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RESOLUTION NO. 5118
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, ESTABLISHING THE DRAFT VISION STATEMENT AND
PROVISIONAL GOALS FOR THE BOZEMAN CLIMATE PLAN
WHEREAS,the City of Bozeman has a responsibility to protect and enhance the public
health, safety, and quality of life of their residents, and
WHEREAS,the City of Bozeman Strategic Plan identifies the revision of its Climate
Action Plan as a prioritized action item, and
WHEREAS,an overwhelming body of scientific evidence indicates that climate change
is occurring on our planet, and
WHEREAS,peer-reviewed scientific studies have concluded that climate change is
caused in large part by human activity, and
WHEREAS, due largely to the combustion of fossil fuels, atmospheric concentrations of
carbon dioxide,the principal greenhouse gas, are at a level unequaled for more than 400,000
years and as a result, an enhanced greenhouse effect is trapping more of the sun's heat near the
earth's surface and gradually pushing the planet's climate system into uncharted territory, and
WHEREAS,global average temperatures have risen both on land and in the ocean,with
observable impacts already occurring that foretell increasingly severe climate change, and
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Resolution 5118,Establishing the Draft Vision Statement and Provisional Goals for the Bozeman Climate Plan
WHEREAS, climate change is resulting in serious and damaging effects to our planet at
a pace that is likely to accelerate in the coming decade, and
WHEREAS,the federal government,rather than recognizing the impending climate
crisis and taking urgent steps to address the root causes of climate change, is largely ignoring the
issue and rolling back environmental protections, and
WHEREAS, a growing number of cities and towns throughout the United States
recognizes that, absent federal assistance and leadership in this matter, local municipalities must
fill the void by providing the impetus for change, and
WHEREAS,the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading
international body for the assessment of climate change and the October 2018 IPCC 1.5°C
Special Report indicates that global warming risks can be substantially reduced by limiting
warming to 1.5°C (2.7 17), but every fraction of additional warming beyond 1.5°C will bring
worse impacts,threatening lives, livelihoods, and economies.
WHEREAS, The United Nation's Environment Report (UNEP) 2019 Emissions Gap
Report released on November 26, 2019 outlines that average global temperatures have already
increased 1.1°C (1.98°F) and we are on track for temperatures to rise by 3.2°C (5.76°F)this
century, leading to large parts of the planet being uninhabitable and causing mass extinctions.
WHEREAS, to reach the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal, global emissions must decline
now and drop 7.6% every year from 2020 to 2030 and the IPCC maintains that is it necessary to
then continue reducing emissions until we reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
WHEREAS, every day we delay,the more extreme, difficult, and expensive emissions
reductions become.
WHEREAS, in November 2017 the Bozeman City Commission adopted Resolution
4866 joining the Climate Mayors Network and committing Bozeman to adopting,honoring, and
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Resolution 5118,Establishing the Draft Vision Statement and Provisional Goals for the Bozeman Climate Plan
upholding commitments of the Paris Climate Agreement.
WHEREAS, in July 2019, Montana Governor Steve Bullock issued an Executive Order
that establishes an interim goal of net greenhouse gas neutrality for average annual electric loads
in the state by no later than 2035 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide at a date
to be determined.
WHEREAS, Bozeman Mayor Andrus issued a Proclamation of Intent on October 22,
2019 that includes a goal for the City of Bozeman to pursue partnerships with other
municipalities and our utility provider to reach a goal of 100%net renewable electricity for the
City of Bozeman by 2030.
WHEREAS,the City of Bozeman has convened a diverse consortium of talented and
passionate citizens to develop a draft Climate Action Plan to serve as a comprehensive strategy
for addressing climate change in Bozeman, and
WHEREAS,the plan will identify strategies and actions to reduce our community's
greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency to the impacts of climate change.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,by the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman, Montana, that:
Section I
The development of the 2020 Bozeman Climate Plan will be guided by the draft vision
and provisional goals.
Section 2
The Climate Plan vision will include multiple parts that work together, including a position
statement, guiding principles, and vision themes.
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Resolution 5118,Establishing the Draft Vision Statement and Provisional Goals for the Bozeman Climate Plan
Position Statement
Through leadership and collaboration, the City of Bozeman will advance innovative solutions to
cultivate a more equitable and resilient, loin-carbon community for current and future
generations.
Guiding Principles
The guiding principles help inform and direct City of Bozeman decision-making.
Bozeman will be a leader in addressing climate change by:
• Adopting bold targets for emissions reductions and renewable energy.
• Weaving sustainability and resilience into the decision-making process.
• Pursuing partnerships with other municipalities and our utility provider.
• Seeking innovative, actionable solutions to mitigate climate change.
• Inviting all Bozeman residents to join us, including current and future leaders.
Vision Themes
The Climate Plan solutions will be organized under vision themes.
• Responsible and reliable renewable energy supply
• Healthy, adaptive, and efficient buildings
• Vibrant and resilient neighborhoods
• Diverse and accessible transportation options
• Comprehensive and sustainable waste reduction
• Regenerative greenspace,food systems, and natural environment
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Resolution 5118,Establishing the Draft Vision Statement and Provisional Goals for the Bozeman Climate Plan
Section 3
The Climate Plan will establish near and long-term goals for community greenhouse gas
emissions reductions and climate resiliency.
• 26%Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2025
*compared to 2008
• 100%Net Clean Electricity by 2030
• Carbon Neutral by 2050
PASSED, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED by the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman, Montana, at a regular session thereof held on the 16th day of December,2019.
CYNTHIA i. ANDRU��
Mayor
ATTEST. BOZO
ROBIN CROUCH - '
City Clerk g3 '
' °: APP ED AS T FORM:
LIVAN
City orney
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