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Declaring Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. to be "Earth Hour" in the City of Saint Paul.
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WHEREAS, March 23, 2013, 8:30 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, in this, the 6th annual Earth Hour, 152 countries, over 5,000 towns and cities, representing hundreds of millions of people world-wide, will turn off their lights for 60 minutes to raise awareness and demonstrate commitment to addressing climate change, making Earth Hour the largest voluntary action for the environment; and
WHEREAS, more than one-third of Greenhouse Gas emissions comes from electricity - making it vitally important to decrease our reliance on electricity and non-essential lighting; and
WHEREAS, significant improvement 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 installing photovoltaic (solar electric) panels on the RiverCentre parking ramp, Rondo Library, West Team Police Station, Public Works Garage, and Science Museum of Minnesota; installing solar thermal (hot water) panels on the RiverCentre; retrofitting 40 City buildings with efficient lighting and energy management systems; purchasing four electric fleet vehicles; promoting biking by installing bike facilities on streets and introducing Nice Ride bike sharing program to the City; adopting the Sustainable Building Policy for new construction projects; making 0% interest loans to homeowners to make energy efficient improvements to their homes; and ensuring completion of the Central Corridor light rail project.
WHEREAS, throughout the world Earth Hour celebrations can be observed by dimmed lights at the Sydney Opera House, Beijing's Forbidden City, the world's tallest building in...
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