing its regulations, the EcoStar program, and other sustainable initiatives in place in Devens.

The benefits of joining CCP and achieving the milestones include:

• Public recognition for Devens, the DEC, and local businesses for actions taken;
• Access to ICLEI's technical assistance, emissions analysis software, training, toolkits, publications, notification of relevant grant opportunities, and networking opportunities;
• Financial savings from reduced utility and fuel costs for local government, businesses, residents;
• Improved local air quality that contributes to the general health and well being of the community.

I would like to propose that the Devens Enterprise Commissioners consider adopting the attached resolution for Devens to commit to reduce local emissions and join the Climate Protection Campaign to further promote the community's focus on sustainable development. If this is supported, I would also like to request permission to apply for a Climate Protection Grant that is available from the Department of Environmental Protection until September 15. If received, this technical assistance grant could be used to cover operational expenses related to the execution of the CCP milestones. Please let me know if any additional information is desired.

Devens Regional Enterprise Zone of Massachusetts ICLEI Membership & Cities for Climate Protection® Campaign Participation

WHEREAS, scientific consensus has developed that Carbon CO2 and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere have a profound effect on the Earth's climate; and

WHEREAS, in 2006 the U.S. National Climatic Data Center confirmed clear evidence of human influences on climate due to changes in greenhouse gases; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors endorsed the 2005 U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement initiated by Seattle Mayor Nickels and signed by 238 mayors in the United States as of June 2006: and

WHEREAS, the Urban Environmental Accords adopted by local government delegates during UN World Environment Day 2005 call for reduced emissions through energy efficiency, land use and transportation planning, waste reduction, and wiser energy management; and

WHEREAS, in 2003 the American Geophysical Union adopted a Statement noting that human activities are increasingly altering the Earth's climate and that natural influences cannot explain the rapid increase in near-surface temperatures observed during the second half of the 20th century; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, at the request of the Administration, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) reviewed and declared global warming a real problem caused in part by the actions of humankind; and

WHEREAS, the 2001 Third Assessment Report from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the 2000 U.S. Global Change Research Program's (USGCRP) First National Assessment indicate that global warming has begun; and

WHEREAS, 162 countries including the United States pledged under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, energy consumption, specifically the burning of fossil fuels, accounts for more than 80% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, local government actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency provide multiple local benefits by decreasing air pollution, creating jobs, reducing energy expenditures, and saving money for the local government, its businesses, and its residents; and

WHEREAS, the Cities for Climate Protection® Campaign sponsored by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability has invited the Devens Enterprise Zone to join ICLEI and become a partner in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Devens Enterprise Zone of Massachusetts will join ICLEI as a Full Member and participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and, as a participant, pledges to take a leadership role in promoting public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Devens Enterprise Zone will undertake the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign's five milestones to reduce both greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions throughout the community, and specifically:

• Conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast to determine the source and quantity of greenhouse gas emissions in the jurisdiction;
• Establish a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target;
• Develop an action plan with both existing and future actions which when implemented will meet the local greenhouse gas reduction target;
• Implement the action plan; and
• Monitor and report progress.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Devens Enterprise Zone requests assistance from ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection Campaign as it progresses through the milestones.