The City of Eugene has released the 2013 Community Climate and Energy Action Plan Progress Report. The detailed report contains an in-depth discussion of community energy use, the national and local context, and highlights of activities in 2012. The report also includes an update for each of the recommendations outlined in the Community Climate and Energy Action Plan.
This year’s report outlines strides made by the City and its community partners to reduce our overall carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. The work to address climate change and rising energy prices closely aligns with other local priorities including Envision Eugene initiatives, and the goals of the Regional Economic Prosperity Plan.
An important theme of this report is the continued decline in Eugene’s total energy consumption even with rising population in the area.
o Total electricity is down 15% since 2000,
o Natural gas use is down 12% since 2006 and
o Gas and diesel consumption is down 16% since 2004.
This is particularly notable in light of developments at the national and global level. 2012 was the hottest year on record in the United States. 2012 also saw the lowest area of arctic sea ice since satellite records began over 30 years ago. Global greenhouse gas emissions in 2011 were up more than 3% over the previous year setting a new record high for annual emissions.
After reviewing the 2013 Progress Report, City Manager Jon Ruiz noted, “I’m pleased to see that as a community, we continue to reduce our use of electricity, natural gas and transportation fuels – all important indicators of both a smaller carbon footprint and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.”
“We’re moving in the right direction but there is much still to do. Local agencies across the region are facing budget constraints and reduced staffing resources. We need to come together to find new ways to collaborate and advance this work.”
To learn more about the City’s work to address climate change and energy use visit: http://www.eugene-or.gov/sustainability.
A graphic depicting energy use in Eugene is available at: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/54394047/Measures%20of%20Energy%20Use_CEAP_Supplemental.jpg