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Crowd Gathers for Climate Change Discussion

BEND, OR -- Bend City Councilors held a special meeting Thursday night on proposed Climate Action Policy. The proposal would require city government to reduce its fossil fuel use by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. That’s 5% of the community. The same fossil fuel reductions would be recommended, but not required for the public.

 

More than 40  people testified, the majority in favor including businesses and individuals in the Climate Action Ordinance.Jeffery Richardson is on the Climate Ordinance working group. He told the crowded Council Chambers, “We just don’t feel that a policy framework that only takes in city operations is sufficient to what we’re looking at as a community.” Other supporters urged the city to act on the ordinance immediately.

 
The Central Oregon Builders Association does not support the Climate Action resolution. Caitlin Pay, with COBA, told the crowd, “As of yet no work has been done to determine the cost of this type of a program for Bend. There is, as of yet, no expectation for startup funding, operating expenses or long term costs.” Opponents expressed their concern about the city’s current budget woes with regard to street maintenance and public safety. Supporters pointed to the social and environmental value of climate action.
 
The Council will take last night’s testimony into consideration before taking action.
 
An overflowing crowd gathers outside Council Chambers

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