On March 20, Kutztown Borough Council adopted a Climate Protection Resolution, making them the first municipality in Berks County to commit to climate protection—and the first in Pennsylvania to do so by resolution of Council. The resolution, which is based on the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, reads as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF KUTZTOWN, COUNTY OF BERKS, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, RECOGNIZING ENVIROMENTAL STANDARDS SIMILAR TO THOSE PUT FORTH IN THE UNITED STATES MAYORS CLIMATE PROTECTION AGREEMENT AS STANDARDS THE BOROUGH OF KUTZTOWN WILL STRIVE TO MEET
WHEREAS, state and local governments throughout the United States are adopting emission reduction targets and programs and that this leadership is bipartisan; and
WHEREAS, cities throughout the nation, both large and small, are reducing global warming pollutants through programs that provide economic and quality of life benefits such as reduced energy bills, green space preservation air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new energy technologies; and
WHEREAS, mayors from around the nation have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement; and
WHEREAS, we will work with the U.S. Conference of Mayors in conjunction with and other appropriate organizations to track progress and implementation of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement as amended by the 73rd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOVED that the Borough of Kutztown endorse the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and will strive to reduce global warming pollution by taking action in our own operation and community. The Borough of Kutztown hereby will make every reasonable attempt to meet the following standards:
1. Inventory global warming emissions in Borough operations and in the community, set reduction targets and create an action plan;
2. Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create compact, walkable urban communities;
3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit;
4. Increase the use of clean, alternative energy as appropriate for our community;
5. Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting Borough facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save money;
6. Purchase Energy Star equipment and appliances for Borough use; purchase supplies and equipment from local sources when possible; purchase locally-grown organic food products when possible;
7. Practice and promote sustainable building practices;
8. Take appropriate steps to increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles and decrease the consumption of fuel;
9. Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production;
10. Increase recycling rates in Borough operations and in the community; purchase products with maximum recycled content when possible;
11. Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading and absorb CO2; and
12. Help educate the public, schools, other jurisdictions, professional associations, business and industry about reducing global warming pollution.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Kutztown, County of Berks, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pursuant to the authority of same recognize the U.S. Mayor Climate Protection Agreement and will strive to meet the standards as put forth in this Resolution.
ADOPTED by the Council of the Borough of Kutztown, Berks County, Pennsylvania, in lawful session duly assembled this 20th day of March, 2007.
BOROUGH OF KUTZTOWN
BY: Malcolm A. Eidle
President of Borough Council
ATTEST: Bonnie Bray
Secretary of the Borough of Kutztown
APPROVED as a Resolution this 20th day of March, 2007.
Sandy Green, Mayor