Dear Mayor Mueller and City Council Members,
Thank you for adopting theResolution on Climate and Sustainability
[https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.menlopark.org_DocumentCenter_View_21256_G3-2D20190409-2DClimate-2Dand-2Dsus-2Dreso-2DCC&d=DwMGaQ&c=5VD0RTtNlTh3ycd41b3MUw&r=HpIhlV5CPzJc9V_bmvy4r0iZ659RuKWm6-HpuMyLHlQ&m=wetGAL3_lAXZYRrOpRZZPLk9tZc_RVJ2is6etWT_hDM&s=t1i49-BywCPCtmb_BWx8bdcsEKyYFG-CS7BFllCQc-w&e=]
for Earth Day.
The resolution was a bold and wise response to the many scientific reports now calling forrapid, far-reaching, and un-precedented
measures to dramatically reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, in order to avoid the worst, irreversible impacts of
climate change. (see for instance, the2018 Special Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
[https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/], and the4th National Climate Assessment [https://www.globalchange.gov/nca4].)
We strongly support each of the elements of the Climate and Sustainability Resolution: NewClimate Goals that maximize GHG
reductions by 2030, Prioritizing Equity, Smart City Planning,Public Outreach, Benchmarking Progress, Improving Mobility, Zero
Carbon Buildings,Healthy Neighborhoods, and Preserving the Landscape.
One of the first opportunities that Menlo Park (and neighboring cities) will have to meet the goals of the resolution will be to
advance building “reach codes” [https://peninsulareachcodes.org/] that will help all new homes and buildings avoid fossil fuel
use. These clean new standards are supported by Peninsula Clean Energy and San Mateo County for all peninsula cities to adopt. The
Reach Codes will help make our buildings safer, healthier, and more affordable, while reducing a substantial amount of carbon
emissions. We look forward to working with the City to help adopt this priority climate action.
There’s an excellent recentNY Times article [https://nyti.ms/2VCHUZD]that talks about the need for the transition from fossil
fuels like natural gas, and how going electric in our buildings creates healthier spaces, and also saves money. The article notes
that:
* “If our society is going to solve the climate crisis, one of the things we must do is stop burning gas in our buildings.”
* “Burning gas is nowa bigger source [https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=38773]of such [GHG] pollution than burning
coal, and nearly athird of that gas is burned in homes and commercial buildings;” and
* In addition to the major climate hazards of gas, the health hazards are a serious concern. “Over the past decade, a growing
body of scientific evidence has shown thatgas stoves throw off pollutants
[https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2018/03/06/use-your-range-hood-for-a-healthier-home-advises-indoor-air-quality-researcher/]like
nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. When you are cooking, those invisible pollutants can easily reach levels that would be
illegal outdoors, but the Clean Air Act does not reach inside the home.”
We are grateful for your leadership and action to address these hazards.The Climate and Sustainability resolution is a strong
commitment to transition Menlo Park to a resilient, zero carbon, healthy and prosperous future.
Warm regards,
Diane Bailey
Diane Bailey | Executive Director
MENLOSPARK
diane@menlospark.org [diane@menlospark.org]| 650-281-7073
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Climate Neutral for a Healthy, Prosperous Menlo Park
EV, PV & Fossil Free: Guides for Electric Cars, solar & Fossil Free Homes at:http://menlospark.org/what-we-do/
[http://menlospark.org/what-we-do/]
