Res. No. 109
Resolution calling on the United States Senate to pass and President Obama to sign into law the American Clean Energy and Security Act, mandating major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
By Council Members Gennaro, Brewer, Gentile, Koppell, Lander, Nelson, Palma, Recchia, Van Bramer and Rodriguez
Whereas, The United States produces approximately twenty percent of global carbon emissions and has one of the highest per-capita carbon emissions levels in the world; and
Whereas, Climate change resulting from high levels of greenhouse gases is an environmental crisis that threatens public health, the global economy, and natural resources; and
Whereas, As one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, the United States must take action to prevent the worst potential impacts of climate change; and
Whereas, New York City has already instituted a mandatory carbon emissions reduction target through the enactment of Local Law 22 of 2008, intending to foster creative strategies for reducing emissions; and
Whereas, The efforts of municipal governments, however bold, cannot equal the power of the federal government to take broad action to reduce emissions; and
Whereas, The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 would, for the first time, establish a schedule of emissions caps for greenhouse gases in the United States, with an ultimate target of 83% below 2005 emissions levels by the year 2050; and
Whereas, The Act would institute a "cap-and-trade" system for achieving greenhouse gas emissions targets, putting a price on emissions and allowing market forces to determine how to transition to a low-carbon economy; and
Whereas, The limited number of emissions allowances created by the Act's "cap-and-trade" system would be distributed in a variety of ways, with some permits given away and others auctioned to companies producing high levels of carbon emissions; and
Whereas, The majority of the allowances' value would be used to protect consumers from spikes in energy costs through such mechanisms as using revenue from emissions auctions to fund tax rebates for investments in energy efficiency and providing free allowances to energy companies with the stipulation that savings must be passed on to energy consumers; and
Whereas, The Act would foster renewable energy development, encourage energy efficiency, and help create a green economy that is far less dependent on fossil fuels; and
Whereas, The Act would take a major step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable economy and preventing the worst impacts of climate change; and
Whereas, The United States House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act on June 26, 2009; and
Whereas, The Act is now under consideration by the United States Senate; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the United States Senate to pass and President Obama to sign into law the American Clean Energy and Security Act, mandating major reductions greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
STW
LS#95
3/02/10
Res. No. 2197/2009