Number
090087
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI
Title
Resolution supporting the annual observance of Earth Hour and directing the Department of Public Works to coordinate and report annually on the City of Milwaukee’s participation in Earth Hour.
Analysis
This resolution acknowledges the importance of the annual event Earth Hour, organized by the World Wildlife Foundation, and expresses the City of Milwaukee’s support for the event. This resolution also directs the Department of Public Works to coordinate and report annually on the City’s participation in Earth Hour.
Body
Whereas, Earth Hour is both an international and local symbolic event organized by the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about climate change issues and to encourage businesses, individuals and governments to take actions to reduce their carbon emissions and their impact on the environment in their daily lives and operations; and
Whereas, Earth Hour asks all individuals, businesses, government agencies, and commercial and non-commercial establishments to turn off non-essential lighting for one hour beginning at 8:30 p.m. on the last Saturday of March each year and to encourage citizens and businesses to commit to actions they can take in the coming year to reduce their carbon footprints and conserve energy; and
Whereas, Earth Hour helps to inform local residents and businesses about existing information and tools within the community to assist them in increasing energy efficiency and decreasing emissions and use of natural resources; and
Whereas, Extinguishing non-essential lights in all city government buildings, public schools and public landmarks for one hour and urging all businesses and individuals to do the same, will send a clear message that the people of Milwaukee are concerned about climate change, stand with the rest of the world in seeking solutions, and are demanding that elected leaders act to take measures that will help fight global climate change; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that it declares that it is City Policy to turn off non-essential lighting in City government buildings and at public landmarks for the hour between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., on the last Saturday of March each year; and all City employees are encouraged to turn off lights at home during that hour as well, to conserve energy and raise awareness about global climate change; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Public Works will coordinate the City’s efforts and will report annually on City participation and estimated energy savings for the observed hour.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB09185-1
RTW
4/30/09