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By Debra DeHaney-Howard and Judy Sheahan Under the
leadership of Conference of Mayors President Long Beach Mayor
Beverly O’Neill, over 100 mayors, business leaders and
energy experts gathered in Chicago May 10-11 for an urgent
National Summit on Energy and the Environment to sound a national
alarm on the country’s energy and environmental challenges
and to share innovative “best practices” and strategies
that are being initiated at the local level.
With record-level gas prices and rising fuel costs in America,
The Summit, which was hosted by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley
whose city is one of the “greenest” in the world,
covered a broad range of topics, including air quality, climate
change, alternative energy sources, alternative vehicles,
public transit and green housing and buildings.
“Mayors are very concerned about the recent spike in
fuel and energy costs and the financial burden it places on
American citizens and their families. We know that aggressive
action is necessary to turn this tide, and we are taking the
lead in addressing the nation’s energy challenges to
reduce our dependency on foreign oil. We can not wait on the
federal government; we must do what mayors do best and act
now,” said Conference President Beverly O’Neill.
O’Neill stated the nation’s mayors have heard
President Bush’s declaration that America is “addicted
to oil,” and noted that “the Conference is on
the forefront of the national effort to find comprehensive,
long-term solutions to move the country from this energy crisis
toward energy independence, she added.”
“There are things that mayors can do to help our constituents
deal with the energy crisis. And that’s why we’re
having this conference – to share ideas on how we can
conserve energy and encourage the development of new forms
of energy,” Daley said in welcoming the Summit participants.
The point was reiterated by Conference of Mayors Executive
Director Tom Cochran who said, “The mayors are leading
the way from the bottom up to build constituencies in every
region for a self sufficient energy policy with in our nation
that will reduce this unfair burden on all citizens who are
working everyday for themselves or their families,”
he added.
In addition to hearing from mayors on energy and environmental
“ best practices” in their cities, the Conference
released a best practice guide, (www.usmayors.org) that provides
more than 75 innovative short-term solutions to energy dependence.
Numerous cities like Chicago, Austin, Los Angeles, and Charlotte,
contributed to the guide that illustrates specifically how
mayors are dealing with this crisis on a local level.
At the conclusion of the Summit, the mayors pledged to develop
an Energy and Environmental Action Agenda to be issued at
the Conference’s Annual Meeting in June in Las Vegas,
NV. Among the items to be included in the Action Agenda, the
mayors are calling for the following six initial steps to
help alleviate energy problems:
1) Invest more money in transportation options including
public and mass transit, bike paths, etc.
2) Encourage at the local, state, and federal level the building
or rehabilitation of more energy efficient buildings in both
the public and private sector.
3) Encourage automakers to make more energy efficient cars
as well as encouraging individuals to buy vehicles that are
more energy efficient including alternative fuels, hybrids,
and plug-in hybrids.
4) Encourage more investment in renewable and alternative
energy through additional incentives.
5) Encourage more mixed-use development to allow people to
have more walkable communities.
6) Encourage the public and private sector, as well as citizens,
to do their part in conserving energy.
“This Summit has provided innovative ways for mayors
to formulate a national energy plan that reduces the nation’s
dependency on oil. “Sustained investments in new energy
technology, smarter building codes, conservation improvements,
and building rehabilitation means more dollars in the local
economy, which translates into vitality at home, while crating
more energy independence and less energy demand in the future,”
said O’Neill during her closing remarks.
For copies of the presentations, please see usmayors.org.
By Ted Fischer and Judy Sheahan
“When it comes to energy and environment, the issues
have always been on our doorstep,” said Chicago Mayor
Daley at the recent National Summit on Energy and the Environment,
“Mayors are the ones who get it, they understand what
is needed, and with no energy policy and everyone afraid to
talk about energy issues, that leaves us all in a predicament.”
Mayor Daley, host of the Summit, kicked off the days sessions
by welcoming Mayors and telling them what he hopes can be
accomplished from the emergency meeting. “Globalization
is here,” he said, “We need to learn to compete!”
Mayor Daley told Mayors that pursuing best practices on energy,
environment and green technology was just one way for cities
to come together and solve problems on the same level.
“I am pro business, but we all need to ask ourselves
how each new law affects our communities. Every year a new
law can be passed and enforced, but how long will it be until
a company picks up and moves because of the constant changing
laws. What we all need to do is sit down with the business
community and see how it could affect them financially and
locate a common ground that is environmentally friendly.”
“Architects and engineers need to be educated on the
importance of green technology through green building seminars.”
Mayor Daley went on to address the crowd but saying “Cities
also need to work on public transportation infrastructure,
as gas prices rise this will become a very important commodity
to your city.” Mayor Daley, considered a leader in the
environment for quite a few years, was welcomed warmly by
the Mayors in attendance and as host of the United States
Conference of Mayors National Summit on Energy and the Environment.
By Ted Fischer
Chicago is not only known for its rich history and culinary
sensations, it is also recognized for its dedication to environmental
projects, city landscapes and the ability to turn Brownfield’s
and empty plots of land into modern marvels. At the recent
US Conference of Mayors National Summit on Energy and the
Environment, hosted by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Environmental
Commissioner Sadhu Johnston and members of Daley's environmental
team led mayors on tours of some of the city's most innovative
work. The tours gave visiting mayors the ability to see how
Chicago has led the way to a cleaner environment with stops
at Millennium Park where two buildings feature state of the
art solar photovoltaic (PV) walls that add power 24-7 to the
city's grid and powers Millennium Park, and a guided tour
of some of the cities scenic highway median gardens as well
as a state of the art, energy efficient bike facility.
The mayors were also given a tour of the Chicago Center for
Green Technology, which is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) platinum certified facility, a rated
system established by the U.S. Green Building Council. The
center's roof is lined with solar panels to provide the facility
with power and 100 percent recycled materials are found throughout
the building. The facility even has a geothermal heating and
cooling system that provides air to the facility and automatic
dimming light levels, which determine how much light is needed
when natural light is present, reducing energy consumption.
Cork floors line the hallways and recycled materials are used
for bookshelves and desks. The ceiling tiles are made from
100 percent recycled newspaper.
Chicago also is providing best practice management techniques
for its residents by providing a green building resource center
which is staffed 7 days a week to help homeowners, builders
and designers decide on new ways to make homes energy efficient.
There is even a room in the resource center filled with samples
of green building materials for visitors to handle before
installing.
Chicago also presents an opportunity to see the world famous
city hall roof-top garden where there are more then 150 types
of flowers and plants. Completed in 2001, the city's rooftop
garden was designed to test different types of green-roof
systems, the benefit of heating and cooling, and the success
rates of native and non-native vegetation. A reduction in
storm water runoff was also a concern due to the debris, chemicals,
and other pollutants that flow into city storm sewer systems.
More information on Chicago's Environmental Action Agenda,
The Chicago Center for Green Technology and LEED can be found
on our website at usmayors.org/uscm/brownfields
By: Susan Jarvis
As energy and gas prices continue to rise and air quality
continues to deteriorate, Mayors are looking at alternatives
in both fuels and models for their city fleets and are exploring
the role of mass transit and energy policy to encourage efficiency.
Howard J. Henneman, Commissioner of Chicago’s Department
of Fleet Management accepted Mayor Daley’s challenge
to make Chicago the nations greenest city. The Department
of Fleet Management is comprised of more than 11,00 vehicles,
820 employees and 48 departments. 11 million gallons of fuel,
from 12 fuel sites are dispensed annually. The city has “green
fuel sites” to minimize environmental impact, with 30%
green solar power, and green fuels, including E-85 and Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG). The city also has 192 E-85 light duty vehicles,
78 CNG powered vehicles, 58 hybrid sedans and 77 hybrid SUV’s.
The city’s fleet has also been modified with either
particulate filters, leading up to a 98% reduction in emissions
or oxicats, securing a 60% reduction in emissions. The city
has also passed an anti-idling policy and has set aggressive
goals for the future, including increasing the hybrid fleet
by 10% annually, expanding the retrofit program and the availability
of E-85 fuel and expanding the shop recycling program. The
city is also planning on developing and deploying the world’s
first hybrid refuse truck and the world’s first ethanol
to hydrogen fueling station.
Mayor Will Wynn provided participants with a look at Austin’s
Plug In Partners Campaign, which addresses three long-term
energy problem, economics, environmental and national security,
through exploring and advocating alternatives to petroleum.
The Plug in Hybrid has a large, on board battery charger,
which, on an overnight charge, provides energy for 60-80 miles-
enough for most commuters weekly drives. The purpose of Plug
In Partners is to demonstrate there is a market for flexible
fuel plug in hybrid vehicles, and create a demand for mass
production of hybrid vehicles. Participants in the Plug In
Partners provide “soft” fleet orders, endorsements,
rebates, petitions,and letters. So far, 23 cities have signed
on to the campaign, which began in January 2006.
The City of Carmel, IN is exploring and implementing Hydrogen
Vehicles as an answer to the energy crisis. Hydrogen is a
sustainable fuel that can be produced from water using local
renewable energy sources with no CO2 waste. The technology
is available with Internal Combustion Engines. Mayor Brainard
also discussed traffic roundabouts as a safety, congestion,
and environmental solution. After identifying the differences
between a traffic circle and a roundabout (available on-line
at www.usmayors.org), Mayor Brainard cited safety statistics
touting fewer accidents at roundabouts as well as the construction
and electricity cost savings. Roundabouts also provide environmental
benefits, as there are fewer emissions as cars continue to
travel through intersections.
Every city, began Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory, has a
long-term transportation plan. The City of Charlotte sold
their public transportation plan as an investment in the future
of the city. The business community was the first to sign
on, as they began to understand the importance of getting
their workers to and from work quickly. Manufacturing plants,
for example, were interested in a more reliable transportation
system for its third shift workers. The plan was touted as
giving commuters a transportation choice, so they could commute
via car, bus, bike, sidewalks and light rail. Mayor McCroy
cautioned not to overstate the environmental impacts, as that
is hard to quantify. Finally, the city convinced the development
community money could be made along the new transportation
lines.
Mayor McCrory also gave some advise about circumventing roadblocks.
First, transportation isn’t fair. You must put it where
it will work. Secondly, don’t discuss density; show
pictures and illustrations of the product. “Talk about
design”, said Mayor McCrory. Other obstacles include
time, cost and state legislatures. “Remind your representatives
they need roads too,” concluded the Mayor.
“Mayors are leading the way in mass transit,”
began William Millar, President of the American Public Transit
Association. People ‘get” that we need mass transit
and transportation alternatives, but will they vote for it?
Mr. Millar asked the attendees. Yes, they will, he concluded,
as 84% of transportation referendums have passed over the
last few years. Echoing Mayor McCrory’s presentation,
the issue is choice. In addition to the economic and environmental
benefits of mass transit, Mr. Millar touted the lifestyle
benefits including increased walking. “Using mass transit”,
he concluded,” is the easiest thing for commuters to
do to beat the high cost of gas.”
Attendees also heard from Paolo Timoni, President and CEO
of Piaggio Group Americas, about the rapidly growing market
for scooters. He encouraged mayors to consider this use of
transit when discussing any transportation plan.
For more information about the speakers and presentations
log on to www.usmayors.org.
By Brett Rosenberg
Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez moderated an interactive
session addressing the impact buildings have on energy use
and the environment. Chavez began, saying buildings represent
“one of the rare opportunities for us to lead in our
communities through encouraging energy independence and environmental
responsibility.” Chavez continued, “In the process
of doing the right thing, we as mayors send a national message.”
Mayor Chavez then introduced Edward Mazria, president of the
firm Mazria, Inc. Odems Dzurec, who spoke extensively about
the impacts buildings in general have on the environment,
resource depletion and energy consumption.
Mazria put a typical building into a larger context. After
presenting a graphic demonstration of the effect of rising
sea levels on the U.S. east coast should heat trapping gases
continue to accumulate in the earth’s atmosphere, Mazria
explained that buildings consume 48% of the nation’s
energy use, and are responsible for 76% of electricity use
for normal operations. This translates into an enormous amount
of energy unnecessarily wasted and hundreds of millions of
tons of carbon dioxide discharged into the atmosphere. In
calling for a “Blueprint for Change,” Mazria challenged
mayors to lead the way in making buildings more energy efficient,
saying that “the solutions is simple, but requires tremendous
political will.”
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Mayor Chavez have submitted
a resolution for consideration at The U.S. Conference of Mayors
Annual Meeting this June that calls for adopting the so-called
2030 Challenge. The resolution incrementally reduces fossil
fuel use by new building over the coming decades and specifies
the year 2030 as a target for all new buildings to be carbon
neutral, that is, the buildings, their energy needs, and operations
would have no net green house gas emissions.
Following Mazria’s presentation, Mayors delved deeper
into how to implement greener building strategies. La Mesa
(CA) Mayor Arthur Madrid asked whether there is some secret
to bringing the American Institute of Architects into the
green building development process. Mazria suggested that
it more a matter of reaching out to developers and the USCM
can lead by example by requiring developers to attain specific
green performance standards and codes. Mayor Rita Mullins
of the Village of Palatine (IL) asked if cities have explored
whether the federal government provides tax credits or other
incentives for green building and development. Mazria responded
that federal incentives are not exactly forthcoming, although
there are some tax incentives for energy efficiency programs;
this, he said, is a major reason that mayors must take the
lead on green developments.
By Brett Rosenberg
More and more of the international scientific community have
reached consensus that rapid, human-induced global climate
change is a reality and an immediate serious threat to the
planet’s health and well-being. Governments of much
of the industrialized world have begun to take actions to
reduce emissions of greenhouse gases through the Kyoto Protocol,
which aims to cut average global emissions to about 7% below
1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States, for
a variety of reasons, is not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol,
and is therefore not bound by any of its targets.
Local leaders in cities across the U.S., however, have taken
actions on their own, in spite of the lack of national leadership,
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their communities.
As evidenced by the over 200 Mayors who have signed on to
the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which provides
a framework for cities to reach Kyoto targets, Mayors are
very concerned about the threat of global climate change and
refuse to wait any longer for the federal government to act.
During The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ National Summit
on Energy and the Environment, held on May 10-11 in Chicago,
Mayors and other officials gathered to discuss the climate
change issue, its interface with national energy policy, and
what Mayors are doing now to alleviate greenhouse gas emissions
in the nation’s cities. Mayors and experts on various
facets of the climate change issue provided a series of presentations
and discussions during the session.
Mayor Hays initiated the discussion and said that although
we may not see the results of climate change today, our children
and our children’s children will live in a world drastically
different than ours if we don’t act now. Hays urged
that we need to put politics aside because “climate
change is not about left or right, but what is important for
this country – no one doesn’t love their children;
the future is in their faces.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson described what his city
is doing to reduce emissions from city operations and the
commercial, industrial and residential communities. Mayor
Anderson cited certain members of Congress who still believe
that climate change is science fiction or even a hoax. He
also reiterated Mayor Hays’ point, that climate change
is not a partisan issue, and noted that, “as mayors,
we have to learn, educate and be the advocates” when
it comes to global climate change. Part of this process involves
local leadership, which Mayor Anderson described in his Salt
Lake City Green program.
Salt Lake City Green is a comprehensive community-wide program
that ties together climate change, air quality, pollution
and human health in ways that make the entire metropolitan
area healthier and more sustainable. Part of the program,
the Local Climate Action Plan, is working to show that the
city can do its part to reduce global warming and health-endangering
air pollution, and provide an example for other government
entities, business and individuals. Through a variety of specific
actions, including lighting efficiency retrofits; wind power
purchases; LED traffic signal upgrades; alternative fuel use;
cogeneration; and methane capture, the city has reduced the
equivalent of over 23,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Michelle Wyman, the executive director of ICLEI – Local
Governments for Sustainability, noted that the summit provided
an excellent forum “to share the good work mayors are
doing.” ICLEI is a non-partisan organization that provides
technical assistance to 170 American cities to reduce green
house gases. ICLEI and The U.S. Conference of Mayors are working
together to advance the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement,
which over 200 mayors have signed. ICLEI was also instrumental
in facilitating the Sundance Summit – A Mayor’s
Gathering on Climate Protection last year, which several dozen
mayors, Robert Redford, and Al Gore, among others attended.
Wyman noted that there will be a second summit at Sundance
this coming November.
One of the means Mayors and others can use to reduce the impacts
of climate change is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases
through market-based trading programs. Dr. Richard Sandor
introduced Mayors to the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), a
voluntary, yet legally binding rule-based and integrated green
house gas emissions registry, reduction and trading system.
Sandor, the Chairman and CEO of the Exchange, noted that “Cities
are driven by environmental needs – their local economies
depend on them and there is an inexorable link between the
moral compass and quality of life.” Consequently, according
to Sandor, cities can use tools like the CCX to reduce their
environmental burden. In 2005, The U.S. Conference of Mayors
adopted policy to encourage cities to strongly consider CCX
membership.
Following the presentations, mayors held an open and candid
interactive climate change discussion. A number of Mayors
mentioned problems and best practices in their cities. Mayor
Martin Chavez of Albuquerque mentioned that in his city, methane
emissions from an area landfill had been a major problem,
but now the city is capturing the gas and using it as an energy
source for a water remediation project. This has helped the
city move beyond 65% of its Kyoto goals. Mayor Anderson highlighted
ICLEI’s work, saying that it has been absolutely essential
in reducing emissions in Salt Lake City. Anderson also noted
that he’d like the city to join the CCX, but has some
methane recovery issues to work out first; regardless, he
said, the city will undergo a CCX audit to better understand
what needs to be done.
Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines asked Mayor Anderson how
he was able to engage the business community on these issues.
Anderson expressed that it’s key to “recognize
that most businesses do their own work the best, but can realize
savings, publicity and good will by implementing practices
that reduce waste and pollution.”
By Judy Sheahan
Austin Mayor Will Wynn, Chair of the Conference’s Energy
Committee moderated a session regarding what mayors can do
to encourage energy efficiency for residential and commercial
buildings held at the Energy and Environment Summit on May
10-11 in Chicago.
“Although Mayors can lead by example by greening their
own facilities, we need to work with the private sector to
figure out a way to green residential and commercial buildings
to have even more of an impact on reducing energy consumption
and improving the environment,” Wynn said.
Scott Bernstein, President of the Center for Neighborhood
Technology, focused on the rising energy costs that face homeowners.
Bernstein told the audience that while home sizes have increased
by 40 percent, family size has shrunk by 20 percent. He also
pointed out that denser housing is more energy efficient with
detached homes the least energy efficient using three times
as much energy as a middle unit of a multi-family building.
“With row housing, each addition unit pairing saves
at least two heat loss surfaces compared to a single family
home,” Bernstein said, “that is a potential savings
of 32-43 percent.”
Bernstein also questioned the wisdom of spending money on
Low Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) versus spending money
on weatherization efforts. Bernstein said that simply paying
the utility bill does not address the problem. Bernstein pointed
to efforts in California which targets 20 percent of utility-funded
energy efficiency towards low-income households which equals
about $120 million a year. California has also modified their
building codes for the past 30 years to be more energy efficient.
As a result, electricity consumption per person in California
is about 60 percent of the rest of the United States.
Vuk Vujovic, Director of Sustainable Design for Legat Architects,
Inc, discussed high performance design for commercial buildings.
He talked about making the “business case” for
sustainability by approaching building design holistically
where operating costs, increased funds, and the design process
is integrated with each other. According to Vujovic, that
is the best way of maximizing the overall building performance.
He compared it to a car designed in 1914 that could go 35
miles per hour and had a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon
compared to a 2006 Sports Utility Vehicle that can go 140
miles per hour but only gets 16 miles per gallon. The better
design would be a hybrid car that can go 140 miles per hour
but gets 60 miles per gallon.
Vujovic discussed typical design strategies that incorporate
energy efficiency and environmental sustainability including
delighting, high efficiency light fixtures, water conservation,
high efficiency heating and ventilation, geothermal heating
and cooling, natural ventilation, eco-roofs, building integrated
photovoltaic, and wind turbines.
Vujovic said the key was to educate code officials, building
owners, and occupants about the benefits and opportunities
as well as the risks and liabilities. He said to focus more
on performance and not ideology and to demonstrate meaningful
and verifiable results. He also said to avoid prescriptive
models and to allow for innovation and flexibility. He also
recommended assistance to address first-time capital costs,
providing alternative funding options and providing tax incentives.
Frank Frankini, Vice President of Office Equity Properties,
the largest owner of office buildings in the United States
with more than 700 commercial buildings spoke about his perspective
where increasing efficiency and conservation can save his
company money. He spoke about the importance of energy monitoring
to figure out quickly where there is a problem. He also told
the Mayors that incentives are more welcome in the building
industry as opposed to mandates. He said that an economic
partnership is needed between cities and commercial buildings
if performance standards are required.
Mayors Marty Blum of Santa Barbara and Jennifer Hosterman
of Pleasanton (CA) both spoke about their local initiatives
to encourage green building design. Santa Barbara created
a checklist and uses a 1, 2, or 3 star rating to signify building
compliance with their rating system. In Pleasanton, they have
implemented form-based codes and building ordinances as well
requiring homes in a new development to have photovoltaics
installed.
Chicago’s Environmental Commissioner Sadhu Johnston
talked about Mayor Daley’s initiative to “fast
track” building permits for green buildings.
For complete copies of the presentations, please see usmayors.org
By Brett Rosenberg
Dozens of mayors gathered at a “mini-plenary session”
entitled, “Solving the Nation’s Energy and Environmental
Crisis” during The U.S. Conference of Mayors 74th Annual
Meeting in Las Vegas. The session built on the momentum developed
during last May’s Energy an Environment Summit, hosted
by Mayor Richard Daley in Chicago. Long Beach Mayor Beverly
O’Neill presided over the session that encapsulated
much of her presidency’s theme of Cities for a Strong
America, which drew considerable attention to the roles cities
play in the national economy.
Among the key themes to emerge from the Chicago summit and
Mayor O’Neill’s Cities for a Strong America program
were the need to address the prevailing issues of global climate
change and the call for more energy efficient vehicles and
buildings. Consequently, amid discussions of mayoral best
practices, this session included an expert on the local meteorological
aspects of global climate and leaders in the green building
industry, as well as mayors on hand to describe some of the
best practices on-going in their individual communities.
O’Neill said, “these solutions involving transportation
and buildings not only will have a positive impact on climate
change but also will have a big impact on reducing our dependency
on foreign oil as well as reducing our energy consumption
which makes a difference in everyone’s pocketbooks.”
Climate Change
Dr. Heidi Cullen, the Weather Channel’s foremost climate
expert, cited many of the data that have accumulated over
the last several decades that indicate that an increase in
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions are leading
to accelerated global climate change. She noted that there
has always been much variability in climate in general and
local weather patterns in particular, but said that as carbon
dioxide levels have increased, so has the average global temperature.
The bottom line, according to Dr. Cullen, is that the world
is warming and we need to develop policies to manage the risk
associated with it. She also mentioned that while there is
no direct link to global climate change and last year’s
hurricane season, it is likely that climate change will heighten
the intensity of storms and droughts that do occur due to
the impacts rising sea levels have on general atmospheric
conditions.
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels gave an update concerning what
mayors are doing in their cities to reduce CO2 emissions.
Nickels said, “Climate change is caused by us. The question
is, what should we do about it?” One solution, Nickels
said, was that by the beginning of June, 238 mayors had signed
the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The agreement
compels signatories to take steps in their communities to
meet the goals of the Kyoto Protocol, which sets a target
of reducing CO2 emissions to 7% below 1990 levels by 2012.
Nickels applauded these mayors and others who have led the
charge on global climate change.
Michelle Wyman, Executive Director of ICLEI - Local Governments
for Sustainability, spoke of a new partnership between The
U.S. Conference of Mayors and ICLEI to strengthen Mayors’
efforts at confronting climate change. Wyman expressed that
“the actions [mayors] are taking are demonstrating that
leaders in the country’s cities can make a difference.”
Transportation
Transportation plays a major role in the climate change
and energy use discussion. Austin Mayor and Chair of the USCM
Energy Committee Will Wynn shared his plans to “electrify
the transportation system” in Austin and elsewhere.
As a city on the verge of non-attainment with EPA air quality
rules, Austin is seeking ways to curb air pollution through
a variety of programs including energy efficiency programs
and meeting its commitment to abide by the Mayors Climate
Protection Agreement.
The City have implemented a program that encourages the use
of plug-in hybrids; that is, vehicles with an added battery
that can be recharged through a standard electrical outlet.
Although running plug-in hybrids on traditional gasoline is
always an option, operating such a vehicle on stored electricity,
even within limited ranges, offers fuel economy of 56 cents
per gallon. Through a public relations campaign, Wynn and
his partners hope to encourage U.S. automakers to make plug-in
hybrids available and affordable to the general public. Doing
so, according to Wynn, would not only ease CO2 emissions,
but reduce other air pollutants, save consumers money, and
ease dependence on foreign oil.
Mayor Pat McCrory discussed the politics of selling these
issues to the public, city councils and state legislatures.
McCrory indicated five important points: First, he said, it
is crucial to have a firm understanding of what you’re
trying to sell. Namely, he said, you’re selling choice
– transit as a choice over congestion. Second, he warned
against recommending federal transportation resources for
programs in which there is little demand or the numbers don’t
actually work, that is, “don’t over-promise.”
Third, he said that not all transit is equal; light rail is
not the only answer, and it’s not always based on fairness
or equality. Fourth, according to McCrory, you must, as mayor,
involve the private sector. Show them there is money to make
based on transportation hubs and other developments. Lastly,
he urged that there must be land-use planning to encourage
sustainable transit rather than “corridors of crap.”
McCrory stated that it’s imperative that the extremes
do not guide any issue and those mayors who truly want to
be effective look beyond their terms in office.
Mayor James Brainard of Carmel (IN) showed how Carmel uses
numerous traffic roundabouts to address safety, congestion
and environmental concerns. After identifying the differences
between roundabouts and traffic circles, Brainard cited safety
statistics touting fewer accidents, as well as savings in
electricity and construction costs. Roundabouts also provide
environmental benefits, considering there are rarely cars
idling.
Buildings
Rick Fedrizzi, President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building
Council, and Ward Hubbell, Executive Director of the Green
Building Initiative provided short presentations about the
benefits of cleaner, more energy efficient new and renovated
building. Both speakers touted the overall long term benefits
associated from green buildings, from using cleaner, safer
and more sustainable materials, to noticeable increases in
productivity in schools, offices and factories.
Fedrizzi noted that several jurisdictions offer incentives
to LEED-certified and other green building programs, such
as expedited permitting processes and tax rebates. Hubbell
added that over the next 20 years, 75% of existing buildings
will be replaced or remodeled, saying that mayors “have
the opportunity to be the architects of your cities, that
it is the right environmental and economic thing to do.
For copies of these presentations can be found at usmayors.org/energy
By Judy Sheahan
The Environmental Committee, Chaired by Charlotte Mayor Patrick
McCrory, met on June 3 in conjunction with the Conference
of Mayors Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. The Committee considered
six policy resolutions as well as focusing on strategic implementation
of environmental programs and policy.
McCrory said, “I thought it would be a good idea to
have more of a political discussion among all of us about
how a mayor implements what is needed in their community.
We all know that sometimes we need to sell an idea to our
constituency, sometimes we need to get the cooperation of
other units of government, and sometimes we need to do something
unpopular because it is what is needed. There are all different
ways of doing this and I thought it would be a good idea for
us to share our stories so that we can learn from one another.”
McCrory invited Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, Kenosha
(WI) Mayor John Antaramian, and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin
to share how they were able to implement difficult environment
policies in their communities.
Chavez faced an endangered species issue along with a water
supply crisis which required a huge investment by the community.
“There is something that speaks to everyone,”
Chavez said, “you need to find out what speaks to the
various constituents and groups and sell them on those points.”
Chavez said, “By bringing all of these groups together
you build coalitions that can accomplish what is needed.”
Antaramian was a former state legislator whose community
was riddled with brownfields. Wisconsin, at that time had
virtually no laws that could help turn these properties around.
He approached the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
who worked with the city to allow some flexibility in the
existing laws.They also created a committee made up of state,
local, businesses, and industry to come together and figure
out what was needed to redevelop these properties. The result
was a law that allows a city to condemn, clean up land to
whatever level they see fit, and hand the bill to the owners.
“This is a strong tool to force businesses to come to
the table and negotiate,” Antaramian said, “but
we couldn’t have done it without bringing the business
and environmental community together.”
Franklin faced a $3.2 billion price tag and five consent
decrees to fix her water and wastewater problem. She had a
university and other experts (who pledged not to bid on any
future work for a specified time period) to come up with a
list of recommendations and she pledged she would follow their
recommendations. “It was important to have an independent
source to verify that this was the right plan,” Franklin
said, “For 18 months, every speech I gave I talked about
water; I told my constituents that without federal assistance
she would have to triple their water rates.”
Franklin ended up getting approval to double the water and
sewer rates and have a one cent sales tax rate increase. “It
made everybody mad,” Franklin said, “and so we
sent a letter with senators and state representative’s
phone numbers so people could voice their complaints.”
Mayors discussed the importance of building coalitions as
well as the idea of “building a burning platform”
where you create a crisis to focus people’s attention
around an issue. McCrory warned the group, “Never get
caught in an exaggeration because even if 90 percent is correct,
the 10 percent will make you lose your credibility.”
The Environmental Committee also considered six resolutions
which were approved. They included: Resolution #57: Recapitalizing
the State Revolving Fund Loan Programs Annually To Help Communities
Improve Water Infrastructure And Meet Federal Water Mandates;
Resolution # 58: Increasing Local Government Activities to
Help Communities Conserve Municipal Water Supplies; Resolution
#59: Promoting “Green” Infrastructure in the Nation’s
Communities; Resolution # 50: Adopting the “2030 Challenge”
For All Buildings; Resolution #51: Encourages The Use Of Landfill
Gas-To-Recovery Technologies; and Resolution # 83: Establishing
A New Municipal Energy Agenda to Help Address the Nation’s
Energy And Environmental Challenges And Improve Local Communities.
Photo Caption: Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory chairs the
Environmental Committee Meeting where the focus was Mayoral
strategies for implementing environmental policies and programs
in their communities.
By Ted Fischer
Sustainable Development Task Force Chair, Redmond Mayor Rosemarie
Ives convened a meeting of the Task Force on June 5 at the
US Conference of Mayors 74th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.
Ives welcomed more then 20 mayors in attendance, and had speakers
from Metrovation and Sustainlane on hand to discuss national
sustainable city rankings and viable design options and best
practices when building a sustainable community.
Ron Sher, Northwest Managing Partner of Metrovation and a
Redmond native, spoke on why great places are the key to sustainability.
Ron Sher admitted that he is not a typical builder, because
he challenges cities with the creation of space that unites
communities. Sher said “We all need to look differently
at land use, and we need to live our lives in the future not
in the here and now.” “Every builder needs to
look at their design as a legacy, and have a building block
that is community-oriented.”
Sher is well known in the Pacific Northwest for designing
communities that not only have home and workplace accommodations
but also take into account a “third place” where
the community can bond. “We have all been trained to
be suspect about everything in our lives; this Third Place
gives us the opportunity to retrain our perception of a community,”
Sher said. Sher gave examples of “third places”
such as retail areas, coffee shops within community libraries,
farmers markets, book stores, and community centers. “Sustainable
communities need to be more then just attractive and friendly;
they need to be moveable for folks to easily get around.”
Warren Karlenzig, Chief Strategy Officer of SustainLane
spoke on the 2006 US City Rankings, a nationwide study that
measures the 50 largest cities in America on essential quality-of-life
and economic factors that affect sustainability. “Through
the collection of data, we have learned that there are inspiring
citizen groups, city governments, and mayors around the country
promoting innovative solutions that are improving people’s
lives,” Karlenzig said. “Rising oil prices, quality
of life concerns, natural disasters and political risk are
all factors in the changing outlook on sustainable communities.”
Mr. Karlenzig also stressed the use of regional transportation
and cities needing to make options available for their communities
to be sustainable. “The survey weighted public transportation
heavily and most communities that scored low were affected
by the little or lack of transportation options.”
For more information and presentations from the Sustainable
Development Taskforce, please be sure to visit or website
at www.usmayors.org/uscm
By Rich Anderson
Albuquerque (NM) Mayor Martin J. Chávez, Chairman
of the Urban Water Council convened a meeting of the Council
on June 2, 2006 in conjunction with the Conference of Mayors
Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. Mayor Chávez welcomed
three experts who addressed global warming and community water
resources. The experts offered a sobering view of future water
management challenges.
Brad Udall, Director of Western Water Assessment at the University
of Colorado Regional Integrated Science Center, discussed
on-going joint research with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Udall stated that we are currently experiencing
a period of global warming, although he could not say with
great certainty how long the current warming trend might last.
Evidence of warming is based on a 30 percent elevation of
atmospheric carbon dioxide since 1800; global temperatures
up by 1°F since 1970; and, a rise in sea level of 4-8
inches since 1900. He also mentioned that 985 of 1000 Alaskan
Glaciers are receding and only 15 are growing, due mainly
to a 3°F increase during the 20th Century.
According to Udall’s review of published research future
warming may range between 2.5°F to 10°F. The estimated
range is broad due to uncertainty about future emissions from
human activities and because of scientific uncertainty. The
impacts of global warming include: higher maximum temperatures,
greater frequency of extreme hot days, higher minimum temperatures.
Additionally, coastal cities can expect rising sea levels
of 4 inches to as much as 3 feet due to the thermal expansion
of sea water and melting glaciers. Udall stated that cities
can expect average precipitation increases and greater variation
in rain intensity.
Water managers facing familiar challenges such as population
gains and losses, normal climate variability and competition
for finite water supplies will face the additional challenges
posed by global warming. He stated that climate is not static,
and planning on past patterns may be shortsighted. Water managers
should reconsider how they incorporate extreme weather events
in planning and forecasting. Udall suggested that water conservation
is critical to water supply resiliency and to reduce water
shortage vulnerability.
U.S. EPA’s Dr. Joel Scheraga, National Program Director
for Global Change Research Program, agreed that a warming
trend is in effect. He stated concern about community water
resources because climate is the dominant factor governing
the occurrence, distribution, and movement of water within
watersheds. Understanding the risks posed by climate variability
to water systems is a central focus of water resources management.
Such an understanding will be critical for our ability to
meet future water supply needs, comply with water quality
regulatory requirements, design and properly plan water infrastructure,
and protect our fragile ecosystem.
Scheraga talked about an assessment tool that EPA has developed
for communities that would help reduce the likelihood of future
community water resources impacts. The tool, named “CAT”,
is intended to aid cities in developing strategies to “adapt”
to future climate change conditions. The tool relies on inputs
of local watershed information. It can help water managers:
assess how increases in precipitation of 10%, 20%, 30%, etc.
over historical conditions will influence non-point pollution
loading to a stream; assess the flooding caused by an historical
extreme weather event given recent increases in urban development
within the watershed; assess the future effectiveness of a
proposed water quality limit implementation plan under a projected
climate change scenario.
Mr. Ken Albright, Director of Groundwater Resources for the
Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) provided examples of
water management in stressed regions that suffer from naturally
arid conditions, drought events and the new pressures related
to global warming and climate change.
The Authority was formed in 1991 to address Southern Nevada’s
unique water needs on a regional basis. It is responsible
for regional water supplies, ensuring water quality, and developing
and administering conservation programs.
In response to the long-standing area drought, the Authority
accelerated development of Colorado River water resources,
in-state water resources, and continues to emphasize conservation.
Albright oversees the coordinated operation of Lakes Powell
and Mead as the major water supply sources. He plans to avoid
shortage conditions with programs intended to create a water
surplus. This is accomplished through system efficiency projects;
tributary conservation; acquiring water from non-Colorado
River sources. One of the most important water supply arrangements
is the “Return-Flow credits” program for in-state
groundwater discharged to Lake Mead. For every treated gallon
of water returned to Lake Mead the Authority is granted equivalent
supplies in the future.
Another example of progressive planning at SNWA is their water
conservation plan. Unlike many communities that focus conservation
efforts on lowering indoor use of water consumption, SNWA
places greater emphasis on curbing outdoor water use. The
critical program is a cash incentive to property owners to
convert traditional landscaping in favor of desert landscaping.
The Authority promotes this activity by making over $30 million
in cash incentives annually; and it conserves significant
volumes of water.
Mayor Chávez announced two upcoming meetings including
a special work shop on water infrastructure disaster recovery
in Biloxi, MS on June 28-29; and the Urban Water Summit will
be held in Santa Barbara, CA on September 13-14, 2006.
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