Mayor Wynn has risen to a position of national leadership on energy and climate issues. Since 2004, Mayor Wynn has chaired the Energy Committee of the 1,200-member US Conference of Mayors and in that role has convened four national summits on energy and the environment. He also serves as a key member of the U.S. Mayors Committee on Climate Protection.

During his presentation, Mayor Wynn laid out the research compiled by the world's scientific community as to the causes, as well as the current and projected impacts of global warming, which include rising sea levels, more extreme storms, severe droughts, spread of disease and invasive species, disruption of food and water supply, and loss of endangered species. He laid out the potential costs and consequences to ecosystems and humans, including one startling projection that 1 billion people worldwide would be in harm’s way due to rising sea levels and loss of costal lands. His presentation also highlighted the fact that the United States far outpaces the rest of the world in levels of energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gases, and that within the U.S., Texas is the highest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, emitting almost twice that of the second most polluting state.

The Mayor then shared with the group his compelling vision for how Austin could not only respond to the threat of global warming, but be a national, potentially world leader, in this most critical global challenge. Austin is well-positioned to take this lead, having been a national leader on energy and environmental issues for many years. Austin Energy is the 10th largest public power utility in the nation and their GreenChoice^® program is the most successful utility-sponsored green power programs in the U.S. Austin is one of the fastest growing metro economies in the United States, growing at a rate of 4.1% compared to the national average of 1.9%. As a city with a vital economy and a high commitment to, and investment in, environmental stewardship, Austin has shown that economic strength and environmental health go hand-in-hand. Mayor Wynn also expressed his appreciation for the citizenry of Austin and Central Texas and how their commitment to our region’s future will play a critical role in ensuring that the city succeeds in this vision. ECT hosted a reception directly following the presentation, sponsored in part by Austin Java, which allowed attendees more time to talk about the issues raised.

In February, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Protection Plan, which will set the standard among cities nationwide in the growing campaign to address global warming. The broad elements of the plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions include:

Municipal Plan.  Makes all COA facilities, fleets and operations totally carbon-neutral by 2020.

Utility Plan. Implements the most aggressive utility GHG-reduction plan in the nation through dramatic increases in conservation, efficiency and renewable programs.

Homes and Buildings Plan.  Makes Austin building codes for both residential and commercial properties the most energy efficient in the United States, dramatically reducing electric bills city-wide.

Community Plan. Develops a comprehensive plan for reducing GHG emissions from sources community-wide.

“Go Neutral” Plan. Provides various mechanisms for Austin, businesses, organizations and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint to zero.

Learn more about the plan at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/downloads/mw_acpp_points.pdf

Austin Energy has provided a list of “Ten Things You Can Do Today” to help reduce your energy consumption and make a positive difference:

1. Use Efficient Lighting – Compact fluorescent lights use 70 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than standard bulbs.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat – Set it two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in winter, and watch your energy use and utility bills plummet.

3. Reduce Phantom Load – 40 percent of all electricity used by home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.  Unplug chargers and use power strips to turn on/off home entertainment systems.

4. Conserve Water Indoors and Outdoors – It takes a tremendous amount of electricity to treat and pump water.  Saving water is one of the most important things you can do.

5. Plant a Tree at Home – Trees sock up CO2 and shade your home for lower summer energy needs.

6. Drive Less – Walk, ride a bike, carpool, take the bus and combine errands when you can.

7. Keep Your Car Tuned up – A poorly tuned engine wastes 10-20 percent of the fuel it uses.  Low tire pressure can waste up to 5 percent of a tank of gas. A clogged air filter can cause a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption.

8. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Still true today.  Save energy from production and disposal by using it again (or not at all).

9. Buy Local – most food is shipped by truck 1,500 miles or more to get to your store and your plate.  Locally grown food tastes better anyway!

10. Talk – Raise awareness and action by talking with friends, family and co-workers. Tell state and federal leaders you want meaningful climate protection policies NOW.