In February 2007, the City Council of Austin, Texas passed Resolution No. 20070215-023, the Austin Climate Protection Plan. This resolution raised the standard for local government engagement in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Three years later, the Austin Climate Protection Program is still moving forward. Some of the most notable achievements to date include:
- Completing a greenhouse gas inventory for all departments within city government;
- Powering more than 75% of City departments with clean energy;
- Passing the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance;
- Providing citizens with tools and incentives for reducing their individual greenhouse gas emissions through the creation of an Austin specific carbon footprint calculator and the creation of the Climate Leaders program which rewards citizens and businesses who are leading the way;
- Increasing impact through the dispersion of $40,000 in Carbon Offset Challenge Grants.
Together, these efforts make Austin a model city for local action on climate change.
