NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY

WHEREAS, the nation is confronting critical challenges in both energy demand and supply; and

WHEREAS, energy supply constraints and rising energy costs have adversely impacted key regions of the nation; and

WHEREAS, some of the nation's most pressing energy problems have been aggravated by a shift to market-based prices for energy; and

WHEREAS, existing energy infrastructures have not kept pace with the nation's demand for energy; and

WHEREAS, a combination of these and other circumstances have prompted a national debate on the need for increased energy supplies, improved transmission and distribution systems as well as improved energy efficiency and conservation; and

WHEREAS, this renewed public attention on energy challenges before the nation is long overdue and provides numerous opportunity to revamp existing energy policies and priorities at every level of government, both through independent actions and in partnership among governments; and

WHEREAS, there is an emerging consensus that a comprehensive energy policy for the nation should embrace a broad range of options, such as the deployment of new technologies, more efficient appliances, equipment and buildings, alternative transportation systems, and modernization of existing energy infrastructures; and

WHEREAS, an effective national energy policy should include key elements that harness the vast potential of the many actions and decisions by mayors and other local leaders and the public in their cities and regions,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages each city to formulate a comprehensive energy plan for itself and its citizens based upon its own individual character and needs targeting an immediate minimum reduction in energy consumption of 10%; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conference calls for the creation of a national clearinghouse for the sharing and dissemination of 'Best Energy Practices' by cities which would enhance the ability of all cities and other local governments to formulate their respective energy policies, emphasizing particularly how cities can promote and develop community design standards that give individuals options to assist them in managing their energy costs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the formation of a comprehensive National Energy Policy should be undertaken through a genuine collaboration among federal, state and local government with additional input from other interested public and private sector parties, that should include, but not limited to, the following components:

• Aggressive promotion and utilization of energy-efficient technologies and conservation practices in cities and other communities;
• Prudently increasing supply through the use of efficient traditional technologies and increasing emphasis on renewable energy technologies;
• Utilization of environmentally-responsible principles and practices; and
• Responding to the needs of low-income citizens particularly burdened by rising energy costs; and
• Municipalities are statutorily empowered to have the tools to accomplish this; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conference recognizes that it is of critical importance that its member cities become familiar with the energy needs of their respective communities and regions in order to effectively plan for their energy future and to be able to respond to their present energy demands; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the existing aged and inadequate national transmission system should be expanded and enhanced, in partnership with state, local governments and energy service providers, to ensure adequate and reliable supply and to address the needs of a competitive market; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that metropolitan areas have been recognized as the economic engines of the nation, with the cost and availability of energy an essential component which fuels these economic engines and, as such, the nation's energy policy must be crafted to respond directly to the needs of the country's metropolitan economies to promote and sustain the economic health and vitality of the nation.