HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-0915 Documents Submitted
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SOCAI``*,
Confronting Climate Change
Comments to Ashland City Council Study Session
September 15, 2014
Thank you for considering the Resolution in Support of Fossil Fuel Divestment that is
before you at this meeting. I would like to offer a few thoughts for your consideration.
The impacts of climate change and fossil fuel extraction are the probably the most
pressing environmental and human issue facing this planet. Historically, the City of
Ashland has acknowledged its part in supporting a future where all citizens can live
healthy lives.
Yet, for all the work that has been done on energy conservation and sustainability, little
real progress has been made.
At the root of this crisis is a powerful force: major corporations, particularly fossil fuel
companies and their investors dedicated to preserving the status quo to gerTBrate short-
term profits. In order to limit and mitigate the consequences of climate change and
resource extraction, and build a more sustainable and just world, it is imperative that we
challenge the fossil fuel companies and the model of investing that allows them and
other bad corporate actors to flourish.
This is our chance to be on the right side and add our voice to the international debate.
Even if we do everything "right" in Ashland but did nothing to influence the greater world
we would be coming up short in our responsibility to protect our local resources. This is
our chance to make our voice heard not only locally, but in the globally on what we want
our future to look like. I and SOCAN encourage you to move the Resolution in Support
of Fossil Fuel Divestment forward. Let's take a stand and work together to create
change for the next generations.
HS-3: Emergency Prevention & Response
(15 available points)
Purpose
Reduce harm to humans and property by utilizing long-term preventative and collaborative approaches to avoid emergency
incidents and minimize their impact
Evaluation Measures
Community Level Outcomes
Outcome 1: Superior- Fire Protection
Achieve a Class 4 ISO rating or better
Outcome 2: Emergency Response Times
Demonstrate that 90% of response times are in compliance with standards set by the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA)
Outcome 3: National Incident Management System
Demonstrate that the community is in compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Local Actions
I . Develop a NIMS-compliant local inventory of assets and resources available for emergency response and mutual aid
requests
2. Publish information to encourage residents to develop emergency kits and evacuation plans and encourage businesses
to develop emergency procedures and shelter-in-place plans
3. Participate in interstate, statewide, regional, or inter-jurisdictional mutual aid response systems
4. Participate in a regional emergency planning commission
5. Adopt local emergency operations plans and standard operating procedures for emergency response that address envi-
ronmental damage mitigation, cleanup, and restoration; and include procedures for evacuating low-income, disabled, and
other persons likely to need assistance
6. Participate in training drills that involve the public and emergency management personnel from multiple departments
and/or multiple jurisdictions
7. Perform an annual review or assessment of plans, procedures, resources, and trainings based on emergency response
incidents and demands
8. Achieve accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP)
9. Host an active Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) or Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
10. Distribute emergency kits or supplies to residents, particularly low-income and vulnerable populations
STAR Community Rating System - October 2012 - HS-3: Emergency Prevention & Response m
CE- I: Climate Adaptation
(15 available points)
Strengthen the resilience of communities to climate change impacts on the built, natural, economic, and social systems
Community Level Outcomes
Identify 4 core areas of local climate change adaptation concerns. Core areas must apply to at least 3 of 4 general groupings:
Built Environment, Economic Environment, Natural Environment, Social Environment.
Demonstrate a measurable reduction in vulnerability in each of 4 core areas identified locally
Local Actions
I . Adopt a climate change adaptation plan
2. Require that internal decisions by local government departments use the most current climate science and that staff
monitor climate change impacts
3. Develop a committee that includes climate scientists, adjacent jurisdictions, regional coalitions, state and federal agencies,
and/or non-governmental organizations for the purpose of understanding and addressing shared vulnerabilities
4. Create an education and outreach campaign to engage citizens and businesses in climate change vulnerability reduction
efforts
5. Adopt zoning code, building code, or other legally binding regulations that address future climate change threats
6. Create or enhance programs and services that specifically help address climate change threats
7. Enforce regulations or offer incentives to encourage residents and businesses to shift behaviors to prepare for future
climate change impacts
8. Improve facilities throughout the community to be better prepared for climate change threats
STAR Community Rating System - October 2012 - CE-I: Climate Adaptation