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Declaring Saturday, March 29, 2014 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to be "Earth Hour" in the City of Saint Paul.
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WHEREAS, March 29, 2014, 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, in this, the 7th annual Earth Hour, 154 countries, over 7,000 towns and cities, representing hundreds of millions of people worldwide, 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, St. Anthony Park Community Center, and Science Museum of Minnesota; installing solar thermal (hot water) panels on the RiverCentre and Como Pool; 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 facilities on streets, encouraging the use of Nice Ride bike sharing program in the city, and developing a bikeways plan; adopting the Sustainable Saint Paul Building Policy for construction projects; making zero-percent interest loans to homeowners to make energy efficient improvements to their homes; and ensuring completion of the Central Corridor light rail project.
WHEREAS, throughout t...
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