IMPROVING ENERGY SUPPLY AND DEMAND
WHEREAS, the nation's electricity supply has failed to keep pace with growing energy demand;
and
WHEREAS, U. S. energy consumption is projected to increase by more than 32% by 2020; and
WHEREAS, the vitality of the nation's cities is dependent on adequate affordable supplies of
energy, coupled with reliable, consistent energy delivery; and
WHEREAS, all functions of the nation's economy rely on our energy infrastructure, and
disruptions have a measurable impact on the economy; and
WHEREAS, dramatic fluctuations in the cost of energy, disruptions in supply of energy, increases
in demand of energy, and environmental degradation as a result of energy production, all impact
the financial security of our nation's cities and our national economy; and
WHEREAS, there are many benefits to reducing energy demand in the nation's cities, including
reduced energy bills for households and businesses, and reduced pollution; and
WHEREAS, new technologies are needed to meet the energy challenges facing cities - promoting
energy conservation, modernizing our energy infrastructure, and increasing our energy supplies in
ways that protect and improve the environment; and
WHEREAS, a diverse portfolio of renewable energy sources is a critical component of a national
energy policy,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors
encourages the Department of Energy to continue to assess the future of our nation's energy
requirements to ensure that federal, State and local energy policies adequately address the future
energy needs of the country; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors hereby urges the
federal government to work with State and local governments to develop and implement a reliable,
equitable, and environmentally responsible energy policy that includes, promoting the most
efficient and affordable use of all sources of energy while protecting the environment and
protecting the supply of energy by promoting the use of renewable energy sources and alternative
fuels; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conference of Mayors recognizes that it is critically
important that its member cities become familiar with the energy needs of their respective
communities and regions to effectively plan for their energy future and to be able to respond to
their present energy demand; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Energy should work with state and local
governments to modernize and expand the nation's energy infrastructure in order to ensure energy
supplies can be safely, reliably, and affordably transported to homes and businesses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the existing aged and inadequate national transmission
system should be expanded and enhanced, in partnership with state and local governments, to
ensure an adequate and reliable energy supply; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government should increase and diversify our
nation's sources of traditional and alternative fuel to provide families with reliable and affordable
energy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Congress should increase funding for research and
development to increase the use of renewable energy sources, including, but not limited to, solar,
wind, geothermal, and biomass.
©2003 U.S. Conference of Mayors 
