Title
Declaring Saturday, March 28, 2020 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to be “Earth Hour” in the City of Saint Paul.
Body
WHEREAS, March 28, 2020, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. has been designated as “Earth Hour” by the World Wildlife Fund as a reminder that by working together, people can make a positive impact in the fight against climate change, and
WHEREAS, Earth Hour has become a catalyst for positive environmental impact, driving major legislative changes by harnessing the power of the people.; and
WHEREAS, Earth Hour 2019 was celebrated in 188 countries and territories across seven continents and aboard the International Space Station, when lights were switched off for 60 minutes, serving as a strong visual reminder of the global determination to tackle our planet’s biggest environmental challenge; and
WHEREAS, in 2019 Earth Hour celebrations were observed by the dimming of lights at thousands of iconic landmarks around the world, including the Sydney Opera House, Tokyo Sky Tree, Brandenburg Gate, the Empire State Building, the Pyramids of Egypt, Christ the Redeemer, and the Eiffel Tower; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has celebrated Earth Hour since 2010 with a growing number of participants each year; and
WHEREAS, businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the city will participate in this year’s Earth Hour by dimming lights and otherwise demonstrating support in the following buildings and locations:
WORKING ON LIST OF BUILDINGS NOW
Minnesota State Capitol
Saint Paul City Hall/Ramsey County Court House
375 Jackson Building
District Energy St. Paul
Ecolab (360 N. Wabasha & 1 Ecolab Place)
First National Bank Building
Landmark Center
Metropolitan State University
Minnesota Children’s Museum
North Suburban Courts
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Ramsey County Libraries
Ramsey County Public Works
Ramsey County Sheriff Patrol Station
Rice Park
Saint Paul George Latimer Central Library
Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health Building
Science Museum of Minnesota
Town Square Tower
Union Depot
US Bank Center (101 E. 5th St.)
US Bank Center (60 Livingston Ave.)
Wells Fargo Place
Xcel Energy Center/RiverCentre/Minnesota Wild
WHEREAS, in Saint Paul climate change impacts are felt and observed most noticeably as extreme heat events, poor air quality, increases in frequency and severity of precipitation (both rain and snow), river flood events, ecological changes, and psychological impacts; and
WHEREAS, mitigating the worst impacts of climate change requires going Beyond the Hour and making permanent, long-term improvements in our day-to-day lives; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has shown its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adopting the Climate Action and Resilience Plan, which sets goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and down to net zero by 2050; installing photovoltaic (solar electric) panels on the RiverCentre Parking Ramp, Rondo Library, West Team Police Station, Public Works Garage and more; installing solar thermal (hot water) panels on RiverCentre and Como Aquatic Center; retrofitting 60 city-owned buildings with efficient lighting and energy management systems; installing electric vehicle charging stations and purchasing electric vehicles; promoting biking by installing bike trails and bike lanes on streets, encouraging bike sharing; and developing a bikeways plan; adopting the Sustainable Saint Paul Building Ordinance for construction projects; making no interest loans to homeowners to make energy efficient improvements to their homes; and supporting the planning and development of new transit investments; adopting of a citywide Pedestrian Plan; and
WHEREAS, the World Wildlife Fund Earth Hour website (www.earthhour.org <http://www.earthhour.org>) is an excellent resource and the City of Saint Paul Earth Hour web page (stpaul.gov/news/earthhour) provides helpful information to residents and businesses about how to save energy, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council, hereby proclaims, March 28, 2020 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as Earth Hour in the City of Saint Paul; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that during Earth Hour, the city calls upon all Saint Paul residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, units of government, and houses of worship to turn off nonessential lights to support the aims and goals of this local and international effort.