HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2019-165 N.C.S. 10/07/2019Resolution No. 2019-165 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA
URGING PASSAGE OF H.R. 763, THE ENERGY INNOVATION AND
CARBON DIVIDEND ACT OF 2019
WHEREAS, U.S. Representative Theodore Deutch of Florida has introduced on January
1, 2014 H.R. 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019 ("the Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Act would:
• Impose a fee on the carbon content of fuels, including crude oil, natural gas, coal or any
other product derived from them that will be used so as to emit greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere
• Impose the carbon fee on producers or importers of the fuels and equal the greenhouse
gas content of the fuel multiplied by the carbon fee rate
• Set the initial carbon fee at $15 in 2019 and increase the fee by $10 each year subject to
further adjustments based on the progress in meeting specified emissions reduction
targets
• Impose a fee on fluorinated greenhouse gases
• Include exemptions for fuels used for agricultural or non -emitting purposes, and fuels
used by the armed forces
• Provide rebates for facilities that capture and sequester carbon dioxide
• Establish fees or refunds for carbon -intensive products that are exported or imported
• Require deposit of fee proceeds into a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund for payment of
administrative expenses and dividend payments to U.S. citizens and lawful residents
• Require decommissioning of fees when emission levels and monthly dividend payments
fall below specified levels
• Suspend certain regulations that limit greenhouse gas emissions, and also provide that the
suspensions expire if emissions targets are not reached after a specified time period; and
WHEREAS, on November 20, 2017, the City Council by a unanimous vote adopted
Resolution 2017-171 N.C.S. urging the United States Congress to enact a revenue -neutral carbon
fee and dividend program; and
WHEREAS, H.R. 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019
includes provisions similar to those proposed as part of the Carbon Fee and Dividend Program
supported by Resolution 2017-171 N.C.S.; and
WHEREAS, H.R. 763 was introduced with bi-partisan support, and as of September 30,
2019, has 59 cosponsors in addition to the original 6 sponsors, and has secured support from a
broad range of community, business and civic leaders and organizations; and
Resolution No. 2019-165 N.C.S. Page 1
WHEREAS, if enacted, H.R. 763 would result in American families receiving monthly
carbon dividend payments estimated by Regional Economic Models, Inc., to be approximately
$288 in 2025 and approximately $396 in 2035 for a family of 4 with two adults; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma has joined the other 9 Sonoma County local
governments in setting a mutual greenhouse gas target to reduce emissions to 25% below 1990
levels by 2016, one of the most aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals in the country, and
since that time, the City has adopted and implemented numerous policies and programs aimed at
reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, enactment of H.R. 763 would encourage market-driven innovation of clean
energy technologies and market efficiencies that would reduce harmful pollution and leave a
healthier, more stable, and prosperous nation for future generations; and
WHEREAS, in urging passage of H.R. 763 the City Council is acting consistently with
its commitment along with the other 9 Sonoma County local governments to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions;
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Petaluma does hereby urge
Senators Diane Feinstein and Kamala Harris, and Representative Jared Huffman, whose districts
include Petaluma, to support and to urge their colleagues in the Senate and the House to support
passage of H.R. 763.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by theprbv�d as to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the Th day of October r�r
2019, by the following vote: . , ff
City At}orney
AYES: Mayor Barrett; Fischer; Kearney; King; Vice Mayor McDonnell; Miller
NOES: Healy
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
Resolution No. 2019-165 N.C.S. Page 2