A Resolution of the Milford Board of Aldermen in Support of 20% Clean Energy by 2010

WHEREAS, the world’s most respected association of climate scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), projects that global warming will be even more severe than previously thought, with temperatures in Connecticut projected to rise by approximately 4 degrees Fahrenheit this Century and with the vast majority of warming clearly attributable to human activity; and

WHEREAS, electricity production is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the United States of which Milford residents are exposed to resulting in a variety of health risks including cases of asthma especially in children; and

WHEREAS, the economic impact of not using conservation technology and alternative energy sources results in direct and indirect costs to Milford citizens. These costs include medical, lost days at work, and environmental; and

WHEREAS, by meeting the goals of 20% by 2010, Milford can begin to address the problems resulting from the above; and

WHEREAS, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced in a cost-effective manner that enhances economic development by applying currently available energy efficiency technologies and such renewable energy programs as Milford and many cities have implemented that save money, create jobs and strengthen local economies; and

WHEREAS, clean energy resources – such as wind and solar energy – constantly replenish themselves, do not cause the buildup of global warming gases and health-damaging pollutants, and if properly managed, will be available to serve our energy needs forever; and

WHEREAS, the 20% by 2010 campaign is a Connecticut not-for-profit initiative that has undertaken efforts to encourage community action in support of putting Connecticut’s customers on a path to having 20% of their electricity supply come from clean, renewable energy sources by the year 2010.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Aldermen of the City of Milford commits to the goal of making at least 20% of its municipal energy purchases come from clean energy resources by the year 2010.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Aldermen request Mayor James L. Richetelli, Jr. to create a Clean Energy Task Force to research and make recommendations so that Milford can reach the 20% by 2010 goal. The Task Force will investigate options for meeting that goal, including purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and/or on-site renewable energy installations, and will research funding opportunities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Aldermen encourages all businesses, institutions and households within Milford to adopt the goal of making at least 20% of their energy purchases come from renewable energy sources by the year 2010.