* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Porter
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Request for City Action - Climate Change Solutions for Baltimore City
For the purpose of calling on the Mayor, the City Administrator, the Baltimore Office of Sustainability, and the Baltimore Commission on Sustainability to renew Baltimore City’s commitment to fighting climate change and to support programs and policies that combat the causes and negative effects of climate change.
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Recitals
Baltimore City is responsible for promoting the public health and safety of its residents, including ensuring its citizens have access to clean air, clean water, and a liveable environment.
Climate change is already effecting our City. In 2021, Baltimore experienced over 50 days with temperatures above 90 degrees. These effects are felt more intensely in formerly redlined neighborhoods, which have disproportionately fewer trees and green spaces than neighborhoods that were not subject to redlining. Temperatures in some parts of the City can be as much as 17 degrees hotter than others, posing a health threat to those with respiratory and cardiac illnesses, the elderly, young children, and people with disabilities.
The City has the responsibility and opportunity to protect its resources for its citizens and future generations by adopting programs and policies that will combat the causes and negative effects of climate change. These include adopting and implementing a revised version of the Baltimore Clean Air Act and pursuing the energy, land use, transportation, and green city goals set forth in the Baltimore Climate Action Plan.
Climate change is caused by the emission of heat-trapping gases, more commonly known as greenhouse gases, which are primarily made up of carbon dioxide and methane. Relative to measures taken in 2007, the City has committed to lessening its contribution to climate change by establishing a progressive reduction in emissions to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2045.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Mayor, the City Administrator, the Baltimore Office of Sustainability, and the Baltimore Commission on Sustainability to renew Baltimore City’s commitment to fighting climate change and to support programs and policies that combat the causes and negative effects of climate change.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the City Administrator, Director of the Baltimore Office of Sustainability, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.