Submitted by: Councilmember Schaible
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
FY25 Council Budget Amendment: Develop a Hyattsville Climate Action Plan
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
For discussion: I move that the Mayor and Council authorize the procurement of a Climate Action Plan (CAP), to establish a comprehensive decarbonization strategy for the City of Hyattsville.
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Summary Background:
Climate change is happening and the impacts on our community are worsening annually. Adjacent jurisdictions such as Takoma Park, Rockville, and University Park have created or are creating Climate Action Plans that, as applicable, align with Maryland and Prince George’s County Climate Action Plans.
Hyattsville can and must take action to address greenhouse gases (GHG) from its own operations and assets, and support its residents and businesses to do the same. Hyattsville has climate impacts across departments and assets, making it essential to develop an integrated, strategic plan.
Creating a CAP will help Hyattsville prioritize climate efforts to achieve the maximum impact with its limited resources. It will keep our town aligned with neighboring communities, our county, and state’s efforts on climate action. Most importantly it will help protect our residents and natural environment from the worst effects of climate change.
This motion was originally conceived and developed by the Hyattsville Environment Committee. On January 9, the Hyattsville Environment Committee passed a motion to recommend that the City of Hyattsville develop a Climate Action Plan.
Climate change is happening and the impacts on our community are worsening annually. Adjacent jurisdictions such as Takoma Park, Rockville, and University Park have created or are creating Climate Action Plans that, as applicable, align with Maryland and Prince George’s County Climate Action Plans.
Hyattsville can and must take action to address greenhouse gases (GHG) from its own operations and assets, and support its residents and businesses to do the same. Hyattsville has climate impacts across departments and assets, making it essential to develop an integrated, strategic plan.
Creating a CAP will help Hyattsville prioritize climate efforts to achieve the maximum impact with its limited resources. It will keep our town aligned with neighboring communities, our county, and state’s efforts on climate action. Most importantly it will help protect our residents and natural environment from the worst effects of climate change.
This motion was originally conceived and developed by the Hyattsville Environment Committee. On January 9, the Hyattsville Environment Committee passed a motion to recommend that the City of Hyattsville develop a Climate Action Plan.
Next Steps:
Council discussion.
Fiscal Impact:
$100,000
City Administrator Comments:
This is an important issue that should be addressed.
A comprehensive County level Climate Action Plan was drafted by the Prince George’s County Department of Environment (committee) in July 2022. The Prince George’s County Climate Action Implementation Task Force recently drafted the Climate Action Implementation Strategy Plan which presents strategies for the County. The County plan should serve as a resource for the development of a City or regional municipal plan.
1. Recommend City consider working with the Environmental Committee to identify strategies and best practices from the County Plan for implementation at the City level.
2. If a City plan is determined in the best interest of the City, recommend exploring a partnership with neighboring municipalities and pursuing grant funding to support the development of a municipal /localized climate action plan with surrounding communities.
3. There may be federal grant funding for communities who prepare or implement climate action plans. The staff can explore this option to mitigate funding and help with implementation.
Community Engagement:
N/A
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A