HomeMy WebLinkAbout042020_cbs01 JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM: Kate Dean, Commissioner
DATE: April 20,2020
SUBJECT: International Earth Day 2020 Proclamation
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
April 22, 2020 marks the 50 year anniversary of Earth Day. This day is recognized internationally to bring
awareness to the importance of a healthy environment to human health, happiness, economic opportunity,
and stability as well as honoring the wild places and species on Earth.
ANALYSIS:
In honor of the abundance and beauty of Jefferson County, and the work done by County County, myriad
private and non-profit partners and individuals to protect and restore our environment, the BOCC is asked to
join governments around the world in proclaiming International Earth Day 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to this proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION:
The BOCC read and sign the attached proclamation during their April 20, 2020 meeting.
REV _WED :Y:
Philip Morl;Morl 4rer my Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
International Earth Day
WHEREAS, the first Earth Day was enacted 50 years ago, in 1970, and engaged over
twenty million Americans to advocate for a cleaner environment and as an international call to
positive action for all citizens to join a global effort to protect the environment; and
WHEREAS, all people, regardless of race, gender, income, religion or geography, have a
moral right to a healthy environment, and Earth Day is celebrated annually to recommit to the
goals of a healthy environment as foundational to peaceful,just and sustainable societies; and
WHEREAS,Jefferson County, Washington is blessed with a wealth of wild and
productive forests, fields, mountains and shorelines- stewarded by indigenous people since time
immemorial- and to this day provide residents and visitors alike with healthy food, irreplaceable
habitat and species, sustainable natural resources, and many scenic recreational opportunities;
and
WHEREAS, in 2007, Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend committed to:
creating a baseline of greenhouse gas emissions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% of
1990 levels,jointly creating a Climate Action Committee (CAC) to recommend actions for
climate change mitigation and adaption, and raise awareness of how a changing climate affects
our region; and
WHEREAS,the mission of the Climate Action Committee is in alignment with the focus
of International Earth Day 2020 observation and celebration around the world; and
WHEREAS,the CAC recently updated the county-wide greenhouse gas inventory,
demonstrating a 40% reduction in emissions since 2005; and
WHEREAS, local governments can be leaders in building a healthy society by
addressing issues such as energy and resource conservation, transportation, sustainable land use
planning, waste prevention, and environmental justice; and
WHEREAS,we acknowledge the importance of Earth Day as a reminder that in
Jefferson County, truly Earth Day is Every Day.
NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of our communities' deeply held care for and
collective responsibility to preserve and protect our environment, the Jefferson County Board of
County Commissioners hereby proclaim April 22, 2020 as
International Earth Day
and encourage all residents to commit to lowering their carbon footprint and engaging in efforts
to protect and heal the planet we call home.
APPROVED this 20th day of April, 2020
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Greg Brotherton, Chair
ATTEST: David Sullivan, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC
Deputy Clerk of the Board Kate Dean, Member