Policy Order O-7

WHEREAS: Climate protection and reducing our carbon footprint has been a high priority for the City of Cambridge; and

WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has been recognized as a national leader in our efforts to become a greener city and a model for other communities; and

WHEREAS: The Connolly Petition presents an innovative framework for achieving "net zero" greenhouse gas emissions by requiring periodic reporting of energy usage and promoting on-site production of renewable energy, greater building efficiency measures, and the purchase of off-site renewable energy alternatives; and

WHEREAS: The Connolly Petition has facilitated much constructive dialogue across sectors and presents an opportunity and a tool to continue to move our community forward and further in our commitment to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels; and

WHEREAS: Many of the residents supportive of the petition have been key driving agents in helping to shape greener policies in the City of Cambridge; and

WHEREAS: The Connolly Petition and the concept of net zero greenhouse gas emissions has received support from the Massachusetts Sierra Club, Green Cambridge, the Cambridge-node of 350MA.org, Harvard University's chapter of Students for a Just and Stable Future, the Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, the Cambridge Residents Alliance, and hundreds of Cambridge residents, including a number of elected officials; and

WHEREAS: The Mayor has scheduled a Roundtable/Working meeting for the City Council to discuss the Connolly Petition further on October 10, 2013 at 3:00 pm in the Sullivan Chamber; and

WHEREAS: The development of a task force allows us to continue building on the important work of the City and the strong foundation and grassroots organizing of the petitioners; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a task force to further examine the Connolly Petition to be comprised of, but not limited to, community advocates, members of the business community, property owners and developers, Cambridge Community Development and School Department representatives and other stakeholders; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a list of task force members, as well as a schedule outlining when the task force will be formally initiated and when the task force will present their findings and conclusions to the City Council; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby requested to report back to the City Council on this matter after all meetings have been held in October.