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First Discussion of Climate Change Steering Committee Recommendations to COG Board of Directors

This document outlines the recommendations of the Climate Change Steering Committee to transition the region to a clean energy economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed goals focus on reducing emissions, assisting member jurisdictions, preparing for climate change consequences, and establishing a governance structure. Specific recommendations include reducing emissions by set percentages, promoting energy conservation and renewable energy, and supporting green transportation initiatives. The document also suggests assisting jurisdictions in meeting reduction goals, preparing for climate change impacts, and establishing partnerships for effective implementation.

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First Discussion of Climate Change Steering Committee Recommendations to COG Board of Directors

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  1. First Discussion of Climate Change Steering Committee Recommendations to COG Board of Directors Agenda Item #6 February 27, 2008

  2. Proposed Goals for COG Climate Change Initiative • Reduce the region’s contribution of greenhouse gases. • Assist member jurisdictions with meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals and serve as national leaders. • Prepare the region for the consequences of climate change. • Transition the region to a clean energy economy and a center for green technologies and jobs. • Establish a governance structure within COG including its members and stakeholders to facilitate implementation.

  3. Recommendation Construct and Approach • Organized according to the 5 goals akin to a Strategic Plan • Some recommendations specific and immediate • Other recommendations broader and longer term

  4. Illustrative Recommendations…

  5. 1 - Reduce the region’s contribution of greenhouse gases. • Reduce 2012 emissions to 2005 levels (7% reduction from business as usual in 2012) • Reduce 2020 emissions by 20% below 2005 levels. • Reduce 2050 emissions by 50% below 2005 levels. • Develop plans for meeting 2012, 2020, and 2050 regional greenhouse emission reduction goals. • Develop a system for monitoring and tracking progress. • Update regional greenhouse gas inventory annually.

  6. 1 - Reduce the region’s contribution of greenhouse gases. • Energy Conservation • Establish goal for existing government buildings to meet Energy Star standards by 2020. • Implement regional green building policy for all new public and private buildings. • Support strong energy efficiency building codes. • Establish regional energy efficient street lighting standards. • Renewable Energy • Establish regional goal for governmental purchase of 50% renewable/green power by 2015. • Consider regional gas tax and use proceeds to invest in renewable energy projects. • Consider renewable energy tax credits for promoting implementation of renewable energy projects. • Support renewable portfolio standard of 20% in DC, MD, VA

  7. 1 - Reduce the region’s contribution of greenhouse gases. • Transportation • Establish regional green fleet goal. • Evaluate potential for plug-in hybrid technology. • Partner with TPB in establishing regional goal to reduce VMT by 2020. • Provide financial and other incentives to direct land-use and transportation initiatives to identified growth areas.

  8. 2 - Assist member jurisdictions with meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals and serve as national leaders. • Identify best practices and case studies for use by local governments. • Insure COG has capacity to serve as expert climate change information clearing house. • Design and implement regional workshop series to inform members about climate change. • Design and implement regional public education campaign to assist citizens with taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

  9. 3 – Prepare the region for the consequences of climate change. • Partner with academic community to obtain best assessment of regional impacts of climate change. • Develop regional adaptation policies that provide models for COG members, covering: water supply, public safety, public health, environmental health/water quality, and energy demand.

  10. 4 - Transition the region to a clean energy economy and a center for green technologies and jobs • Monitor and evaluate green business zone concept and explore opportunities to duplicate concept around region. • Partner with Greater Washington Board of Trade on “Green as A Competitive Advantage” initiative. • Promote the Cool Capital Challenge to businesses.

  11. 5 - Establish a governance structure within COG including its members and stakeholders to facilitate implementation. • Consider adapting existing entities for use as governance structure. • Evaluate integration with Greater Washington 2050. • Establish formal partnerships with business and civic/environmental sectors to facilitate implementation.

  12. Discussion Questions • Too many recommendations? Not enough? • Too specific? Too general? • How to best engage partners? • How to fund initiative over the long-term?

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