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Show SALT LAKE CITY'S LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: REAL ACTIONS, REAL RESULTS, No EXCUSES Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson 2002 SALT LAKE CITY GOVERNMENT CLIMATE PROTECTION MEASURES Equlv. CO1 CML 5iv Hip Although our climate protection plan is not even a year old -we are already (within the first 6 months to a year of implementation) seeing impressive greenhouse gas reductions and monetary savings. This year, the four measures listed here will reduce COz emissions by 1,028 tons. These measures represent only a fraction of the reductions we expect to see when our High Performance Building Guidelines are fully implemented, and we have achieved a 100% fleet conversion on all vehicles capable of running on alternative fuels. One of the most impressive accomplishments of our four initiatives listed here so far is that these greenhouse gas reductions have come at no extra cost to the taxpayer. 2002 SALT LAKE CITY GOVERNMENT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS 2002 measures have reduced corporate emissions by 1,028 tons of CO2. 1120M (4.5% of -23,448 tons CO2 reductions necessary to meet goal) The 1,028 ton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions this year is equal to 4.5% of the COz reductions needed to attain our goal by 2012. In less than a year, and without yet quantifying many of the government measures currently underway, Salt Lake City is working hard to make certain our phase 1 projects will help us achieve our Kyoto goal. Salt Lake City has several projects underway that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality city-wide. In phase 2 we will establish a community baseline emissions inventory and begin monitoring emissions reductions from these projects. MAJOR COMMUNITY CLIMATE PROTECTION INITIATIVES 22 Mass transit 22 Transit-oriented development 22 Community recycling program 22 e2 Businesses ("green" business) 22 Public outreach for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs 22 Fighting sprawl and unnecessary highway projects Listed here are some of the major community projects we are working on. One of our highest priorities is to expand mass transit, decreasing automobile dependence. Salt Lake City now has light rail access on north/south and east/west routes through much of the valley. The tremendous success of light rail in Salt Lake City has created an increasing demand for extensions to cities throughout our region. The expansion of residential recycling has increased city-wide recycling by over 60%. E2 businesses is a budding initiative to recognize and promote businesses that excel both in environmental protection and economic welfare. Businesses that take part in the program undergo an environmental audit and attain goals in at least three areas of environmental improvement. We are also aggressive in promoting and marketing energy-efficiency programs and renewable energy. For example, we recently partnered with Utah Power, our local electrical utility, on a direct mail marketing campaign of their Blue Sky program, which allows customers to purchase pollution-free wind energy. 66 |