DATE: June 1, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT
Adopt Resolutions Regarding Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty & Cities Race to Zero
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council adopts two resolutions: 1) committing to policies opposing fossil fuel expansion, accelerating the clean energy transition, and endorsing the call for a global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty (Attachment II); and 2) joining the Cities Race to Zero, a global coalition of cities committed to setting science-based targets and implementing inclusive and resilient climate action (Attachment III).
SUMMARY
Cities and counties around the world are joining the global network of communities known as “Standing Against Fossil Fuel Expansion” (SAFE) by passing policies that support climate action. The cities of Berkeley and Richmond are local jurisdictions that have already joined the movement. Adoption of a SAFE Cities resolution would commit the City to policies opposing fossil fuel expansion and acceleration of the clean energy transition and endorsing the call for a global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.
Similarly, the Cities Race to Zero is a global campaign seeking pledges from cities, institutions, and businesses to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. While the City already has a General Plan policy to strive for carbon neutrality by 2045, the Cities Race to Zero would commit the City to at least one inclusive and equitable climate action before 2022 to help Hayward meet the goals outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. The campaign provides a variety of climate actions to constrain global temperature rise, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reach net zero carbon. The City of San Francisco and many others worldwide have already joined the campaign.
Review by Council Sustainability Committee - On May 10, 2021, the Council Sustainability Committee (CSC) considered the two commitments and unanimously voted to recommend that Council adopt the resolutions. The CSC also recognized there may be proposals for new fossil fuel infrastructure already in the City’s permit process and indicated that the City’s limitations on new infrastructure should be applied to projects not yet submitted to the City.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution - SAFE Cities
Attachment III Resolution - Race to Zero