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Show HINCKLEY JOURNAL OF POLITICS 2002/2003 Salt Lake City saw a major victory recently when we were able to stop a state highway construction project that would have increased air pollution, sprawl development, and auto dependence in our region. We are not yet tracking data on these projects, but state air quality monitors and the non-profit group, Envision Utah, are ready to assist Salt Lake City in establishing baselines and monitoring progress as we enter Phase 2 of our Local Climate Action Plan. 2002 SALT LAKE CITY GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTIONS FROM WASTE MEASURES Salt Lake City methane recovery and recycling program reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 47,245 Tons CO2 *?.« 22 ^HJtn 1 SJJJJl A snapshot of the incredible emissions reductions we will see as we begin tracking measures in the community is presented here. Efforts to better manage our landfill has brought us to a 97% methane recovery factor. This efficiency means our landfill sequesters more greenhouse gases than it produces. Our expanded recycling program avoided 21,882 tons of emissions. Cumulatively, progressive waste management reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 47,245 tons each year. Numbers like this illustrate the feasibility of Salt Lake City doing more than its share in meeting the goals set forth for the U.S. in the Kyoto Protocol. CONCLUSION Despite the abandonment of U.S. national leadership, Salt Lake City is taking real action, seeing real results, and allowing no excuses to prevent us from slowing global climate change. We are committed to working with all of you to find solutions that will not only ensure that future generations enjoy a healthy, stable climate, but that also cause our own health, regional environments, and local economies to grow and flourish in ways that will enrich our lives, and the lives of our world neighbors. 67 |
