STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life
AGENDA DATE: May 27, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
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A resolution authorizing (1) the adoption of a Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan (CECAP); (2) the coordination of initiatives and partnerships necessary to implement the actions and goals set forth in the CECAP; and (3) the identification and convening of an Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee comprised of professionals and community members to advise on environment, sustainability, and CECAP implementation and supporting regular reporting on the CECAP - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
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BACKGROUND
Dallas residents are familiar with Texas’ extreme weather - from flooding and storms to heatwaves and drought. Climate change is projected to exacerbate the already unstable conditions. By 2050, Dallas is likely to experience a 5° F increase in mean temperature during summer months, particularly if global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continue to increase. Climate models also predict a decrease in overall annual precipitation, and an increase in the frequency, intensity, and length of severe droughts. Over the next few decades, seasonal swings in weather will be extreme, with colder, wetter winters and hotter, dryer summers.
Climate change will impact every part of day to day life in Dallas. Vulnerable populations are most at risk to the impacts of climate change due to existing social, economic and environmental barriers. Climate change will affect everyone, but not everyone will be affected equally - the effects of climate change will disproportionately impact communities with the least means to adapt, and who have been burdened with negative environmental impacts. Climate change will also impact the sensitive urban ecosystem balances, providing food, water and habitat to plant, animal and human life.
The City of Dallas is committed to meeting the international emission reduction targets set by the Paris Agreement in 2016 and the goal to keep warming globally at or below 1.5 degrees Celsius. In 2017, Mayor Rawlings signed the Mayor’s National Climate agreement http://climatemayors.org in support of the Paris Agreement. The City is committed to protecting the community from the impacts of climate change and towards implementing measures to reduce GHG emissions.
The Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the specific activities that the City plans to undertake to improve quality of life for all residents, to reduce GHG emissions, to prepare communities for the impacts of climate change, and to create a healthier and more prosperous community. The plan proposes 97 actions across eight sectors, and is designed to be revenue neutral, using existing budgets, partnerships and funding mechanisms to support implementation. The suite of actions in the plan have been carefully selected to start Dallas on its path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and can be found at: https://www.dallasclimateaction.com.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 8, 2018, City Council adopted the Resilient Dallas Plan that outlines actions towards addressing equity, resilience economic mobility healthy communities and environmental sustainability by Resolution No. 18-1026.
On September 18, 2018, City Council authorized the Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability to develop a Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan by Resolution No. 18-1337.
On January 23, 2019, City Council adopted a resolution calling for federal action on climate change and continued local efforts to develop a comprehensive environmental and climate plan with goals that will ensure that the City of Dallas is addressing the environment and climate change in a manner that is effective and equitable through Resolution No. 19-0223, and using funding appropriated under Resolution No. 14-0564, also known as Chapter 9C, Carryout Bags, in the Dallas City Code.
On April 10, 2019, City Council adopted a resolution committing the City of Dallas to clean and efficient energy through the use of 100 percent renewable energy for municipal operations, evaluation of feasibility of implementing on- and off-site renewable energy projects at City and other properties, establishing a city-wide energy management system to benchmark municipal energy efficiency, and continue to explore options to expand the renewable energy use beyond municipal operations in the Dallas community through Resolution No. 19-0484.
On April 24, 2019, City Council adopted the Water Conservation Plan that outlines actions the City will take to reduce water demand, and to conserve water, consistent with Texas regulatory requirements through Resolution No. 19-497.
The Environment and Sustainability Committee was briefed on the Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan on May 4, 2020 and received unanimous recommendation to move forward to full Council.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City. Funds for the Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan have been appropriated in the Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability’s current fiscal year budget. Future year appropriations for other environmental initiatives will be established through the annual budget development process, subject to City Council approval.