Dear Honorable Mayor Mueller and City Council Members, I am writing to thank you for your past leadership in support of our climate and in taking the next crucial step by adopting the proposed Reach Codes tomorrow evening. Cities and counties, companies, academic campuses, hospitals, commercial kitchens and so many others are considering the very same action in moving towards all-electric, carbon-free buildings because they offer a triple win for economic bottom lines, our shared climate, and public health. Organizations and individuals in Menlo Park and beyond have already outlined these benefits (thank you Menlo Spark and CA Decarb Coalition!) providing the backbone for your historic action that can help our community achieve demonstrable Climate Action (Plan) results. Residents in your City, like my family, have already converted to all-electric hot water heating and stoves because we care about the health of our families and don't want fugitive methane emissions in our homes or atmosphere. This methane is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide - so your action tonight will have 84 times the impact! We also made the switch for resilience during natural disasters, our grid can provide electricity within a few days whereas natural gas connections may take months to reestablish. In an uncertain future with a rise in these types of events (per the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report) and the urgency to reverse global temperatures (12 years and counting, also per the IPCC) your decision can ensure our City's resilience, longevity and health. The world, and your residents, are watching and confident that you will act tomorrow - my kindergartner and preschooler's future depends upon it! Sincerely, Erin Cooke (628 Cambridge Ave) Received on Mon Aug 26 2019 - 22:14:21 PDT
