HomeMy WebLinkAboutR19-027 Concerning 100% Renewable Energy Commissioner moved adoption
of the following resolution:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF
COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 2019- 61/1
RESOLUTION CONCERNING 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY
WHEREAS, in 2016 Eagle County adopted the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County
Community which outlines a 25%reduction in county-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2025
and 80%greenhouse gas emissions by 2050; and
WHEREAS,according to the Climate Action Plan,the single largest source of emissions, at
39%,was from generation of electricity used to power residential and commercial buildings and
facilities; and
WHEREAS,Eagle County has adopted an internal Environmental Policy which targets a 50%
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, water use reduction, and waste reduction
through Eagle County operations; and
WHEREAS,there is scientific consensus surrounding the accumulation of greenhouse gases
from human activities, including the combustion of fossil fuels as a significant contributor to
climate change; and
WHEREAS,the accumulation of carbon pollution and greenhouse gas emissions contributes to
warmer temperatures which can adversely affect snowpack, increase the risk of wildfire and
drought, and impact year-round recreation upon which Eagle County's economy is reliant; and
WHEREAS,the transition to carbon-free energy sources and the efficient use of energy
provides a range of public benefits, including improved air quality, enhanced public health,
increased national energy security,job creation, and reduced reliance upon finite resources; and
WHEREAS,Xcel Energy,which provides electricity utility services to portions of Eagle County
and wholesale power supply to Holy Cross Energy,has committed to achieve 80%carbon
pollution reduction by 2030 and be 100%carbon-free by 2050; and
WHEREAS,Holy Cross Energy,which provides electric utility services to a majority of Eagle
County residents and businesses,has agreements in place to provide 70%of its power supply
mix from renewable energy by 2021; and
WHEREAS,Holy Cross Energy offers its members the ability to participate in the Renewable
Energy Purchase Program (REPP)which further offsets electricity use with renewable energy
resources generated either within the Holy Cross Energy service territory or within the state of
Colorado; and
WHEREAS,Holy Cross Energy dedicates all funds collected from the REPP to its WECARE
program,which supports additional local energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
through incentives and resources; and
WHEREAS,"renewable energy" includes electric power supply resources derived from wind,
solar, hydro, geothermal, and other non-polluting sources not derived from fossil or nuclear fuels
which do not adversely affect surrounding communities and/or the environment; and
WHEREAS,minimizing our community's impact upon the environment is a goal which we
should continuously strive to achieve;
NOW, THEREFORE,be it resolved, that Eagle County is committed to powering its operations
and facilities with local 100%renewable energy sources for its electric power supply; and
THAT,Eagle County will pursue replacement of fossil fuel consumption with renewable energy
resources in its operations and facilities; and
THAT,Eagle County hereby supports efforts and policies which provide electric power supply
from 100%renewable energy resources to the Eagle County community.
THAT,the Board hereby finds, determines and declares that this Resolution is necessary for the
public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the County of Eagle, State of Colorado.
MOVED, READ AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of the
County of Eagle, State of Colorado, at its regular meeting held this 23rd day of April, 2019.
c COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF
44 fc°di COLORADO, By and Through Its
i e BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST:
{Lt, ► c_tva- 612-1 c. oov BY: kJ.
Clerk to the Board of Je. McQ - .-y
County Commissioners C �, / 4
Kathy i f andler-Henry '
Co 7 :'o er
Matt Scher
Commi i-oner
Commissioner GO-Pry OLI-- --11-1410L'svconded adoption of the foregoing resolution. The roll
having been called,the vote was as follows:
Commissioner McQueeney
Commissioner Chandler-Henry 14-s, `
Commissioner Scherr 6 --L,t
This resolution passed by vote of the Board of County Commissioners of
the County of Eagle, State of Colorado