HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - CLIMATE CHANGE (2)O
Agenda Item: 8
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
UNFINISHED BUSINESS 14)
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: 41
DATE: February 13, 2018
SUBJECT: CLIMATE CHANGE DISCUSSION AND LETTER
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Masis Hagobian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council discuss and provide direction to staff regarding sending a letter to each of the City
of Santa Clarita's (City) Federal Legislative Delegation encouraging them to sponsor and/or
support policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts, causes, and
challenges of climate change in a clear, transparent, and effective way.
BACKGROUND
At the January 9, 2018, regular City Council meeting, Council Member Cameron Smyth
requested that the City Council discuss, at the January 23, 2018, regular City Council meeting,
sending a letter related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions to the City's Federal
Legislative Delegation. The City Council reviewed a letter on climate change and greenhouse
gas emissions at the January 23, 2018, regular City Council meeting, and requested that staff
revise the letter and present the letter at the February 13, 2018, regular City Council meeting.
In an effort to comply with state emission reduction goals, the City Council adopted a Climate
Action Plan on August 28, 2012, outlining programs and policies to reduce the amount of
greenhouse gas emissions produced in the City.
The City has taken many steps to reduce its carbon footprint, including preservation of
approximately 9,495 acres of open space; creation of a non -motorized and interconnected trail
system of over 85 miles; issuance of over 6,000 renewable energy system permits; investment in
compressed natural gas (CNG) powered busses for approximately 80 percent of the total City
transit fleet; LEED Silver certification on new City buildings; installation of LED lights at City
owned facilities and traffic lights; and water conservation through programs like SMART
irrigation technology.
Specifically, these programs and initiatives have resulted in the City avoiding the release of
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approximately 1,426 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, conservation of over 1 billion
gallons of water, and enhanced access to recreation, jobs, and public transportation.
On the federal level, Representative Steve Knight, in July 2017, joined the Climate Solutions
Caucus in the United States House of Representatives. Comprised of 33 Democrats and 33
Republicans, the bipartisan caucus was founded in February 2016, and aims to explore policy
options for an environmentally sustainable future.
The City Council is requested to review and discuss the attached revised draft letter and provide
direction to staff.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
I. Do not send a letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Kamala Harris, and Representative
Steve Knight related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
2. Revise the attached letter related to climate change and greenhouse emissions and authorize
sending it to Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Kamala Harris, and Representative Steve
Knight
3. Refer the attached letter related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions to the
Legislative Committee
4. Other direction, as determined by the City Council
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action requires no additional resources beyond those already
contained within the adopted FY 2017-18 budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Climate Change Letter - Sample
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8.a
February 15, 2018
Dear [Federal Representative]:
I am writing to express the Santa Clarita City Council's support for you, along
with other members of Congress, to sponsor and/or support legislative and
administrative policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take into account
the impacts, causes, and challenges of climate change in a clear, transparent, and
effective way.
In an effort to measure the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated within
the City of Santa Clarita and to develop policies to reduce emissions in the future,
the City Council adopted a Climate Action Plan on August 28, 2012. The plan
articulates Santa Clarita's commitment to improving our water and air quality, as
well as, preserving our natural habitat.
Programs and policies that have successfully been implemented in the City to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions include: preservation of approximately 9,495
acres of open space; creation of a non -motorized and interconnected trail system
of over 85 miles; issuance of over 6,000 renewable energy system permits;
investment in compressed natural gas (CNG) powered busses for approximately
80 percent of the total City transit fleet; LEED Silver certification on new City
buildings; installation of LED lights at City owned facilities and traffic lights; and
water conservation through programs like SMART irrigation technology.
Specifically, these programs and initiatives have resulted in the City avoiding the
release of approximately 1,426 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions,
conservation of over 1 billion gallons of water, and enhanced access to recreation,
jobs, and public transportation.
The City Council understands that a bipartisan "Climate Solutions Caucus" has
been established in Congress, which is the best way to explore policy options for
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February 15, 2018
an environmentally sustainable future. As climate change is a global issue, we
hope that you work with your colleagues in Congress and in the Climate Solutions
Caucus.
We sincerely appreciate your efforts on this critical matter and should you or your
staff require any additional information regarding this letter, please contact
Michael P. Murphy, Intergovernmental Relations Manager,
at (661) 255-4384 or mmurphygsanta-clarita.com.
Sincerely,
Mayor Laurene Weste
LW:MH:sk
S/MS/Masis/Letters/Climate Change 2.5.18
cc: City Council Members
Senator Scott Wilk
Senator Henry Stern
Assembly Member Dante Acosta
Assembly Member Tom Lackey
Kenneth W. Striplin, City Manager
Leadership Team
Michael Murphy, Intergovernmental Relations Manager
Carrie Luj an, Communications Manager
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