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Home My WebLink About2017.02.01 CEAP Agenda Packet Climate and Energy.Action Plan Climate and Energy Plan Committee Meeting Agenda February 1 , 2017 30-30 .P.M ..........5:30 PM Com.m�un..i.ty .Devel.-opm-en..t .Bui.l.di.n..g Agefi.da .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Call to Order Rich/Claudia Icebreaker Approval of Minutes Rich .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Public Input Rich .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15 min Recap/Discussion of Study Session Rich ............... 45 min Updated Draft Plan —Review comment Riche Adam 15 min Final Action Edit/Add Rich/Adam ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... io min Implementation Budget Preparation Overview Rich/Adam ................. Next Meetings 5 min • Feb 15 -Final Plan Recommendation Vote Riche Adam March 7—Plan Presentation to Council .-� Carr or CASCADIA ,NSHLAND r� Climate and Energy Action Plan LEAP Ad-Hoc Committee-......Scope of Work .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ....................................................................I The ad hoc Climate Change and Energy Action Plan Committee is charged with making recommendations to the City Council regarding a climate change and energy action plan intended to identify existing and potential vulnerabilities and develop an organized and prioritized set of actions to protect people and resources from the ongoing impacts of climate change.The plan shall include targets and strategies for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Ashland.These targets and strategies may be short-mid-or long-term,and shall consider cost,feasibility,community acceptance and likelihood of success,with an emphasis on voluntary measures that can be undertaken by different sectors of the community.The plan shall include specific, measurable actions that citizens and local institutions can undertake immediately upon adoption of the plan. The Committee shall review similar plans in comparable communities,consult as necessary with local subject matter experts in the areas of transportation, energy, land use and infrastructure(and other areas as the Committee deems advisable), and identify implementation steps as appropriate. The Committee shall, in consultation with City staff and consultants, determine its own work plan and project timeline, however the activities of consultants hired by the City to work on the plan or technical reports associated with the plan shall be directed by the City and not by the ad hoc committee. The ad hoc committee shall not create and appoint subcommittees without the prior consent of the City Council. Unless otherwise directed by the City Council,the Climate Change and Energy Action Plan shall be delivered to the City Council by January 31, 2017. The Committee shall, in the course of its work: • Provide ample opportunity for public input and feedback; and • Present its recommendations in writing so they can be easily shared with the public. CITY OF ASCADIA iNSHLAND CONSULTING GkOUY Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee January 18,2017 Page 1 of 3 MINUTES FOR THE CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN ad hoc COMMITTEE Wednesday,January 18, 2017 Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way 1. Call to Order Councilor Rich Rosenthal called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Committee members Greg Jones, Cindy Bernard, Jim Hartman, James McGinnis, Isaac, Bevers, Marni Koopman, Claudia Alick, Claire Pryor, Louise Shawkat, Roxane Biegel-Coryell, Stuart Green, and Bryan Sohl were present. Staff member Adam Hanks was present. Rosenthal gave an overview of upcoming meeting dates and the remainder of the committee's work. 2. Icebreaker Group did a teambuilding icebreaker answering the question, "what is one positive thing you've experienced or witnessed recently?" 3. Public Input Huelz Gutchen— stated the Department of Energy is developing an artificial leaf for photovoltaic, as well as other advanced science. He stated it is more important to grow and use real plants than create a chemical variety. Asked the group to consider what one thing would make real climate change occur. Ray Mallett— stated the newest draft of the plan had good visual improvement. He is hoping that in the final version there will be a gantt chart regarding implementation so that everyone will know when things will be starting. Ken Crocker— stated he appreciates the work that has gone into this process. He is looking to see if there is a way to help everyone envision what our community will look like when we are carbon neutral. People not involved in this process won't have a good understanding of what this plan is doing without a good vision of the future. He looked at the current Comprehensive Plan and noticed there is no mention of climate change, and no action from this group to update it. Does this mean the two plans are at odds with each other? The Transportation Plan has one minor section regarding being climate-wise but nothing else. Robert Block-Brown—thanked the group again for their work. Stated he appreciated seeing the letter from RVTD and some of the issues they bring around converting their fleet from natural gas to electric. He also appreciated their request for membership on the new commission and thinks that's a good idea. He stated that the implementation plan is still not clear about the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy, especially in the residential sections. This will take a long time, and people need to start planning for those changes now. 4. Approval of Minutes The group accepted the minutes of December 14, 2016, and January 4, 2017, as presented. Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee January 18,2017 Page 2 of 3 5. Implementation Plan Group discussed the four questions in the memo from Hanks: 1) Is the implementation plan consistent with the primary plan document and associated draft ordinances? Group gave Hanks some edits to grammar, to match the implementation plan with the draft plan, and to match the implementation plan with previous discussions. 2) Do the Phase I and Phase II tables make sense? Group generally agreed that having it broken down in phases makes more sense than the previous "near-term" and"far-term." 3) Are there any suggestions for particular points of emphasis to ensure the formatting assists the reader in absorbing/understand the document? Hartman raised concerns that there isn't a clear high priority to transition away from natural gas. Some in the group agreed that the accountability and enforcement section was too weak. They also mostly agreed that using "household equivalent" or similar as a way to convert metric tons into something easier to grasp would be useful. 4) If the committee agrees with the "top three" call out, it will need to determine what the top three are. Green suggested calling out a top three in each of these areas: building, household and transportation. Group agreed to this suggestion, and also agreed they should be a mix of mitigation and adaptation. This "short list" should also be used as a way to easily help the public understand the plan, maybe by using icons to represent each area or creating a one-page handout. Rosenthal asked the group if they were interested in taking up Mr. Crocker's idea regarding a vision for what Ashland would be like as a carbon-neutral city. Group wondered if it would be possible to use some of the information submitted at the various open houses, including the Geos kick-off event. Bevers agreed to see if he can create a rough draft of what daily life might be like, based on some of this recent European travels. Hartman/McGinnis m/s to add a priority action in the Buildings and Energy section to switch from natural gas to electric in buildings for heating and cooking. Discussion: Biegel- Coryell wondered if there should be an exception for using land-fill created natural gas. Hartman/McGinnis agreed to amend the motion to add the words, "fossil-fuel based" before, "natural gas." Discussion continued: Group agreed that the term, "switch"was unclear and should be replaced with "transition." Hartman/McGinnis agreed to amend the motion to replace, "switch" with, "transition." Discussion continued: McGinnis stated that this is a good start to understand the need for non- fossil-fuel based options and for people to understand there are alternatives. Bevers wondered Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee January 18,2017 Page 3 of 3 why we were limiting it only to electricity when there are other technologies in place now besides either natural gas or electricity. He proposed adding, "or other clean energy sources." Hartman/McGinnis agreed to add, "or other clean energy sources." Motion now reads, Hartman/McGinnis m/s to add a priority action in the Buildings and Energy section to transition from fossil-fuel based natural gas to electric or other clean energy sources in building for heating and cooking. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion Passes. Alick recommended that a call out box be added to the implementation plan regarding what is considered "clean energy," since it is only defined in the draft plan. Group agreed to this suggestion. 6. Council Presentation Rosenthal stated the Chair (him), Vice Chair (Biegel-Coryell), and Staff(Hanks) will be presenting. They will walk Council through the plan, ask Council to respond to policy questions, and make sure Council has any questions they may have about the plan answered. Group discussed some concerns regarding whether Council would need an additional presentation to understand the 8% goal. Hanks reminded the group that this is not Council's last opportunity to view the plan, it's just the first and an opportunity, and we need to focus on getting policy questions asked in order to move forward. 7. RVTD Letter Rosenthal stated he would like to see if the group has any comments or concerns regarding the letter received from RVTD regarding the draft plan (in packet). Group agreed they were glad RVTD was engaged in this process. Group discussed ways to engage other groups. Group discussed some of the challenges regarding transportation issues with both local population and the visitor population. Shawkat stated that the Transportation Commission has been discussing this for a long while. They would like to do a shuttle but need to identify where funds would come from for not just the purchase of vehicle(s)but for staff, maintenance, etc. She stated there has been lots of thoughtful discussions and many on that commission understand both the need to reduce carbons and the challenge of limited available resources. 8. Next Meeting The upcoming meeting schedule is as follows: January 23, 5:30 p.m. preview of plan at Council Study Session February 1, 3:30 p.m. committee meeting March 7, 7:00 p.m., Council Business meeting 9. Adjournment Meeting adj ourned at 7:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diana Shiplet, Executive Assistant ASHLAN as Y'O U. TO: City of Ashland Climate Energy Action Committee FROM: Ashland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors President, Marie Lange;Committee Liaison,Cindy Bernard RE: Proposed City of Ashland Climate Energy Action Plan DATE: January 18, 2017 The Ashland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is supportive of the efforts of the City of Ashland in working to address issues of climate change and have some comments for the committee to consider.Additionally,the Ashland Chamber has been working on various conservation related initiatives over the last decade that you may not be aware of that we wish to highlight in order to provide some context and background to our local efforts and support for the environment. We believe there are a number of strengths of the plan including: • The plan document is professionally done with quality formatting, readability and relevant content It provides supporting background data on local carbon emissions (Green House Gas Inventory(GHG)) and likely local climate impact through the section on Climate Trends and Projections that are thorough and well done The plan seems to address a wide spectrum of topics and issues that affect and potentially benefit the entire community It includes topics and specific actions that the Chamber has a history of involvement along with City and community partnerships in addressing The public outreach and involvement was a significant component and intent of the plan development process Since the early 2000's,the Ashland Chamber's efforts on conservation and the environment have focused primarily on providing education for businesses and residents on saving energy through various programs and events such as: PO Box 1360 e Ashland OR 970 @ I 10 Eastin St. e PO Box 1360 Ashland ( 1) - x: ( 1)482-2350 1111 uygyy�j UJ Pk IIII'.. NNN'pvrp IIII 6�jJ1,�,�, IIII IIII ��Nx 11 IIIII IIIIIIULN,1s IIII��IIIIIIIttl�111111 III��/III�II'I�''JJ�ttf IIIIIIIIIItt1��1114�9tttt"UUkNAAP�III��ttttl�llf�"��/IUA,�IIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIII'IINtttII�II 11111111111111��IIIIuy,//uJly'"Jllttlppj'ttl IIII�III.X °UID,, "yJ'�IIIIIIIIIIIIII I��IIIIIIIIIIII A � IIII e'�tiNud III • The AWARE program -The Ashland Chamber partnered with the City of Ashland for a number of years to work at reducing energy consumption and waste through energy audits and consulting • The Chamber researched,wrote and produced the Earthsmart Moneywise Guide to reducing energy • The Chamber has produced many workshops over the years in collaboration with the City,the Oregon Environment Council and the Oregon Office of Energy to help businesses learn from the leaders in the industry on how to save costs,waste and improve the environment. • The Chamber, in partnership with the City,developed door hangers and cards for lodging and dining businesses on saving water • The Chamber in partnership with the City produced community forums on drought and how to save water.The City of Ashland Public Works Department credits the Chamber in the large forum turnouts due to our outreach efforts • A Green Best Practices Committee was created to focus attention on our own programs to reduce waste by creating standards for our main events • Through the weekly Greeters meetings, in order to cut down on waste, reusable mugs, plates and flatware are used instead of paper products • A Shop Local program created in 2015 was expanded in 2016 to include a Holiday Shopping Guide and a video promotion encouraging purchase of goods through local businesses keeping the money local and circulating in our economy • The Chamber creates and manages the Festival of Light Celebration including the lighting of the town. Over the last few years,we have converted all the ornaments to LED and are proceeding with the building conversions • The Chamber has coordinated, supported and created numerous Emergency Preparedness programs and will continue to stress the need for preparedness • The Chamber office and members of the Board have committed to participate in 2017 in the Emergency Prepared Business Program through the City of Ashland. • The Chamber and Visitor and Convention Bureau researched,wrote,designed, produced and distributed The Ashland Map to not only provide way-finding but to work to educate our citizens and visitors of the critical resource of the Ashland Watershed • The Chamber has formed a Health and Wellness program to improve the health and well- being of all Ashland residents, businesses and their employees. It will be a broad-based community effort spearheaded by the Chamber but will include schools,seniors,SOU, businesses and their employees. This effort connects with the Public Health and Safety element of the CEAP."When everyone is healthy,employed and safe,the community enjoys greater economic and social stability and prosperity"as stated in the November 2016 Ashland Climate Energy Action Plan. We couldn't agree more with this statement and it underscores perfectly the mission of our health and wellness initiative and hope that the Chamber and City can work collaboratively on this element. There are a few areas within the Climate Energy Action Plan that we feel needs more work and development.We hope to remain closely connected to this project to help resolve some of these issues as this plan moves to Council and on to implementation. We are under the assumption that many of the actions described in the plan have been designed to provide some clarity for implementation but will have additional opportunities for all the affected community stakeholders and partners to have input into how the actions are ultimately put in place. Additionally,the Chamber encourages the City to continue to utilize the existing advisory commission structure and expertise for actions that fall into the purview of these established groups that have devoted many volunteer hours evaluating many actions similar to those in this plan. Specifically the areas of concern include: Currently unidentified implementation costs • Definition of the source of financing project costs • The relative impact on the cost of living and financial impact for residents and businesses Process and financing for enforcement Items within the Transportation section have already been vetted and eliminated as deemed impractical such as the parklets that remove parking spaces and making some of the side streets downtown vehicle free • There is mention of changing zoning to minimize development in high fire and flood risk areas that could impact residents and commercially zoned areas of current uses There appears to be quite a lot of strategy around reducing personal consumption by residents. It is unclear how this will be achieved, measured and enforced. Additionally, it is the goal of the Chamber to promote business and, in particular, locally owned businesses to the residents of Ashland to support local employment and greater circulation of money in the economy. The promotion of tourism is also an important part of our economic development efforts supporting thousands of local jobs which promotes consumption and our tourism based economy. Will the plan ultimately address the potential disconnect between the issue of minimizing smoke and the need for strategic open burning to meet the objectives of the Ashland Forest Resiliency project? Overall,we want to be assured the plan is realistic in costs so as not to put an undue burden on citizens by greatly increasing the cost of living and doing business in Ashland. Finally,we believe the investment spent by the City and community should be spent on local Ashland projects and programs rather than via the purchase of carbon off-sets that achieves carbon emissions reductions on paper, but send local funds far outside our local economy thereby diminishing the ability to fund and implement local programs that strengthen our community and our commitment to climate action.There are a number of elements indicated above that we hope to work together with the City in accomplishing and are encouraged by a number of these initiatives to improve our community. 9 o f c ion an I IIP YuSq' I r '7 Iba II a IV i I II / / 111111111,111J' i "'iIIV 11 lniif/ Yi Il '� j iSO� r n I II , Ill lllllli l I I I p u JANUARY 2017 o III� I I � of I rd/�y1 mmraurrrrrr,,,,i JvJ�bM,��JIJl�Ia�� j 011, ii OW son ,, �rrrrrda�r�vJ rrrrr<oir�a^ //ate 'i, l I II � � 1 Acknowledgments This document was formally adopted by the Ashland City Council on 2016-17 City Council Greg Lemhouse Rich Rosenthal Dennis Slattery Mike Morris Stefani Seffinger Mayor John Stromberg Project Acknowledgements AD-HOC CLIMATE AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN COMMITTEE (2005-2017) Claudia Alick,Oregon Shakespeare Festival Roxane Beige[-Coryell, Conservation Commission Cindy Bernard, Chamber of Commerce Issac Bevers,Student-Ashland High School Stuart Green,Ashland Food Co-op Jim Hartman,Ashland High School Gregory Jones,Southern Oregon University Marni Koopman,Conservation Commission James McGinnis,Conservation Commission Sarah Lasoff,Student-Ashland High School Claire Pryor,Student-Ashland High School * Rich Rosenthal,City Council Louise Shawkat- Resident Bryan Sohl, Conservation Commission " Committee Chair PROJECT TEAM CONSULTANT TEAM CITY OFASHLAND Andrea Martin, Cascadia Consulting Group Adam Hanks, Project Manager Marc Daudon, Cascadia Consulting Group Diana Shiplet,Administration Jeff Golden, Independent Consultant Oregon Climate Change Research Institute (OCCRI) at Oregon State University Jill Simmons, Evergreen Strategic David Van't Hoff, Independent Consultant 1 1 Roaamap �IIU ✓ ,,, WN911 i j / i I i i , l o r i i.. p,iiiiiiuui uVll iuuiluuiip �d i J11JJ11JJ1111111� � ,,° i I !� INTRODUCTION PLAN ORGANIZATION CLIMATE CHANGE VISION FOR THE &ASH LAND FUTURE What is a climate and Get the lay of the land. energy action plan, This section introduces Learn about Ashland's A glimpse of Ashland anyway?And why does the plan's six focus greenhouse gas emissions in 2050—a sustainable, Ashland need one? areas and how they are footprint, anticipated healthy, happy, and structured. climate change impacts, resilient community—and and the city's collaborative the initiatives that will and inclusive approach to shape how to get there. climate action. i vas i J j� r„> i lilt MINE`- . Y . 1 6' y 1 6= o, u i r III ii I II V d tt li I f I `q u, f BUILDINGS URBAN FORM, CONSUMPTION NATURAL SYSTEMS PUBLIC HEALTH, CROSS-CUTTING &ENERGY LAND USE& &MATERIALS SAFETY&WELL- STRATEGIES TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT BEING STRATEGIESI This plan is divided into six focus areas, listed above. Each focus area section includes an introduction to its impact and importance, progress to-date,goals and benchmarks, and the strategies and actions that will get us there. Each broad strategy (e.g., "support cleaner energy sources") is driven forward by specific priority actions that focus on mitigation, adaptation, or both (e.g., "enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities"). IMPLEMENTATION PL The body of the plan lays out the "what" and the "why";this appendix addresses the"how" and the"when," including the structure and timeframe of priority actions,which City departments are responsible for accomplishing them, and how progress will be tracked. 4 1 1 ply � I r` �I °if>-.,l.i��' � R(ranGiUlc,l,;,r 'r ,�� f/''✓1�,, lb/��!/� CLIMATE This summary provides more information on projected climate change impacts and trends in Ashland, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and natural hazard risk. PUBLIC OVERVIEW The public provided valuable input that helped shape the plan. See when and how the public was consulted, and how public input was used in the plan. EMISSIONS MOLI TARGET-SETTING L Take a behind-the-scenes look at the process used to model Ashland's green- house gas footprint and set emissions-reduction targets. ASHLAND GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY This document summarizes the city's emissions by sector and activity type from 2011 through 2015, and set the emissions baseline used to identify goals and prioritize strategies and actions throughout this plan. 5 ............ ............ p)AM My-�"f I'M Af, X V WHY A CLIMATE AND ENERGY PLAN? E ecuti e Summary Climate ch an ge is a[ready affecting Ash[and and the surrounding region,and its impacts are projected to become much more severe in the coming decades.To minimize harmfu[ impacts and play its part in curbing global carbon pollution,Ashland needs to take bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency. This plan lays out a foundation for the City of Ashland to reduce its emissions and improve its resilience to future impacts of climate change on its environment, infrastructure, and people. Greenhouse Gas Emissions According to the City's 2015 greenhouse gas inventory, The vast majority (83%) of Ashland's emissions stem from five main sources: : production of residential goods and food, residential travel, residential and commercial energy use, and upstream energy production. In 2015, Ashland's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint was approximately 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent(IVIT CO2e),representing 0.5%of Oregon's total emissions. City Government Goods+Construction 2% Industrial Energy -2% 1111111111h Commercial Solid Waste +Industrial Freight +Wastewater 2% 2% Residential Refrigerant Air Travel Leakage 4% 20/1% Climate Impacts The impacts of climate change will have tangible effects on public health and quality of life for Ashland's residents and visitors. In addition to the direct dangers of wildfires, flooding,and extreme weather events madeworse by c[i mate change,secondary effects of more extreme temperatures, snowpack declines, and wildfire smoke include health and livelihood impacts to sensitive and exposed populations, heightened threats to species and habitats,and consequences for local natural resources and economies such as agriculture, outdoor recreation, and tourism. 8 HOW DID WE GET HERE? FF-1 The Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan represents the AN culmination of a yeardong process of engagement, input, and review. PH Many individuals and organizations played a role in shaping this plan. It incorporates input from: Over 250 community members who attended a public open house. Over 125 individuals who responded to an online survey. Representatives from over 15 local organizations, businesses, and institutions who participated in interviews. jgl,' Over 30 City staff members who participated in facilitated workshops. 13 members of the Mayor-appointed ad-hoc committee. Formation of the plan was also informed by the following approaches: Leveraging and build i ng on progress to-date and existing plans and programs. Emphasizing equity and co-benefits. Customizing strategies to fit Ashland's unique context. Prioritizing actions that help meet Ashland's climate goals and vision. 11 MINIMUM! ON, a ��n c,,.,,,, 7/10 jimmij c VV�h �111 illlll" W I,s le a ct s �m le a �n 'fo�t As��i J'ca", I Ut U These climate changes wl[[ threaten Ashland's people, resources, and economy. Here are some examples of challenges Ashland could face: "00 Sensitive and exposed populations High elevation plants and wildlife will Seasonal and climate-dependent like the very young,elderly,those with need to adapt to shifting or diminishing industries such as agriculture,outdoor respiratory illness,and outdoor workers habitats. recreation,and tourism wilt be wilt be at risk from wildfire smoke and threatened under changing conditions. heat-retated illnesses. 9 GOALS AND TARGETS The plan's overarching goals and targets focus on addressing STRATEGIC INITIATIVES cHmate change risks by reducing Ashland's emissions of climate The foHowing overarching strategic pollution ((�c[imate mitigation") and preparing the city for initiatives were identified to guide the unavoidab[e impacts ("climate adaptation" strategies and actions presented in this plan. While the strategies and actions in Reduce Ashland's contribution to global carbon this plan areorganized by focus areas such pollution by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as Buildings and Energy, Transportation associated with City, residential, commercial, and Land Use,and Natural Systems,these and industrial activities. initiatives cut across these focus areas For the Ashland community: to emphasize synergistic and integrated solutions for addressing climate in Reduce overaH Ash[and community greenhouse Ashland. gas emissions by 8% on average every year to 2050. 0 Transition to clean energy. For City of Ashland operations: 0 Maximize water and energy efficiency and reuse. Attain carbon neutrality in City operations by 0 Support climate-friendly land 2030, and reduce fossil fuel consumption by 50% use and management. by 2030 and 100% by 2050. 0 Reduce consumption of Prepare the city's communities, systems, and carbon-intensive goods and resources to be more resilient to climate change services. impacts. Inform and work with 400,000 residents, organizations, and 0 ........... U ---------- F.F' 350,000 government, ...........1 11, LU 25 Lead by example. 300,000 Z 0 250,000 ZZ!, 2001`000 150,000 0 3: 100,000 or. 50,000 10 0 201.0 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 204.5 2050 STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS The Climate and Energy Action Plan presents strategies, priority actions, and other potential actions for six focus areas: C) Buildings& Urban Form, Consumption Natural Public Health, Cross-Cutting Energy Land Use& &Waste Systems Safety&Well- Strategies Transportation being The plan lays out specific actions within the following strategies: 11110 11111111111 1111111 U S �M S 0 0 V��"1.h��iiiiiii SYS11111'1�� M S 111�1 7 c0 1:4 U C A W ��11111111111��iiiiii ��M G C 0 S S C U 1111ir"r ��M,G 6:111 zo IT NEXT STEPS This Climate and Energy Action Plan is only the beginning of an ongoing process. The Implementation Plan provides a framework for launching the implementation phase of the plan, This phase will require the City and community to take priority actions—outhning specific plans of action and resource needs among responsible parties—while monitoring and benchmarking progress a[ongtheway.As details are outlined duringthis implementation phase,more specific quantitative goals and milestones will be created,drivingthe pace of strategy implementation.This plan provides a proposed structure for ongoing plan implementation, monitoring, evaluation,and adaptive management, as well as a list of key actions to be taken in the initial phase of implementation. ............ Oil by 8% peryear? Everyyearthis reduction is not metwill Introducti on mean that more reduction will be needed in the future. Home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Southern Ashland's foundational Climate and Energy Action Oregon University, and abundant natural beauty Plan (CEAP) provides a strategic framework and and recreation opportunities, the City of Ashland is a long-term vision for reducing greenhouse gas great place to live and visit. Climate change threatens emissions and preparing for climate change in the vitality, livelihood, and surrounding environment the city. It represents the culmination of a year-[ong that make Ashland what it is,with anticipated increases process of engagement, input, and review from the in severe heat, water scarcity, wildfire risk, and storm public, key community stakeholders, City staff, and events. By the 2080s, scientists project that Ashland a Mayor-appointed committee. Participants voiced will experience more than an 80% decrease in winter their concerns and priorities through online surveys, snowpack, 90 more days of extreme heat annually, and three public open houses, interviews, and facilitated more than an inch of additional rainfall during heavy workshops with City staff and committee members. storms.' This plan builds on this input and community progress to date by presenting a coordinated set of goals and The City of Ashland has a responsibility to address strategies to guide City and community action. climate change risks by reducing emissions and preparing the city for unavoidable impacts. Cities This plan provides a roadmap for Ashland to sustain around the world are leading in this endeavor, including economic, social, and environmental prosperity for more than 125 cities and counties in the United States current and future generations of residents and visitors. that signed the Compact of Mayors agreement to cut It represents the beginning of an ongoing and greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate evolving process. Implementation of the actions and change. Governments in the Pacific Northwest have attainment of targets set forth in this plan requires a led the charge on climate action, including the State of long-term, dedicated effort by the Ashland community Oregon, which established a statewide target to reduce and all City departments and staff. As detailed in the emissions by 75% below 1990 levels by 2050. Other Implementation Plan, the Ashland Climate and Energy Oregon cities have set greenhouse gas action goals, Action Plan will be updated every three years to ensure including Corvallis, Eugene, and Portland. thatthe city's actions toward addressing climate change are up-to-date, sufficient for meeting the City's goals, The City of Ashland has already taken initial steps to and beneficial for aH. As progress is made and actions address climate change. Achievements include the are underway,this plan and its future updates will serve solar power incentive program, home energy efficiency as a foundation for taking meaningful action toward incentive programs, participation in and support of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building community outreach and awareness events such as resiliency to climate impacts in and around Ashland. Climate Week in 2015,and integration of climate change impacts into the Water Master Plan and 2016 Ashland Forest Plan. However, more work is needed. According to scientific models, to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, Ashland, along with the rest of the world,will have to reduce its greenhouse has emissions 2 Source: Declaration of James F. Hansen, PhD, in Support of Western Environmental Law Center and Our Children's Trust's Comments on Proposed Clean Air I Source: Oregon State University (2016). Rule (2016). 14 For each focus area, this document tells the story of Ashland's climate goals, progress to date, and strategies and actions for achieving those goals. Plan Organization The strategies and actions are presented in order The plan presents goals, targets, strategies, and of priority as articulated by the public, City staff, potential actions for mitigating and adapting to climate ad hoc committee, and the practices and plans of change. It is organized into six focus areas: other cities and communities. Buildings and Energy: Energy used in resi- They are organized in the following manner: 'All dential., commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as opportunities to reduce energy use, Strategies represent a thematic groupings of expand renewable energy production, and prepare buildings for a changing climate. actions that aH work toward a specific goal. Strategies within each focus area are ordered by Urban Form, Land Use,and Transporta- priority. tion:The form and function of[and and transportation systems, including ways to Priority Actions are actions within a strategy that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through were prioritized,or shordisted,from a broader set of urban planning, design, improved [and use potential actions. These priority actions underwent practices, and clean and efficient transporta- a more thorough assessment that evaluated cost, tion systems. effectiveness, feasibility, and co-benefits. These actions are ordered from highest to lowest priority Consumption and Materials Management: as identified through the evaluation process. The lifecyc[e of goods and materials, including opportunities to reduce emissions associated Other Actions are opportunities that were with manufacturing, use, and disposal. identified as potential actions but were not considered high-priority through the public and Natural Systems:Air,water, and ecosystem stakeholder engagement process. 10 health, including opportunities to reduce emissions and prepare for climate change Priority Actions are labeled by scope of impact, as through improved resource conservation and follows: ecosystem management. Breadth of Impact Public Health, Safety,and Well-being: affects community-wide operations and 0 Health and assistance programs for disadvan- climate goals. X taged populations, including preparing health, affects municipal operations and climate social, and emergency systems for climate goals. change. L\\ Cross-Cutting Strategies:Activities that Type of Impact addresses mitigation goals (lowers GHG address climate change more generally or emissions). across multiple sectors. addresses adaptation goals (builds resilience to climate impacts). addresses both mitigation and adaptation goals. -MAY)"Mollmiluill —WORM)")"ARA WO fff jellill ""Ol.0, 4m, )JO) .......................................................................I'll, "...... .4 fxwq(6�1 IN iw up wdfi6 4§6 bb ('111111N, umm .............. ...................................lllllg�,,Will, J)"K diii PAR Cl 'imate Change & Ashland According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),to have a likely chance of averting the most dangerous of climate change impacts, the world must reduce emissions enough to keep global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius.This amount of emissions is called the world's"carbon budget" and the world is already on track to spend the remainder of this budget in just three decades.'The risks of climate change, including sea level rise,forest fires, and water shortages,exponentially increases with every degree of warming above 2 degrees.The following sections detail how Ashland may experience and contribute to climate change in the coming years. 3 Source: World Resources Institute HOW WILL CLIMATE IMPACT ASHLAND? Regional projections indicate that by the 2080s, Ashland could experience the following c[imate-driven environmental changes:4 f FP IRV, 11........... CAI' 10 0 ,�-) C141, a e avy Nddfk i � ........... +0.8-1.3 in rainfall increase +30%increase in probability of large wildfires** during the heaviest rain days* -40 year decrease 'in average time between fires— +4-6 day increase in the longest dry spe[[s* Increased burn acreage More winter precipitation ........... &.......... e J� S -u �� f........... 1-(11. ...... ... ................ .......... .......... a c l< 'a" e J ........ C aq,,,j �Iy a v a ex,Ul a, .......... E a +7-120 F increase in the -71 to-86%decline in hottest day of the year April I snowpack in the Middle Rogue subasin +39-90 more days a year More precipitation as rain nstead of snow of warm spells Earlier spring snowmelt Higher winter strea mf low 4 These ranges represent mean projections under the high emissions Lower summer streamflow scenario (RCP 8.5).Source:Oregon State University,2016 *Some models show decreases **Stavros,Abatzog[ou, Larkin, McKenzie,&Steel,2014 Sheehan, Bache�et,&Ferschweiler,2015 18 Climate Impacts Every community wi I I experience climate ch an ge differently.The geography,ecosystems,economy,demographic m a keup, and social networks of a community a[[ influence how climate change will affect a community and its ability to cope and adapt. In Ashland, more volatile rainfall patterns will increase the frequency and severity of droughts and flooding. More frequent extreme heat events will pose a danger to vulnerable residents. Snowpack will decrease, putting the City's water resources at risk. Plant and animal species will also be affected—some positively and negatively. Increases in temperature, combined with less consistent precipitation,will increase the frequency and severity of wildfires. The impacts of climate change will have tangible effects on public health and quality of life for Ashland's residents and visitors. In addition to the direct dangers of wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather events made worse by climate change—including injury, death, and the destruction of property and livehhoods—there will be a variety of[esser-known impacts on Ashland's population.Wildfire smoke,forexample,can cause serious health complications,especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Similarly, more frequent and severe heat waves can be deadly, especially for young children and the elderly,and exposed persons such as outdoorworkers. Other changes,such as decreased summer stream flow and reduced snowpack, could have significant quality-of-life impacts on Ashland's residents, many of whom enjoy outdoor recreation and rely on the water supplied by the local watershed for their livelihoods.Ashland could even experience an influx of 11chmate refugeesil who are displaced from their homes due to climate change impacts elsewhere. Unfortunately, many of these climate risks will disproportionately affect certain groups. In the United States, communities of color, non-Eng[ish speaking households, and low-income populations have historically been underserved by public programs and investments, resulting in limitations such as fewer transportation options, less resilient housing, and less reliable healthcare options.These inequities may limitthe ability of these popu[ationsto respond to the impacts of climate change and benefit from new investments and actions taken to address climate pollution. IP a �n f'o 3 rai. "s f ut(,j. 111111�10;1�111111#11,s��l a ��n d W e s e Pvf�h a c(iif.:: V, F F ///1 law 11ho I 0/f/a/m," WD These climate changes will threaten Ash[and's people, resources, and economy. Here are some examples of challenges Ashland could face: ................ vk , 64, 11.......... Sensitive and exposed populations High elevation plants and wildlife will Seasonal and climate-dependent like the very young,elderly,those with need to adapt to shifting or diminishing industries such as agriculture,outdoor respiratory illness,and outdoor workers habitats. recreation,and tourism wilt be wilt be at risk from wildfire smoke and threatened under changing conditions. heat-related illnesses. 19 Ashland's Greenhouse Gas Emissions To keep globa[ greenhouse gas emissions below what is needed to avoid 2 degrees Ce[cius warming, the IPCC estimates that global emissions need to be reduced by40 to 70% by 2050, and that carbon neutrahty needs to be reached bythe end of the century. In 2015,the City commissioned a greenhouse gas inventory to understand and characterize the sources of Ashland's emissions and trends in emissions over time. In 2015, Ash[and's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint was approximate[y 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent(VIT CO2e), representing 0.5%of Oregon's total emissions. The vast majority (83%) of Ash[and's emissions stem from five main sources: production of residentia[ goods and food, residential travel, residentia[ and commercia[ energy use, and upstream energy production.' 5 Source:Ashland 2015 Greenhouse Gas Inventory WHERE DO EMISSIONS COME FROM? The chart be[ow shows how different sources and sectors contribute to Ash[and's 2015 carbon footprint. Production of Residential Goods including emissions associated with the Residential and Commercial Energy Use manufacture and transport of durable (13%and 11%, respectively),including househo[d goods produced outsiclaof electricity and stationary combustion 0 0 City Government (�:gas-fi red fu mace,for exa m ple) used Ash[a nd for use by Ash[a n d residents.*0 Goods+Construction 2% i� homes and commercial buildings. Industrial Energy -2% Production of Residential Food inc[uding emissions associated with the production and transport of Residential Travel agricu[tura[products grown outside of Ashland for consumption by inc[uding direct and upstream Commercial emissions associated with Ash[and residents. Solid Waste +Industrial Freight +Wastewater 2% passenger cars and trucks used for 2% Residential Refrigerant Air Travel Leakage 4% noncommercial purposes. 2% Upstream Energy Production inc[udingthe emissions generated by the extraction and production of usab[e fue[ products(e.g., refined gaso[ine or e[ectricity) used in Ashland. 20 Ah Ink Ah 11� eve[of LOW 11� evet of HIGH W!i a�t s iiri�c I u d e d W!izt1s�� " Household consumption of food and " Building energy use inresidential, goods commercial, and industrial sectors " City government consumption, " Transportation energy use including from the production of " Methane emissions from waste goods and some purchased services disposal " Fuel production " Wastewater treatment " Emissions from refrigerants There is some degree of uncertainty in any GHG High inventory. This uncertainty can come from incomplete data or | � uncertainty intrans|atingunits bio of activity into emissions. Understanding the sources of Sector-based uncertainty should improve D � future inventory and reporting `^ efforts, including prioritization of additional data'gathering' l � framing inventory results, and Low developing mitigation goaisand o sn'nun znu`non tracking systems. Greenhouse Gas Emissions(MT cgo) HOW HAVE ASHLAND"S EMISSIONS CHANGED OVER TIME7 0 Ashland's per-househo[d GHG emissions have decreased nearly 6% over the past five years. Households in Ashland are producing nearly 25% fewer GHG emissions than the average Oregon household. Nearly a[[ of Ash[and's GHG reductions can be attributed to changes in emissions from the built environment. Together, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings saw their GHG emissions footprint decrease by 21% from 2011 to 2015, largely due to increased renewable electricity on the regional grid, decreased electricity use in the residential sector, and decreased natural gas use due to warmerwinters. 200,000 ------------------------------------------------- - 2011 Baseline 195,000 IVIT CO2e Sector-Based Emissions 180,000 decreased by-10% between 2011 and 2015 160,000 140,000 Refrigerant Leakage Solid Waste+Wastewi aj 120,000 Transportation 00 U Industrial 100,000 --ma/ Commercial Residential 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 HOW DO CONSUMPTION EMISSIONS STACKUP7 'D Emissions from household goods are dominated by home construction, furniture, clothing, and vehicle purchases, while the production of mean accountsfora [argeshare of food consumption emissionsfrom Ashland residents.The chart below shows these and othersources of consumption-based emissions in Ashland forthe 2015 fiscal year. 90"'000 80"Wo 7 "000 10, 60, 0010 50,100,01 400,00101 0"Wo Transport Fuels 20,0010 Natoral Gas 101,0010 Etectrildity 0 ................................ ......................................................................................................... ............... Hoosefiio4d,Goods Household Food Energy CRY,Giover'nirrent 22 Supply Chain Bu*ild*ing on a Foundat*ion Ashland has already made notable progress toward reducing both its community emissions and its vulnerability to the potential impacts of climate change. Ashland has a variety of plans, policies, programs, and studies that are connected to the needs and solutions for addressing climate change issues and challenges. Some of these documents already emphasize climate solutions described in this plan,while others will need to be updated to integrate climate change and climate action. Where linkages are clear, this plan highlights "levers" in existing plans and programs and brings them together to address a common goal. lillill Hill ............ M Y EN,'N ........................ ............. VJA OU)00 .. ........... .................... 11 1 I'll 11/0 This plan builds on the great work Ashland has done to-date to present a more coordinated and strategic pathway toward realizing the city's climate vision. City-sponsored The community solar Am wao /s fmai fe, events like the o p project Solar Pioneer Ashland Climate Challenge have 11 gives citizens an opportunity to purchase engaged the Public /Ji/Am/11 -generated around climate locally issues. renewable energy. The City recently completed a City Facilities Energy Audit that identified energy efficiency upgrade opportunities at City facilities. JK't A,I VLP IP A,S 11 Lo,%,r;11 A new city Water Master i f�w Plan will incorporate U, ''A" "k, I` J� A retro-commissionin 9 future climate risks to incentive program provides financial and technical water supply and quality into future service assistance to tune up energy planning and activities. systems in commercial and residential buildings. Of 23 WHAT ARE WE DOING RIGHT NOW7 0 Below are examples of plans, programs, policies,and studiesthat linktothe goals and actionsof the Climate and Energy Action Plan: �P LA�N S PROGRAMS Comprehensive Plan Emergency management Water Master Plan Community Emergency Response Transportation System Plan and Team (CERT) Regional Transportation Model Firewise Economic Development Strategy Forest Resiliency Project Neighborhood Master Plans Water conservation incentive and Emergency Management Plan outreach Community Wildfire Preparation Energy efficiency assistance Plan Solar incentives 2016 Ashland Forest Plan Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) Nature Center education POLICIES STUDIES Land use code City facility efficiency and solar Wi[d[and-urban interface (WUI) assessment code and fire code Solid waste and recycling annual Energy contract with BPA report Renewable energy assessment GHG inventory 24 A Coord*1nated Effort Cl I mate ch an ge is a cross-cutting issue.Contributions of greenhouse gas em I ssions stem from activities across sectors and sources,from transportation and energy to buildings and materials management. Strategies to prepare for climate change cut across traditional disciplines, ranging from water and natural resource management to public health and safety. Multifaceted challenges require integrated solutions. Many of the solutions and strategies presented in this plan are not new, and many are already part of existing City plans, programs, and policies that are focused within individual City departments.This plan brings those solutions together in an integrated and strategic wayto address the climate challenge, and where needed, proposes adjustments or expansions to meet climate goals. Implementing this plan requires forging relationships and coordinating across traditional departmental and stakeholder boundaries to form synergistic, efficient, and effective solutions. This plan primarily focuses on strategies and actions that Ashland's City government can take to help address climate challenges. However, all parties have a role and must be a part of the solution, including Ashland residents, businesses,organizations, and government.This plan provides suggestions for actions that residents,visitors, businesses, and organizations can take to play their part in tackling climate change. Poll", "'Combotting climote chonge is ofundomentol responsibilityfor everyone, everywhere. The stotus quo is cleorly unocceptoble. For the soke offuture generotions, moking progress, together, cis o community, is urgent. Rich Rosenthal, Ashland City Councilor and Chair of the CEAP ad-hoc committee "all in 25 25 .................... ..................... .................... ........ ......... ....... ... . ......... .......... .......... -- --- ......... ......... ................. ....... ........ ......... .......... ......... ......... ......... . ...............P�,, �;�;/.......... ........ ......... ... . ........ . ................ .......... wwwww wwwwwww, ............... ............ ................... ............................................................................. ............... ............. .......... AW�/" Al��1�1�1 ON JO/ POP, Overarch'ing Goals Goal 1: Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cities play an important role in reducing greenhouse gases. More than 80%of Americans and 50%of the world's pop u[ation live in urban areas. Therefore, the design of cities, including their built environment and transportation systems, strongly influence GHG emissions.Ashland recognizes that it must minimize its negative impact on the global environment. While urgent action is needed, many climate actions cannot be completed overnight, so a long-term approach is needed to achieve deep reductions. The Climate and EnergyAction presents the following long-term targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with city and community activities: For the community: a Reduce overall Ashland community greenhouse gas emissions by 8% per year, on average. For City of Ashland operations: Reach carbon neutrality by 2030. Reduce fossil fuel consumption by 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. The 8% annual target represents emissions reductions necessary to prevent the worst climate change impacts (see the Methodology appendix for more information). Specifically, it identifies how much the world on average would need to cut emissions each year to result in a concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere under 350 parts per million. To further underscore the importance of setting and reaching this target, this plan recommends that the community and city targets and related goals be adopted by ordinance. This action indicates to the community the highest [eve[ of commitment by the City Council to take meaningful action. 28 ASHLAND"S TARGETED GHG EMISSIONS 8% per year average reduction in total emissions Un z 4 0 01 0 0 0 0 35 Of 0 0 0 ILU 300,000 ............. Z 0 V71 2 5 0,0 0 0 Uj V) 2001000 ............. < (D Uj V) .1 50,000 ............. 0 17, Z 10 0 0 0 0 ULJ ULJ (D 1115 0 0 0 0 6 1 ........... ................................................................................................................... 0 .............. I............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20'0l��O 201 5 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 The strategies and actions in this plan are a starting point and strategic framework for making and assessing progress over time. This plan does not provide a pathway for achieving this target, as the target represents a degree of action that cannot be accurately modeled using current greenhouse gas accounting methodologies. Consequently, some real- world reductions in Ashland may not be reflected in near-term GHG inventories because available tools for evaluating consumption-re[ated emissions do not currently capture changes in Ashland's consumption behaviors.This plan assumes that methodologies will be refined in the future to enable more accurate measurement of emission reductions. For example, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is developing a too[ that can be used to more accurately quantify consumption-based emissions, and will be applied to Ashland)s next GHG inventory. Emissions reductions were modeled against the proposed higher-level strategies in this plan. The "Moving the Needle: A Thought Experiment))section summarizes outcomes forthat modeling exercise to reveal how various actions taken by the City and community could result in measurable emissions reductions. 29 Goal �� Prepare forProjectedClimate Change Impacts--Ashiand vviU experience varying impacts of climate change at different times. Some of the impacts are aiready being te|t, induding iower snovvpack and more smoke and heat in the summer.' As climate changes our environment and its systems and resources. Ashland vvUi need to anticipate the changes and take action to mitigate or adapt to the impacts. ThisgoaicaUsforAshiandto recognize these climate change threats and takeactionsto ensure thatAshiond can withstand the impacts while sustaining or improving quality of life for all its citizens. These actions could inciude approaches to minimizing community's exposure to climate impacts' the sensitivity of people or infrastructure that are exposed' or capacity to adjust or bounce back. IF MM POP, V1111- gO 01 30 A Strategic Approach This plan presents a strategy that is customized Direct influence on water supply.Ashland has to Ashland's unique characteristics. Ashland can direct ownership and control over much of its influence its ability to address or prioritize particular water supply. However, climate change will impact climate and energy strategies as a result: that supply. Progressive state-level activities.The State of Utility ownership.Ashland's electricity utility is Oregon has introduced ambitious climate policies and municipally owned,which grants the City direct regulations, as well as tools and resources for sup- control over utility operations, business decisions, porting local climate action. and related program activities. Energy mix.Ashland purchases energy from Given these particular characteristics coupled with Bonneville Power Administration,which is largely information on Ashland's greenhouse gas emission sourced by hydropower. sources and anticipated impacts from climate change, Engaged community.Ashland citizenry are highly the following overarching strategic initiatives were identified to guide the strategies and actions presented engaged in community issues and activities. in this plan. While the strategies and actions in this Political will.Ashland's leadership is historically plan are organized by focus areas such as Buildings supportive of innovative actions and environmen- and Energy, Transportation and Land Use, and Natura[ ta[ leadership. Systems, these initiatives, described in the following History of climate action.Ashland has a long sections, cut across these focus areas to emphasize history of environment- and c[imate-re[ated synergistic and integrated solutions for addressing climate in Ashland. policies and actions to build upon, including the first community solar project in Oregon and effective energy efficiency programs. 0 Transition to clean energy. Heavy tourism influence.Ashland's industry is 0 Maximize water and energy efficiency and largely tourist-based, meaning that a portion of reuse. the city's greenhouse gas emissions comes from 0 Support climate-friendly land use and the behavior of visitors, over which the City has management. less direct influence.Ashland's interactions with 0 Reduce consumption of carbon-intensive tourists could also potentially give Ashland's goods and services. actions a greater geographic reach, however, as visitors bring the Ashland experience back home Inform and work with residents, organizations, with them. and government. Small city in a rural environment.Ashland Lead by example. is a small town,which brings both benefits and challenges. On one hand, governments of small communities can have more direct contact and influence over its services and utilities. On the other hand, smaller communities have fewer available resources for climate action compared to larger cities, and advocating for changes at the state and national [eve[ could be more difficult. 31 1 1 Transition to clean energy Energy used for buildings and transportation comprises JJJ half of Ashland's historic greenhouse gas emissions. Most of these emissions are from the combustion of natural gas by residential and commercial buildings, electricity consumption, and gasoline used to fuel residential on road travel. Addressing energy related emissions requires a combination of reduced and lower-carbon energy use. The majority of energy consumed byAshland s buildings is purchased from Bonneville Power Administration j(BPA), which sources its electricity largely from hydro and nuclear power. The majority of energy consumed by Ashland's transportation sector come from th direct combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel. Switching g I / / existingfuels such as natural as and gasoline, to � / g g � cleaner fuels such as low carbon electricity can lower j the overall emissions profile of Ashland's current energy use and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore the introduction of new clean energy sources such as local renewable energy, as well as increased conservation %f and energyefficient can help offset the increased % Y� p / electricity loads caused by fuel-switching and increasedJA / 6 %// coolingdemands anticipated under future climate p I� change.These actions in combination actsynergistically IIII( uuumuuu g i IJ, � r / r I, renergy-related to educe tota l r The following Climate and Energy Action Plan strategies are cornerstones of this clean energy transition: ® Support cleaner energy sources. • Support more efficient vehicles. 1 Improve energy demand management. Example actions within these strategies include supporting community solar projects, smart grid r / � /i / /f f� technologies,and actions andinitiatives that accelerate / f fue switchin such as electric vehicle infrastructure / requirements. 32 1 1 ........... ........... ��i cosillillilillIllIlIlIIIIIIIIIIIIII ��M U 1111111111111111 Transition ingto a clean energy future in Ashland will require a combination of increased fuel-switching,clean energy sourcing, and efficiency.Taking this three-pronged approach will allow the electric utility to offset potential revenue losses from efficiency and off-grid electrical consumption with new revenues from switching gas-fueled cars and natural gas-heated homes to electric vehicles and electricity-heated homes. Through this strategy, Ashland will be able to lower its overall energy consumption, costs, and associated emissions. mG�moioi�i.� 4 me�ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuu LE ' RENEWABLE � I 1 J U T H; . l � i ' 1ff l I�,��7 re,i Ii, r' ',t{I 1 0 r f ANER,FUES' I RioMW,,,_„ , ' m l „ r1EQ r U u U W«FA14 ii Al f M R,".U,P t,1%Jn(/, W 1p,VG" i' II I I rC'1T1Y OF A,SHLAND"S 33 1 1 Maximize water and energy Support climate4riendly land use efficiency and reuse and management The production and use of energy and water resources The use and management of Ashland's lands play for the built environment greatly influences Ashland's a significant role in both reducing greenhouse greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability to climate gas emissions and preparing for climate impacts. impacts. Energy used by buildings accounts for almost Development that promotes walking, biking, and riding a third of Ashland's greenhouse gas emissions. Water transit reduces emissions from on-road vehicles, which consumption for residential and commercial buildings account for the majority of transportation-related and surrounding green spaces put considerable stress emissions. Proper management and conservation of on community water resources, which may become land resources can also support ecosystem services more scarce and in greater demand as temperatures such as water storage and flow attenuation, shade, and increase and summer water availability declines. biodiversity that make the city and its resources more resilient to threats posed by climate change. Reducing water and energy resource use associated with Ashland's built environment will cut emissions, Strategies in the Climate and Energy Action Plan that ease loads on the utility, and help secure resource support climate-friendly land use and management are: supply and resiliency in a changing climate. The introduction of cleaner energy sources can reduce 0 Make Ashland even more friendly for people energy-related emissions to an extent, but improved walking and biking to reduce n enc on energy use efficiency will also be required to achieve vehicles. deep emission reductions. In general, cutting emissions 8 Support better public transit and ri eharin . through energy efficiency improvements can be more cost-effective than adding new renewable energy • Support more climate-ready development and sources. The followingClimate and Energy Action Plan land use. gy strategies support water and energy efficiency: • Promote ecosystem resilience. • Manage ecosystems and landscapes o • Encourage increased building energy minimize climate-related health impacts. efficiency. 6 Manage and conserve community water • Adapt buildings toa changing climate. resources. • Manage and conserve community water resources. Actions within these strategies feature transit-oriented development and infrastructure that supports Example actions include adjusting land use codes walking and biking. Also, improved management and and incentives to support resource-efficient design, conservation of natural resources such as water adn water reuse, and/or on-site storage systems; green spaces in and outside the city can help prepare sponsoring building energy retrofit programs and water the city for changes in temperatures, water availability, conservation rebate programs; introducing rate-based and wildfire risk. incentives; and providing educational materials aimed at awareness and behavior change. The introduction of passive and heat-tolerant building principles can also reduce cooling energy needs during heat waves and minimize heat-related public health impacts. 34 1 1 Reduce consumption of carbonm Inform and work with residents, 0 0 0 intensive goods and services organizations, and government The production and delivery of goods and services Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building consumed by Ashland households contribute almost resilience to climate impacts in Ashland is a community- half of Ashland's greenhouse gas emissions.These goods wide effort. Everyone, including residents, businesses, and services include food, furniture, home construction organizations, institutions, and departments within materials,electronics, and clothing; and the production the City itself, must understand what is needed and of transport fuels, natural gas, and electricity consumed work together to take action. This strategy involves in Ashland. Certain foods, such as meats, are more the City working closely internally and with the public, carbon-intensive to produce than dairy and grains, and local stakeholder groups, and other jurisdictions and therefore contribute the largest proportion of food- agencies to communicate climate priorities, coordinate related emissions. action, and inspire change. The City must continue to learn from and listen to these parties to ensure that Despite the large contribution of household actions are coordinated, relevant, and effective. This consumption to Ashland's greenhouse gas footprint,the strategy involves paying particular attention to equity City of Ashland has little direct control over household considerations in the context of climate change (see purchasing behavior and product manufacturing and "Climate and Equity" section on page 21). Specific transportation. As a result City-initiated options to strategies within the Climate and Energy Action Plan reduce emissions from this source are limited. However, that support this education and coordination effort it is expected that as global markets and energy sources include: become greener overtime, so too would the goods and services that Ashlanders consume. Strategies in the 8 Educateand empower the public. Climate and Energy Action Plan that contribute toward 0 Educate and empower City staff. reducing emissions associated with consumption of goods and services are: • Mainstream climate considerations. • EnhanceCity communication and coordination • Reduce consumption. to minimize public health and safety impacts. • Support sustainabl and accessible local 8 Promote a sustainable local economy that production and consumption. minimizes missions and vulnerability. • Engage with other governments and These strategies promote reduced consumption, organizations on regional, statewide, national, facilitating marketplaces for reuse and sharing such and international climate policy and action. as tool-lending libraries and reuse fairs, expanding the construction and demolition debris code to promote material salvage; sustaining local food production such as through farmers' markets and community gardens; and distributing outreach and education materials on the impacts of consumer choices. 35 1 1 Lead by example Although emissions from the City of Ashland's operations make up a relatively small proportion of the community's overall greenhouse gas emissions, City leadership in reducing its own operational emissions can inspire community action, enhance operational efficiencies, and reduce costs. This strategy involves the City taking actions to reduce its own GHG emissions footprint and make City operations more climate resilient, including by training internal staff, optimizing City facilities,and improving equipment and purchasing processes. Strategies in the Climate and Energy Action Plan that support City leadership are: • Maximize energy efficiency of City facilities, equipment, and operations. • Increase the efficiency of City fleet and employeecommuting. • Improve sustains ility of City operations and purchases. • Conserve water use within City operations. 36 1 / / / /r i /// i f r r / / r I / /i / / / r I„I, I I, I,i , J 1 1111 4 i 6 I I,:V I !i I I I ................ I / / / I i / I I / I / I r / I i / / / r // � f / / / / r / / f II / r I / r / / I f/ f/ / / I / f / f � I f � �r I f, r/ fl f / f f f f f f / I I / I I I I I I r I J 1 1 I J 1 f� �.I / i ! f i, II / IIIV! // II, II 1 / II! / ,f I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I / 1 1 l I ) i III r / r %"%',ua9 / r, l / � f �� f / r . r f r, 1 ,n r / 1J g, MIN y f 1 I { lu DI, r , V `r r Im Moving the Needle: A Thought Experiment This plan sets forth an ambitious goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ashland. What does that mean for the average Ashlander and how the city operates? What kinds of changes would need to happen in Ashland to really move the needle on emissions?This sect-ion provides a thought experiment to demonstrate how a few example changes in Ashland's behaviors and infrastructure could result in greenhouse gas emission reductions. It is merely a thought experiment to demonstrate the linkage between behavior and emissions— the scenario presented does not necessarily reflectwhat is realistic orwou[d result bytakingthe actions in this plan. For more information on how specific actions in this plan may contribute toward Ashland's greenhouse gas emission reduction goal,see the "What will this plan achieve?"section on page 39. If the Ashland community made the achievements listed in the table below, then the community would be able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 46% below 2015 levels by 2050, equivalent to each Ashland resident and business reducing its footprint by about 1.4% per year. These estimates are based on assumptions from similar analyses conducted by other municipalities and organizations in the Pacific Northwest. The progress that Ashland makes toward reducing its GHG emissions will also be influenced by broader state, regional, national, and international initiatives and policies. The federal Clean Power Plan, for example, if enacted,will reduce the GHG emissions associated with the U.S. energy grid by making power plants operate more cleanly and efficiently and expandingthe capacity forzero-and low-emitting powersources. In 2016,the State of Oregon enacted legislation requiring Oregon's major electricity suppliers to obtain 50%of their power from renewable sources by 2040. The law also sets a timetable for eliminating coa[-fired electric power in the state, and it establishes a community solar program for Oregon. These and other anticipated regulations and programs, such as changes to the federal Corporate Average Fuel Fconomy (CAFF) standards, will further contribute toward Ashland's emissions reduction goals and were taken into account in this analysis. -------- ........ ........................................................................................ 38 PER a&o/ ...................... s h I a d c 0% 1 d a c h e e, a 6 re d u ct i o n r e L10I hU,---u s e a s em issiui is by 2050 if the com m u nit CONSUMPTION ENERGY TRANSPORTATION Reduced consumption- Reduced energy use Shifted 50%of motorized related emissions by 50% by 50%through energy travel to walking or biking. through activities such as efficiency measures. For the remaining motorized product reuse, reducing meat Shifted 14%of grid travel: W, consumption, or introduction electricity consumption of a carbon tax on products Shifted 80%of private to distributed renewable vehicles to electric and services. energy generation. vehicles. Transitioned 90%of Shifted 33%of natural gas used in commercial vehicles to buildings to electricity. electric vehicles. Increased the average M� fuel efficiency of light- duty vehicles to 53 miles per gallon. W Pei Jill NNI ii:I iiii:i 200/6- 6 1116 '10 4.00,000 ....... 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 1�50,000 100,000 50,000 0 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 204.0 2045 20SO 2.6","No ...................................... Renewable energy(1%) BE-1-2 Encouraging on-site and community 11111111.3% solar energy production BE-3-1 Installing solar at City facilities BE-4-1 Introduction of virtual net metering NMI M 1 1 u r l, f 1 r s i i N J' � i f i What w*111 th*ls plan ach*ieve*,? The modeled emission reductions in this section provide a sense of what could be achieved if Ashland took r , aggressive action on climate change b implementing actions set forth in the Plan. Reductions are resented gg g Y p g p as groupings of similar actions, but do not precisely represent the reductions associated with those actions. This is due to challenges in attributing emission reduction values to individual actions. � l Potential emission reductions associated with individual actions can be difficult to quantify with certainty l due to their interdependent nature. For example, reduced emissions associated with switching from gasoline to electric vehicles will depend largely on the mix of energy sources used to generate electricity and the average fuel economy of the vehicles. Emissions associated with use of electricity will in turn be affected by other actions in this plan, such as increased local renewable energy production. It is therefore difficult and counterproductive to single out reductions associated with an individual action. p g Y 1 i Assessing emissions reductions is also complicated by uncertainty in underlying variables and assumptions. f The efficacy of expanded education and outreach efforts around home energy efficiency will depend on many factors, including the populations to which outreach will be conducted,the extent to which to City has already reached existing residences, as well as external factors, such as the state of the economy, which influences fir„ peoples willingness to take risks and invest in new technologies. ICI Given these limitations actions in this plan were not quantitatively modeled for efficacy. Rather, actions p q Y Y were qualitatively assessed relative to other potential actions using a set of criteria that included estimated emissions reduction potential. Qualitative assessment informed the order of priority actions in this plan. It is expected that, at the time of implementation, the City will undertake more detailed modeling efforts to quantify anticipated outcomes. JE rJr >r 1 1 1 Cl*irnate and Equ*lty Equity is central to addressing climate change. Many of the countries most responsible for contributing to climate change, such as the United States, will not bear the brunt of global climate change impacts. Countries and communities that were not large historical emitters of greenhouse gases,such as small island nations,Arctic villages,and developing coastal communities,are facing a rapidly changing environment of thawing ice,flooded coasts, and extreme storms. Many of these communities do not have the resources or capabilities to protect, restore, or adapt to these changing conditions. It is the responsibility of the United States and its communities, as historical and current contributors to the problem,to be a committed and proportionate part of the solution. This plan provides a foundation for ensuring that Ashland contributes to being part of the climate change solution. Climate change will also have a disproportionate impact on some local populations. In Ashland, elderly, low-income, disabled, and minority populations will be most vulnerable to many changing climate conditions, such as threats from severe heat, wildfire smoke - exposure, and flooding.' These populations may also suffer from other secondary impacts of climate change, such as risks to seasonal employment and agricultural - • productivity. Ashland will need to commit special focus when implementing all actions in this plan to ensure the continued and improved prosperity and quality of life of these populations in the face of a changing climate. • • Actions to address these inequities,such as by reducing urban heat islands or providing disaster preparedness assistance to at-risk communities, will pay dividends not just for those populations but also for the greater Ashland community. When everyone is healthy, employed, and safe, the community enjoys greater economic and social stability and prosperity. 42 Co-Benefits In addition to the larger societal benefits that result from equitable and inclusive climate action, many strategies and actions in this plan result in other co-benefits, such as enhanced natural aesthetics, public health, economic vitality, or quality of life. For example, the introduction of energy-saving equipment and behaviors not only address climate goals, but they can also lower energy costs for residents and citizens. This plan prioritizes these "win-win" solutions that benefit both the climate and other facets of the Ashland community. Co-benefits associated with each action are identified with icons in the Implementation Plan. Co-benefits considered in prioritizing the strategies and actions of this plan include the following: Support for low-income and disadvantaged communities. When implemented carefully and correctly, actions such as local green job training and subsidy programs for energy efficiency upgrades can be especially helpful for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Public health. Some actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions also promote healthier lifestyles,such as supporting more people walking and biking and eating less carbon-intensive foods. Quality of life and well-being. Many climate actions can also improve quality of life for Ashland citizens, such as benefits of green jobs to the local economy and creation of more comfortable and inviting homes through energy efficiency improvements. Local habitat, recreation and aesthetic. In addition to enhancing ecosystem resilience, minimizing heat impacts, and storing carbon, actions that improve natural habitat and tree cover can also enhance natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities for visitors and residents. "In urban settings, neighborhoods with low socioeconomic status have some of the highest needs for climate adaptation and resilience-building efforts. Applying the concept nf social equity to these efforts can help ensure that all communities are involved." U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit 43 THE CLIMATE AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN AT-A-GLANCE The table below summarizes the strategies and actions of this plan, detailed by focus area in the following sections. SCOPE TYPE BE-1-1.Develop a comprehensive plan for the Municipal Electric Utility. BE-1-2.Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels. BE-1-3.Facilitate and encourage solar energy production. BE-1-4.Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities. BE-2-1.Increase outreach efforts to expand participation in energy efficiency programs&promote climate-friendly building/construc- BE-2-2.Require building energy audits to identify and incentivize cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. r Jr BE-2-3.Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency barriers in rent/lease properties. BE-2-4.Establish minimum energy efficiency standards for the affordable housing program. '',....... BE-3-1.Use results from City Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize Capital Improvement Plans(CIPs)&maintenance improvements. BE-4-1.Expand the current net meter resolution to include and incorporate virtual net metering. BE-4-2.Implement utility-level smart grid technologies to facilitate efficiency and distributed energy solutions. III II BE-5-1.Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling. A 1Ym U IS ULT-1-1.Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote use of transit,carpooling,and car-sharing. ULT-1-2.Work with RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit. ULT-1-3.Establish policies to support development near transit hubs without displacing disadvantaged populations. ULT-1-4.Evaluate feasibility of expanded local transit options. NN II II nn II II nn NN ULT-2-1.Implement bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly actions in the Transportation System Plan and Downtown Parking Management Plan. ULT-2-2.Explore opportunities to convert to shared streets where appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity. ULT-3-1.Implement a local fuel-related tax, ULT-3-2.Revise land use codes to require EV charging infrastructure at multifamily and commercial developments. ULT-3-3.Develop and provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles on the City website. IIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIII IIIIIIIIII iuuiuiiio mild IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIII IIIIIIIIII IIIII��II uI�NNNfl iudllll�IIIIIII IIIII�IIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII(III IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII IIIII��III IIII�IIII�IIII IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIII Illlllllll��III IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII llllll�lll uuo IIIIIIIII��IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIII�gNIIIIIIIuINNflNIIlllll IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIII IIIIII IIIII��II IIIIIII NIIIIII�III IIII��II IIIIIII IIIIIIIIII��IIIII��IIIIIIIIIIIII��IlII11I III �� ULT-4-1.Consider regulating construction or expansion in the Wildland Urban Interface(WUI)part of the urban growth boundary. ULT-4-2.Revise community development plans to favor walkable neighborhoods and infill density. IIII ULT-4-3.Modify the WUI code to include construction techniques appropriate for wildfire-prone areas. ULT-5-1.Provide carpool and vanpool parking,charging stations,and parking for EVs for City employees. ULT-5-2.Conduct a city fleet audit and use it to set policy and targets. ULT-5-3.Purchase verified carbon offsets to offset City staff travel. IS �MA�MAG �NA ly CIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIII-111.IIIIIIIIImplement an education campaign for waste and consumption reduction strategies. CM-1-2.Support"collaborative consumption"community projects. CM-1-3.Conduct a study to determine effective ways to reduce and track consumption-based emissions. IIIII CM-2-1.Partner with nonprofit organizations to promote the purchase of climate-friendly produce and products. CM-2-2.Expand community gardening and urban agriculture at community gardens,schools,parks,and rooftops. luau fJllloliillll((oFififl IIIII CM-3-1.Improve recycling programs,implement new education and outreach,and expand public space recycling, CM-3-2.Update the multi-family recycling ordinance to encourage more diversion. CM-3-3.Strengthen the Demolition Debris and Diversion ordinance to enhance enforcement,diversion,and reuse. �iiiii CM-4-1.Support edible food donation. CM-4-2.Provide a best practices guide to help households and businesses reduce food waste and consumption. jl��llll CM-4-3.Evaluate opportunities for recycling of commercial food waste. IIIII CM-5-1.Introduce City environmentally preferable purchasing(EPP)guidelines for City procurement. CM-5-2.Assess the feasibility of co-digesting food waste and biosolids at the wastewater treatment facility, lien 44 1 1 �� /g/��r�, S U�IIII I!lIU �/)111 �nn�, arri/i��U uul gill I I (III IIII IIII ii IIIII IIII I I J 11� 1 J!! J J J J J J!!JJJJJJJJJ,!!1!!!!!!lI111111111 J J J J J J J.r J J JJ JJ JJ JJ ) JJJJ J m J I � / f IIIIIIIII((IIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIII(Illll�ii(IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII((I�I((((((JI((((((((IIIII�IIII((((((II((IIIIIIIIII(lll�lllllllllllllll(((((IIII((IIIII(IIIII((r(�((((6111111(((III(II(((61�((((IIIIII((((611111((6111111((61111111111111111((611(((((bl((((((blllllllll(blll((((IIIIIII(IIIIIII((((bll(((((((Illlbll((bll((��II((((((6111b�1((bull(((bll(((((((((II(blllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll ��f, NS-1-1.Manage forests to retain biodiversity,resilience,and ecosystem function and services in the face of climate change.Use best available science to inform fire management and planning. NS-1-2.Use green infrastructure such as bioswales,permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads. NS-1-3.Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian species. NS-1-4.Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services. IIIIIII i ulllll (IIII uu I I u il» »>»> �I III III » 1 Il 11 1 I 1 I U I 1 1 1 11 !1 l J J J J 1 1➢JJJJ iii IIII J J 1 J JJJJJJJ J JJJJJ JJJJJJJJJJ !!!!!!!!J JJJJ JJJJJJ JJJ JJJJ!J!!!J JJr JJJJ JJJJ JJJJJJJ JJJJ)JJJ JJJJJJJ J JJJ JJJJJJJJJ JJJJJJJJJJ JJJJ JJJ JJ JJ JJJJ,JJJJJ(JJ1111111111111 JJJ JJJ J111 JJJJJJJJJJ JJJJJ JJJ JJ JJ JJJJ JJJJ JJJ JJJJ JJJ 1 !!JJ JJJ JJ JJ!!J!, J JJ J JJJJ JJ JJJJJJJJJJJJ JJJ J JJ 11J J J JJJ JJJJJJJ JJ JJ J JJ J J J JJJ JJ JJ JJ JI )) ) J) ))J 1 )) I J I JJ J J JJJ J ) 1 J JJ J J J J JJ J ) ) )J)J, f r NS-2-1.Evaluate incentives for practices that reduce use of potable water for nonpotable purposes and recharge ground water. „IIIIIII, III ��( �ll NS-2-2.Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and consider requiring them during permitting. NS-2-3.Expand water conservation outreach and incentive programs for residents and businesses. P p g I II Ili» ulli iii iii�ll I»>i IIIIIII I I I I IIIIII 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 �J J 1 11 JJ I : JJJ JJ J 1 1 11 J JJ JJJJJJ JJJJ JJJ JJJ JJJJJJJJJJJJJ .JJJJ JJ.JJJJJJ JJJJ JJJJJJJ JJJJJJJJJ JJJ JJ J J JJJJJJ JJJ JJJ 1 J JJJ JJJJJJJ JJJJJJ.JJJJ JJ JJ, 1 JJJJ 11 JJJJ)) J JJJ JJJJJ JJ J JJ J JJJ J JJJJ JJ 11 JJ JJJJ J JJJ J JJJ JJJJJJJ JJJ J JJJ J,J JJJ, J JJ ) JJJJJ 1 JJJ J JJ JJJ. JJJJ)) JJ J J U1 J ).JJJJJ J J J r JJJ J ) J J J J JJJJ.J J )J � � J II I f I r r IIIIIII(fIIIIIffIIIIIII�IIIIIl011ffffllllllfffllllllfflulllllll�lll��((��l((((((J�((((((((�f�(((((((((((��((((((��(((((((�((��((�((((r((�r((((�(((J��((��((((��(((��((�(((((�((((rrrr((((((�(r��((((((((�((((��((((((((((�(((�(((((((((rr�(((((�((��((�(��((��((((((�(��(((�rii��((((((((((fIIIIIIIffffflllllll�Il��IIIIIIIIfIIIIIIIIIIIIII��fffIIIIIIIIIIIIIYfllllllllllll((Ill�fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff NS-3-1.Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collections stems at City facilities for ra water uses and investigate o or- 1 111 P Y Y g Y - g P tunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and properties. NS-3-2.Implement efficiency recommendations from the City facilities water audit. UC A�� SA . III III IIIIIII,lul� �� lul IIIIII� lul IIIII, (IIIIIII IIIIIIII(IIII IIIIII liuui �� ""' iV � �Lill" � ^��.Sul Sul �III �IIIIII I II!�� vuu""" IIII I""°� �" '°" IIIIII IIII IIIIII IIIIII IIII PIIIHSW-1-1.Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning. Iluliil, III IIII,,,, IIIIIIIII � � IIII��!9 III �II _ � . IIII 191111111 IIIIII IIIIIIII II�IIII�IIIIIII IP I I III,,,�I I !. � IIII IIIIII IIIII III �IIIIIIII P�III!!I(IIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III IIIII ... III IIII IIIIIII IIIII IIIIIII uuuil uuul uuul uuull PIIIIIHSW-2-1.Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action. ODll�l�;%r,l PHSW-2-2.Support organizations,such as SOU,in evaluating risks to local food sources under climate change. III IIIUIIIIII I IIII 119�11 I III IIU9III IIIIIII II Illillll III IIII..a IIIIII,,,IIIIIIII(,,,IIII IIIIIIIIIIII it Iql IIII ql I I, IIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII... Illillll i IIIIII III�VI IIIIIII IIIII IIIIVIIIIII IIIIII Il llll�llll�lll llllllillllu IIIIII IIII(IIIIIIIIIII III PIIIIIHSW 1111111311-1111.Work with vulnerable populations to create specific adaptation strategies that address public health. PHSW-3-2.Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts. PHSW-3-3.Develop or enhance heat-warning systems for employees and the public, (IIIIIIIIIIII IIII IIIIIIIII: III'I II� IIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII(IIIIIIIIIIII „IIII III III II II III II. I III III ��,mm II u PHIIISW-114-1.Update the City's emergency response plan and ensure that preparation and updates recognize and address likely climate change impacts. PHSW-4-2.Identify and address populations and essential City services within the 100-year flood zone. ((IIIII °o s IIIIIIII RIJOW u"II L UI,�IIIIIIWrrrl��IIIIIIWrrrl�IIIIIII��OI I IIIIII 4'Niml.��IIII � „°� IIII IIIII II. ....II ui ((JII lip � (itlt 11 Ill 1 I ll 11 l U JJIIlIJ111 J111! lllil� II1111 111!!l 111 f JJJ JJJ 1 ll)JJJ JJJJ�%%/ l llJ Illll 1�Il (III IIII fff JJ JJJ(��(Ill JJJJJJ��/ ll JIJ III(111 I I J J 1 J)l lJll ��J l 1 J I ! II J 1J JIJI J � J I IIIIII I � IIIII, I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIilllllllll�ill�ll�llllllllllllllllllllllllllllll��lllllllill�llllllllllll�lllllllllllllllllllll��lllllll"'II�Illllllllllllllll�lllllll�illillllllllll�llllllllllllllff��(fllllllllllllllllllllllll(f(IIIIIIIII(I IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIII IIII��IIIIII illlf�Illllllllllllllllllllllilllllllllilllllllilllll(OIIIIIIII IIIIIII II CC-1-1.Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform the community about climate actions. CC-1-2.Support capacity of community groups to implement climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. CC-1-3.Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset program. lllml II ( � rrraii uiuul aor(IIIIII IIIIII IIIIIIII it r r I 1 1 II�11!! Jii��/1111111111l11111 1 (III 110 IIII1 Ilf JJJJ 1J Jll Il JI!JJJ 111 %/ %%I Ill/1/ I � IIII III JI JJ1Jl 1I JJJJ/JJJJJ%// IIIII IIIIIII.,L,1 (l l I1 1 1/) (II IIIII I I �I I .I IIII�IIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIII�I�Ilnlll�lllllll��1(((f(((fflllllllll��llllllll��lllll�lllllllllllll��IIIIIII�III��I IIIY'�IIIIIIOIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIII�I�IIII�IIII�I`IIII II�IIIIIIIIIIIhJII��I IIII�IIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIII�I IIIIIIII IIfl��lllllll III Il��lllllllll��llllll��lllll��llll�rrllllf��f f f f��f f f f�tttttt�f�� CC-2-1.Ensure all City departments educate their staff members about the Climate and Energy Action Plan. IJ�;, iVl�illffl�((oFoi(�ll uulu �(��»�aiii(rrro� IIII a 1 (( I 11 IIII 1 � I I ll 1 1 I I I Jl f J Jl lull IIIII�, I II((�JJJJ JJ Ill/If 11 JJ � JJJJ III Il(((1IIIl JJJJ 11l III 111„1l!ll 111 1111111J ll Jill,,,I�lull 111 l ll l D II I JJJ (1 JJ, 11 IIIII 111 II 1 l l 111 Il 11 111 J1 Il ll IJl Il Il11111 I If1J, I I I I1 1 l�l J 111 � l Ill I JI I. l � l IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�I II Illllllll�llllllllllllli �lllllllllllllllllllllllll II��I�IIIIIIIIIIII��IIIIIIIIIIIIIII II��II III lllllllfllllllllllllf f III��IIIIII(Illllll��ll�lllfll��llll Il�llllllllll�lllllllllmiiiililllll��llllllllllllllllllllllllllllfllllllllll��lllf�llf f IIIIIII��IIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIII�I��IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII lfll IIIIIIII I�IIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIII��IIIIIIIIII(II CC-3-1.Consider climate change in all City Council policy,budgetary,or legislative decisions and as part of the Council Communication document template. CC-3-2.Consider CEAP goals in future updates of city plans. CC-3-3.Expand mission statements of existing City Commissions to include consideration and perpetuation of climate action goals. f III l l I I II 111 1l f� % 1 11 1 l 1 1 1 JJJJJJ l0 llJllll IIIIII JJJJJJJ JJJJJ JJJJJJJ IIII ll ll�ll flll(IL 111� ll((11I111J111llllllll ll%1111101J111��llllllll JJ lll0 111 %IIIII lllJ 111� ll ll�%/ 111 JJJJJJ((JJlll IIIIII ll� 111111JJ1 JIII fff f((Il 11 JJ.1111 JJJJ JJJJJJ 1l11 ll% fill/ (Ill/ JJJ�,llll00 (IIII IIIII JJJJ J�r1 fill/ill. 1 1 D l �11 JJl Jl Jl III l I Ill1lJJJ�I l �l IJ1JJ�(Ill1 l101, �% IJ I1111 l0 JDl)Jll JII 11 ff JJJ11 ll ll JI , ,l� I IIII IJ �lllIll I l f r� I. 1 t� a it 1f w� D1111�,11�1(IIII!ff Im�"�i11111 JJJJJ ��J�jl(lff(fl 1l� IIII mil LIIII„I �fr i Illllllllll��il�idllllllllllll IIIIIIII IIIIII(llllllll�llllllll IIIIIIIIIIIIIII��I IIIIIIIIIIII��Illu��llIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Illllli��lllllll�lllll�ll IIIIIIIII IIII(0111 I� II �� III �� ( �� CC-4-1.Engage with other governments and organizations around climate policy and action. III/ IItV1I�illi��Iifoi�oiil�l SCOPE OF IMPACT TYPE OF I M PACT III II addresses mitigation goals(lowers GHG emissions). affects community-wide operations+climate goals. 0� affects municipal operations+climate goals. addresses adaptation goals(builds resilience to climate impacts).III......... II�IIIII�IIIIIIIIII��IIIII�� addresses both mitigation+adaptation goals. 45 oir I I I �Y 1 r' ,I I V KI- I a I I I / I I P I I i V it I I I Y I Ir I! rl .I I I I I , I I I 4 pp pp u, i; 'I,f� IY. II II �I .IIIVI� Ib, I' li I I " r I I Y I ;v I „ I , Ir r' I it I I, ,i�,Illr { IId4y1i it � 'r ! I I 11 I I I � I � I! I j r y, II I I a" r I ;�wvl I I I I 4, I II I I y I: I I I: 'III I I r Y' II 1 �, OIIIIYI f" I, n Vyl'Il1 I I: 'yl 'I III I ; I i 9 I i I I I I I II' V I 1 i i I I ' It I f I I111 I �I I I � ' I I I mAf'IHumr li0 V r 1 I r, I I 1 I I'i Y;1��' ,WIII II luiili III Y I Ilr �I II al a I I r ' I ; �YI IIY,YIIrI:Y 'j Irl, II !I , I , I 1, I ' JN,,,f4%Nt 19W 1..,J'°'�,;dBNtll ,IYD1Dm Il I I I .I I I .I Id Y w r I r I� I v I I jll I I I i I I MIII I I " ' y�I I I I I I ! I I I I' Vu I i � I I I I r ,I I II I u ' I I II'Y I , L r, I Y r,l I I I I I I:! Ir l i II I I I I I I I Y I d I o r Iu y L' I Gq r r I u I , J , II I f l II: I 11 I II �II I I Y Y I II I I� I I I II I- 4 I� 111 I I I F ,I� I „ I II I I V Y I. " I+ I I II I , II �I�: �I�III I II� III n•, ! I I 4'I I , I IYI:Y r,I I I , ' II Ill�i III:� I I II Y >I' II I�I�IIII tl' I I I YI u " ' I II I hill I I , 1 II 4 IN I 11. I r c , kk V 41 I !I I h II' I I Y I I� j,, � I`II� I I � IYI: �IY '�:� I I I I •..I{ I, I I. IIIr'V I+I I � I I I V lu," III iI III VI f' I It r ' I I I III,, I ly I � i,,,, ,,," '•6 IrUhl,, , r ^u I II I I I IINI. I II 1 I I I�:I II III II',, I IYI I I I" I I Vi II I I I I �I I� II ; I i i , I I I � I ii II II I, I I. 1" !I I I I V YI II II ,I Y , I- , I MIII yi ! I, i I II I I I /r I I„ I II111 �� V" it R / I auu�nmmiWif' "..f II �I I I I VI I' I I " I, Ir I, iI�u1NU�!Y _ V Ip Y r r I I I"I II r I I I I lil I I �Y I I I I,I i I I IIIIII,... V u IIIIII � I r. ,4 IV Y� I I: Ii I I III II �� I U dl I 1 to IIII , y^ r Y I I4 I I I / ON I I I I I r II f ru rYl'�I I a E yg I rp, u i Y V d ,I I. , I I ' I I I I L u L� I . I I Y I I I , I I I I III I I i III I I I N IIII ' ' w II I I 11 ,: I � II II r i II I! I I YI Y I I I 1 y � P I 3 V I' 1 ,I I I I I,Iq iYll I I: I, , I I ! , I I I II I II II � it Y r: I I II y I I I, I..........+ I pl I i� YuY I Y u I q II I , I X I III I r IY I I I I ' I n yy I I I III I � r II I! j. I Illliiiili 4�' III I4 I I I I I IIII I I. 4 i I." YI I I I I u i I 1 °I r 'IV I 'I ilk I, I. �I II I II Y . ti� I I 1 . I IIII I MI I I pluuwr°I � rl II r u � I I I r I 1� IIYt/D��lYdl, I I+ Y ,r, !+II �f! n �➢rnrr f, P I p Y Y Ir:,l a it I I,III I ' r J 1 I « I r IIII I ,„ qo Y u« �YfQgVfjQ ,y1 I+ I II l i M1 i.,,I�Iv: i r a I � t , II YI it Y V ti I ,,, � Ifs ryrlwwulrl ,, tl' I:�iI I'I V I ",..,IC II lul piiil" Y I I u I III IYI cY„ Y . n I I I Y II 4' I I , I J', W I r" I� II I I, I m yl Y „ I I , r II .Ily,I I II I I� y I r !Y y I, I m n, . I « Y � S �v< IIII II r. I" it I III I I � I �I I yll I I I I II! I j , Whi[e many people think of greenhouse gas was especially pronounced among residential homes, emissions, they picture cars and trucks; however, which saw a 9%decrease in electricity demand over the commercial, residential, and industrial buildings are same period. some of the largest energy users—and thus responsible fora[a rge portion of greenhouse gas emissions.Ash[and's Climate change will have complicated effects on built environment accounts for more than one-quarter Ashland's built environment. On one hand, warmer (27%) of the c I ty's total emissions, more than all types of winters w I H mean buildings require less energy to heat, transportation combined. This represents a significant which will cause natural gas use to decline.The number opportunity to reduce emissions and help Ashland of heating degree days—a measure of the number of meet its reduction targets. On the plus side, because degrees that a day)s average temperature is below 650F, building emissions are primarily due to energy used commonly used to describe heating energy demand for electricity, heating, and cooling, energy efficiency in buildings—decreased by 20% between 2011 and measures can dramatically reduce building emissions. 2015, contributing to a 13% drop in natural gas use. Installing efficient [I ghting, heating, ventilation, and air Conversely, reduced snowpack due to climate change conditioning (HVAC) systems, windows and insulation, may affect regional hydropower capacity,and increased and other upgrades can sign I f I ca ntly red uce the a mou nt temperatures will increase energy demand for cooling of energy a building requires. during the dry summer months. The projected increase in wildfire frequency and severity may also put Because most buildings' energy use Ashland is transm I ss I on lines at risk, making electricity less reliable predominantly in the form of electricity, changes in the in the region. fuel mix used to generate e[ectricity—for example, by rep[ac I ng a coa[-fired power plant with wind turbines— reduce the GHG emissions footprints of all buildings that draw electricity from the grid.These factors,among others, contr I buted to a reduction of 21% in overall emissions from Ashland's built environment from 2011 to 2015. The impact of energy efficiency improvements MW 111SQ44 �� )alllte Goals a��id Ashland's commercial, residential, and industrial building energy use declined 2IY6from 20II to 20I5. These changes were due largely to increased renewable electricity in the regional grid, decreased electricity use in the residenUaisector, and reduced natural gas use from warmer winters. hrcrease eriergy and water, Ashland owns its own electric utility, which means that the City has greater control over its electricity rates and programs compared to other cities. This arrangement has contributed to the City's progress in supporting community renewable energy and improving building systems efficiency. The City has implemented three successful programs focused on expanding renewable 11 o t e�11��a ��l 1-11 d i cato as energy sources and improving the energy efficiency of existing residential, commercial, and government buiiding s: ^ A rmtro'commimmioning incentive progr°mm provides financial and technical assistance to tune up energy systems in commercial and residential buildings. This program offers incentives to building owners and occupants to upgrade or replace building systems—including lighting, HVA[' heating—with newer and more efficient equipment. " Solar Pioneer UU' a 63.5'kiiovvatt City-sponsored community solar project' gives citizens the opportunity to ^adopt^ one of its 363 panels as a way to purchase local renewable energy. ^ A City Facilities Energy Audit identified energy efficiency opportunities at the[i'y's own facilities. 49 S t��rateg��es a��id Ac 11111t��a��is BE-1 -2. Promote switching to low I .." 1 0''I'll'', 1 10 I-C, ��i uels. With relatively clean electricity sources, ft��rategy Su�p�p&�r',t b�e&,�&r &nergy Ashland has great potential to reduce GHG sou�l-ces. emissions through switching from higher-car- bon fuels such as wood burning, natural gas, Efforts to support cleaner energy sources will minimize and gasoline to lower-carbon electricity. This harmful pollution associated with energy use and help action calls for the City to work across depart- meet the additional energy needs as climate change ments in a coordinated and strategic manner causes temperatures to rise. This strategy deals with to identify ways to promote this kind of fuel enhancing the use of cleaner fuels through fuel- switching in the community. switching in residential and commercial buildings and renewable energy production and generation. BE-1 -3. Facilitate and encourage 0 11111111��11111111Y AC11111111��11111111 0��4 S solar energy production. Local generation of renewable energy can BE-1-1 . Develop a comprehensive offset emissions associated with energy con- plan for the Municipal Electric sumption from the electric grid, and in some cases, may also mitigate chmate-re[ated risks Uti I ity. to the hydropower electricity supply due to The transition to low-carbon energy such as snowpack declines and increased drought renewab[es will require taking a broad-[evel risk. This action calls for the City to support approach that transcends traditional utility increased solar energy production in Ash[and, boundaries. Afthough some aspects would such as through the installation of a large- not fall under the traditional purview of the scale community solar project or rooftop solar utility, a comprehensive energy plan for the panels on buildings in the community. It is Municipal Electric Utility that addresses clean worth noting that City-sponsored community energy, energy efficiency, and electrification solar has faced cost challenges in the past, so of the transportation sector will provide a this action would need to address potential more strategic path forward for maximizing financial hurdles, like finding a nongovern- societal benefits and achieving climate goals. mental organization or institution to sponsor This plan would set targets, address policy and the project or by developing new models and service issues, and identify potential solutions policies to facilitate community interest and related to comprehensive energy planning. investment, such as virtual net metering and For example, the plan could delineate energy solar production aggregation. The new Oregon rate structures and efficiency/conservation Renewable Energy Cooperative Law will facili- program funding levels, targets for installation tate this process, allowing renewable energy of solar photovolta I cs within the City's distri- cooperative corporations to be created and bution grid, a long-term strategy for wholesale capitalized without the requirement of secu- power acquisition, and demand management. rities registration. It will also be important to The recently adopted 10% new, local, and ensure that new renewable energy installations clean energy by 2020 ordinance is a key policy do not negatively impact natural habitats or decision that would play a large role in deve[- ecosystems. opment and shaping of this plan. 50 BE-1-4. Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities. Enhancement of so[ar energy production capacity at City facilities would reduce e[ectric- ity demand from the grid, set an example for the Ashland community, and provide re[lab[e power for both the City operations and broader ty. ...................... communi ......................... ACIIIIIIII��11111111 0��m S ..............S L a s a s o a r e c o g o 1� ��rD o g a 1'ii fo 0 S U ID 0'"t in le�g r i o o(J s 0��r 0 0 0 LI a L n s w�� - ,-&-�ewa�Jk,,-_)s, s'�,id(i ('��s fur fl,ios;e W(io 1-neet a lc&�'Iakn ,)&,-c&rjLage of dect�'IdLy lr-�eecls flh�,''o��g�h ,'&,�ewa�Ne &,''iergy,, IT T(Die a n d C o o d n a L e w 11 q C-)r e 0��,i c �'e s (DI��r f ('eknfdrce standa�,-ds ar'(",",)und renewa��,,)��E� s�.,i(,Ji as 'i�g[-�er' ('&l'i�2\A4Je ds and req, fo-" ��,�ew consL,-ucti�&'T )evdop -)�,-or'n(� duri(_�� rna�(n�" ac a�s t h a t le I CC)U J ........... S64 krwestrn&l'As kills ""MM7 RINI"............0 1% B -2-2. Require building energy ft��rategy ��nc��-eased E L)u i��d i� g e e��l-gy effi�c i�e cy a n d u i s 0 1 en i y an incen ivize c&��s&,,-vatio��Ii. cost-effective energy efficiency In addition to ch an gin g the energy so urcecutting energy improvements. use within buildings presents another opportunity Energy used in Ashland's building stock to reduce emissions. This strategy presents actions accounts for more than one-quarter of the to reduce energy consumption through efficiency city's greenhouse gas emissions. The City improvements in the commercial and residential could require and facilitate energy audits and/ sectors. or scores for Ashland's buildings, perhaps triggered at the point of sale or permitting 0 11111111��11111111Y AC'11111111��11111111 0��M S phase for new development or major remodels. For example,the City of Portland requires com- mercia[ buildings over a certain size threshold BE-2-1 . Increase outreach efforts to annually report their energy use. The City also recently proposed a policy that would to ex and artici ation in energy require sellers of single-family homes to obtain efficiency programs and promote a home energy performance report and disclose climate-friendly practices in the report to the City and prospective home building and construction. buyers. The aud I ts could educate property managers about energy use and opportunities, Ashland currently provides energy conserva- help the City understand building energy use, tion incentives and educational materials to and facilitate implementation of energy-saving residents and businesses through I ts electric measures. energy efficiency programs. The program currently provides guidance for conducting home energy audits, as weH as incentives for BE-2-3. Identify and adopt weatherization, improved heating and cooling, strategies to reduce energy and more efficient appliances. Expanded outreach efforts will ensure that aH Ashland efficiency barriers in rent/lease residents are aware of these valuable programs properties. and understand actions they can take to be Residents and businesses who own their prop- more energy efficient in the home. For example, erties often have stronger incentives to invest in the City could d I scuss with businesses ways energy efficiency technologies and equipment to reduce conduct a comprehensive energy than those who rent or lease their homes and audit. The City could also explore other ways offices.Although more difficu[t to motivate,the to promote c[imate-friend[y buildings, such as introduction of energy efficiency approaches in through introduc I ng new mandates into the rental and lease properties presents a signifi- [and use code that require mitigation (e.g., cant opportunity for reducing emissions from reduced energy use) and/or adaptation (e.g., buildings. increased cooling) elements in the built envi- ronment. 52 BE-2-4. Establish minimum energy idenc stan ar s or t e y lit affordable housing program. Ash[and's Affordable Housing Program is an ongoin program that provides incentives to 9 promote affordable housing deve[opment and requirements for affordability. The establish- ment of minimum energy efficiency standards ..........I'��,�,�,�,�,�,��,, for these housing units present a va[uab[e opportunity to make homes more comfortable and energy efficient for residents, while a[so [owering energy bil[s and supporting those most in need. Al g////n"g..............--m/' AC11111111��11111111 0��M S ...............au�,'idh a fu- ovidk'-�g (-'�ar'ii�'ie ei'iergy ,s c o e s w��9 e 1� a ��ri o us e ("S S1,P d fo s a Coordnate Wth odger ddes to esta[Jhsh and Al�� 11 �-r'�a,-e eq(-,�,-gy Pffk-J&1 Mkdng d e a n d a 1-(] .......... P t a rt t r'�e e e 1-gy a d g-e e n 0 u s ��9 e s s if f c a e g e s. 15 d dqod� dd.�'-�cl W ...............x a d a t��9 e s��9 ��o w I S S u 0 0 0(1 e n e rgy effl�c e n cy ��o o g r a r n s a-i c-1 s C-)ka, HIN 1111 n st a a'�'I�0 -e -etadel-, cu'�Lract&,-,, and Xlddkl� n h a n(1 1 C 9 tr-akiikiig al"id awar&,'-�ess of besL IN a,-a(1JC(-�1,S1, 11'ld rebates. ��-n e �'�&iit a 3 i"-� to pay for, act�, a e 1�e rgy ,s a v� �gs isLecad of q,,.Aront �.)ayn�I e��9 Ls fo- imodded sav'�ngs'' 0 0��D 0 (-un�tkns L(�' &,�(-ou�rage ncreased ............... shadkng ofh&,il"ies and 'Oud(Jing's" sud-] 11............"I............"I............ ................................... ug[-� k,-�ci,-ease(' Uree cariq,,)y cove- a s D d e s g f'e a t�-j r e s Col NOME ft��rategy Maxidinize effici&ncy of Sit��rategy hm�p�rove d&Ta�nd Gity faci��i,�Iies, & qo&rati&��s. �rna�nag&rn&iit. Although City buildings contribute only a small Managing the timing and intensity of energy demand proportion of the city's overall emissions, efficiency can help make sure that more polluting forms of energy improvements to City facilities can allow the City to lead are not needed during peak times of high demand. by example and communicate to residents that energy- efficient buildings can be beautiful, affordable, and 0 11111111��11111111Y AC11111111��11111111 0��M S comfortable. This strategy aims to reduce emissions associated with the City's built environment and BE-4-1 . Expand the current net promote energy conservation. meter resolution to include and 0 11111111��11111111Y AC11111111��11111111 0 IY incorporate virtual net metering. Net metering allows customers who generate BE-3-1 . Use results from City their own electricity to sell the excess electric- '101010101RION ININININIM ity back into the grid. Traditional net meter' Facilities Ener Audit t ritize works at the [eve[ of the individual electricity City Facilities Capital Improvement meter,where excess energy supplied to the grid Plans (CIPS) and maintenance results in running the meter backwards.Virtual improvements. net meter I ng, on the other hand, credits energy generation that occurs at another location City facilities frequently undergo routine main- against one's electricity bill. Working outside tenance and improvement projects.This action the ut I[I ty meterenab[es residents to experience calls for using an evaluation of City facilities to the financial benefits of generating renewable identify opportunities for energy (and water) energy even if they are unable to generate the efficiency upgrades, The evaluation could electricity on their own property. Expanding be used to integrate more energy-efficient current net metering will make energy gen- practices and equipment into City maintenance eration more cost-effective and available to schedules and pr I or I t I ze efficiency upgrades Ashland's residents, including through such within capita[ improvement plans (CIPs). mechanisms as community solar. 0 E_ -0 'M 0��rl i I o a d a(Ji u s t ��l o a d s h It n g CO ITI kl I A m a s u (--,s aL te L e.a,,,t im e��9 t fa c y, 6 Ll u e ��..............e a d 1-s h ��o 'I 0 Y a d ............. .............��9 V 0 imenta�� Des'ig 0 0 1, N Y A ci S c e��r L f��c-�a t��c)1-� fo s b"��r I g a 1� e w 0 Ll c I -T(- , b, )V� U�Cii�qgS Adqot the f,x 3 (��l rating sys�&,i'i ar eqlu�va��&,,�L W pide F W o��o e at 0 i-ariagei,ii&�t, ald u�,r.)9[-c'a(Je of the Oty's ex�sl"�rlg odkJkrig knventay 777777'rr 20" TY P,E BLi,0CJK 1��5 MI NO. 54 e a e a n d a d a t BE-4-2. Implement utility-level ft��,,ategy 5,o 1��, mart grid technologies to bulJdid�gs fo��l- a c��a��gid�g c�Hdmate. facilitate efficiency and distributed energy solutions, such as storage. The C I ty can romote actions that he[ ada t bu I[dings to withstand climate impacts such as extreme heat Implementing new energy solutions requires and wildfire, as well as protect building dwellers and bringing the electricity delivery systems, or the visitors through improved design and functionality. cc grid," into the 21st century. Updating the grid involves enabling automation, remote control, and two-way communication. These updates help the grid to handle sources of electric- BE-5-1 . Encourage heat-tolerant ity like wind and solar power and to integrate electric vehicles. Smart grids also collect data building approaches such as cool and allow residents to better understand their energy use and identify energy-saving oppor- roofs and passive cooling. tunities. Implementing smart grid techno[o- Buildings play a role in both withstanding gies will enable the adoption of clean energy climate change impacts as well as providing solutions, and complementary strategies infrastructure to protect people from impacts. promoting renewable energy, electric vehicles, Buildings will be subject to potential increased and energy efficiency will help realize the envi- flooding, extreme temperatures, and exposure ronmental, benefits of the smart technologies. to wildfires. At the same time, buildings can also shelter inhabitants and visitors from many of these impacts.To optimize the built environ- ment to address climate change, the City can encourage heat-tolerant building approaches, such as cool. roofs that block heat and passive cooling features such as improved air circu[a- tion designs. There are many venues available to encourage the public and developers to adopt these building approaches, including through education and incentive programs. AC11111111��11111111 0��4 S C 0 n s'��l'd e 1" [Ll t u-e c ��-n a t e c o in d o s w h e(I Melef� ��r �J_�g a d i n g C i ty ��o�_i d in gs a n d MAUI V Ig a L e e s e in c ��O U i d 1"i 11 C 131 Ig e e rn e ii ts s u c I TE'S",T' as ��,,ieat res�sta�11 oc-,iss'ue c:(:)dkm,��,, MISM,T Leve"l, 2' and WNte MON 2 V i a,n c -es e 1-�cy o f��D u d g e e to e (7 1 n i e gy et- d S-u ��D y, LED Ks, (14A ��R"IN joll, I fll� ............. Ar .............. AS qAA Is MEN Offil "IT"I 1 e o le o "'li e o��m��imn u ty Here are some actions that everyday Ashland residents and organizations can take to make a difference in addressing climate change within our buildings and energy systems: -iess o�Iii le U IS a le yo u�1� a��A wa lite c le l��i"It. Simple improvements can make a big difference for energy and water use. Weatherization, equipment upgrades, and basic behavior changes can also make your space more comfortable and lower utility bills. X 0 e a ��l c �,,DaUa,'-i i�n le l�i le��rgy �o r o g a ns. Community solar programs provide opportunities for residents to participate in renewable energy programs without needing to install solar panels on their own roofs. There are increasing options for residents to participate in these programs, including the development of a new statewide community solar program that will soon be a Hable to aH Oregon residents. va 1 1 Is lm a ��b le f ae-e you ��,-e ar Consider what size home or business you need, and consider downsizing to avoid having to spend more on energy. 57 X/K, M- .......... moe vr�� ra III, orw f1v fv "alluff, A P, F,/,Fg/ A 'V,"I A Al AM, vs-'AM, .............. J�, k ��Jj aw( IRS I Al Ai IMP pi((i vif, jam 0 JR Wl 1,fl, A, VI f Pf Wi 6" 'Alk libill tn' �j M, Aal 9 ............. ............. 06 AR, J*j iwjj Off, ,w), IF, 9441 ijit, 1f1p%1v, a/i/aMME (ON" IN ,��11,11U�1111 (11/ Al qj# OPINION All hl 'vn ............ 0111�"f wi'�mql 4 F ilk,A im Nll!LjwAll& I'll V Oil/V 111111M gi-b 161 Off 0 f(1001 Ili 0011 Ili 0011 Ili I "11"i (0011 Ili ,ffill, Ol, e0101111 �rj pf Of ..,J1,111 NIIII'I(Ill $4 r1:!fj1111111 mq)q '(11JI1111 I III I I J�))g ((0111111 000 11JUN he movement of goods and services is central to to withstand increased flooding, and roads bordering Ashland's economy and community—and one of rivers and streams may be at risk of inundation.The City, the largest GHG-emitting sectors. Emissions from the its residents, and private property owners will need to transportation sector made up nearly one-quarter work together to reduce the risks that extreme weather (23%) of the city's total emissions in 2015. Residential events pose to Ashland's infrastructure. on-road vehicle use accounts for nearly three-quarters of the sector's emissions, followed by residential air travel. While emissions from buildings have decreased �r,o g�r,e s s o a e markedly since 2011, transportation emissions have seen no significant change.This speaks to the challenge Ashland has made strides in incorporating climate of reducing emissions from vehicles,the vast majority of and sustainabi[ity priorities into its land-use policies. which burn fossil fuels and, unlike buildings,are difficult Many of Ashland's existing plans and standards address to retrofit in ways that improve their efficiency or reduce activities that contribute toward emissions from the GHG emissions. transportation sector, including the Transportation System Plan, local [and use code, and Comprehensive While electric vehicles are becoming more available Plan.i Some examples of c[imate-friend[y actions and and affordable, near-term progress on reducing requirements in these plans are: Ashland's transportation-re[ated emissions can focus on reducing reliance on personal vehicles by Street standards and street classifications in improving public transit access and convenience, and the Transportation System Plan promote by improving urban design to support higher densities shared streets that incorporate infrastructure for while keeping housing affordable. Also worth noting people walking, biking, and riding mass transit. are potential chmate-driven impacts on alternative The City's Comprehensive Plan and forms of transportation. With increased temperatures street standards highlight connectivity as and wi[dfire-induced smoke, biking and walking may a requirement in new development. become more hazardous and thus increase reliance on The City's [and use code has a "Pedestrian vehicles. Addressing challenges like these is crucial to Places)) component,which encourages the improving the resilience and reducing the greenhouse creation of wa[kable mixed-use areas that gas emissions footprint of Ashland's transportation. "encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use.)) Climate change also puts Ashland's infrastructure at greater risk of damage or destruction. More frequent and severe wildfires and floods may threaten roads, bridges, and real estate, and hotter summers may increase the rate of deterioration of some building materials. Culverts and road crossings may not be sized 60 41, &��id A,c lilt i�0��i S o a s a �n�d ��i d c a"'to�r's P U oNs J"�,,,, _U............ d g,, c "T I I"n j,I-i ty a d C ty Od 111,_),ce o� �r &id e I-n�o��oye e ve If"]�C Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) provides gree� 0 use as en��ssbrls,, ..... Ashland's primary public transit service for visitors c) v C c and residents. RVTD provides intercity and regional e x a i (,,,)vv cad,,,/ o 't r a s�o o I-1 public transit within Jackson County, serving the city ......C cli I g W t�""I t h, �,[y s fl e e t of Ashland as well as Talent, Phoenix, and Medford with ......I....... fixed-route bus and dial-a-ride paratransit service. o a S U 0 0 S J,S d'U U V V Residents have voiced a desire for expanded public I-a,, ................ JU ................ I, S�l ""'I.............I o �r 0 1 .I........ I I I ing more frequent and accessible �I h/ c IrTi a transit options nc[ud' downtown bus service, c[eaner-fue[ed public transit vehicles (e.g., electric buses), and other public transit 0 11"111 a d c a t o��-s systems such as shuttles or trolleys. These options can reduce per-person emissions associated with r a s o t a t o len s s o n s. residential on-road transportation, as weh as reduce c e s L a ve 0 y ve congestion, save fuel costs, and provide transportation ...... options for those who cannot afford or choose not to I SS 0 F1 S �'-f fide r- -lo,"e," own a personal vehicle. Av e a g e c 1:,:y a Sf,,,"- r a s a q d Y S "I C), ��"111 0 111111��'11111Y AC11111r�0 IS ULT-1 -1 . Coordinate with .............. neighboring local governments to promote use of transit, carpooling, and car-sharing. Ashland is already a member of the Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD), which provides shared bus service to cities through- out the greater Jackson County area. Currently, RVTD is examining a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Hine in their 2040 Transit Master Plan. Using RVTD as a model,the City together with nearby jurisdictions,can support, promote,and poten- tiahy provide additional service offerings, such as carpooling and car-share programs, that expand transportation options within each community and strengthen important connec- tions to other areas in the Rogue Valley. 61 U LT-1 -2. Work with RVTD to ULT-1 -4. Evaluate the feasibility of -I lement climate-friendl transit ex anded local transit o tions. MID y including continuing to move Rogue Valley Transportation District currently towards more efficient buses and offers the only bus service in Ashland, and service and routes are limited. This action expanded ridership. calls on the City to evaluate options for addi- The City and neighboring Jurisdictions in the tiona[ intra-city service to augment existing RVTD already have a longstanding and success- RVTD service and provide more public transit ful partnershipthat has brought publictransitto options to residents. This assessment would residents throughout the area. Recently, RVTD involve determining potential transit providers, introduced the One Bus Away app, allowing assessing demand, identifying possible routes, riders to view schedule and arrival information and estimating costs and funding sources for in real time. In 2016, RVTD also began piloting purchasing and operating a transit fleet. an electronic fare called TouchPass that allows riders to purchase card passes that can be 011111U� A C11111r�0 M IS reloaded from a computer or mobile device. 11, -''d r-�de ots 'L(,c,',) addtlu,"-4� a, This action calls on Ashland to use its position as a partner in the RVTD to continue to improve C)-'r o'��'e" o,j'c"),h "L",...........:"I"' �s�t ay-ld reb_,�ce the convenience, sustainability, and accesslbl[- C 0 g e s o ity of its services. ULT-1 -3. Establish policies to ...................................... support development near transit hubs without displacing disadvantaged populations. Transit-oriented development (TOD) increases housing density within walking distance of transit hubs. Creating a TOD zoning overlay or similar policy could reduce car use, butAsh[and will need to design any policy carefully to avoid unintended consequences, such as gentrifica- tion that threatens housing affordability and could displace vulnerable populations. 62 J�j a��<e As��flarid ULT-2-2. Exp ore opportunities �1<(I, a,i d e d e sl a��'i J "y. to convert to shared streets On-road transportation generates nearly one-fifth of where appropriate to provide Ashland's total emissions. It is difficult to substantially multimodal connectivity. improve the efficiency of existing cars and trucks, so Shared streets are popular because they offer one of the most feasible methods of reducing emissions improvements for people walking and biking from them is to make other forms of transportation while preserving vehicle access. This action more desirable. A city that supports people walking will spur Ashland to assess which streets or and biking not only reduces the need for residents to corridors may make sense to convert to shared drive but also offers the public health co-benefit of streets due to their current use, potential future encouraging exercise. use, location, or other considerations. ........ .. . ... UP e d i c e,�",i V, u r- e ULT-2-1 . Implement bicycle- and orop-a �r C�,ty "'ns edestrian-friendl actions in �i�o oyees,, y I"I'll j"I",� the City's Transportation System 0�,iduct a cu-i,� "I ty S U e y t o i,,j),r"'i d e J, lf,J b a E� t 0 0 9 (",.......... .......... 1�S n a r e a Plan and Downtown Parking "I E` g .............. r J ��.......�, �e U L) s c)�f e Management Plan. u -i s a a of ,,,,�/,a�r k e s V V c'), """I g, s c....... as e o For bicycling to be considered a viable after- �r C)�3 \N e e a, r'atl,,", native to driving, the City will need to invest in �� _',1 r,, '-I infrastructure to improve its safety and conve- eva S'fo�r e d, -"I g e nience. For example, the City could encourage �o installing bike lanes at schools and arteries t�e,a r,�S 0 0 1 a t syster-" a q, connecting to schools, or provide dedicated bicycle infrastructure downtown or at area hotels. The City should commit to implement- ing bicyc[e-re[ated actions in the Transporta- tion System Plan and Downtown Parking Man- agement Plan, such as 1) installation of bike intersection safety improvements; 2) 'increased bike lane infrastructure;and 3)expansion of on- and off-street bike racks,shelters, and sharing. 63 0 ft��tf,�ategy U��1111111111 3 S, (..........) ...........1`1 ULT-3-2. Revise land use codes to E 4"[["�(...........11" E"""' v e k��es. require EV charging infrastructure at multifamily and commercial With on-road vehicle use responsible for nearly 20% developments. of Ashland's overall emissions, improving the overall efficiency of the cars and trucks use throughout the city Lack of charging infrastructure 'is a barrier to could have a significant impact on meeting greenhouse gas expanded use of electric vehicles. Addition- reduction goals.While most vehicles already on the road ally, residents in multifami[y buildings typica[[y are likely not cost-effective to retrofit,the City can make have little say in whether their buildings offer progress by focusing on providing education, incentives,, the charging equipment necessary to support and support for hybrids, electric vehicles(EVs), and other electric vehicle use. Requiring new multifam- cleaner-fueled vehicles. ily and commercial developments to provide charging stations will make e[ectric vehicle use 0��l�111rY A(1j','1111'r�o s possible and practical for a larger segment of Ashland's population by giving them the ability ULT-3-1 . Implement a local fuel- to charge their vehic[es near where they live, related tax. work, and shop. Having a sense of the baseline use of fossil fuels ULT-3-3. Develop and provide for transportation can help Ashland shape the most effective fue[-switching policies and incen- information about electric and tives possible.A local gas tax or a carbon tax on hybrid vehicles and incentive gasoline and diesel would serve as an indicator of fuel demand, while also providing the City programs on the City website. with funds that could be used to improve trans- The techno[ogy and market for hybrids and portation infrastructure, expand public transit EVs can be difficult for consumers to decipher. options, or invest in other actions. A gas tax Educating the public on these vehicles—and would also encourage drivers to change their the rebates and incentives available for them— behavior to reduce their use of fossil fuels. is an easy and low-cost early step that can make the process of choosing and purchasing one of these vehicles more straightforward. The City cou[d a[so explore opportunities to work with organizations like Drive Oregon to organize promotional events and with dealerships to increase avail.ability of electric vehicles. 011111n� A C 111r 0�"%%Ijl IS ill...... ........... I icrease &�fo-c e-n e i't.of ar�t'�' 3 0 C CA 0� `,,,,Md�"i F e s��a o j-'i s t a a S U, e r c�a g h�ig V s1,,:,,,,,al o As� �and, g, spaces fa, a 0,[ u,,,vm 'i",)a"l< Vs. 0"T"',0 11 1 , t a x a s a 1-i d, 'r-e vei�c��e,s,, c""A" e 0\A/ c a S 64 J�j S,t��,,,,,,ztegy U��1111111111 1111r 4,�,�j) �S u,, P 0 t these activities do not come at the expense of "I i i o e i�ate ready deVE_�,`,��0 ......t E-1 1 a........�d a1 d LJ s e. higher housing costs, which could disadvan- tage low-income populations. Ashland's population is growing, and with a larger population comes new development. Updating zoning ULT-4-3. Modify the WUI code to requirements and [and-use policies can shape new development to be as ch mate-resi[lent as possible. include construction techniques appropriate for wildfire-prone areas. ULT-4-1 . Consider re ulati n g Ashland's WUI zones are the most wild- fire-threatened parts of the city, and the risk of ur er cons ruction or expansion wildfires affecting these areas will only increase as climate change increases the frequency and in the Wildland Urban Interface severity of fires. Modifying the WUI code to (WUI) part of the urban growth require more resilient construction techniques boundary. can minimize the risk that new structures built in the WUI are damaged or destroyed by fire. The WUI zone includes areas on the fringe of Ashland where homes and buildings are in close proximity with undeveloped lands. Evidence 0 111r A C 111r 0 S �o r o e y g S C from other cities indicates that wildfires are ....... ...... most deadly and destructive when they burn 0 S i a e�j�i a (r,',:-e r"("11", e �,)fl, into denser neighborhoods on the outski rts of s a c town. Expanding the VVUI and/or limiting con- C�":)� �S�'d e r", �r e g a 1 n g f�_i�r e r- C 0"1 S 1- LJ,Ct 0"'1 0 struction can limit the density of these areas, e x a �i s�o"'i t h e W,J�� o a r t t�i e r�o a g r o t reducing the risk of severe damage as the ,",/(J�j 3), b o u��d a frequency and intensity of wildfires increase. ...... ......... �f",'r t e va a,� L�f-a s�o o a o ri f a s��r c,u r e a-d o r a o ri s (All 11 �::,"'.,�r �r g �Cy -i e d 1�........... U U,d�n g c- ............. �f ............... e ULT-4-2. Revise community ........... esponse', goods ar�id s f'-v�c 11"I'll"'11), I a n d, v 0 en p ans o avor CID, �If�,",i a("."cEl�S S, Jr,"I'll, "i�'��ze c e t walkable neighborhoods a e z o n g .0 �f i'�f' eve and infill density. g h f 0 0 c"I e as,,. Ashland has a series of long-range planning documents that guide development across Ashland districts, neighborhoods, and natural areas. Revisiting these plans to ensure that they support chmate-ready development needs, such as walking, biking, transit, parking management, and climate adaptation features, will ensure that Ashland development is con- sistent with the City's climate goals and com- mitments. It will be important to ensure that 65 ease Uie eff d ft��ff,f,,ategy till��1111111111"'rill..5. c e cy ULT-5-2. Conduct a city fleet 0,�f C "I............., audit and use it to set olicy T,,,,',Y et V E"", s a �ir (r,", n C 0 F I g', and targets for higher-efficiency To move Ashland toward a future of [ow-carbon vehicles, vehicle-sharing across transportation, the City should lead by example. \/Vhl[e departments, and out-of-town the City's own emissions are relatively small compared vehicle use. to personal and commercial veh I cle use, there is an Conducting an audit of the City's vehicles is a opportunity to make internal improvements that straightforward and low-cost action that sets demonstrate its commitment to supporting efficient the stage for policies to govern the fuel effi- vehicles, alternative fuel sources, and pub[ic/shared ciency of the fleet and/or mandate a transition transportation. to alternative fuel vehicles overtime. (111) 11111'1��Y AC11111r�0�111/IJI S ULT-5-3. Develop policy to require ULT-5-1 . Provide carpool and the purchase of verified carbon vanpool parking, charging offsets to offset City staff travel. stations, and parking for EVs for Ashland has no control over the policies, City employees. fuel sources, and infrastructure of jurisdic- tions beyond the city limits. Purchasing Supporting multiple commute options for City carbon offsets is a straightforward action that employees is an important step on the path to allows the C I ty to extend its commitment to reducing the use of fossil fuels for transporta- reducing its em I ss I ons to staff who travel for tion, one of Ashland's biggest sources of green- work reasons. Furthermore, if the City's offset house gas emissions. Encouraging the use of payments are invested in local projects, they ridesharing, vanpoohng, and alternative fuel can provide a wide range of co-benefits to the vehicle use among City staff will set an example local community. for private citizens and serve as tangible evidence of the City's commitment to sustain- 011111'1�� AC11111r�0 N IS ability. Furthermore, some of this infrastruc- ture—EV charging stations, for examp[e—can �,). ....... ri g a e �es a C y"a c e s s j c "I 'D Y,V` J be opened to the public, increasing its positive as lockers, a�,'-�d c(",,,,,,\/e�red/seCL,J,,,�,--e(,I oH,,,1"e, impact. The City could also pursue new policies 91 and programs for encouraging City employees J 17 )tE� a o c", �es 41d ake a c�,, LA ...... J ......... to drive less for their daily commute. U, �i e i e s t a e J,e s 0, 'T e a s e ri c le Fit�\J E' st a�ri a�o e Cl y i c .......... -OUg, 1( �g s, c�.........� as �f e rr �o��oy��,,,, c o st s o es, CCI 0 C 66 1 1,f f f 1 e 0 e o 1 e C o �rrffjii�u ��f(f�fffi Here are some actions that everyday Ashland residents and organizations can take to make a difference addressing climate change. �1 OJI, a ke a wa �kl d e a o 10 a k e i��C iii"I"",�tdfilja s Leaving your personal vehicle behind when commut I ngor runningerrands can make a big difference for your carbon footprint and can also be a healthy and enjoyable alternative to driving. ...................� ........... a if'u e e f��'f c ii��e ve c��e,,, When purchasin your next persona[ vehicle, consider more efficient alternatives such as hybrid or electric ve h i c I es. 11% 67 14� 116 ........... 41 c c c 6 AN W IMP, jM%', J!" Fpl 14,AP V, qg AWNF—, gj, d, FIR Al jP, .......... $ A, ........................ ...................... I No Upstream emissions from the production and While Ashland might change local development codes transportation of food and goods account for48%of to address building energy,there is no similar ability to Ashland's total emissions—more than any other sector. influence production efficiencies for imported goods and services. Therefore, Ashland's potential actions A large portion of food emissions are from the related to consumption and materials management production of meat,and household goods emissions are mostly center on influencing consumption behavior and largely from home construction,furniture, clothing,and supporting a variety of local and/or more sustainable vehicle purchases. Because Ashland's industrial sector purchasing options for its residents. is small and there is no significant agriculture within city limits, the Ashland community relies almost entirely on Climate change is also expected to increase stressors imported goods, food, and energy products to meet its such as pests, disease, and drought on the region's needs. Encouraging greater local food production would small local agriculture sector, potentially reducing have emissions reduction benefits while simultaneously the availability of local food. Global climate change improving food security and availability for Ashland's could also disrupt global markets and supply chains, r 'dents. Climate change may disrupt global supply I increases and es I potentially resulting in global price chains and thereby affect the cost of household goods resource scarcities. and services that local residents and businesses rely on. In some cases, buying "local" can reduce the [ifecyc[e greenhouse gas emissions associated with the goods and services we buy--but not always. A peer-reviewed study found that the production of food accounts for 83% of the average American food-related greenhouse gas footprint,while the transport of food only represents 11% of [ifecycle emissions.'A reduction in red meat consumption can therefore be a more effective means to reduce a household's food-re[ated climate footprint than "buying local." The strategies in this plan address both the production and transportation emissions associated with consumption of food and goods. While emissions from consumption are large, they are "indirect"emissions that are not underthe same level.of community control as the local,sector-based emissions. 6 Source: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdfp[us/10.1021/ es702969f 70 Ashland exemplifies its commitment to reduced waste and local sourcing through a variety of programs, ordinances, and offerings, such as the following: Bans on plastic bags and polystyrene containers: In 2014,the City approved an ordinance to substantially reduce consumption of single-use plastic carryout bags.The City also bans polystyrene foam food packaging at local restaurants, retail food vendors, and nonprofit food providers. Community garden programs,farmers' markets,and co-ops:Ashland enjoys a number of venues for growing and purchasing locally produced food, including at four City-sponsored community gardens,the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market, and at retailers like the Ashland Food Co-op. Residential curbside recycling programs and outreach: Reco[ogy provides curbside recycling service to Ashland residents, as well as education and outreach programs on backyard composting and reduce/reuse best practices. Recology also provides a drop-off recycling center for some hard-to-recyc[e materials. 71 CM-1 -2. Support collaborative consumptionif community p roj e cts. Collaborative consumption reduces demand for new products by facilitating the sharing and/ Because the City cannot d i rect[y influence how goods or repair of existing products in the community. Too[ libraries, for example, allow community are produced outside its Jurisdiction, its main feasible members to avoid purchasing new tools by option is to reduce the use of targeted carbon-intensive instead borrowing from a communal pool of goods and services by encouraging residents to change donated tools. The City can explore how best their consumer habits, such as by supporting shared to encourage sustainable consumption and use programs that reduce the need to own products. sharing activities [Ike too[ libraries and repair cafes,such as through mini-grant programs. CM-1 -3. Conduct a study to CM-1-1 . Implement an education determine effective ways to campaign for waste and 1� reduce and track consumption- consumption reduction strategies. based emissions. Private consumption of food and goods is the Current approaches for track I ng and mitigating largest single source of Ashland's greenhouse consumption-based emissions are coarse and gas emissions. While the City does not have relatively undefined. The City should continue the. ability to directly control or reduce these to evaluate new approaches and tools for emissions, it can encourage sustainable habits more accurately and effectively addressing this and purchasing decisions that target common important emissions source. sources of waste and carbon-intensive con- sumption. For example,the City could continue to include tips and instructions for energy-sav- Ing opportunities within City bills and news- letters, or provide additional informaton and outreach for replacing inefficient appliances, opting-out of junk mail, and available reuse sto res. 72 72 CM-2-2. Expand community g dening and urban agricu ure j pin 0 oortunities at community 11�1 ��111111111111111111 hil,61111101 PI Supporting environmentally responsible production gardens, schools, parks, and of goods and food [ocally—in or around Ashland— rooftops. is beneficial because it eliminates the emissions Increasing the land and resources available for associated with shipping goods produced far away to local agriculturecan he[psatisfya portion ofthe the city, and because it gives the City greater influence city's demand for food, reducing the quantity on encouraging sustainable production practices. of food that must be imported from outside the region. "Greening" public spaces can have numerous co-benefits, too, including offset- ting the urban heat island effect and providing garden space to those who do not have yards. CM-2-1 . Partner with nonprofit The City could work to expand existing local organizations to promote the food programs, such as by encouraging farms to work directly with organizations such as purchase of local produce and churches or schools to provide communi- products, such as through a ty-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. "buy climate-friendly first" food purchasing initiative for public institutions. One way the City can support sustainable local food production is to work with independent organizations to showcase and support cli- mate-friend[y retailers and products. The City could work with systems such as the Ashland School District, Southern Oregon University, and Asante Ashland Community Hospital to incorporate "c[imate-friend[y first" food pur- chasing. 73 73 CM-3-3. Strengthen the Demolition Debris and Diversion ordinance to enhance Diverting more waste from the landfill is one of the most enforcement and increase direct strategies Ashland can focus on to reduce the diversion and reuse. environmental impacts of the city's consumption. While the City cannot influence upstream production methods Due in large part to the sheer quantity of at factories and farms beyond its city limits, minimizing material involved, home demolition has an downstream waste has a clear and measurable outsized impact on Ashland's materials man- positive impact that will help Ashland move toward its agement strategy. Targeting buildings for reuse sustainabi[ity goals. and salvage not only reduces the quantity of material being sent to the landfill, but also creates a local market of recovered building materials that can be used again in new con- CM-3-1 . Improve recycling struction projects, remodels, and landscap- ing. This actions calls for enhancing Ashland's programs, implement new current Demolition Debris and Diversion ordinance so that it is more strictly enforced education and outreach, and and encourages further diversion and reuse of expand public space recycling. building materials. The City could explore the Making recycling a convenient and straightfor- introduction of mandates for a greater per- ward process iscrucia[to helping Ash[a nders to centage of deconstruction over time and also reduce waste disposal and increase diversion consider efforts to promote reuse of those from the landfill. Education and outreach, materials in new construction projects. better signage, and placing more bins in public areas aresome of the potentialwaysto improve recycling in Ashland. CM-3-2. Update the multi-family recycling ordinance to encourage more diversion. Historically, increasing diversion rates from multi-fami[y residential waste streams has been challenging.The City should uUpdateand expand recycling standards and requirements for existing and future multifamily housing to increase recycling diversion rates consistent with the Council approved recycling program updates.These actions should be implemented in accordance with recommendations provided by the ad-hoc Recycle Center Committee. 74 74 CM-4-2. Provide a kitchen best practices guide to help Production of food is a large emissions source, and, households and businesses unfortunately, a significant portion of the food that makes it into Ashland's homes and businesses spoils reduce food waste and or is otherwise wasted. Reducing this waste—and using consumption. the remaining food waste prod uctive[y—wi h ensure that Ashland gets the most benefit possible out of its food. Educating residents and businesses on how In addition to reducing the GHG emissions associated to reduce food waste is a low-cost option to with wasted food, edible food that would have gone to reduce wasted food, a preventable source of waste can be donated to residents who might otherwise greenhouse gas emissions. struggle to afford groceries. CM-4-3. Evaluate opportunites for recycling of commercial food waste. CM-4-1 . Support edible food While reducing food waste by addressing its donation through coordination root causes is the best option some food waste with the food bank and donations �'M I I��11'111111111101111 will always remain. The Citly can serve a central from City and community partner role in taking advantage of this waste stream events. by arranging for discarded food to be used for energy production, including the use of The environmental benefits of reducing food cooking oil for biodiesel and biofuels. The City waste means there is more food to share with could also consider working with Recology to those in need. This action calls on the City and provide organic waste pickup services. community to work with the food bank to make sure edible leftover food at public events ends up on dining tables, not in the landfill. 75 75 City operations account for a relatively small portion of Ashland's emissions,they are a relatively easy target for sustainability improvements because the City has direct control over them. CM-5-1 . Introduce City environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) guidelines for City procurement. Creating an EPP policy is a low-cost action that would guide City staff to choose more sustain- able products and services by modifying the procurement process. While the complexity of Ashland's existing procurement process may make this action more difficult to implement, it is worth considering because a wide range of cities similar to Ashland have successfully implemented EPP policies of their own. For example, the City could require evaluation of electronic equipment using the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (E P EAT). CM-5-2. Assess the feasibility of co-digesting food waste and b i o s o I i d s t o g e n e r a t e e I e ct r i c i ty a t the wastewater treatment facility. Generating electricity from the gases captured from decomposing organic matter is a win-win strategy:it prevents harmful GHGs from entering the atmosphere, and it creates electricity that can offset the wastewater treatment facility's energy use or be fed back onto the power grid. 76 I IM Here are some actions that everyday Ashland residents and V, I ions ca I I ressing F VALL o rga nizati n take to make a difference add climate change. WON S C 1001 Anima[ products are extremely GHG intensive to produce compared to plants. Eating less meat and dairy can make a big cut in food consumption emissions. Eating regiona[ly-grown food that is suitable for the southern Oregon climate can also make a difference through reduced tra nspo rtati o n-related emissions. Studiesshowthat inAmerica,approximate[y4O%of food kes it to our dining tab[es—meaning the water, never ma fertilizer, farm equipment, and transportation involved in producing this food and getting it to your refrigerator is wasted. Planning carefully when you shop and storing food properly can go a long way toward reducing food waste, and save you money,too. 10�..... ........... The purchase of manufactured goods is one of the largest contributors to Ashland's GHG emissions. Consider buying reused or borrowing items you only use infrequently to help reduce these emissions. The fewer items you purchase, the better for the environment. Investing in quality items that last longer often also makes sense for your wallet, since you don't have to keep replacing items when they break. 7W7 rp jjjj� jjjj�� ... .......... 60 A[though not formally accounted for in Ashland's Many of Ashland's natural systems and surrounding greenhouse gas emissions inventory, natural natural areas will be harmed by climate change, ecosystems such as forests and wetlands capture and threatening the ecosystem services they provide such store carbon, acting as a greenhouse gas "sink."Proper as water filtration, flood abatement, pollination, ecosystem management optim I zes this process of recreation, and fire protection. Importantly, the effects carbon sequestration and minimizes the potential risk of climate change on natural systems are interrelated of greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires. and may compound each other; for example, more frequent and severe droughts will increase the risk of The 2016 Ashland Forest Plan puts forth forest wildfires. Changes in temperature, snowpack, and the management objectives that take into account the abundance of diseases and pests will stress sensitive important role of forests in a changing climate. Some and high-e[evation plants, wildlife, and ecosystems relevant objectives from the plan include- such as the northern spotted owl, anadromous fish populations, and mid-e[evation coniferous forests. Reducing the likelihood of high-severity fire Other stressors' such as habitat loss and pollution, through strategically placed fuels treatments exacerbate this risk by minimizing habitat connectivity and subsequent implementation of prescribed and aggravating existing sensitivies. underburning to maintain reduced fuels and less fire-prone conditions; Climate change may also benefit some species and ecosystems. For example, a spec I es whose pathogens Managing for both development and maintenance are sensitive to drought may experience reduced of older forests that may sequester and retain large pathogen risk. However, these rarer cases are not are amounts of carbon overtime; not the focus of this plan. Focusing on protection and restoration of diverse forest structures,plant communities and associated genetic resources which are important mechanisms of resilience; Emphasizing multiple tree species management including species weH selected to thrive in future warmer and drier conditions such as pines, hardwoods and shrub spec I es (within prescribed spatial considerations for their potential to aggravate fire potential and hazard); and Monitoring and control of plant species that are prone to establishment and/or expansion in changing climates. 80 ""'to ��liiillliiillliiillliil111111)alllllte The City of Ash[and works within its city limits and with partners outside its limits to promote sustainable management and conservation of its natura[ ecosystems. Here are some ways the City is currently taking action: 0 The Ashland Forest Resiliency Project has produced p[anning documents that consider optimized forest fue[ management and wi[dfire planning in the face of climate change. 0 A new city Water Master Plan will incorporate future climate risks to water supply and quahty into future service planning and activities. 0 The City promotes drought-tolerant landscaping through education, outreach, and technical assistance. 0 The City water uti[ity has a tiered rate structure to provide incen- tives for conservation among the largest water uses. 0 The 2016 Ashland Forest Plan ca[[s for over 500 acres of wildfire hazard reduction in and around the City, over 150 acres of commercia[thinning, and the estab[ishment of a contro[led underburn- ing program to continual[y reintroduce the natural role of fire in our fire-dependent ecosystem. G o a I s a d ��i d c a""'to S 0(� ecosystenn '�ea�d'i a'id e s e c e. �3 a c e ss, c e a ''I S L I S 1'."1 S I i e d cl a d d k g wa t ..............E`,��11 d1cal........ ..... Ac,',es d c Aa es k S I. ......... ......i ta i�e [1,1� \A/d Y'' St e I ::J I C 0 1 S u T ��D L I W a L i 81 ... .......... through a plan that includes thinning smaller trees, reducing flammable fuels, and conduct- ing controlled burns. Through these activities and close monitoring, adaptive management, i "te ec('),-Ys,t&,"i i Siit��t,aiitegy ��NJS11111111111111110 �O D and incorporation of future climate change e s��l��l e�r�ice. projections into forest management and planning, the City will address climate change Climate change has the potential to significantly disrupt threats ecosystem stability and public health local ecosystems by altering precipitation patterns, and safety. increasing average temperatures, and making extreme weather events more frequent and severe.These NS-I -2. Use green infrastructure changes can affect a wide range of ecosystem features uch as bioswales, permeable and functions,from causing fish die-offs to disrupting pollinators. Local government policies and actions will play pavement, other pervious a key role in protecting ecosystem elements from climate- surfaces to reduce flood risk and related threats. minimize sediment entry into 0 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIY ACIIIIIIII��11111111 0�M S creeks from trails and roads. NS-I -1 . Manage forests to retain Runoff from rainwater and snowmelt can carry pollutants and sed I ment into ecologically biodiversity, resilience, and sensitive waterways. Pollution due to runoff and flooding in urban areas will likely become a ecosystem function and services more common—and more serious—prob[em for in the face of climate change. Use Ashland as climate change alters precipitation best available science to inform patterns and increases the frequency of severe rainstorms. Green infrastructure allows water fire management and planning to infiltrate into the soil, reducing the amount to manage ecosystem health, of polluted runoff that flows into sensitive community safety, and carbon creeks, wetlands, and other waterways. The City should continue to promote green infra- storage. structure where possible and consider green Responsible management of existing natural infrastructure as a default option for on-site areas within and surrounding Ash[and will stormwater management. bolster ecosystem health and prevent the breakdown of important ecosystem functions. The 2016 Ashland Forest Plan discusses these critical needs and considerations for City- owned forests in the context of a changing climate,and presents management approaches for balancing forest resilience, climate mitiga- tion, and other priorities. The Ashland Forest Resiliency Stewardship Project addresses forest resilience beyond City-owned properties 82 82 NS-1 -3. Undertake restoration NS-1 -4. Map and protect areas efforts to retain and restore that provide ecosystem services, native fish and riparian species, such as remnant spring, wetland, including enhancement of fish- and late successional forest friendly operations and habitat at habitats, through improved public Reeder Reservoir and in Ashland lands management/ownership and Bear Creeks. and promotion of conservation The fish and riparian species that call southern easements and private open Oregon home w I H I I ke[y be increasingly stressed spaces. by water scarcity and other chmate-driven impacts on the health of local waterways. This action focuses on identifying and prior- Undertak I ng habitat restoration and protec- itizing the protection of the most important tion efforts not only supports healthy stocks elements of the local ecosystem through public of these species, but can provide co-benefits ownership and conservation easements. The to residents and visitors by creating beautiful 2016 Ashland Forest Plan provides a variety of natural environments for visitors to enjoy and maps that could be used to begin prioritizing educational opportunities for residents to areas for protection. understand and apprec I ate native ecosystems and species. The City delineates Riparian Man- 011111111��11111111 AC11111111��11111111 0�M S agement Areas (RMAs), and the City's Stream I P ) (''") 11 1,- :A C e E c e 11y's a 1, 10,1 d d e and \Net[and Enhancement Guide provides a J Cli I C1 ��E: I S, El e e s,,� i s'', a, 1� -a ............i s; iew resou rce fo r lea rn i n g to co ntro[erosio n,m a n age [ 1� e c EIS C"I 'D" 0 invasive plants, and cultivate a healthy, native d eve��o�� ''11 � �. di", landscape. The 2016 Ashland Forest Plan lays a Fut�_i e o c a c i al e. �)r, , 'b I ��D(D Y��"11(N'11, ()f ec"osyste"i''i riia�,[,,�eL out ecosystem service-driven management Ass( "I(�_ (J priorities within the over 5 miles of stream and a�i, e s a s a e a C,i d e U 96 acres of riparian areas as well as calls out e s e f c e y a <; Day�� i�g specific opportunities for fisheries enhance- as I C I d o�,A/n e s wate f i e d y "I E) ment along Bear and Ashland Creek. I e"'it 0 f L h e i�(J 83 83 ... .......... Slt��raltegy ��%IS1111111111111112,, Ma�nage a�nd co�nserve tionship and tradeoffs between tree density and water availability. C 0 11 1 1 U I ty w a"L e e s o u��..........ces. While minimizing the City's water use internally is NS-2-2. Explore water-efficient important,conserving water in the community can have 11 jjjiq�'W technologies on irrigation systems ��Ulj a greater 'impact due to its scale. Water conservation can have double benefits in the face of a changing and consider requiring them 1111 110 climate: it can help the community be more prepared for during the permitting process. drought, and also reduce stress to aquatic ecosystems Landscaping irrigation uses large quantities of and thereby enhance the resiliency of those ecosystems water. Requiring advanced irrigation systems, to a variety of climate and non-climate stressors. Through education, policy, and incentives the City can especially for large commercial or mu[tifam- encourage the community to make meaningfulwater i[y properties, could have a significant impact use reductions. on the city's water use. This action could also involve promotion of water-efficient landscape 0 11111111��111111111Y AC11111111��11111111 0�M S design and maintenance through revision of Site Design and Use Standards in the land use code. NS-2-1 . Evaluate incentives for practices that reduce use of NS-2-3. Expand water 11151 I A", 1111111 (011111111111ollill po able water for nonpotable conservation outreach and purposes and recharge incentive programs for residents groundwater. and businesses. Incentives can be a valuable too[ to reduce P rov I d I ng additional education and support to water use and encourage the I nstaHation of residents and businesses can help reduce water rainwater collection and water reuse systems. use by identifying easy, cost-effective ways to As a bonus, these systems offer stormwater reduce water use; for example, by installing prevention co-benefits. Similar incentives low-flow fixtures and faucet aerators. The City have been used successfully in a number of may consider providing additional financial other cities. The viability and benefits of these incent I ves to encourage widespread adoption pract I ces are currently being examined as part of these upgrades or to make more costly Of Ashland's Comprehensive Water Master water-saving upgrades financially feasible all Plan update, including exploration of options households, I ncluding [ower-income families. to promote and install graywater reuse at This action could involve facilitating sustain- community gardens and other local urban agri- ability certifications, such as under the Salmon cultural areas, or better understand the re[a- Safe certification program, at local businesses. 011111111��11111111 AC11111111��11111111 0��M S (�I Y W I`I �l, _),- El C"�) C L]c e �,�� ! I I W .... .. .... i�e W �b t,� d ig �s oe .......... �ve s gg e d a o i,_� i I a�,�u i �s P:) (n 0�0 T' new tebN� ges ia ec was c c) C ce Wai I 1� ..... . ...... .... ......A e s L a,,, C'\A/ �C'11 d �M a iage �_qpsL[''ea��i�r 1 0 W S L 0 1�I iz e ISL,,ean I Hood �S[<, SUd i as d I t'', "I r '' n" ess e �� I I a I"a "l, ad�UsLe('I A " 115e� ie"It D oges L eath,'g . ..... �se,,, C ..............x e ��")e w t e c i� I 84 Sllt��ralltegy ��MS1111111111111113,, C&�')s&,-ve wa,L&�........... use NS-3-2. Implement efficiency ��l 0 1 IS. recommendations from the City W��'L�[,�I��l I C��l ly 0��..........)e��,-a"L' While the City's internal operations account for a --ilities water audit. relatively small portion of Ashland's overall emissions, The City is currently in the process of conduct- conserving resources sets a visible example that ing an audit of water use at its facilities. The residents and businesses in the community can follow. auditwl[[ help the City identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve the water efficiency Water use, in particular, will be important to minimize of its operations. in the future: with more frequent and severe droughts due to chmate-driven changes in precipitation and snowpack, Ashland and the surrounding area will have ACT 0��M S to manage its water resources to minimize the impacts C (11,- ,, �_'-l",C C of increasing water scarcity. a Le ,"'�(Y 'I�..........��( ��""e d�,_i c g\NaLer C&I'') e I I and S Use. NS-3-1 . Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collection systems at City facilities for graywater uses, and investigate opportunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and properties. This action alms to reduce the quantity of filtered, potable water used at City fac I[I t I es by using rainwater for nonpotab[e uses, such as tol[et-f[ushing and irrigation. Graywater recycling could further reduce the quantity of fresh, clean water used by the City for nonpo- table purposes. 85 1 e o I e o 11111f ""It �1111111111i e C,0��1111111111n ��11 t11111111111 11111ty Here are some actions that everyday Ash[and residents and organizations can take to make a difference in addressing climate change. i s ta�d� C e is, ail�,��i yo i, . ty. ....... ..... Work with the City to [earn about options for reducing stormwater runoff and increasing water storage and reuse at your home or all I busi ness. Y I YO�l.......... .......... e wa ite se id 1"10 L,l S 1("11 water ��) �)��............ InstaH water-effident fixtures, take shorter showers, irrigate at night, and otherwise 41 reduce water use. D C H1, Volunteer at a habitat restoration event, donate to [and conservancy or education organizations, and get outside! qjomll ................ NNYROM .......... �jg yrill Vf1 j IN ALL No, NO N�NjAlllllll p lmii rf"1, WIN MIR, g0l", m R J Illy I MAI p dis o )),IhIl 'hil jii M w9a sawsm, 'Nat IN All 11111111111��I............. 1110li a V/ NO Iff N 32 �j I All 'A"It "T" M, .......... ifil I& a ON r v" 7, V WIN% 6, A IN RONNIE"` --------------- U1 Z 6 Am M 004 W/p/ MH WAR/01 A on Jill 01 PIP MIM MI MI Him UUMBANINE11 .............. lip 11 oll 111211 al 11111 11, 01141 111 11maismill Iloilo ('Ihmmi INNER, 111,11 MAMRI ON (pv,,,,)� [imate change may seem removed from issues of r",o"', g��i ei� Cheafth, safety, and security, its effects may have significant impacts on Ashland's popu[ation. Increased heat waves, flooding, and wildfires threaten the heafth Although the City of Ashland has [imited influence over and safety of all residents, and Ashland's outdoor the health and social security of its residents, the City industry workers, the e[derly and very young, and low- has made great strides in supporting the local economy income populations are especially vu[nerab[e. and preparing for emergency events: Rafting, skiing, and other outdoor recreation industries Firewise Ashland provides residents of the may suffer from reduced snowpack and reduced wi[d[and urban interface with the knowledge and summer flows, affecting workers throughout the loca[ skills necessary to prepare for wildfires. tourist industry. Increased wildfire risk w1l[ stress emergency services and increase the number of homes The Social Service Grant and Community within wildfire risk areas. VVhHe many of the strategies Development Block Grant programs support and actions in other sections of this report have disadvantaged and at-risk popu[ations. positive direct impacts or co-benefits on pub[ic health The annual Ashland is Ready workshop provides and safety, these issues are important enough to merit emergency planning assistance and information for specific discussion. Without healthy, happy, and secure residents. citizens,Ashland wl[[ not thrive. Note: Emissions associated with public health, safety, and well-being ore encapsulated in other sectors of the greenhouse gas inventory and therefore cannot be independently evaluated. ff 5"M An, PER) "'i 1111B "killtrategies an ans 11, oa�ls and lnd*Icatars i\\\\\v d Ac 4s Strategy PHSW1a%11,,,, Mai�-,,�age I............. .........:", (........... -"I�C"i I":')le-l" S ec()f,1111111� I I I I I I i z e E, J I C "i e a '"C' I I 1-Irl-1,1I a I'l-11s, D J I I -r-i-i�,,e -r-'i "a', -i��i a e e e d e a 11-�1 c I C 1") -1 (,3 D 'D 0 C I fc J res�- �'J "I ci e s,� a�l"i With average temperatures on the rise and extreme I ci I g e S El LJ Y I I"SX, weather events predicted to become more common due to climate change, Ashland will need to consider r-'i d c a ............) S adapting its management of the cityscape and ecosystems to protect its residents' quality of life. A a t y ��P��R 10��R I IITY ACIIT 10��N S "'J 1:',)eq,.-1', C:: I,,') a C )'I f 1 11 1 c-i"a("e d :.")y a va f".1"I�o e C,e, "'i t, ��41 PHSW-1 -1 . Promote the E"E` C "I �y expansion of tree canopy in urban c'), "S\A I�,-i t'�-"i e W 1,,J heat islands or areas that need air ofAs�(-da�,-id conditioning such as schools. eq".')El�l,"e"'I ......�-j e s c as a s a, The urban heat island effect can have serious impacts on public health and quality of life, including causing heat-re[ated fatalities among elderly or otherwise vulnerable people.The City can reduce this effect by increasing tree canopy cover in targeted areas that do not currently have adequate shade or air conditioning, as 17 weH as promote and educate citizens about the benefits of shading with trees and building features. OTHER ACTIONS -'.Va a a,-I ci -r'� E`""ri e a s 1-1 -e ova I'-i I-r-I I z e D s 1-r-I o e 1, c d c: I...... s c'', i a," I ve �o 1-c), 1, 1,1 (3 tO I""V('',"t 1"�-.i e -I a s g a s 0\A/El�l" d (::3 W Cl�,J I "T"I E.-�t, D to dectI a --e e s c:') a c"3 I(,J I-I.......) a t Ill a c t e,s'' I C-) e d c e -ie-iIll Y 91 .......... -2-2. Support organizations "'HSW%12, I-) I , � (Ml, t1 yu" ................I 0111 PHSW .......... ......... lll S��I S G111"), I 1(':,::1 b I(�........ local ec( '11 i[',i�'I y -�ii a such as SOU, in evaluating risks to ldl� i�zes er r"",)i s,,, .............)i�...........Is", C', i�",i o 1,�I R.,� local food sources under climate Becoming more sustainable and preparingforthe effects change. of climate change will require more than government As discussed in Strategy CW-2, local food pro- action; the private sector also plays a central role. The duction minimizes greenhouse gas emissions City can serve as a thought leader,facilitator,and central associated with food transport, supports the coordinator to spur climate action by a wide variety of local economy, and brings other sustainabi[ity independent businesses. benefits. As part of the City's work to support and expand local agriculture, it can consider ��P��R 10��R I IITY ACIIT 10��N S taking a supporting the work of other organi- zations to evaluate how local food sources may PHSW-2-1 . Engage leading be stressed or affected by climate change, and how best to navigate the challenges to ensure employers in a dialogue on that local farms remain viable and productive. Thisworkwou[d include researching new crops, climate action, for example, I(('1 111111011 tech no[ogies, and innovative a p p ro a c h es, by organizing and facilitating and working with farmers to adapt to climate roundtables. change. This action involves bringing local employers OITRER ACTIONS together with City staff and independent experts S"t,0 e "a"I"('', to discuss how climate change will affect their VV 0"k W i �r ,�Cj IF),C�ir� businesses, how to minimize those risks, and d-'ar"ige a fc'.) 1:�e �i�l"e, how to effectively incorporate climate and sus- tainability concerns into their businesses. 92 S OMNI trategy PHSW1a%13,,,, ......... �1 PHSW-3-2. Identify and minimize 1-ii e a I ..... . ......... ............. ................. potential urban heat impacts. Climate change is expected to increase the Many of the facilities and services provided by the number and severity of heat waves in Ashland, City can also serve as important venues for adapting putting vulnerable people at greater risk to climate change. This strategy identifies ways that of heat-re[ated health complications and the City can work with the community to minimize reducing the quality of life for all Ashland public health impacts from climate change, such as residents. The City can take steps to minimize heat, respiratory, and pathogen-related illnesses. This the risks presented by heat waves by identify- strategy also includes opportunities for the City to ing where heat-re[ated impacts will be most adjust or repurpose its current activities and facilities to pronounced and working to encourage and/ help minimize public health threats,such as its libraries, or directly implement strategies for offsetting parks, and emergency management services. these impacts, such as by designating cooling centers through the city, improving cooling PRIORITY ACTIONS systems in schools and senior centers, and incentivizing cooling strategies such as coo[ PHSW-3-1 . Work with vulnerable roofs/pavements and expanded tree canopy. populations to create specific PHSW-3-3. Develop or enhance adaptation strategies to address heat-warning systems for public health risks. Some populations and areas of the city will employees and the public. be more vulnerable to climate impacts than Heat-warn ing systems help minimize the health others. The City can work to minimize the dangers associated with extreme heat by giving impacts on its most at-risk populations and the public a chance to plan ahead to avoid areas by working with residents and local being outside or take refuge at a designated organizations to identify and implement cus- coo[i ng center d u ri ng the hottest periods. tomized solutions. For example, outlying areas exposed to wildfires or [ow-[ying homes OTHER ACITIONS and businesses in flood zones could receive �r �' '' � �'" I'll I'll, -[J"'� t,( ) -, , (I��c'' "a S tailored trainings to ensure readiness for the ess�oria risks of their location. The City could work oose("J ::')y ('''Tal""ige, a�'� LJ' C �'_l C"'i I g I", "-'J �'J 1'1 with at-risk populations such as the elderly or gE,'�'S (,3 disabled to identify specific challenges in the face of a changing climate and customized Ac c act""Vt"'Y S'� t o 1"i o 1,e �_j Y-I �"' ",I C -,)��a�""I ........ c),�l", ::�,i r-a,,,,v(,,,�s solutions such as accessible cooling centers or s c "i e c"i�,,j al", C") J ii'�c)dallle or'iger'al-id E��l" additional health services. Lo C) I, S E",a ""'I 93 S INV, trategy PHSWis,140. sa-'f"E."""'11"�"Y (1�1'1111`..............�" Climate stress adds additional burdens to City safety services. This strategy involves taking measures within City operations and current services to protect the public from injuries caused by extreme events like wildfires and flooding. ��P��R 10��R I IITY ACIIT 10��N S 011TRER ACITIONS -11 z e t "I E� e a c','i y, E X ':3 PHSS-4-1 . Update the City's emergency response plan and e oc I I a"'i d J t", z e (I ar-'id sl,:'-)�' .')r . ...... r�e "'T"I S�J( as t� i L C C, ensure that preparation and e c-,Ad('ii r-'i S 1"", 1",C) i At- updates recognize and address (_J �'M a 1-i g Sys,[,,,,e rr"� t(") likely climate change impacts. wik,�,'Jfl�"( (3, S' From wildfires to floods, the emergencies that Ashland faces w1H increasing[y be [inked to climate change.The City can protect its citizens from these emergencies by incorporating climate projections and likely impacts into its existing emergency response plan. PHSS-4-2. Identify and address populations and essential City services that are within the 100 year flood zone. Climate-driven changes in precipitation and snowmelt patterns will likely increase the frequency and severity of flooding in the city. One way Ashland can mitigate the damage of severe floods is by identifying populations and essential services in flood-prone areas and working to relocate or protect them. This action could include examining adjustments to the Water Resources Ordinance chapter of the [and use code, which stipulates setback AM requirements for properties [ocated within at-risk areas. 94 em ;"m' 1 e o I e o ''It 'i e C11,o��1111111111n��1111111111TIII U Ity Here are some actions that everyday Ashland residents and organizations can take to make a difference in addressing climate change. AsSE ..........1") (':...........), i� emergency kit Jackson County offers tips and checklists to help residents create emergency kits for their homes and cars.Visit the Jackson County Emergency Management website or contact Jackson County for more information. 0 Stay uniformed, Sign up for Citizen Alert!,a free program from Jackson County that sends community alerts to your phone and emai[ when you register online. Prepare your hame 1 ri e 11 Understand the risk of flooding or wildfire to your home, and take action to safeguard your home.Ashland provides free Firewise assessments for properties at potential risk of wildfire. Find more information at the City I s Ready, Set, Go! Evacuation website. Understandthe ril"'I'sks ar"K"I -,"low ,10 d"', I E',��............... Injuries from heat exhaustion and wildfire smoke can be exacerbated by conditions such as dehydration, diabetes, heart conditions, and obesity. Staying hea[thy, avoiding harmful activities, and taking proper precaution can make sure you and your family are safe from deadly heat-and smoke-related il[nesses. mill 111111 1 MINE III I ........... P, Ifo"' I q IM, 11of om JIM 0011101 If 0.1)" 100 10 L L og�� ess ""to Goals a��I'id ddressing climate change requires working across Asectorsto incorporate ch mate change considerations (""'o a into aH that we do. Only through a coordinated and multifaceted effort can significant progress be made. ........... (111G--)�,111, LA C4 The City of Ashland has demonstrated a commitment o a��s a--i d �f"1 E�E to comprehensive climate action through development i e t e a(j" CA of this Climate and Energy Action Plan. Prior to the plan, ca i s e a t c)1`1 S" (.,,'ia\/ 1-(,") C])),C',-i the City also completed its first citywide greenhouse C-1�'Lv 0", e- "I", I Ci gas inventory, which served as an essential benchmark e c s �r r�a for understanding and taking action against the community's greatest GHG emission sources. The City has also hosted a number of public outreach 0 J11 I a d('11 ��f and engagement events around climate change and C'OgE' I(A' L]111"') v sustainabi[ity, including the Ashland Climate Challenge I u e In 2015. S S LJ Ell, L"), �t-y �f", ac�i-Mt�es D 0 1") "1") C) �-)c,,, e, c a'� C 0 1 E- (1, AE" 'C`�I�t j .................................................. 111114 morl")......... NO g/9 8 "'ma/m/ ;N, r/ w////,////, /"2 "/00 M r ........... E11111 1/01000 Ed. HAMMEL III It 0��i Is e s S It ......Ca e i: a��#i A c CC-1 -2. Support capacity of neil hborhood and communit 9 y Sti�i�i�rateigy C Cmmu,1 ("J,�,,.J d-i I'-1� 1� f,....i.)",ri"':"),),�1111/ e i�", oups to imp ement c imate t��i e- I,,j�b��i�c,,, mitigation and adaptation Addressing community-wide emissions starts with initiatives. ensuring that the public understands climate change Every commun I ty I s d I fferent in how it affects and what they can do to address the challenge. This and is affected by climate change. To accom- strategy I nvolves not just enhancing public knowledge, modate these differences and to empower com- but also continuing to [earn and understand the needs munities to take action,the City should provide and challenges the public faces in taking action. It resources and support for ne I ghborhoods that focuses on finding ways to address the public's needs wish to tackle climate change directly. Options and challenges through incentives, education, and could I nc[ude providing resource guides or behavior change programs. check[I sts, venues for community meetings, or mini-grant programs for specific adapta- tion actions. This action could include plans to 0��`JIJ�111rY AC11111r�0��M,S conduct outreach specifically to schools and CC-1 -1 . Create a formal public other important institutions and organizations outreach and education plan in the city. to inform the community about climate actions and progress. CC-1 -3. Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset An informed community is critical to empower- lf�I]11 program. ing and inspiring climate action. The outreach and education plan will inform residents about In cases in which additional local,on-site climate actions, what they accomplish, how emission reductions are not possible,the they can be accessed or used, and how the purchase of offsets can help the community community is progressing toward its targets. attain additional emission reductions needed to meet the city's climate mitigation goals. The City shou[d explore options for faci[itati ng purchase of offsets by Ashland community members, such as through development of an online too[ or Al A 011111P�I ACIIIIIP�QNS ........ ... . .....), 0 j �,,e(i(,J) I "i I H� i a"L g 99 All f,,,,,Ne r c ,J E")1� Stiiirategy CC,)jn)NIZ(I(f,, I F CC-3-1 . Consider climate change C ty ............ 4-C-01, j ') g in all City Council policy, budgetary, Tasked with imp lementingtheC[im ate and Energy Action Plan, C I ty staff and leadership must understand threats or legislative decisions and as part and issues related to climate change and the actions of the Council Communication needed to address it. This strategy deals with ensuring document template. that ah City departments inform their staff members Council decisions present key points in the about the Climate and Energy Action Plan and clarify policy-setting process for incorporating and their roles and expectations for its implementation. cons I der I ng City priorities. Asking how policy, budgetary, and legislative decisions may affect CC-2-1 . Ensure all City or be affected by climate change during these departments educate their staff keydecision pointsw I h provide further assurance that no new policy or decisions hinder progress members about the Climate and toward reaching Ashland's climate goals. Energy Action Plan. This action includes identifying the expecta- CC-3-2. Consider CEAP goals in tions, roles, and responsibility of each depart- future updates of city plans. ment in meeting specific community and City To enhance integration of climate change across operations actions within the Climate and City activities, climate mitigation and resiliency Energy Action Plan. goals set for in this plan should be promu[- gated through future updates of related City Strategy CC,)jn)NI3,,1, Maid....... plans. Example plans to which this action would apply include the City Comprehensive Plan, Iffff i�'l eigi�,-ate c�h n a t e c o r,)��s�d e 1,-a ti 0 1�ffff��,]�S, Water Master Plan, Transportation System Plan, Neighborhood Master Plans, Forest Plan, and As a cross-cutting issue, climate change should be Emergency Management Plans. integrated 'into all other City activities and processes, as relevant. This means that any decision that could affect or be affected by climate change should explicitly address that connection and ensure coherence with the city's climate action goals. For example, climate change should be considered in ah City Council policy, pul budgetary,or legislative decisions,and as partof regular .................... City Council communications. p"10 100 e I �......... CC-3-3. Expand mission Stiiiralt:.egy CCmmo4o�)) - I gove I""', i� I�II I"-)�,u":'::-)) II.......I C"] o I�--g a I'-"1I z a o i,--iI s a i,-o t.i d statern e n ts of existing City I-e g 110 1""11 a st a t e",,,,,N�c.,]e a t,II o a a i--�I d ommissions to include II...........I e i,-,iI........�adoiI........I a�� c,','� a t e 0- ��I� a cl�,:11 consideration and perpetuation of climate action goals. The City of Ashland can learn from the experience of There are a variety of existing City Commis- others, and a larger, .unified coalition can be more powerful.Thisstrategy involves coordinating with other sions that focus on topics related to climate local governments that have set ambitious climate change. This action involves making an explicit targets, such as Eugene, Portland, Sealttlle, and Fort conn i ection to the role of climate change in the Collins, to [earn from their experiences, share best purview of these Commissions, and formahz- practices, and together advocate for broader regional, ing the inclusion of climate considerations and state, and national action and leadership. goals into the activities and objectives of those Commissions. L\\\ CC-4-1 . Engage with other governments and organizations around regional, statewide, national, and international climate policy and action. Ashland should continue to collaborate with n ig-hboring cities to s I ion and e hare 'nformat* v foster coordinated and unified action. The City should lead and pursue a partnership model, OUPPER such as the King County-Cities Climate Collab- JF,figs, oration in Washington State, to coordinate and -s Mor enhance the effectiveness of local government % climate and susta*nab*[*ty action within reg on. #/ ? fi`,/`��, ,Wr ''for "Ira, 21% p'� . ............. A T, P! q 61 Ato 11/11s; a", vn, P, if IN 5� al flpy 11'ggil 31)- 1 01 /ig Pfff UN 1 101-1 ...........1, 1,'111 I'll I'L,111'1`1'A��, jj� pp-go, if I a ma .......... NMI/ SOL- /Ri/S///i, 10 0/11 in 0 NO PIr /I a., �7 q NO If V/ ip W'W JAVIM ................. Air, der 0 "IMP, � ��=�� =� YearI ImplementationSummary�� !��|�� The focus in 2DI7vviU be on es�b|ishing the institutionai This implementation plan sets forth a proposed foundation for plan implementation and taking initial structure and schedule for implementation of the steps on key priority actions. Table I provides a Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAp). It contains the schedule and key milestones forYear I. Key activities to following sections: undertake are: ^ Year I Implementation Summary - A summary " Formalize the c|ty's commitment to [EAP actions of key tasks to be accomplished in Year I of [EAp and goals (e.g.' ordinance orresoiution). implementation, described in more detail in the following sections. " Create and hire o full-time,permanent City CEAp staff position that also includes clear high level ^ Oversight-An ongoing structure for ongoing citizen management oversight and direction. oversight and involvement in [EAP implementation and long-term plan updates. ^ Form and convene a permanent City Advisory Commission to provide guidance and oversight of ^ Accountability and Enforcement - Potential plan implementation and future plan updates as policy mechanisms for ensuring that the [EAp is described in the plan. implemented to its full potential. ^ Create an internal City Climate Action Team for ^ City Staffing and Leadership- A structure for City operations actions and to assist in coordinating ongoing City staff resources and leadership for the implementation of community actions that ensuring implementation of the CEAp and its span multiple City departments. ongoing success. " Designate potential funding sources for individual ^ Funding - Potential funding mechanisms and actions and identify additional funding needs and opportunities for financing specific[EAp actions. opportunities for ongoing plan implementation. ^ Monitoring and Evaluation - A mechanism and " Establish CEAP progress indicators and set of metrics for monitoring and evaluating CEAp corresponding baselines and targets (including progress and updoting the pian as necessary. equity indicators) ^ Equity - Guidance for ensuring that equity is ^ Determine and formalize Ashland's approach to considered in [EAPimpiementation. incorporating equity considerations into plan ^ Near-termActions-[EAPactionstobeimpiemented implementation. by 2020. ^ Commence priority near-term CEAP actions. ^ Implementation Schedule - Implementation detail for each priority CEAP action, including relative measures of action cost and effectiveness; accompanying co-benefits; dmefnames for implementation; and responsible departments. 104 Oversight Accountability an� Enforcement� Adoption of this Climate and Energy Action Plan will A Citizen Advisory Commission is recommended to demonstrate the City of Ashland's �o oversee implementation of the [EA� The Commission addressing the challenge of climate change in the will be composed o[ stakeholders who represent Ashland community. Establishing � more formal, Ashland residents, h�vein�e�s experience' ^' City commitment �o [EAP �o�is' such �s through � on cUmate'reievant topics or related policy work, and/'or represent key resolution or ordinance' would be seen by many as vcommunity or organizations reinforcing the importance of this plan and could help may play a role in implementation. ensure implementation ofCEAP actions and measurable progress toward meeting[EAP goals overtime.Aformai Roles of the advisory committee could include: commitment can also be a considerable asset in the pursuit of grant funds and other funding sources to assist in the implementation of the plan. ^ Monitoring and tracking progress towards meeting [EAPgoais. ^ Providing recommendations to the Climate and Energy Coordinator regarding CEAP progress and implementation. ^ Ensuring that the [EAP stays up-to-date over time, with a focus on the three-year plan update cycle ^ Reviewing and making recommendations as part of the three-year greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory update process It is expected that the Commission will meet at [east quarterly, and likely more often in the early stages of implementation. Table 1. Schedule and key milestone for Year CEAP implementation. III, Emelis M4111 ims I id Citizen Advisory Commission City Staffing and Leadership Internal City Climate Action Team Identification of Specific Funding Sources Progress Indicators Equity Considerations Priority Near-Term Actions 105 City Staffing and Leadership The Climate and Energy staff positionwill have the foUomingquaUfications: The plan calls for the creation and hiring of a new, ^ RamiUahtyendvvorkingexpehence with both c|imate fui[-time a City Climate and Energy staff position mitigation and adaptation, including greenhouse dedicated to and charged with coordinating both gas accounting methodologies and climate change internal and external implementation of the CEAP. projections and anticipated impacts. Job responsibilities of the position inciudethefoUmwin§: ^ Experience managing cUmate'reiatedpmgnsmsthat involve both internal and external stakeholders. ^ provide lead staff support to the [EAp Advisory ^ Experience with public outreach and citizen Commission. engagement,preferably at the local municipal ievei ^ Work with City departments to facilitate, design' . Experience managing cUmate'reiated programs and track strategy and action implementation. that involve both internal and external stakeholders. ^ Develop and lead outreach efforts with external |tis anticipated that an internal[iimateAction Team will stakeholders, including public, to encourage taking be formed within the City to coordinate and implement actions identified in the[EAP. [EAp actions. The following departments should be ^ Provide leadership and direction to the [ity's represented as part of the Climate Action Team'' internal advisoryteamon'implementation activities, tracking, progress updates and developing advisory ^ Community Development (including Building team recommendations to relevant internal and Division and Planning Division) external implementing parties. ^ Ashland Municipai Utility(Electric) ^ Administration ^ Lead development and presentation of annual ^ Parks and Recreation [EAp progress reports, asvveUasplan updates. ^ Conservation ^ Public^ Develop and implement asys�/mtosys��matica|� VVorks ^ Fire review' adjust, and update plan strategies and actions as needed. ^ Develop and lead the planned three year update cycle for the community and city greenhouse gas inventory ^ Implement and maintain a dashboard or other interactive and publicly accessible platform for tracking and communicating progress to internal and external stakeholders. 106 I Funding As the implementation commences in earnest, City staff and the proposed CEAP advisory committee should pay particular attention to additional funding sources. Fundingfor near-term actions of the CEAP will comefrom This examination should include exploration of specific a variety of sources within the City budget depending grant opportunities targeted at individual plan actions, on the type of action, the responsible department, and potential new local revenue streams such as from a the legal and operational limitations of the particular carbon/fue[ tax, and mufti-jurisdiction or pub[ic/private funding source. Additionally, some of the actions partnerships to provide the resources needed for City recommended in the plan are expansion of existing City and community goal achievement. programs or efforts and therefore already have funding sources. However, incremental funding increases may be needed to meet the higher level of action called for in the plan. Current and potential funding sources include: 0 City genera[fund 0 Electric Utility revenues 0 Storm Water Utility revenues 0 Water Utility revenues 0 Bonneville Power Administration 0 Federal and state grants 0 Revolving loan funds 0 Newly identified funding sources (see below) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Fop Monitoring �n� Evaluation — Progress toward meeting [EAP targets and goals will be evaluated and tracked on an action-by-action basis with an overall progress report for all actions and activities provided on at least an annual basis. If possibie, qualitative updates will be available on a quarterly basis. The plan will be evaluated and updated on a three-year cycle to ensure that plan strategies and actions reflect the latest knowledge and best practices around climate mitigation and adaptation. The plan will also be reevaluated to assess whether actions are sufficient to meet emission reduction goals and, if not, to add new or expanded actions to the plan. To facilitate the three-year update' the Ashland community and City greenhouse gas inventories will also be updated on recurring cycie, one year in advance of the plan update process. This cycle will provide City staff and the proposed commission with concrete measurement results to inform plan evaluation and updates. At a minimum' the following indicators will be tracked and reported on at [east an annual basis. Due to data availability [imitations, some of these indicators will require establishment of baseline and target values for meeting[EAP goais—to be developed in Year I of implementation. Additionally, it is expected that some methodologies for measuring some indicators'such as consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions'will evolve and improve overtime. Further development and build-out of the monitoring and evaluation indicators likely form a significant opportunity for the proposed new commission to work on as an early oversight activity. Equity indicators will also be monitored' as available (see"Equity" section on page9I). 108 Potential Progress Indicators Overarching Goal 1:Reduce GHG Emissions Community GHG emissions(mtCO e) 8%reduction 342)480 peryear City GHG emissions(MtCO2 e) 0 by 2030 10J57 Fossil fuel consumption (MMBTU) 50%reduction Unknown by 2030; 100%reduction by 2050 Overarching Goal 2:Prepare for Climate Impacts N/A(see individual focus areas) N/A N/A Reduce building GHG Building GHG emissions(mtCO 2 e) 8%reduction 82A26 emissions. peryear Increase energy and water Energy&water use per square foot TBD Unknown efficiency in City and private (M M BT U/sf&CC F/sf) buildings. Protect Ashland's building Proportion of buildings that use heat- TBD Unknown stock and energy supply from resistant materials,passive heating/ climate impacts. cooling,and/or white roofs I(%) Local renewable energy production(%) Reduce transportation GHG Transportation GHG emissions(mtCO e) 8%reduction 79)000 emissions. peryear Reduce community&City Vehicle miles traveled (miles) TBD Unknown employee vehicle miles traveled. Improve vehicle efficiency Emissions per mite traveled (mtCO e/ TBD Unknown and expand low-carbon mile) transport,including within Transit ridership(passenger miles)and City's fleet bicycling Support local and regional Average city"Wa[k Score" TBD 53)) sustainable growth. Protect transportation TBD TBD TBD infrastructure from climate impacts. Reduce solid waste& Solid waste&wastewater GHG emissions %reduction 6)923 wastewater GHG emissions, (mtC0 2 e) peryear Increase waste diversion Waste diverted from landfill to recycling TBD Unknown through waste prevention, and composting(%) I recycling,and composting. 109 Potential Progress Indicators, Continued Reduce consumption of Consumption-retated emissions 8%reduction 166)731 ctimate-intensive food, (mtCO,e) peryear products,and services. Support loca Hy-produced Community gardens TBID 4 gardens; products. Farmers markets 1 farmers market Enhance ecosystem health Water quality(EPA score out of 100) TBID Water quality and resilience. Acres of forest maintained 60/100iii Acres of protected and restored habitat Over 2,000 acres of forests maintainediv Ensure sustained access to Water consumption(avg MGD) TBID 4.5 MGDv clean air and drinking water. I Protect public health from Air quality(EPA score out of 100) TBID Air quality 70/100ii air pollution and climate Cooling center capacity(#people) impacts. Tree canopy cover Improve community capacity #homes in the wi[d[and urban interface TBID 1,400 homesvi to understand,prepare for, (WU 1) and respond to climate change security risks. Increase awareness of city Public and staff knowledge and TBID (e.g.,over 2,000 climate goals and needs. understanding of climate change issues students") and actions (e.g.,#students engaged in AFR project) Integrate climate Number of other City plans or activities TBID 2(Water Master considerations into City that incorporate climate change Plan Update;2016 operations,planning,and considerations Ashland Forest Plan) decision-making. 110 1 1 Equity In addition, these equity considerations can be explicitly integrated into the cross-cutting strategy CC 3 1 "Consider climate change in all City Council Each action of the CEAP should be implemented in policy, budgetary, or legislative decisions. Incorporate an equitable manner that addresses Ashland's unique climate action considerations/relationship as part of equity issues and concerns. The sections below provide the Council Communication (staff report) document suggestions for ensuring equitable implementation template." The inclusion of equity considerations as of the CEAP. It is expected that specific criteria and part of the standard formal communication template for indicators will be determined and formalized in Year 1 City Council deliberation and decision making ensures of CEAP implementation. that equity related impacts of City Council decisions are by default considered in the deliberation and able to be Equity Considerations understood and commented on by the public. a y When planning for implementation, the City should consider equity impacts and potential benefits. For example, the City of Portland put forth the following equity considerations in implementation of their Climate Action Plan: Does the proposed action generate burdens (including costs), either directly or indirectly, Disproportionate impacts to communities of color or low-income populations? If yes, are there opportunities to mitigate these impacts? Shared benefits Can the benefits of the proposed action be targeted in progressive ways to reduce his- torical or current disparities? Are the benefits of the proposed action broadly accessible to households and businesses Accessibility throughout the community— particularly communities of color, low-income popula- tions, and minority,women and emerging small businesses? Engagement Does the proposed action engage and empower communities of color and low-income populations in a meaningful, authentic and culturally appropriate manner? Capacity building Does the proposed action help build community capacity through funding, an expanded knowledge base or other resources? Does the proposed action align with and support existing communities of color and low- Alignment and partnership income population priorities, creating an opportunity to leverage resources and build collaborative partnerships? Relationship building Does the proposed action help foster the building of effective, long-term relationships and trust between diverse communities and local government? Economic opportunity and Does the proposed action support communities of color and low income populations staff diversity through workforce development, contracting opportunities or the increased diversity of city and county staff? Does the proposed action have appropriate accountability mechanisms to ensure that Accountability communities of color, low-income populations,or other vulnerable communities will equitably benefit and not be disproportionately harmed? 111 1 1 Equity Indicators Progress toward advancing equity through implementation of the CEAP will also be assessed as part of the monitoring and evaluation process. Identification and baseline assessment of relevant indicators will be an important part of Year 1 implementation. Potential process and outcome indicators related to climate resilience implementation identified by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP),for example, including the following: Infrastructure Solar and wind installation -community level, home,commercial/business (mapping/ distribution) Economic Development New, local jobs created and Jobs Food Security Businesses temporarily or permanently closed (net new businesses) Housing Community Workforce Agreements for redevelopment projects Healthcare Services Households identified as food insecure Emergency Management Property values increased or reduced Planning and Decision Health care and mental health facilities Making 112 1 1 Phase I Actions The following twenty actions were identified as Phase I priority actions. Actions were identified as Phase I that meet one or more of the following criteria: • Easy, early wins - relatively straightforward actions that demonstrate climate action and help the City hit the ground running on making progress toward climate goals. • Foundational steps- actions that set the stage or guide direction for other actions. • Complex,but important initiatives-actions that will make a big difference but may be challenging or resource- intensive to implement,so getting started as early as possible will be important. • Windows of opportunity-actions align with or could synergize with other City plans, projects,or initiatives,and so should be implemented concurrently. Scope Type Criterion Emm'lilillm� BE-1-1.Develop a comprehensive plan for the Municipal Electric Utility.InitiateI IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIIIIIII Foundational step planning process in 2017. BE-1-2.Promote switching to low-and non-carbon fuels.Integrate as part of IIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIII III planning in BE-1-1. IIIIIIIIIIIIIII Complex,but important BE-1-3.Facilitate and encourage solar energy production.Begin exploring increased (IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII J,�' �� Window of opportunity local solar energy production as part of the 10-by-20 ordinance implementation. IIIIIIIII (�Illlu(((IlmYlliolulfi BE-1-4.Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities.Prioritize and development implementation plan and funding for recently completed City facility �� 1� Window of opportunity solar audit. �� o(((�Illlu(fflliu�loilou I�i BE-2-1.Increase outreach efforts to expand participation in energy efficiency programs and promote climate-friendly building and construction.Update the (IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIII III land use code for conservation housing density bonus,expand participation in City's IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Easy,early win Smartbuild program,and expand zero-interest loan program opportunities. BE-3-1.Use results from City Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize City Facilities �� IIIII IIIII III Capital Improvement Plans(CIPs)and maintenance improvements.Budget funds Easy,early win are secured to begin this action immediately. ��ii IIIIIIIIIIIIIII III I i�J I r I r I �rl (fjlll!��r1A I 0�1! I I b1r /�(1 ��vnu�l�m�r�abra,,» 14r,�ii I umf ffjlJJ!'Ldf J��I�rmt II�I�I f11i I ULT-1-2.Work with RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit.Begin conversations with RVTD to begin transitioning to lower emission buses and exploring Complex,but important ways and access and ridership. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Y p p ULT-2-1.Implement bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly actions in the City's Transportation System Plan and Downtown Parking Management Plan.Begin Window of opportunity implementing capital improvement plans as part of TSP implementation. III IIIIIIIIIII III ULT-2-2.Explore additional opportunities to convert to shared streets where �� IIIII IIIII III appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity.Pursue East Main St super sharrow Window of opportunity concept through Transportation Commission. �� IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII g p ULT-3-2.Revise land use codes to require EV charging infrastructure at multifamily IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIIIIIII and commercial developments.Draft revised code. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIII Complex,but important ULT-3-3.Provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles and incentive IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIII III programs on the City website. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIII Easy,early win 113 Scope Type Criterion ULT-4-1.Consider regulating further construction or expansion in the Wildland Urban Interface(WUI)part of the urban growth boundary.Explore available policy Complex,but important instruments or incentives for limiting development in this area. CM-2-1.Partner with nonprofit organizations to promote the purchase of climate- friendly produce and products.I mptement as part of Economic Development Easy,ea r[y win Strategy 1.3:local import substitution. CM-2-2.Expand community gardening and urban agriculture at community gardens,schools,parks,and rooftops.Offer additional trainings,programs,and Easy,early win gardening areas. I= NS-1-1.Manage forests to retain biodiversity,resilience,and ecosystem function and services in the face of climate change.Use best available science to inform fire Window of opportunity management and planning.Continue efforts as part of the Ashland Forest Resiliency Project,and implement actions in the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan. NS-1-3.Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian species.Identify and create new restoration sites,and continue maintaining existing Easy,early win sites. NS-2-2.Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and consider Complex,but important requiring them during permitting. PHSW-2-1.Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action.Convene Foundational step ongoing,organized meetings in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. PHSW-3-1.Work with vulnerable populations to create specific adaptation Foundational step strategies that address public health. CC-1-1.Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform the Foundational step community about climate actions. CC-1-2.Support capacity of neighborhood and community groups to implement climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. Begin identifying and engaging in a Foundational step dialogue with community groups and populations. CC-1-3.Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset program.Begin Foundational step evaluating options and associated costs and benefits. CC-2-1.Ensure all City departments educate their staff members about the Climate Foundational step and Energy Action Plan.City CEAP Coordinator can engage with each department. CC-3-1.Consider climate change in all City Council policy,budgetary,or legislative t decisions and as part of the Council Communication document template. Complex,but importan CC-3-2.Consider CEAP goals in future updates of city plans. Window of opportunity CC-3-3.Expand mission statements of existing City Commissions to include Foundational step consideration and perpetuation of climate action goals. CC-4-1.Engage with other governments and organizations around climate policy and action.Join a format organization such as ICLEI to explore best practices and Foundational step establish relationships with peer communities. 114 Phase || �r1'.. , °_O{JDs The fo [owl ngforty actions were identif Iedas Phase U priority actions. Priority actions that were not identif IedasPhase | were assigned as Phase U. Scope Type 1 1 Scope Type Strategy CM-3. Expand community recycling and composting. CM-3-1.Improve recycling programs to make them easier to use and implement new education and outreach to increase IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIII II recycling in all sectors;expand public space recycling. (IIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIII III 1,��1111�GNllllll��ll�l CM-3-2.Update the multi-family recycling ordinance to encourage more diversion. �I�rf�llil(fiYil�IlloiliPl� Strategy CM-4. Reduce food waste. p��GI»III�11f� CM-4-1.Support edible food donation. 1111f(ffmiif 11 CM-4-2.Provide a kitchen best practices guide to help households and businesses reduce food waste and consumption. i�((li�llllu(((Pflm�lmo�u� Illi�uuy�� 1 ,J J �1��G�11111UII, CM-4-3.Facilitate recycling of commercial food waste. lye Strategy CM-5.Improve sustainability of City operations and purchases. ��o�� IIIIII IIIII II CM-5-1.Introduce City environmentally preferable purchasing(EPP)guidelines for City procurement. �`�� IIIIIIIIII III CM-5-2.Assess the feasibility of co-digesting food waste and biosolids to generate electricity at the wastewater treatment1�\01 IIIII (III II facility. �� IIIIIIIIII III I° muu llllu III Strategy NS-1.Promote ecosystem resilience. NS-1-2.Expand use of green infrastructure such as bioswales,permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood IIIIIIIIIIIIII risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads. IIIIIIIIIIIIII NS-1-4.Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services. ....................... Strategy NS-2.Manage and conserve community water resources. NS-2-1.Evaluate the value and potential for incentives for practices that reduce use of potable water for nonpotable p1�i1! purposes and recharge ground water. IIIIIIIIIIIIIII lliiffiil p programs I�IIII/I��IG!��I NS-2-3.Expand water conservation outreach and incentive ro rams for residents and businesses. i�(��IIIIIIirf�m1iliiiill Strategy NS-3.Conserve water use within City operations. NS-3-1.Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collections stems at City facilities for ra water uses and p Y Y g Y � I�III��Iu11�Gl��J�!��1jll investigate opportunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and properties. NS-3-2.Implement efficiency recommendations from the City facilities water audit. �111\1�� if(Of�llllll(((Illu��illu�il 611 um mv mlll o mm+ imF s Wi muc Strategy PHSW-1.Manage ecosystems and landscapes to minimize climate-related health impacts. PHSW-1-1.Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning such as schools. Strategy PHSW-2.Promote a sustainable local economy that minimizes emissions and vulnerability. PHSW-2-2.Support organizations,such as SOU,in evaluating risks to local food sources under climate change. Strategy PHSW-3.Optimize City services to minimize public health impacts. PHSW-3-2.Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts. PHSW-3-3.Develop or enhance heat-warning systems for employees and the public. Strategy PHSW-4.Optimize City services to minimize public safety impacts. PHSW-4-1.Update the City's emergency response plan and ensure that preparation and updates recognize and address (IIIIIIIIIIIIIII likely climate change impacts. IIIIIIIIIIIIIII PHSW-4-1.Identify and address populations and essential City services that are within the 100-year flood zone. 116 1 1 Implementation Schedule The table starting on the following page details when, why, and by whom timeframes by which all priority Co-benefits actions in the CEAP will be implemented. The list Benefits low-income or disadvantaged includes additional information on each action communities yff l,l including co-benefits and relative, qualitative estimates �Ifll'III��I �Illlllir�� of implementation costs and effectiveness in meeting Benefits local habitats, recreation, or CEAP goals. The CEAP also includes additional actions 3 natural aesthetic that were not listed as "priority"—these actions will be �„�„ implemented on an opportunistic and as-needed basis. � � Benefits households, local economy, City operations budget, o r j o b s Phases Benefits public health (e.g. by Is enhancing local air quality) Phases for CEAP priority actions are designated by budget biennials and represent the relative sequence of actions in the CEAP. All actions are slated for near-term Relative Rankings commencement; it is expected that longer-term actions $ Lower relative implementation cost will be identified during the three-year plan update process.Actions identified as Phase II could be initiated $$ Moderate relative implementation cost in Phase I, but not at the expense of completing Phase $$$ Higher relative implementation cost actions. • Phase I: Complete by 2020 1 Effective in meeting CEAP goals • Phase II: Complete by 2025 More effective in meeting CEAP goals Departments � Most effective in meeting CEAP goals Actions are labeled by the primary department responsible for implementation. It is expected that many of these primary departments will need to work with other supporting departments and/or external stakeholders to fully and successfully implement the action: • Community Development (including Building Division and Planning Division) • Ashland Municipal Utility (Electric) • Administration • Parks and Recreation • Conservation Division • Public Works • Police/ Fire 117 1 1 cn Cn4-1 wt 4 Ln N E Scope Type o ' a� o U v Q Q LU Strategy BE-1.Support cleaner energy sources. BE-1-1.Develop a comprehensive plan for the Municipal Electric Utility. $$$ I Electric/Conservation IIIIIIIIIIIII BE-1-2.Promote switching to lower-carbon fuels $$ 1 Electric/Conservation IIIIIIIII IIII IIIP��U�r°°��Ill BE-1-3.Facilitate and encourage solar energy production. $$ I Electric/Conservation (IIIIIIIIIII �(��i(P(ffhu��iimoi � ' BE-1-4.Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities. �II�(i�'°,t'1 $$ I Public Works Strategy BE-2.Encourage increased building energy efficiency and conservation. BE-2-1.Increase outreach efforts to expand participation in energy �� efficiency programs and promote climate-friendly building and $$ I Conservation construction. IIIIIIIIIIIII (lllllJ»i�l��)»>l� BE-2-2.Require building energy audits to identify and incentivize $ 11 Community Development cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. BE-2-3.Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency IIIIIIIIIIIIIII �� il�� ,�1 $ II Conservation barriers in rent/lease properties. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII f(�l�llll'u((i(IIIufY�i°�r�� (lllllJ»i�l )»>1 BE-2-4.Establish minimum energyefficiency standards for the afford- (IIIIIIIIIII Y �� Ill $ II Community Development program. able housing ;, r IIIIIIIIIIIIIII �IiG��IIImY�((Imf�iuir�ii� Illllll»lll��)»>l� Strategy BE-3.Maximize efficiency of City facilities,equipment&operations. BE-3-1.Use results from City Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize �� IIIIII IIIIIII City Facilities Capital Improvement Plans(CIPs)and maintenance $ I Public Works improvements. ��i�� IIIIIIIIIIIII Strategy BE-4.Improve demand management. BE-4-1.Expand the current net meter resolution to include and incor- IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII(IIIIIII $$ Electric porate virtual net metering. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIII II BE-4-2.Implement utility-level smart grid technologies to facilitate (IIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIIIIII $$$ I lll�� efficiency and distributed energy solutions. (IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIII III i. 11 Electric IIIIIViuu i�r f ii°ii Strategy BE-5.Prepare and adapt buildings for a changing climate. BE-5-1.Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool II Community Development roofs and passive cooling. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII �' �Illllllluim��zrm�°��'° � �r� !� „� �� mF�� 'rry I iiwJJ�D'�i/D ly vn W�ie✓/J� Strategy ULT-1.Support better public transit and ridesharing. ULT-1-1.Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIIIIII use of transit,carpooling,and car-sharing. IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIII $ II Public Works ULT-1-2.Work with RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit. $ ' C1 I Public Works IIIIIIIII(III ULT-1-3.Establish policies to support development near transit hubs IIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III1�� without displacing disadvantaged populations. IIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIII $ �11 )�� II Community Development �\��0�0 � IIIIII(IIII III ULT-1-4.Evaluate the feasibility of expanded local transit options. IIIIIIIIIII�� $$$ II II Public Works Strategy ULT-2.Make Ashland more bike-and pedestrian-friendly. ULT-2-1.Implement bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly actions in the City's Transportation System Plan and Downtown Parking Manage- $$$ Cl I Public Works ment Plan. IIIIIIIII ULT-2-2.Explore opportunities to convert to shared streets where �11� IIIIII IIIIIII $$$ � I Public Works appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity. 1�i�� IIIIIIIIIIIII 118 1 1 cn Cn4-1 � cn E Scope Type o ? o U v Qcn Q L1J Strategy ULT-3.Support more-efficient vehicles. ULT-3-1.Implement a local fuel-related tax. $ II Administration/Legal IIIIIIIIIIII ULT-3-2.Revise land use codes to require EV charging infrastructure at (IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIII IIII multifamily and commercial developments. IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III $ II I Community Development ULT-3-3.Provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles and IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIII III Conservation rebates on the City's website. IIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III $ I Strategy ULT-4.Support more climate-ready development and land use. ULT-4-1.Consider regulating further construction or expansion in the U Wildland Urban Interface(WUI)part of the urban growth boundary $ 1 Development/Fire Community (U G B). llllllllll ULT-4-2.Further revise community development plans to favor IIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIII III walkable neighborhoods and infill density. (IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III $ II II Community Development ULT-4-3.Modify the WUI code to include construction techniques IIIIIIIIIII appropriate for wildfire-prone areas. IIIIIIIIIIIII $ II Community Development Strategy ULT-5.Increase the efficiency of City fleetvehicles and employee commuting. ULT-5-1.Provide carpool and vanpool parking,charging stations,and � IIIIII IIIII III pp�� ° II II parking for EVs for City employees. 111�1�1\ IIIIII III III $$ Public Works ��\�1�� IIIIII (IIII III ULT-5-2.Conduct a city fleet audit and use it to set policy and targets. IIIIIIIII III $ II Public Works ULT-5-3.Develop policy to require the purchase of verified carbon �1�1� IIIIII (IIII III offsets to offset City staff travel. 111�1111 IIIIII III III $ II Administration Strategy CM-1.Reduce consumption of carbon-intensive goods and services. CM-1-1.Implement an education campaign for waste and consump- IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII (IIII III tion reduction strategies. IIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III $ II Administration CM-1-2.Support"collaborative consumption"community projects. $ II Administration IIIIII III III Il�liif%��°''° CM-1-3.Conduct a study to determine effective ways to reduce and IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIII IIII II Administration track consumption-based emissions. IIIIIIIIIIIII III IIIIII III III $ Strategy CM-2.Support sustainable and accessible local production and consumption. CM-2-1.Partner with nonprofit organizations to promote the purchase Administration of climate-friendly produce and products. IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III $ I CM-2-2.Expand community gardening and urban agriculture opportu- (IIIIIIIIIIIII1 $$ Administration/Parks nities at community gardens,schools,parks,and rooftops. (IIIIIIIIIIIIIII (llllli�iiil� 1�)111»» Strategy CM-3.Expand community recycling and composting. CM-3-1.Improve recycling programs to make them easier to use and implement new education and outreach to increase recycling in all $$ II Conservation sectors;expand public space recycling. Ill�lnlll III III CM-3-2.Update the multi-family recycling ordinance to encourage (IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIII III Conservation more diversion. (IIIIII III IIIIII III III $ II CM-3-3.Strengthen the Demolition Debris and Diversion ordinance to IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIII III $$ Conservation enhance enforcement and increase diversion and reuse. (IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III II Strategy CM-4.Reduce food waste. CM-4-1.Support edible food donation. ��o� $ II Conservation �li�ll'uiY�fil�ulf�iilfii �. (lll�»iil��)>»�l� CM-4-2.Provide a kitchen best practices guide to help households and IIIIIIIIIIIIIII ��1 Conservation businesses reduce food waste and consumption. IIIIIIIIIIIII �o(IIuiY�(ouif�iuuoill� 119 Ln Oj 4— a) cn v) E V) > M Scope Type 0 0- M U LIJ CM-4-3.Evaluate opportunities for recycling of commercial food Conservation $$ waste. Strategy CM-5.Improve sustainability of City operations and purchases. CM-5-1.Introduce City environmentally preferable purchasing(EPP) guidelines for City procurement. I I Administrative Services CM-5-2.Assess the feasibility of co-digesting food waste and bioso[ids to generate electricity at the wastewater treatment facility. $$$ Public Works Strategy NS-1,Promote ecosystem resilience. NS-1-1.Manage forests to retain biodiversity,resilience,and ecosystem function and services in the face of climate change.Use I F'i re best available science to inform fire management and planning to manage ecosystem health,community safety,and carbon storage. NS-1-2.Use green infrastructure such as bioswales,permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize Community Development sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads. NS-1-3.Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish 13 I Parks&Recreation and riparian species. $$ 11ill NS-1-4.Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services. $$ I I Parks&Recreation Strategy NS-2.Manage and conserve community water resources. NS-2-1.Evaluate the value and potential for incentives for practices that reduce use of potable water for nonpotabie purposes and I Conservation recharge ground water. NS-2-2.Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and 11�l�O $$ Conservation consider requiring them during the permitting process. NS-2-3.Expand water conservation outreach and incentive programs Conservation for residents and businesses. Strategy NS-3.Conserve water use within City operations. NS-3-1.Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collection systems at City facilities for graywater uses,and investigate oppor- $$ I I Public Works tunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and properties. NS-3-2.Implement efficiency recommendations from the City facili- Public Works ties water audit. $$ M11111 11�Mows 111111 M1115 In, Strategy PHSW-1.Manage ecosystems and landscapes to minimize chmate- related health'impacts. PHSW-1-1.Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat Parks Recreation/ islands or areas that need air conditioning such as schools. Community Development Strategy PHSW-2.Promote a sustainable local economy that minimizes emissions and vulnerability. PHSW-2-1.Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action, Conversation for example,by organizing and facilitating roundtables. 1 1"111 oil"11111011 99, Im PHSW-2-2.Support organizations,such as SOU,in evaluating risks to Administration local food sources under climate change. $ Strategy PHSW-3.Optimize City services to minimize public health impacts. PHSW-3-1.Work with vulnerable populations to create specific adap- I Administration/Fire tation strategies to address public health risks. $ 120 Ln V) 4_1 cn E V) M = -,, Scope Type 0 U Q) t�:: U PHSW-3-2.Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts. $$ 11 larks&Recreation/Fire PHSW-3-3.Develop or enhance heat-warning systems for employees $ Fire and the public. Strategy PHSW-4.Optimize City services to minimize public safety impacts. PHSW-4-1.Update the City's emergency response plan and ensure that preparation and updates recognize and address likely climate $ 11 Fi re change impacts. PHSW-4-1.Identify and address populations and essential City $$ 11 Public Works services that are within the 100-year flood zone. Strategy CC-1.Educate and empower the public. CC-1-1.Create a format public outreach and education plan to inform I Administration the community about climate actions and progress. CC-1-2.Support capacity of neighborhood and community groups to Administration 11�` $ implement climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. CC-1-3.Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset A, $ Administration program. Strategy CC-2.Educate and empower City staff. CC-2-1.Ensure all City departments educate their staff members I Administration about the Climate and Energy Action Plan. Strategy CC-3.Mainstream and integrate climate considerations. CC-3-1.Consider climate change in all City Council policy,budgetary, or legislative decisions and as part of the Council Communication Administration document template. liir'1111111 iihNii CC-3-2.Consider CEAP goals in future updates of city plans. Administration $ CC-3-3 Expand mission statement of existing City Commission to I Administration include consideration and perpetuation of climate action goals. Strategy CC-4.Engage with other governments and organizations around regional,statewide,national,and international climate policy and action. CC-4-1.Engage with other governments and organizations around regional,statewide,national,and international climate policy and Administration action. 121 Aml AN A 01 Rompe X M I NP 11111111111111OW 1 j 1 431 POP JR, in Afill, I-Al MY IIJAIN; ................. J9, ................. Mvp CLIMATE TRENDS SUMMARY This summary provides more information on projected climate change impacts and trends in Ashland, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and natural hazard risk. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS OVERVIEW The public provided valuable input that helped shape the plan. See when and how the public was consulted, and how public input was used in the plan. EMISSIONS MODELING AND TARGET-SETTING METHODOLOGY Take a behind-the-scenes look at the process used to mode[Ashland's green- house gas footprint and set emissions-reduction targets. ASHLAND GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY This document summarizes the city's emissions by sector and activity type from 2011 through 2015, and set the emissions baseline used to identify goals and prioritize strategies and actions throughout this plan. 123 DRAFT Appendix: Ashland Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections and Target Setting Methodology Development of strategies and targets in the Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan involved completion of the following analyses: Business-as-usual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission projections to 2050. Quantification of emission reduction scenarios associated with select GHG-reducing strategies. This document details the methodologies employed to complete these analyses, as well as a brief discussion of the GHG emission reduction target-setting process for the Climate and Energy Action Plan. Busrri(:)ss......a,s-...(Jsual I 11,"o' ct' j e .:: �i o n s The business-as-usual scenario assessed what Ashland's emissions would look like if the city were to take no additional actions beyond current practices.This analysis, built from the existing 2015 community greenhouse gas inventory'.,took into account anticipated changes that would affect Ashland"s emissions, such as population changes and changes in federal or state policies.Table I below details these anticipated changes. Good Company, "City of Ashland Greenhouse Gas Inventory(2011—2015)," February 2016. Table 1.Assumptions for Ashlands business-as-usual greenhouse gas emissions scenario. Population,increase Population increase 0.5%annually Pol ic,ies'' Renewable Energy Standards—Policies to increase renewable 13.8% 23.8% energy in states in the region, including WA and OR. Federal CAFE Standard— Policy to increase the average fuel 35.5 MPG 54.5 MPG economy of cars and light trucks in the US.' Oregon's Clean Fuels Program—Policy to reduce the average carbon 10% reduction in transportation intensity of Oregon"s transportation fuels by 10 percent over a 10- fuelcarbon 3 year period starting in 2016. In the analysis, we assumed that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and energy use (including natural gas, electricity, and propane) grow proportionately with population growth, as do emissions from refrigerant leakage,waste disposal, and consumption-based activities.The assumptions regarding CAFE standards are adjusted to reflect the proportional lag in CAFE standards for cars purchased in a given year and the mix on vehicles on the road in that year (proportions based on 2015 data).The Clean Fuels Program is reflected in fuel mix assumptions. The base assumptions, based on the 2015 inventory,for VMT,. energy use, refrigerant usage,waste disposal, and consumption are included in Table 2 below. Table 2.Base Unit Assumptions VIVIT 77,383,279 Miles Natural gas 515311903 Therms Electricity 1651807 Megawatt hours (MWh) Refrigerant usage 71400 Metric tons Waste disposal 61923 Metric tons Consumption 1661731 Metric tons Based on national data in the Transportation Energy Data Book/ 90.5 percent of the VIVIT is attributed to private vehicles, while the remaining 9.5 percent is associated with commercial vehicles.'Additionally, 2 The White House Office of the Press Secretary, "Obarna Administration Finalizes Historic 54.5 MPG Fuel Efficiency Standards,"August 28,2012,.h.11.. barna administration finalizes historic 545-im fuel-eff i�cilen�c -s�tain�dard. ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................py,: 3 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, "Air Quality: Oregon Clean Fuels Program," I ate.oir.us/ g..q �.![!�a in F u e . ........................................................................... ......................................................... Stacy C. Davis and Susan W. Diegel, "Transportation Energy Data Book,"Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 26 Edition,2007, hit 20and%20websites/Editioin26 Full Do _P.g�c. d f. 2 93 percent of VIVIT is assumed to be associated with light duty vehicles (cars and light trucks), while the remaining 9 percent is associated with heavy duty vehicles (single and combination trucks).' Table 3 below describes assumptions for the electricity fuel mix. Table 3.Electricity Fuel Mix Assumptions Coal 24.5% 20.5% 24.0% Remainder based on other fuel sources Natural Gas 10.7% 14.5% 21.0% Based on previous amount of natural gas (in megawatt hours or MWhs) plus one third of renewables to smooth intermittency Nuclear 3.2% 2.2% 0.0% Assumes existing nuclear with be retired and not replaced Hydro 52.2% 48.5% 30.7% Assumes some loss in generation due to changing amount and timing of water flows Non-hydro 8.8% 13.8% 23.8% Assumes increase in renewables based on RPS, acknowledging that renewables not all of the RPS applies to Ashland Other 0.6% 0.6% 0.5% Kept at 2015 levels (in terms of MWhs) Note: Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Under this business-as-usual scenario,which assumes full implementation of both federal and state policies,Ashland's sector-based emission S7 are projected to increase by 6 percent from 2015 levels by 2050 (see Figure 1). When adding consumption-based emissions to the equation,Ashland's emissions are projected to increase by 12 percent from 2015 levels by 2050 as consumption-based emissions are expected to grow at a faster rate than sector-based emissions due to limited regulatory policies for consumption-related emissions. 5 Stacy C. Davis and Susan W. Diegel, "Transportation Energy Data Book,"Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,26 Edition, 2007, hitp zz�h m i t e d u../.g.!!2..! ./ ............................................. ...... P meta.bol.isim G0.FF/..![.!�.g..dJ.ings _f/o20and5/o20web-siItes Ediltion2.6 Full ....................I................................................................................................./ ............................................. .............. Do _P.g�c. d f. 6 United States Environmental Protection Agency, "Emissions&Generation Resources integrated Database," 2012 data. 7 Sectors included in this analysis are ground transportation, building and appliance energy use,and waste and disposal (including refrigerant leakage). 3 Figure 1.Emissions based on BAU assumptions V) Z 4001000 0 F_ U 3501000 ........... ............ ............. ............ .. .. ........... ...... ..... ........................................... ...... .. .......................... ......................... 300 .................... ............. 0 0 0 ...................... ......... _. ....... ....... ..... ........... ... ................ 0�..... ........ ...... ............... . . ........................�'..................................... 11_.. .......... ...... ............ ... ........... ............ ................... ........... . ...... .... ....... ......... ... ......... ......... ......... .............. .................. .. ......................... ......... S ................ 250,000 ............ c 8 d t ............................. .................. .... .......... ........ ................ ..................... V) ........... .. ......... ........... 200,000 ............ Uj ................ Ln (D 1.50,000 ............ LLJ 0 100,000 ............ LU 50,000 ............ 0 .......................................... 2010 2015 2020 202.5 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 �i o r-i a�r�i o s E m is s I o r-i e d u c * S C E�l 1`1 To assess how changes in local policies and activities could influence the city's greenhouse gas emissions,we modeled potential emission reductions associated with various infrastructure and behavior changes. Specifically,we estimated emissions reductions associated with the changes listed in Table 4 below. Table 4.Behavior and policy changes that were modeledfor the emission reduction scenarios Building Energy Transportation 0 Reduced energy use by 50%through energy efficiency Shifted 50%of motorized travel and conservation measures. to walking or biking. • Shifted 14%of grid electricity consumption to For the remaining motorized distributed renewable energy generation. travel: • Transitioned 90%of natural gas used in buildings to o Shifted 80%of private electricity. vehicles to electric vehicles. o Shifted 33%of commercial Consumption vehicles to electric vehicles. Reduced cons u m ption-related emissions by 50%through Increased the average fuel activities such as product reuse, reducing meat efficiency of light-duty vehicles consumption, or introduction of a carbon tax on products to 53 miles per gallon. and services. Note that probabilities were not assigned to the above-listed changes.The changes are intended simply to illustrate the connection between various policy/behavior changes and resulting greenhouse gas 4 emission reductions.The exercise is not meant to predict future emissions reductions or estimate what is achievable in Ashland specifically. For the purposes of this exercise,the analysis calculated emissions reductions at two time points: 1) 2015 and 2) 2050. In some cases, however, strategy assumptions are determined for 2030 as well as 2050 to facilitate computation. The analysis did not make assumptions about the timing of strategies,, and therefore visual depictions of the emission reduction scenario show a linear decrease between the two time points of 2015 and 2050. We do not attempt to characterize the pathway between those two time points. Limitations on Attributing Emission Reductions to Specific Strategies The modeled emission reductions in this section provides a sense of what could be achieved if Ashland took serious action on climate change by implementing actions set forth in the Ashland Climate and Energy Action plan. Reductions are presented as groupings of similar actions, but do not necessarily represent the reductions associated with those actions due to challenges in attributing emission reduction values to individual actions. Potential emission reductions associated with individual actions can be difficult to quantify with certainty due to their interdependent nature. For example, reduced emissions associated with switching from gasoline to electric vehicles will depend largely on the mix of energy sources on the electricity grid. Emissions associated with use of electricity from the grid will, in turn, be affected by other actions in this plan, such as increased local renewable energy production. It is therefore difficult to single out reductions associated with any one individual action. Assessing emissions reductions is also complicated by uncertainty in underlying variables and assumptions.The efficacy of expanded education and outreach efforts around home energy efficiency will depend on many factors, including the populations to which outreach will be conducted,the extent to which to City has already reached existing residences, as well as external factors., such as the state of the economy,which influences people's willingness to take risks and invest in new technologies. Given these limitations, actions in this plan were not quantitatively modeled for efficacy. Rather., actions were qualitatively assessed relative to other potential actions using a set of criteria that included estimated emissions reduction potential. Qualitative assessment informed the order of priority actions in this plan. It is expected that, at the time of implementation.,the City will undertake more detailed modeling efforts to quantify anticipated outcomes. 5 Figure 2 below illustrates modeled emission reductions associated with the changes listed in Table 4. The top line represents the business-as-usual scenario. Figure 2.Modeled emission reduction scenario for Ashland. LO z �4 0 0�0 0 01 0 ............ ................ 350 R ?0010. ............ Consumption-irelated recluctions U.j 3,010 000, ? .......... Ul) Reductions clu 0 10 energY effidency ..... ........ Reductions due to, 0 2�11510 000. ............ .................. .............. ........ .. ......... ...... ..... .. ....... .... ............. U1 renewable energy "W4 tase dhs ........... Tra ns portation-re[ated ............. .......... ........... "I'll",......... . ...... ..... ...... ....... ..... .......... .............. ............. .. ....... . ........ 2010 0 01 0, ...... reductions LLJ ........... ............... V) Re, ucflons rorn, < (D 0 0 01 tiransitioning from Ui 1.510? natural�gas to electricity 0 11 010 YOOO. ............ �Z' ILLJ Ui W 510?01001 (D 0 ....................................... .................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 201 0 201.5 202"0 2025 20,310, 203.51 211040 2045 20501 Strategies listed in Table 4 result in an estimated 46% emission reduction compared to the BAU scenario. Specifically, we estimate the following reductions for each category in the order they were included in the model: • Consumption (26%) • Energy Efficiency(13%) • Renewable Energy (1%) • Transportation (2%) • Transitioning from Natural Gas to Electricity(4%) The specific assumptions underpinning the analysis are presented in Table 5 below.These assumptions are based on a perceived reasonable level of improvement across the difference strategies and emission sources. Percentages are relative to 2015. 6 Table 5.Emission Source Reductions and Assumptions VIVIT Reductions/Changes Displaced by walking/biking 50% Increasing electric vehicles 77%of remaining VIVIT Reductions in Building Energy Use(Natural Gas) Displaced due to fuel switching 90% Due to efficiency 50%of remaining usage Reductions in Building Energy Use(Electricity) Decreased load due to local renewables 25,016 MWh Increased load due to fuel switching 21964 MWh Increased load due to elec. vehicles 121759 MWh Due to efficiency 50%of usage (including fuel switching, but excluding renewables and electric vehicles) 7 �~��0�0��`�\«�~�� G�� ~��~K�� ~K�� -�� ~�� Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets are an important part of climate action planning.Targets hold communities responsible for addressing global climate change, and allow communities totrack, assess, and compare progress against other communities and jurisdictions. Communities can consider a number of approaches for setting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets: • Peepbasedtargetscanbeestab|ishedthatsetgoa|ssimi|artothoseofpeerconnmunities, orof entities of which the community is a part(e.g., State of Oregon). Often these targets are based on those pursued at national or international levels, such the United States" commitment to an 80% reduction by 2050 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement.8 m Analysis-based targets can be set that reflect analysis of potential emission reductions given achievement ofmodeled strategies and actions. w Science-based targets set emission reduction targets based on reductions needed to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.» The target-setting approach taken by a community will depend on a variety of factors, including the community's' level of commitment to climate action, available resources, and risk tolerance. Some leading communities have taken very aggressive greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, such as carbon neutrality by2OSOora 7.6%annual reduction, while others have set goals to reduce their emissions by 8096 or less by ZOSO compered to a baseline year. Examples of other targets set by jurisdictions within Oregon are summarized in Table G. o .............. .......................... ...... e The 2016 Paris Agreement from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change sets a goal to keep global temperature rise this century well below%degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.Achieving this goal will require aggressive emission reductions. 8 Table 6 Targets set by other Oregon jurisdictions City of Eugene • Targets in Climate Action Plan:'O • Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 • Reduce community-wide fossil fuel use by 50% by 2030 • A 2014 Climate Recovery Ordinance"sets a goal to reduce community emissions by 7.6%annually City of Corvallis" • Reduce overall community fossil fuel use 30% below 2012 levels by 2020 • Reduce overall community fossil fuel use 55% below 2012 levels by 2030 • Reduce overall community fossil fuel use 85% below 2012 levels by 2050 City of Portland/Multnomah County13 Reduce local carbon emissions 40%from 1990 levels by 2030 Reduce local carbon emissions 80%from 1990 levels by 2050 State of Oregon (House Bill 3543)14 • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 75% below 1990 levels by 2050 • Targets derived from IPCC recommendations at the time The Ashland Climate and Energy Action plan sets a communitywide goal consistent with that of the city of Eugene (OR),which is to achieve a 7.6%annual reduction in communitywide greenhouse gas emissions. This target was developed by Eugene using a carbon budget approach that calculated reductions needed to achieve a global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration of 350 ppm by 2100." The emissions reduction associated with this carbon budget approach is based on an analysis by Hansen et al. that requires global emission reductions of approximately 7.6% per year beginning in 2016.16 In Ashland,this represents an average reduction of approximately 9,000 metric tons per year. "Community Climate and Energy Action Plan 2013 Progress Report;..I ..-1..p1Lwww.euge ne..- i y e C e in.t e.ir ..... .......................................................................................... Y.iew..F i I e./.I.t ..........................................................9.................... htt..p:/ yl..ng.g.g..q.h..........e..x c h a n g.g.... -conteint/ -McRae-AGU-2016'..p ......... ...../ p.[g/ p ........ ...... ..p ........................ .... ...................... ................................................... ........................................................................ .......BJ c e.....................................................................................................................................................................I df 12 City of Corvallis, "Climate Action Plan for Corvallis, Oregon," 2015-,..1 .....P 1!i S C..a P gm/. P...-. conte..nt/ oads 2016 04. CORVAII LIS-CAP-_041 41 6.pc1f ..................................................................... pL___L ..I _L ............ ..... . "City of Portland/Multnomah County, "Climate Action Plan for City of Portland and Multnomah County," .bij..ps.1 www. o�rfla�indo�re �oin.�ov�bs�air-C�ilcle�533�98 4�. 14 State of Oregon (House Bill 3543): Oregon Global Warming Commission Biennial Report to the Legislature," 20151hit ard- docu.ments/.Qg.�M.g 015 fiinal.pdf. ............................................................................................ ......I_Lgg_Z ........ 15 Council Ordinance No. 20567,An ordinance concerning climate recovery,City of Eugene,Oregon,August,2106. 16 Hansen et al.,Assessing"Dangerous Climate Change": Required Reductions of Carbon Emissions to Protect Young People and Future Generations and Nature, PLoS ONE 8(12), 2013. bit e.0081648 9 "I arget hr-n�phca tions Achievement of the 8% annual emission reduction target will require serious and substantial action by the Ashland community. Emissions reductions that are not achieved directly by community activities could be achieved through purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and/or greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets. GHG offsets are carbon-reduction certificates created through verified carbon-reducing actions by one organization—such as tree planting—that can be sold to another organization, usually on an annual basis. RECs are similar to GHG offsets, but can only be applied to energy-sector emissions. While carbon offset prices can vary greatly, California Carbon Allowances have been trading around $11- $13 per metric ton since 2014." 17 h t..pj .................. Icalcarboindash.oird 10