City Departments
Seattle City Council
8/15/2005 3:38:00 PM
Tom Van Bronkhorst (206) 684-8807
NET ZERO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN 2005
Addressing the Problem Cost-Effectively and Globally
Seattle –Today, the City Council passed a resolution directing Seattle City Light to purchase greenhouse gas credits from the DuPont Corporation, one of the nation’s largest chemical companies, so the utility can reach its goal of net zero greenhouse emission in 2005.
“Global warming represents a clear hazard to our environment,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Energy & Environmental Policy Committee and sponsor of the resolution. “This method of achieving a net zero balance addresses the problem on a global level. It protects our environment cost- effectively while it also offers an incentive to a corporation to take responsibility for its role in dangerous gas emissions.”
Resolution 30791 recognizes and reaffirms Seattle’s strong commitment to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emission, assuring City Light eliminates as much greenhouse gas as it produces. This resolution follows on the heels of several others passed by Council in recent years that make the preservation of the environment a top priority.
City Light has already taken steps by signing agreements for greenhouse gas offsets from projects such as the use of bio-diesel in city vehicles, METRO buses and Rabanco garbage trucks through Seattle Public Utilities. Greenhouse gasses are also being reduced locally through the distribution of electrical shore power to cruise ships so they can cut their engines while anchored in Elliott Bay.
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