ClimateSmart. Doing Our Part.
Let’s Launch Boulder's Climate Action Plan.

Global warming is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Rising temperatures increase Boulder’s risk of wildfire and drought. The Climate Action Plan will help us reduce these risks through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

• In the absence of serious Federal action on climate change, the Boulder City Council joined roughly 200 other communities in the U.S. and 163 countries in signing on to the Kyoto Protocol, a critical step in reducing the emissions responsible for climate change.
• Colorado’s environment could change dramatically if the predictions for a changing climate are true, impacting agriculture, tourism and the general quality of life we’ve come to appreciate in the state and region.
• For Colorado, global warming will likely mean diminished snow pack, increased drought, more insect outbreaks in forests, an earlier and longer wildfire season, reduced habitat for native species, and less economic growth in certain industries such as farming and skiing.
• The global community of climate scientists supports the fundamental proactive steps in the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions of global warming (greenhouse) gases.

Boulder is a leader. Boulder has shown national leadership on issues from transportation to open space. We can do our part to meet the Kyoto targets that address global warming by reducing our emissions 19% by 2012. Passing this ballot initiative is the first step.

• The city of Boulder has long been a leader in addressing national and global environmental problems and seeking proactive solutions, stepping up to fill in the gap when state and Federal policies and initiatives are seen as insufficient.
• Successful programs that improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions will serve as examples for other communities in the nation that reducing emissions while positively impacting the community and local economy is achievable.
• Many of the nation’s leading energy and climate research institutes are located in Boulder.

The Climate Action Plan will energize our community. This plan represents a civic and entrepreneurial opportunity that will strengthen our community. If we delay, we lose. We can’t afford to wait for Washington to fix this climate problem for us.

• Boulder residents are known for addressing environmental problems head-on and combining personal responsibility with individual actions aimed at positive change. We strive to practice what they preach.
• Many people living in Boulder have chosen to make the city their home because of local proactive actions such as taking bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They identify with these values and principles and are eager to be part of making them a reality.
• Boulder has a wealth of businesses and non-profits specializing in solutions to energy and environmental "problems." These organizations are ready to help homeowners and businesses step up to the challenge of becoming more efficient and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

AND, it will also save money. Saving energy and increasing efficiency saves money and improves business competitiveness. This plan will save residents and businesses $24 million in energy costs through energy-saving investments, boosting our economy.

• Reducing our emissions means saving energy. And saving energy means savings money on energy bills – for homeowners and businesses. This translates into more money being spent locally, enhancing economic vitality. Boulder’s plan provides Boulder residents and businesses with the tools and resources they need to lower their energy usage.
• The Climate Action Plan will help homeowners and businesses access up to $10 million of Xcel energy efficiency rebates.