HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/01/2021 04L Resolution supporting the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and committing the City of Yakima to take a SAFE Cities climate change stand to\'4\lyy tbxk ik 1
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 4.L.
For Meeting of: June 1, 2021
ITEM TITLE: Resolution supporting the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and
committing the City of Yakima to take a SAFE Cities climate
change stand
SUBMITTED BY: Sara Watkins, City Attorney
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
At the May 18, 2021 meeting, City Council directed staff to bring back a resolution in support of
the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and to committing the City of Yakima to take a SAFE
Cities climate change stand.
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Neighborhood and Community Building
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt resolution
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
E resolution- F ities climate charge 5/19/2021 resolution
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RESOLUTION NO. R-2021-
A RESOLUTION supporting the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and committing
the City of Yakima to take a SAFE Cities climate change stand
WHEREAS, community members can be impacted by the health and safety risks of
fossil fuel expansion, and particularly those who also face socioeconomic and health
inequities, including youth, elders, Indigenous people, people of color, low-income people,
those experiencing mental and physical disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and
people with health conditions; and
WHEREAS, the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure and expanded reliance
on fossil fuels exposes communities to risks to the public's health and safety at the local
and global levels; and
WHEREAS, the economic opportunities presented by a clean energy transition far
outweigh the opportunities presented by an economy supported by expanding fossil fuel
use and extraction; and
WHEREAS, our community is committed to a just energy transition and to
appropriate investments that offset the impacts of evolving industries and employment as
well as investments in the green infrastructure and industries that will create jobs,
decarbonize our economy, and reduce future climate change; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima declares that a climate and ecological emergency
threatens our city, region, state, nation, civilization, humanity and the natural world; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yakima opposes the rollback of climate policy at any level
of government, commits to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement as appropriate, and
strives to reduce greenhouse gases where feasible; and
WHEREAS, proposed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty seeks to end new
fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phase out existing production in line with the global
commitment to limit warming to 1.5° C, and accelerate equitable transition plans for workers;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council will strive to address climate change issues through its
future policies and legislation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Yakima finds that it is in the best interest
of the City and its residents to work to address climate change and support the global Fossil
Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
1. The City of Yakima is committed to climate action and protecting public health and
safety from the risks of fossil fuels.
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2. The City of Yakima supports the call for a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
that will end newfossil fuel exploration and expansion, phase out existing production
in line with the global commitment to limit warming to 1.5°C, and accelerate
equitable transition plans.
3. The City of Yakima urges other governmental entities to support the initiative for a
Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
4. The City of Yakima will strive to implement policies limiting or preventing fossil fuel
expansion and promoting electrification as championed by the SAFE Cities
movement, and take into account climate change and SAFE policies when enacting
legislation where appropriate.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 1 n day of June, 2021.
Patricia Byers, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sonya Clear Tee, City Clerk