By Debra DeHaney-Howard
June 19, 2006

Speaking at the June 5 Business Session of the 74th Annual Meeting of the Conference of Mayors, Conference Past President Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley told the assembled mayors that, “It’s time for our nation to get serious about energy, and it’s time for mayors to lead the way.”

Noting record-high gas prices, Daley said, “High gas prices are just a symptom of much larger energy problem that has the potential to seriously weaken our nation – economically and politically – in the very near future. The high price of gasoline has captured the public’s attention in a way that other energy and environmental issues have not – issues like global warming, invasive species and air and water quality.” He noted that while gas prices hit people in the pocketbook, issues such as global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer aren’t quite so obvious.

Citing high energy costs as a national problem, which needs a national solution, Daley stated that the best way to save money on gasoline “…is to get out of your car and use public transportation.” Daley talked about Chicago’s mass transit system noting that the Chicago Transit Authority has reduced bus emissions by 22 percent — or 564 tons since 1997 through the use of new technology, and by using ultra-low'sulfur diesel fuel. He mentioned that Chicago is in the process of installing the world’s first ethanol-to-hydrogen fueling station.

During the course of his remarks addressing energy, Daley referenced Chicago’s 2006 Environmental Agenda. Daley described a number of programs and policies the city has implemented to conserve energy, encourage the development of new energy sources and protect the environment. Programs and policies included in the agenda are: alternative vehicles/fuels, green building standards, energy technology (Global Building Monitoring System to control energy usage), alternative energy sources (wind turbines and solar panels), and green roofs.

While recognizing the need for renewable energy, Daley said, “We need to consider all of our options to ensure that we have clean, reliable energy. In addition to pursuing renewable energy, we’re exploring clean coal technologies. We also need to study nuclear energy.” He continued saying, “Nothing should be taken off the table when it comes to developing alternative sources of fuel. The stakes are simply too high.”

Speaking to the 10-point Municipal Energy Agenda that was developed at the recent Conference of Mayors’ National Summit on Energy and the Environment, held in Chicago, Daley encouraged mayors to join with him in putting the 10-point energy agenda into action. He said, “The actions we take today can make a real difference in our communities, and they prove that good energy policy can start from the bottom up.”

Conference membership unanimously approved at the June 5 Business Session the 10-point Municipal Energy Agenda policy resolution that provides guidelines to help mayors address energy issues. The resolution encourages mayors to take actions, such as reducing energy usage, purchasing new technologies for our municipal fleets, promoting green buildings, encouraging energy diversification, addressing climate change, and helping residents and businesses weatherize their homes.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Daley said, “There is no downside when it comes to protecting the environment, conserving energy and creating new energy sources. It improves public health, beautifies the city, saves money, and creates jobs. It enhances the quality of life in our cities and protects the long-term economic and political interests of our nation.”