PORT TOWNSEND – The City Council on Monday night approved, with one dissenting vote, a joint resolution supporting collaboration with Jefferson County to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Councilwoman Laurie Medlicott, who voted against the resolution, said she objected to reducing energy consumption levels to 80 percent less than 1990 by 2050.
She said she preferred a 50 percent commitment.
“Why set more stringent standards than the state of Washington?” Medlicott asked the other six members of the council..
The councilwoman proposed changing the level to 50 percent, an amendment that would be referred back to the county commissioners.
Her motion failed 3-2, with Medlicott and Councilman Frank Benskin voting for it.
The resolution specifically calls for collaborating with Climate Protection Campaign volunteers in conducting a baseline inventory of local energy uses that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide.
The volunteers would also make estimates of current emissions and forecasts of future emissions if current practices do not change.
Also in the adopted resolution: Appointing a joint city/county citizens committee to develop a local climate action plan, which makes recommendations for achieving community standards.
The resolution also calls for implementing policies and measures to meet the emissions reduction targets and monitoring and verifying the results.
In August, city and county staff will present a recommendation on committee composition for the council and county commissioners to approve.
Volunteer group members speaking in favor of resolution were former City Councilman Kees Kolff and Joanna Loehr, Climate Change Campaign members who have trained to help the community understand the issue.
In other action Monday, the council also approved a resolution relating to energy and directing the formation of a citizens committee to review and recommend actions concerning alternate electric management for the city.
Being considered is setting up a tidal power generation system as a pilot program near Point Wilson.
The council also approved a six-year transportation plan that places the heaviest emphasis on traffic improvements to Upper Sims Way and Howard Street.
