(Last updated: 9/30/11)
The Appendix:
posted by the public at the February 2nd community forum.
In 2009, countywide we spent over 53 million dollars on energy to heat, light, and run our homes, businesses, and community facilities, producing over 654 thousand tons of carbon dioxide. We collectively spent over 48 million dollars on fuel to operate our vehicles and run our transportation systems, and sent over 46 thousand tons of trash to the landfill.
Energy efficiency measures such as renewable energy investments, reduced dependence on petroleum and increased diversion rates, produce numerous positive local results including job creation, cost savings, energy independence, energy security, and reduced emissions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics historical average rate of inflation for U.S. energy prices for 2000-2010 is 6.5% per year. Taking no action to increase energy efficiency means a significant increase in energy costs by 2020.
The Summit County Energy Plan is meant to catalyze local action, while providing county-wide guidance and pointing to key collaborative initiatives. Working together, we can tap the economic benefits for households, businesses and units of government, by striving to make our entire county a model of energy efficiency, energy security, and energy independence. Key countywide goals are:
- 20% greenhouse gas reduction by 2020
- 20% energy use reduction in buildings and operations by 2020
- increase in renewable energy production
- decrease in vehicle miles travelled and fuel used
- increase in waste diversion rate to 50% by 2020
On behalf of ____________ we offer our support for the Summit County Energy Plan goals and objectives.
