HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.council.005-89 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN
TO COMMIT RESOURCES TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEMS
OF GLOBAL WARMING OR THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT
RESOLUTIOn5
(Series of 1989)
WHEREAS, the "greenhouse effect" has been identified as perhaps
the single most important and serious environmental problem that
we have ever faced; and
WHEREAS, the greenhouse effect describes complex changes in the
atmosphere in which trace gases trap heat in the atmosphere and
force the Earth's temperature to rise; and
WHEREAS, the temperature has risen and could increase during the
next century; and
WHEREAS, the levels of carbon dioxide, and product of burning
fossil fuels, accounts for about one-half the warming; and
WHEREAS, deforestation is significant factor because trees
absorb carbon dioxide, storing the carbon and releasing the
oxygen into the atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, global warming may increase chances for drought, change
precipitation patterns, increase the frequency and violence of
storms, raise sea levels enough to flood coastal cities, and
affect the productivity of the oceans; and
WHEREAS, these changes could be manifested locally with
decreased snowfall and a significant reduction in the waters of
the Colorado River drainage; and
WHEREAS, the United States is the source of approximately 25% of
the carbon dioxide emissions in the world; and
WHEREAS, sources of carbon dioxide emissions are approximately
11% residential and commercial, 24% industry, 30% transportation,
and 35% electric utilities; and
WHEREAS, other greenhouse gases result from the use of
chlorofluorocarbons in refrigeration systems, air conditioners,
and in the production of plastic foam products, and other
products; and
WHEREAS, there are no federal, state, or local policies
specifically aimed at the reduction of greenhouse emissions;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Aspen supports the
passage of federal legislation addressing the greenhouse effect,
included the National Energy Policy Act (S. 2667) sponsored by
Senator Wirth and the Global Warming Prevention Act of 1988 (H.R.
5460) sponsored by Rep. Schneider, and calling for necessary
further research and an improvement in our national energy
efficiency; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The city of Aspen supports the
elimination of ozone-eating chemicals used in insulation and foam
products; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The City of Aspen supports actions
which will halt the destruction of rain forests including the
extensive local implementation plan designed to reduce fireplace
use; and
BE IT FURT~tER RESOLVED that The City of Aspen urges summit level
actions to reduce greenhouse gases and will support this as the
possible theme for the 40th anniversary of the Aspen Institute;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The City of Aspen urges the
establishment of an information network to advise state and local
governments of specific actions which should be taken by them
now; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Aspen will introduce
hearings on legislation to prohibit use of all plastic foam
products in the city; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the city of Aspen is working with the
County and the RFTA to decrease vehicle emissions throughout the
valley; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, by this resolution, city of Aspen
commits resources to those actions which will serve to alleviate
global warming and the greenhouse effect.
Dated ~~C_~/~_~ /~ , 1989
William L. Sti~ling, Mayor
I, Kathryn S. Koch, duly appointed and acting city Clerk do
certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate copy of that
resolution adopted by the City Council of the city of Aspen,
Colorado, at a meeting held ~~/~-~ , 1989.
Ka~h, city Clerk
tlg:wp:resolution