Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/06/2014

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• Develop, collect and disseminate information about climate change, including energy and climate data, the next generation of the Regional Indicators data, and a regional greenhouse gas emissions inventory; • Provide technical assistance to the region's local governments, including identifying risks, best practices and model ordinances for climate change mitigation and adaptation and working in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Minnesota GreenStep Cities program; • Assess the risks and opportunities presented to the region from a changing climate and the potential rewards from addressing those risks and opportunities. • Provide information to local jurisdictions about the risks of not responding to or preparing for climate change and encourage local governments to plan and prepare for climate change, including incorporating climate change planning into their local comprehensive plans; • Create incentives to reward local governments that set and make progress on local greenhouse gas reduction goals. The Council's approach to climate change will focus on softer approaches — such as providing information, technical assistance and incentives — unless and until the lack of action poses a threat to orderly and economical development or portends a significant collective financial cost. In this event, the Council will take a stronger approach. Parallel to the potential impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the region may be approaching the foreseeable yet avoidable risk of failing to maintain air quality attainment status with the Environmental Protection Agency over fine particulate matter; the costs of air quality non -attainment would justify a stronger regional approach. In addition, the Council will collaborate with regional leadership and convene local governments and the broader community to address climate change mitigation and adaptation within the region. These expanded roles in information and technical assistance will help the Council serve as a resource to both local jurisdictions and the region at large. The Council intends to be a prominent player in elevating this important issue which affects the long-term viability of the Minneapolis -Saint Paul region. Operating wastewater treatment and transit systems sustainably The Council will mitigate its own contributions to climate change by reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions. In 2012, the Council adopted a Sustainability Policy for Internal Operations and Management which states that the Council will conduct its own operations in a sustainable manner, when economically feasible, specifically to: • Increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources; • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Council operations; • Conserve and protect water resources; • Reduce solid waste generation; and • Reuse and recycle materials. Furthermore, the Council will monitor and track energy use and, when economically feasible, pursue opportunities to reduce energy use. The Council also will identify and pursue renewable energy opportunities, purchase energy star products, manage energy costs — review tariffs and peak control options, and track, and when feasible, reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Last revised: February 21, 2014 32