By Debra DeHaney-Howard
July 1, 2002

Santa Clara Mayor Judy Nadler led members of the Conference's newly created Energy Standing Committee through several policy debates on issues ranging from policies calling for a reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions to stronger consumer protection rules to the safe and secure transport of High-Level Nuclear Waste.

The Energy Standing Committee, which is chaired by Mayor Nadler, met in Madison on June 15 to discuss energy issues and efforts that will guide the Committee over the next year in addressing the concerns of mayors on energy matters.

In her opening remarks, Nadler described the challenges and opportunities before the mayors in building a more secure energy future. "We need to build an energy policy from the ground up, where our national policy is built upon the work and needs of our cities," said Nadler. Nadler also stated that "sustained investments in new energy technology, smarter building codes, conservation improvements, and building rehabilitation means more dollars stay in the local economy. This translates into vitality at home, while building more independence and less demand in the future."

Three speakers appeared before the Committee to brief mayors on a variety energy related programs. The presentations took place prior to the mayors' consideration of policy resolutions.

U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Paduchik told the Committee that DOE is "committed to delivering in a timely manner energy assistance programs to cities." In that regard, he spoke about the six regional Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy offices, which are the Federal government's principal mechanism for delivering technical and financial energy efficiency and renewable energy programs at the local level. Paduchik noted that one of DOE's main goals is to develop and provide smart energy strategies that meet the growing demand for power.

Chicago Department of Environment Commissioner Marcia Jimenez briefed the members of the Committee on the successes of the City of Chicago's Comprehensive Energy Plan, which was implemented in the fall of 2001. "Chicago's Energy Plan sees reliable, affordable and clean energy as a tool for economic growth, it seeks to protect consumers, promote economic growth and protect the environment, said Jimenez." Jimenez highlighted the key elements of the Energy Plan and encouraged all mayors to develop and implement one.

Nadler and others commended Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago for their outstanding leadership on energy issues.

Santa Clara Electric Utility Director Jim Pope briefed the Committee members on Santa Clara's energy conservation programs. He spoke about how Santa Clara during the energy crisis combated energy demand quickly by using a broad array of low-cost measures that minimized rolling blackouts. Pope was recently appointed by DOE Secretary Spencer Abraham to serve on the Secretary's Electricity Advisory Board. The 40 member Advisory Board will advise Secretary Spencer on the challenging issues facing the electricity industry.

The Energy Standing Committee also considered six proposed policy resolutions that were discussed and unanimously passed out of Committee and subsequently approved during Monday's June 17th Business Session in Madison by more than 200 mayors in attendance.

Among the most discussed issues by the Committee was a resolution on the transportation of high-level nuclear waste. The Committee members voted unanimously on a consensus resolution drafted by Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hays, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, Augusta Mayor Bob Young and Green Bay Mayor Paul Jadin. During the Committee meeting, each mayor explained why the resolution was being offered, expressing the need for policy on the safe and secure transport of high-level waste to any permanent repository for nuclear waste. Among other things, it calls for all cities along proposed transportation routes to receive adequate funding for training and eqAdopted Resolutions

Adopted Resolutions

Resolution #25 calls on cities and communities to join the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adopting policies that encourage energy conservation and a reduction in energy use.

Resolution #26 urges federal lawmakers to ensure that all renewable energy technologies, including geothermal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, waste-to-energy and landfill gas projects, be treated equally under any federal renewable mandate.

Resolution #27 supports quick and decisive action by federal regulators and the U.S. Congress to ensure that strong consumer protection rules exist to promote functioning wholesale electricity markets, assure reliable electric service, and allow for effective marketplace monitoring to prevent manipulation and abuse.

Resolution #28 supports tradable tax credits for municipalities who make investments in clean and renewable technologies for generation of energy.

Resolution #29 urges the United States Congress to pass legislation that prohibits the movement of any High Level Nuclear Waste unless beginning three (3) years prior to any such movement, all cities along the proposed transportation route have received adequate funds, training and equipment to protect the public health and safety in the event of an accident and that state of the art technology, engineering and procedures related to the transport of this material be reviewed in the context of past transport incidences and or future or predictable incidences related to transport accidents. That the lessons learned from this review be applied to High Level Waste transport.