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A Resolution approving “Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community,” a community-wide sustainability plan designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in Lexington-Fayette County, and further supporting community efforts in furtherance of its implementation. [Council Office, Hall]
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Whereas, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (“LFUCG”) recognizes that becoming more energy efficient is key to Lexington-Fayette County becoming a more resilient and sustainable community; and
Whereas, becoming more energy efficient will benefit our community by saving our residents money, keeping money in our local economy, creating jobs, reducing emissions and air pollution, improving public health, and protecting the environment; and
Whereas, a diverse group of community stakeholders, including business groups, environmental groups, educators, nonprofit groups, higher education institutions and Fayette County Public Schools, planning groups, transportation groups, utility providers, agricultural groups, consultants, LFUCG staff, and others have developed the plan titled Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community; and
Whereas, the 2012 Empower Lexington plan previously supported by the Urban County Council was a community-wide energy plan whose original goal was to reduce our community’s overall energy use by 1% per year through voluntary actions; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has voted unanimously to adopt the Imagine Lexington 2045 Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community updates the 2012 Empower Lexington plan and supports and encourages the implementation of the Imagine Lexington 2045 Comprehensive Plan and its objective for Lexington to become net-zero by year 2050, and also encourages and supports other Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives in furtherance of sustainability (including, but not limited to, goals and objectives relating to density, sustainability, restoration, stewardship, and growth as set forth in Theme A, Theme B, and Theme E); and
Whereas, implementing Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community will continue to aid the fulfillment of Lexington’s February 2008 commitment to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Program pursuant to Urban County Council Resolution 49-2008 as well as its commitment under the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement signed by LFUCG in 2005.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT:
Section 1 - That the Urban County Council, on behalf of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, hereby approves Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community, which includes a goal for Lexington-Fayette County to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
Section 2 - That the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government will work with community stakeholders and residents in community efforts toward implementation of Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community, as adopted policy, the law, and government resources allow.
Section 3 - That the entire Lexington-Fayette County community be and hereby is encouraged to embrace Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community and to work together to reduce consumption in six distinct areas: Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Materials and Resources, Natural Systems and Ecology, Quality of Life, Transportation and Land Use, and Water Efficiency.
Section 4 - That the Division of Environmental Services will report to the Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee annually on community sustainability efforts, which will include updates on progress toward obtaining goals set forth in Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community, updates on actual reductions in energy consumption, and updates on actions taken on behalf of the Urban County Government toward climate resiliency.
Section 5 - That this Resolution shall become effective on the date of its passage.
PASSED URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL:
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MAYOR
ATTEST:
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CLERK OF URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL
0499-21:MSC:4881-4222-8950, v. 1