“This is the most ambitious step ever taken by Salt Lake City to address the threat of climate change,” said Biskupski. “This commitment places the city among leading communities worldwide that acknowledge our responsibility to rapidly reduce emissions and forge a new path forward that protects our economies, societies, and overall human wellbeing.”

In January, during the mayor’s State of the City address, Salt Lake City committed to 100 percent renewable electricity sources for its government operations along with major carbon reductions for city operations, but this resolution expands the scope to include all electricity and emissions on a community scale.

“The goals in our resolution may seem aggressive. Though, if we want to actually change the air we breathe, I believe they are realistic,” said Erin Mendenhall, the Salt Lake City councilmember who sponsored the joint resolution. “This has been a long-time council priority we have supported for years through budget priorities, ordinances, and resolutions, helping lay the foundation for the city to take the leap.”

The joint resolution cited the scientific consensus that climate change is occurring and being driven by the burning of fossil fuels. The resolution also acknowledged local impacts, such as changes in water systems and extreme weather events, that are affecting Salt Lake City now and will be exacerbated in the future. For more information, visit www.slcgreen.com/climatepositive.

Publication date: 10/10/2016

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!