A resolution requesting the Davidson County Congressional Delegation to take the necessary legislative action to ensure that the United States strives to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming.

WHEREAS, the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has determined that climate disruption is a reality, and that human activities are largely responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollution; and

WHEREAS, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Department of Energy, and the National Academy of Sciences have all likewise concluded that global warming is a recognized phenomenon; and

WHEREAS, recent well-documented impacts of climate disruption include average global sea level increases of four to eight inches during the 20th century; a 40 percent decline in Arctic sea-ice thickness; and nine of the ten hottest years on record occurring in the past decade; and

WHEREAS, the Kyoto Protocol is an amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change whereby ratifying countries agree to reduce their emissions of six greenhouse gases or engage in emissions trading; and

WHEREAS, on February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol went into effect in the 141 countries that have ratified it to date; and

WHEREAS, 38 of the countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol are now legally required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on average 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2012; and

WHEREAS, the United States of America, with less than five percent of the world's population, is responsible for producing approximately 25 percent of the world's global warming pollutants; and

WHEREAS, the Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction target for the U.S. would have been 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012; and

WHEREAS, many leading US companies that have adopted greenhouse gas reduction programs to demonstrate corporate social responsibility have also publicly expressed preference for the U.S. to adopt precise and mandatory emissions targets and timetables as a means by which to remain competitive in the international marketplace, to mitigate financial risk, and to promote sound investment decisions; and
WHEREAS, state and local governments throughout the United States are adopting emission reduction targets; and

WHEREAS, many 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 which urges the federal government to enact policies and programs to meet the Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction targets; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Davidson County Congressional Delegation introduce and support measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the targets identified in the Kyoto Protocol.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Congressional Delegation to take the necessary legislative action to ensure that the United States strives to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Congressional Delegation.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Mike Jameson