| | | | | | | |  | Resolutions - C7 E
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | TO: | Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission | | | FROM: | Raul J. Aguila, Interim City Manager | | | DATE: | April 29, 2021 | | | |
| | SUBJECT: | A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, STRONGLY OPPOSING SENATE BILL 1128 AND HOUSE BILL 919, BOTH OF WHICH SEEK TO PREEMPT LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF FUEL SOURCES OF ENERGY PRODUCTION; AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT THIS RESOLUTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | BACKGROUND/HISTORY
| The City of Miami Beach has an extensive legislative history of adopting policies that support community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and climate change mitigation strategies. On October 14, 2015, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2015-29156, endorsing the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (formerly the Compact of Mayors) pledge, where the City committed to reduce community-wide GHG emissions; measure the community emissions inventory using a consistent and robust standard; identify climate-related hazards; set data-based targets for the future; and develop a climate action plan. On May 17, 2017, the Mayor and City Commission supported the Sierra Club’s #readyfor100 campaign, which challenges 100 cities across the United States to set a target of 100% clean energy, and urging the 2017 U.S. Conference of Mayors’ participants to commit to 100% renewable energy.
The City has also adopted policies specifically addressing the effects of climate change and pledging to reduce community-wide GHG emissions in agreement with global efforts. On October 16, 2019 the City adopted Resolution No. 2019-31040, declaring a Climate Emergency, urging the State of Florida and the U. S. government to declare a Climate Emergency, requesting regional collaboration on an immediate just transition and emergency mobilization effort to restore a safe climate. On February 10, 2021, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2021-31575, endorsing several pledges (Under2 Coalition, United Nations (UN) Climate Change’s Climate Neutral Now and C40 Race to Zero) to further commit to GHG emissions reductions while planning for the challenges of climate change.
On February 8, 2021, Senate Bill (“SB”) 1128 was filed and on February 10, 2021, the related House Bill (“HB”) 919 was filed. On February 18, 2021, SB 1128 was referred to the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, the Senate Community Affairs Committee, and the Senate Rules Committee. On February 22, 2021, HB 919 was referred to the Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee, the Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, the Ways & Means Committee, and the Commerce Committee.
|
| | | |
| | | | | | | | ANALYSIS
| On July 13, 2007, the State of Florida adopted an Executive Order (Number 01-127) establishing actions to reduce GHG emissions within Florida and proposing an emissions reduction target of 80% reduction from 1990 baseline by 2050. This Executive Order propelled several cities and counties within Florida to work on their GHG inventories, develop targets for GHG emissions reduction, and implement climate action plans.
As per the Paris Climate Agreement, given our current climate crisis, global warming shall be limited, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels, to limit the adverse effects of climate change. In order to achieve this long-term temperature goal, cities, counties, states and countries need to be held accountable for their GHG emissions reductions.
SB 1128 and HB 919 would prohibit municipalities, counties, special districts, and political subdivisions from enacting or enforcing policies, resolutions, ordinances, codes, or take any action that restricts or prohibits or has the effect of restricting or prohibiting the types of fuel sources of energy production which may be used, delivered, converted, or supplied to customers by utility service providers.
Consequently, SB 1128 and HB 919 would prohibit local governments from implementing certain climate actions such as enacting policies requiring the transition to 100 percent renewable energy and requiring 100 percent electrification of buildings. In addition, SB 1128 and HB 919 would retroactively void all fuel restriction activities as defined above if they existed before or on July 1, 2021.
If enacted, SB 1128 and HB 919 would severely limit a local government’s climate action planning and energy work. This could have a detrimental effect on Florida municipalities’ GHG emissions reduction potential, diminish Miami Beach’s ability to significantly mitigate the effects of climate change, and affect the country’s progress to limiting GHG emissions.
|
| | | |
| | | | | | | | SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
| | Less than half of Miami Beach residents are satisfied with the City’s efforts to be a green or sustainable city. Reducing GHG emissions is an important step to increasing satisfaction. |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | CONCLUSION
| | The Administration recommends the adoption of the Resolution. |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? | | Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds? | | | Yes | | No | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | Strategic Connection
| | Non-Applicable |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | Legislative Tracking
Environment and Sustainability |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | Sponsor
Vice-Mayor Michael Gongora |
| | | |
|