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their consumption at the rate at which known oil reserves are being depleted. This rate is estimated to be 2.6 <br />percent annual reduction, or approximately 50 percent over the next 25 years. The Western Climate Initiative, a <br />collaborative of seven US governors and four Canadian premiers has already released a proposed cap and trade <br />system for carbon emission that will be discussed during the 2009 legislative session in Oregon. Reducing <br />Eugene’s fossil fuel dependency will help us build a more resilient community and keep ahead of any state or <br />federal policy changes. <br /> <br />It is acknowledged that the proposed 50 percent fossil fuel reduction is a challenging target. In suggesting this <br />goal for Portland the task force report suggests this target is achievable for a number of reasons outlined below. <br />These same reasons make the target also challenging but achievable in Eugene. <br />? <br /> Over 25 years, the vehicle fleet in the region will turn over approximately twice. Similarly, older and less <br />efficient appliances and furnaces will also require replacement. <br />? <br /> New construction is more energy efficient than the existing building stock due to state energy code. Green <br />buildings are dramatically surpassing the energy code. <br />? <br /> Adoption of the 2030 Challenge by the American Institute of Architects and U.S Conference of Mayors. <br />The program calls for all new buildings to reduce fossil fuel use by 50 percent with a goal of reaching <br />carbon neutrality for all new and existing buildings by 2030. <br />? <br /> 50 years ago the average American home was half the size it is today. A partial reversal in this house-size <br />trend could result in significant reductions in home energy use. <br />? <br /> In other wealthy countries such as Denmark and the United Kingdom, per capita energy consumption is <br />already half the level in the United States. <br /> <br />Next Steps <br />The Eugene community greenhouse gas inventory completed in 2007 identified that transportation fossil fuel use <br />accounted for half of all greenhouse gases emitted in Eugene, while approximately 37 percent of the community <br />emissions were from use of natural gas in building heating and cooking. The recommendation to develop a <br />community action plan that will aim to reduce total, community-wide fossil fuel consumption 50 percent by 2030 <br />is complementary to the commitment from Council for the City in conjunction with a wide variety of community <br />partners to develop a community climate action plan. <br /> <br />Education of the community about energy use and the need to reduce consumption to increase community <br />resilience to price increases and supply fluctuations would be an important component of developing the <br />community climate and energy action plan. <br /> <br /> <br />Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090209\S090209B.doc <br /> <br />