SUPPORT OF THE ENERGY CONSERVATION THROUGH TREES ACT

WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors 2006 Summit on Energy and the Environment called for support of efforts at the local, state, and federal level to encourage the public and private sector, as well as citizens, to do their part in conserving energy; and

WHEREAS the utility sector produces nearly 1/3 of the total greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere in the United States; and

WHEREAS, heating and cooling homes accounts for 60% of utility usage; and

WHEREAS, consumer rates for utilities have been rising unabated for years; and

WHEREAS, trees strategically planted around a home can reduce residential cooling costs by as much as 30%; and

WHEREAS, shaded surfaces may be 9 to 36°F (5° to 20°C) cooler than unshaded surfaces; and

WHEREAS, evapotranspiration alone can result in peak summer temperature reductions of 2 to 9°F (1° to 5°C); and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Forest Service estimates that every 1%increase in tree canopy cover results in air temperature reductions of 0.07 to 0.36°F (0.04° to 0.2°C); and

WHEREAS, tree canopy can help cities improve air quality, reduce storm water management demands, and increase property values;and

WHEREAS, over a dozen test cities in the United States have demonstrated net savings of one to four dollars per tree from residential tree plantings; and

WHEREAS, the Energy Conservation through Trees Act will relieve pressure on utility companies by reducing peak load demand for energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting public health, and mitigating climate change by reducing carbon dioxide and lowering temperatures, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors recognizes the invaluable role of urban forests to the protection of public health and reduction of harmful greenhouse gases; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors endorses H.R. 5867, the Energy Conservation through Trees Act;and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Congress approve and fund H.R. 5867, the Energy Conservation through Trees Act.