HomeMy WebLinkAboutYSC August 16 2023 PacketYakima Sustainability Committee
Agenda
August 16, 2023
City Hall — Council Chambers
4:30 p.m. — This meeting is in -person, live -streamed at a i a a. ov, and
telecast live on Y-PAC, Spectrum Cable Channel 194. Public comments may be
made in person or by phone. You may call in and participate by dialing 1-253-215-
8782 or 1-971-247-1195, enter meeting ID 91941679639#, participant ID #, and
meeting password 012098#.
1. Call to Order
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Public Comment
There will be 35 minutes allotted for public comment with two and a half (2 1/2) minutes per speaker to allow
audience participation as many opportunities as possible. Written communication and e-mail messages are
strongly encouraged.
5. Other Business
a. One -Year Climate Change Plan — Karina Solorio, Civic Spark Fellow
6. Adjournment
Next Meeting: September 20, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.
Yakima Sustainability Committee
Minutes for July 19, 2023
1. Call to order by Vice Chair Ray Paolella at 4:32 p.m.
2. Roll Call: members present Ray Paolella, Ajit Gill, Jennifer Hickenbottom,
Jeremy Leavitt, Dan Schapiro
City staff: Rosylen Oglesby, Sy Ruiz, Karina So
Jennifer seconded.
dworkir" suggested that the
the costfee removal.
Coleen Anderson shared inform n about lodl � forests.
5. Mick Nelson Janke from Yakirn Reyes Glassye a presentation on current
local recycling efforts and future ply. She 1pnates th1„only 0.1% of the glass
in Yakima is rec cl h Carlass Packs in '11ti 1 is working to establish a
Y g g
"hub and spoke" do*gemelf act improve recycling in pastern Washington.
6. Two additional potential areas of focus for the Climate Change Plan template
were presented: Water Conservation and Housing.
For the anaerobic digester, Rosylen indicated that the Department of Commerce
will accept an educational component to be used to meet the requirements of the
feasibility grant.
Rosylen also informed the committee that the city continues receiving information
about grants and other opportunities. Trace Bradburn will assume the role of staff
contact in the fall.
7. Meeting adjourned at 5:31 p.m. until the next meeting scheduled on August 16,
2023, at 4:30 p.m.
Components / Table of Contents
Introduction
Land acknowledgment
Why the city needs a plan
Executive Summary
Yakima's contribution to climate change
Impact on city resources
Alignments with existing plans & laws
Areas of Acton
Plan Overview
City of Yakima overview
Frontline communities
Summary of sector strategies
Implementation and Monitoring
Equity checklist
Environmental Justice
Implementation Strategies
Next Steps
Areas of
Clean energy
Green economy
Transportation and mob
Environmental Justice
Housing
Air Quality
Water Conservation
Community resilience and preparedness
Recycling and waste management
il
Land Acknowledgment
Why the city needs a plan
In 2022 the City of Yakima formalized its commitment to addressing environmental and
sustainable issues in Yakima. After adopting the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend
Act, supporting the Fossil Fuel Non -Proliferation Treaty, and committing the City to take a
SAFE Cities climate change stand, the City Council established the Sustainable Yakima
Committee to study matters related to sustainability in the City and provide
recommendations to the City Council
Climate change has had significant and tangible im
surrounding region. Climate change is no longe
the community is grappling with. Here in Yakima,
form of;
1. Deadly Heat Waves: Yakima has expf
result of climate change. Rising ternperE
unbearable and dangerous, especially f
children, those with pre-existing health <
workers. Heatwaves can lead to,heat-rel
2. Declining Water Availability ani
agriculture, which is a critical pai
disrupted the region's hydrologic,
mountains and earlier snowmelt
more frequent droughts, putting
nced
of Yakima and its
distant threat but a present reality that
ve felt these changes personally, in the
°e frequent and intense heat waves as a
> during the summer months can become
Inerable populations such as the elderly,
Lions, unhoused individuals, and outdoor
illnesses and, in extreme cases, even fatalities.
Drought: Yakima is heavily reliant on water resources for
of the local economy. However, climate change has
I cycle, leading to reduced snowpack in the nearby
This phenomenon has contributed to water scarcity and
stress on water supplies and agricultural productivity.
3. Increased Wildfires and Smoke: Climate change has lengthened the wildfire season and
intensified wildfire events in Yakima and the surrounding forests. As a consequence, the
city has experienced periods of dense, toxic smoke -filled air, leading to hazardous air
quality levels and posing health risks to residents. Wildfires also result in property damage
and threaten nearby communities.
4. Impact on Agriculture: Yakima is an important agricultural region, known for producing
fruits like apples, cherries, and hops. However, the changing climate has affected the timing
of growing seasons and the suitability of certain crops in the region. Warmer winters have
also led to more pests and diseases, impacting crop yields and posing challenges for local
farmers.
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5. Threats to Biodiversity: The unique ecosystem of the Yakima region, including the
surrounding forests and wildlife, faces disruptions due to climate change. Changes in
temperature and precipitation patterns can alter habitat ranges and affect the distribution
and behavior of plant and animal species.
6. Economic Impacts: The combined effects of extreme heat, droughts, wildfires, and
challenges in agriculture can result in significant economic losses for Yakima. The
disruption of agricultural activities can lead to reduced revenue, job losses, and increased
food prices, impacting both local residents and the broader economy.
To address these impacts and build resilience, it is crucial for Yakima to adapt to the
changing climate and implement strategies to "mitigate further warming. This might include
implementing water conservation measures, promoting sustainable land management
practices, investing in renewable energy, and creating emergency plans for extreme
weather events. Additionally, engaging in regional and global efforts to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions is essential to tackle the root causes of climate change and mitigate its worst
effects in the long run.
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Executive Summary
In 2022, the City of Yakima took significant steps to address environmental and sustainable
issues within its jurisdiction. By adopting the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act,
the city showed its commitment to combating climate change and reducing carbon
emissions. This act involves putting a price on carbon, providing dividends or rebates to
residents, and encouraging businesses to adopt cleaner energy practices. Additionally, the
city's support for the Fossil Fuel Non -Proliferation Treaty reflects its determination to limit
the expansion of fossil fuel use, promoting the transition to cleaner and renewable energy
sources. Moreover, by committing to the SAFE Cities climate change stand, the City of
Yakima pledged to take concrete actions to protect its residents, infrastructure, and natural
resources from the impacts of climate change.
This Plan outlines key steps the City can take to reduce community -wide emissions, support
healthy ecosystems that sequester carbon, and ensure that the community is prepared for
and resilient to climate impacts. These actions will have a wide range of co -benefits for
Yakima such as cleaner air, recycling options, and cost savings from lower utility bills.
In this plan, we commit to achieving science -based targets by reducing greenhouse gas
emissions by _% emissions by 2030 compared to 2019. The strategies and actions
outlined in this plan support and advance our 4 overarching goals:
Goal 1:
a's
live in and e
i
Goal 2: Increase and promote enerav efficie
right to be protected from environmental
7d healthful environment.
nd renewable energy use.
City, County, and businesses set goals to increase their usage of renewable energy
sources, Encourage and promote these ideas to residents and possibly provide
incentives. Develop and implement strategies to reduce GHG emissions from
transportation, energy production, and other sources.
Goal 3: Water
Protect river and aquifer resources as well as aquatic diversity.
Goal 4: Carbon Offsetting
Reduce GHG through land restoration.
rd
Yakima's Contribution to Climate Change
(more accurate after GHG emissions inventory is complete)
• Transportation: Like many urban areas, transportation is a significant contributor to
greenhouse gas emissions in Yakima. This includes emissions from cars, trucks, and
other vehicles using fossil fuels for commuting, goods movement, and
transportation within the city.
• Energy Consumption: The use of electricity and other foams of energy from fossil
fuels, such as natural gas, for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes can
contribute to greenhouse gas emissions in the city.
• Agriculture: Yakima is a prominent agricultural region, and agricultural activities can
also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions can arise from the use of
fossil fuels in farming operations, as well as from agricultural waste management
practices.
• Waste Management: The handling and disposal of waste in landfills can produce
methane, a potent greenhouse gas. While Yakima may have waste management
practices in place, it is essential to manage organic waste to reduce methane
emissions effectively.
• Industrial Processes: Various industrial processes can contribute to greenhouse gas
emissions. These emissions might result from energy -intensive manufacturing or
chemical processes.
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Climate change impact on Yakima's resources
Climate change has had significant impacts on the city of Yakima and its valuable natural
resources. As with many regions, Yakima is experiencing changes in temperature,
precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, leading to various environmental and
socioeconomic challenges. Some of the notable impacts on the city and its resources
include:
• Water Resources: Yakima heavily relies on water resources for agricultural activities
and water supply for its residents. However, climate change has led to changes in
the timing and intensity of precipitation, reducing snowpack in the mountains and
affecting the availability of water during the dry season. This can result in water
scarcity, impacting agricultural productivity and the availability of drinking water.
• Agriculture: Yakima is an essential agricultural region known for producing fruits like
apples, cherries, and hops. However, changes in temperature and precipitation
patterns can alter growing seasons and affect i
and increased risks of pests and diseases can po
agricultural production.
• Wildfires: Climate change has contributed to mi
the region. These wildfires can have devastatin
residents, esp
Forests and B
air quality. Smoke from wil
illy vulnerable populations.
affect the distribut
lead to shifts in ec
ogical balance.
yields. Warmer temperatures
gnificant challenges to
and intense wildfires in
communities,
pose health risks to
akima's forests and biodiversity are vulnerable to the
Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns
nd behavior of plant and animal species. These changes
tems, potentially threatening local biodiversity and
• Heatwaves: Climate change has led to more frequent and intense heatwaves in
Yakima, increasing the risk of heat -related illnesses and deaths, particularly among
vulnerable populations.
• Infrastructure: Extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding, can
strain the city's infrastructure, leading to damage to roads, bridges, and other public
facilities.
• Economic Impact: The combination of challenges in agriculture, water availability,
and natural disasters can have economic implications for the city and its residents.
Reduced agricultural productivity and increased firefighting and recovery costs can
impact the local economy.
n
Yakima's Frontline Communities
Frontline communities are often used in the context of environmental and social justice
movements. These communities are typically the most directly impacted by environmental
issues, such as pollution, climate change, or natural disasters, as well as other social and
economic challenges. They are called "frontline" because they are on the front lines of
experiencing the immediate and often disproportionate impacts of these issues. Frontline
communities may include low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, indigenous
peoples, and other marginalized groups. These groups often face systemic inequalities,
limited access to resources, and unequal representation in decision -making processes
related to environmental and social issues.
For the city of Yakima, the most vulnerable and
change includes those who are experiencing he
elements for long periods of time. The county a
residents classified as homeless from 2022 to 2
People with disabilities have largely been s
sustainability planning. The city of Yakima I
county at 13,897. People with disabilities ai
impacts, partly because of the nature of the
disadvantage that often accompanies this.
resources. People who use ;wheelchairs are
crisis.
ceptible to the harsh effects if climate
�lessness and are exposed to the
whole saw an increase of 15% of
3.
ically ignored by government and
most persons with disability in the
,ia the most vulnerable to climate
so because of the social
tend to be poorer and have fewer
q the most vulnerable to the climate
Climate change is a "threat multiplier", meaning it escalates social, political and economic
tensions in fragile and conflict -affected settings. As climate change drives conflict across
the world, women and girls face increased vulnerabilities to all forms of gender -based
violence, including conflict -related sexual violence, human trafficking, child marriage, and
other forms of violence. Yakima already has the second highest rate of domestic violence
rates in the state, Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change,
which amplifies existing gender inequalities an gender -based violence and poses unique
threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety.
Low-income individuals are estimated to be 11 percent more likely than higher -income
individuals to currently live in areas where the highest percentage of at -risk land could be
excluded. Low-income individuals are 9 percent less likely, relative to those with higher
income, to currently live in areas with the highest projected inland flooding impacts.
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Yakima residents' median household income is 27% lower than the State's median income.
Similarly, 22.8% of the city's population earns below the federal poverty level.
:
Alignment with Existing Plans & Laws
Relationship to Other City Plans
The Sustainable Yakima Committee considered other City Plans during the development of
the Sustainability Action Plan (SAP). These plans either inform or could be informed by the
SAP. Some of these documents already emphasize climate and sustainability solutions
outlined in this Plan, while others will need to be updated to integrate sustainability and
climate action.
- Comprehensive Plan 2040
- Goal 2.7
- Equity Study (2016)
- East-West Analysis
- Bicycle Master Plan (2017)
- Pedestrian Master Plan (2021)
- Housing Action Plan (2021)
- Water Use Efficiency Goals and Objectives (2017)
- Community Health and Safty Plan (2018)
Relationship to Regional Plans & Programs
- Yakima County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (2019)
- Yakima County Trails Plan (2020)
- 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program 2023-2028 (2023)
Related State Code
n Act (CETA)
45.020 - - Green House Gas Emissions Reductions
7A - - Washington State Energy Code
- Resolutio
- Resolutio
Cities & Organizations
This Sustainability Action Plan was developed using multiple models for guidance, including
the following:
- City of Spokane - Spokane Sustainability Action Plan (2021)
- City of Bellingham - Climate Protection Action Plan (2018)
- City of Vancouver - Climate Action Framework (2022)
- Yakama Nation - Climate Action Plan for the Territories of the Yakama Nation
(2019)
IJ
Transportation and mobility (Goal 2: Increase and promote energy efficiency and
renewable energy use)
Goals and Vision: Create neighborhoods that support clean modes of transportation and
increase access to clean, alternative transportation modes.
Goal 1: Yakima residents will be able to travel safely and reliably to their destinations, and
the City will be able to adequately, affordably, and sustainably construct and maintain
roads and streets.
Actions:
1. Pursue federal and state funding for e
2. Expand lighting and other safety featui
3. Identify areas of the city where pedest
4. Improve sidewalks, curbs ramps, and
5. Dedicate increased local funding to the
Goal 2: Encourage land use pol
for all.
Actions:
1. Include infrastructurei
scooters, and shared
2. Encourage active tran
Men soaces that exal
e
Goal 3: Promote and
Actions:
upport
port bike
lity prog
ition and
pedestrian pathwa
icilities could be pri+
crossings near Iran
Safe Routes to Sch
, livable, sustai
ram.
communities
electric bikes and
odal uses across the city's parks, and
.t under -developed areas, overburdened
ities.
of EVs and low -carbon fuels in transportation.
1. Pursue federal and state funding for efficiency improvements.
2. Explore developing local incentives through partnerships with local lenders and car
dealerships.
3. Offer non -financial incentives to encourage EV adaptation and expand EV
infrastructure, such as resident -select EV charging locations and streamlined
permitting developers.
4. Provide education and advocacy to increase awareness and adoption of low -carbon
and alternative fuels.
5. Explore incentives and rebates to reduce the costs of battery replacement for EV
batteries nearing the end of their life
io
Goal 4: Promote and encourage public transportation and alternative modes of
single -occupancy travel.
1. Pursue federal and state funding for efficiency improvements.
2. Work with the school distinct to promote school bus ridership and explore options
for increasing services.
3. Encourage active
*. Incentive the use [xpublic transportation by providing free rides to certain workers.
5. ''o_ with schools to educate students on how to use public transportation
- ''-' with third -party ,r-o—m- and businesses to increase''
accessibility, and convenience Of shared mobility options (e.g., bike and scooter
share programs)
Goal 5: Review current fleet management practices.
/\oUona:
1. EDSuPB that new transit deVe
comfort. Identify and secure
features for safety, 8CCgSSibi|ity, and
nanent fundina for sustainable
Vision & Goal: Conserve community water resources and increase water efficiency savings
throughand rebates that ensure overburdened
communities see the benefits Ofwater conservation.
Goal 1: Educate and engage
Goal 2: Ensure @austain@b|(
Goal 3: Encourage red
mmunity in water resources stewardship.
r supply.
irrigation use.
1. Rainwater capture incentives
2. Lawn removal and drought -tolerant landscaping incentives
Goal 4: Commercial and Industrial audits.
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Recycling and Waste Diversion
Vision and Goals
Goal 1: Conduct a waste audit.
Goal 2: Increase Recycling education in schools.
Actions:
1. Work with schools to create educational campai
2.
Goal 3: Develop and implement strategies to reduce foc
healthy, affordable food for all city residents.
Goal 4: Educational campaign to reduce food waste.
Actions:
1. Work with schools to create educational campai
Goal 5: Set recycling goals.
Goal 6: Identify current waste management practices
Building & Clean Energy (Goa
renewable enerciv use)
ents and families
nd increase access to
for students and families.
promote energy efficiency and
Vision and Goal: The City of Yakima will begin transitioning to 100% clean energy and
significantly reduce per capita energy use.
Goal 1: Encourage efficient, renewable energy buildings that meet WA Clean Building Act
targets.
Actions:
1. Provide education and technical support to building owners.
2. Pursue federal and state funding for efficiency improvements.
Goal 2: Increase education on energy -saving strategies.
Actions:
1. Provide education and technical support to building owners.
2. Provide education in schools.
Goal 3: Retrofit existing buildings to be more energy efficient.
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Actions:
1. Pursue federal and state funding for efficiency improvements.
2. Provide education and technical support to building owners.
Air Quality ( Goal 5: Carbon Offsetting)
Goal 1: Increase tree canopy and climate -adapted plant landscapes.
Actions:
1. Plant trees throughout the city to help reduce air pollution and reduce urban heat
Goal 2: Review the current Parks & Recreation plan.
Goal 3: Review any current unused and vacant property owned by the city.
Housing ( Goal 1: Environmental Justice)
Goal 1: Ensure adequate housing to support economic development.
Action:
1. Incentivize housing developments based on affordability and proximity to active
transportation corridors
Goal 2: Ensure residents feel comfortable and safe in their homes despite the future effects
of climate change.
Goal 3: Review single-family zoning to encourage higher -density housing.
Goal 4: Support resilience in the event of extreme weather events such as backup energy
supplies.
Goal 5: Review building codes to encourage green building practices.
Community Resilience and Preparedness ( Goal 1: Environmental Justice)
Goal 1: Conduct community outreach to better understand the marginalized groups and
their concerns and what resolutions or assistance are needed.
Goal 2: Develop a community garden.
Goal 3: Develop workshops and other educational tools to educate the community on ways
to keep themselves safe and their homes safe during natural disasters.
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Goal 4: Work with schools to develop and promote a Safe Route to School program.
Goal 5: Review any current unused and vacant properties owned by the city.
Goal 6: Start with a feasibility study and assess areas of need.
Goal 7: Promote local campaigns/food banks.
Goal 8: Partner with organizations in and outside of the community to develop educational
work
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