HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015_11_10_R132 Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative The Town of
Leesburg,
Virginia PRESENTED November 10, 2015
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-132 ADOPTED November 10, 2015
A RESOLUTION: SUPPORTING LEGISLATION FOR VIRGINIA TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE
WHEREAS,the Commonwealth of Virginia has established a statewide energy efficiency
goal of 10%energy conservation by 2020 based upon 2006 levels; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth has achieved only 1% energy savings to date since the
10% statewide goal was established; and
WHEREAS, the average monthly electric bills of residential customers throughout the
Commonwealth is $125.36, ranking 8th highest among all states nationally, and more than$15
higher than the national average; and
WHEREAS, the Council desires to express its support of energy conservation to promote
environmental sustainability; and
WHEREAS, House Joint Resolution No. 50 (2012) and Senate Joint Resolution No. 76
(2012)requested the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)to study strategies for
adaptation to prevent recurrent flooding in Tidewater and Easter Shore Virginia localities; and
WHEREAS, the resulting VIMS report, "Recurrent Flooding Study for Tidewater
Virginia",published as Senate Document No. 3 (2013) states: "Recurrent flooding is a significant
issue in all localities in Virginia coastal localities and one that is predicted to become worse over
reasonable planning horizons (20-50 years)"; and
WHEREAS,the Council desires to express its support for funding solutions to localities in
Tidewater and Eastern Shore Virginia localities for adaptation to prevent recurrent flooding.
THEREFORE RESOLVED, by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia that the
Council hereby supports legislation in the 2016 General Assembly session that provides state
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A RESOLUTION: SUPPORTING LEGISLATION FOR VIRGINIA TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE
assistance to low and moderate income homeowners by participating in the Regional Greenhouse
Gas Initiative (RGGI),that establishes a regional CO2 electric power sector cap and trade
program, and directing revenues generated from the program to energy efficiency programs to
help reduce customer bills and promote energy conservation. Enabling legislation joining the state
into RGGI would also provide economic development assistance to localities in Tidewater for
flooding and sea level rise adaptation measures.
PASSED this 10th day of November.,2015.
Kristen C. U stattd,Mayor
Town of Leesburg
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P:\Resolutions\2015\1110 Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.doc