588 Green House Gas Reduction PoliciesCITY OF YELM
RESOLUTION NUMBER 588
GREEN HOUSE GAS REDUCTION POLICIES FOR THE CITY OF YELM
The City Council of the City of Yelm finds as follows:
WHEREAS, many local governments throughout the nation, both large and
small, are reducing the production of global warming pollutants through programs that
provide economic and quality of life benefits, such as reduced energy bills, green space
preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion, improved
transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through energy
conservation and new energy; and
WHEREAS, the Inter -Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the
international community's most respected assemblage of scientists, has found that
climate disruption is a reality and that human activities are largely responsible for
increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas pollution; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Ecology has taken steps to
assure climate change considerations are incorporated into environmental review under
the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Checklist and have established a
Climate Advisory Team to clarify and oversee SEPA rules to include climate issues; and
WHEREAS, all state agencies must consider whether cities receiving capital
funds have adopted policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per RCW 70.235.070;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds the adoption of this resolution to be in the
public's interest;
NOW THEREFORE, based on the foregoing findings, the City of Yelm hereby
adopts the following policies as described in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by this reference, for the benefit of the city's natural resources and
the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Approved and adopted this 27th day of March 2018, by a majority of the Yelm City
Council. r,
JW Foter, Mayor '
ATTEST:
`Cori Mossman, City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
CITY OF YELM — POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Title: Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Policy Manual Code: 07.19.010
Approved:
Revised:
Effective Date: 3/27/2018
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION POLICIES
Public Building Policies:
• Publicly funded buildings should incorporate cost-effective, energy- efficient design.
• Encourage energy conservation practices in buildings by raising the awareness of
employees own energy use.
Employee Oriented Policies:
• Encourage ride -sharing, van -pooling and the use of flex -time schedules by employees
• Support voluntary, employer -based trip reduction programs.
• Encourage telecommuting options with new and existing employers, through project
review and incentives, as appropriate.
• Encourage energy conservation practices in buildings by raising the awareness of
employees own energy use.
Energy Source & Use Policies:
• Reduce greenhouse gases by expanding the use of conservation and alternative energy
sources and by reducing vehicle miles traveled.
• Reduce pollutants from transportation activities, including through the use of cleaner
fuels and vehicles.
Encourage energy conservation practices in buildings by raising the awareness of
employees own energy use.
Fleet & Vehicle Policies:
• Encourage an energy -sensitive fleet management program.
• Encourage local purchasing to promote reductions in GHG emissions by the suppliers of
its goods and services.
Equipment Oriented Policies:
• Manage street lighting needs by encouraging lighting standards and using lamps that
will assure safe and effective illumination at minimum cost and energy use.
• Monitor the efficiency of the pumps in water and sewer systems, and operate and
maintain them at peak efficiency. When cost effective options are possible, the one
using the least amount of energy shall be preferred.
Waste Reduction & Use Oriented Policies:
• Implement a solid waste strategy which:
o Reduces the solid waste stream by recycling and other means
o Investigates ways to convert non -recyclable solid waste to energy and
o Promotes the purchase of recycled and recyclable goods
• Expand jurisdiction -wide waste diversion services to include, for example, single
stream curbside recycling, and curbside recycling of food and green waste.
Reduce GHG emissions waste through improved management of waste handling and
reductions in waste generation.
• Where and when allowed by the building code, encourages the use of building
construction materials made from recycled and recyclable materials.
Land Use Oriented Policies:
• Ensure that local Climate Action, Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Plans are
aligned with, support, and enhance any regional plans that have been developed
consistent with state guidance to achieve reductions in GHG emissions.
• Adopt and implement a development pattern that utilizes existing infrastructure where
feasible.
• Redirect new growth into existing city/urban growth areas.
• Encourage high-density, mixed-use, infill development and creative reuse of
brownfield, under-utilized and/or defunct properties within the urban area.
• Whenever possible, urban development should occur only where urban public
facilities and services exist or can be reasonably made available.
Public Education & Outreach Policies:
• Publicize energy conservation actions to raise public awareness of the value of wise
energy use.
• Promote and expand recycling programs, purchasing policies, and employee
education to reduce the amount of waste produced.
• Collaborate with local energy suppliers and distributors to establish energy
conservation. Increase public awareness of climate change and climate protection
challenges.
• Work with local businesses and energy providers on specific, targeted outreach
campaigns and incentive programs.
Transportation Oriented Policies:
• Give priority to transportation projects that will contribute to a reduction in vehicle
miles traveled per capita, while maintaining economic vitality and sustainability.
• Provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Support voluntary, employer -based trip reduction programs.
Other Policies:
• Coordinate with other agencies in region to develop and implement effective waste
management strategies and waste -to -energy technologies.
• Establish programs and policies to increase the use of recycled water.
• Install water -efficient landscapes and irrigation.