WHEREAS, The City Council of Philadelphia is committed to fighting climate change and is committed to protecting Philadelphians from the effects of climate change and air pollution; and
WHEREAS, Climate change poses a serious threat to the City of Philadelphia in terms of the economy, public health, and the environment; and
WHEREAS, As a result of climate change, the Northeast is experiencing warming temperatures and a large increase in the amount of rainfall measured during heavy precipitation events; and
WHEREAS, More frequent heat waves in the Northeast are expected to increasingly threaten human health through more heat stress and air pollution; and
WHEREAS, Sea levels rise and more frequent heavy rains are expected to increase flooding and storm surge, threatening infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, As temperatures rise, agriculture will likely face reduced yields, potentially damaging livelihoods and the regional economy; and
WHEREAS, Congress has the responsibility to act swiftly and meaningfully on the issue of climate change; and
WHEREAS, Legislation addressing climate change should not economically burden Philadelphia or Philadelphians; and
WHEREAS, Carbon Fee and Dividend as put forth by the Citizens Climate Lobby greatly helps fight climate change, protects Philadelphians from the effects of climate change, and is a net economic boost to Philadelphia and Philadelphians; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Calls on the United States Congress to address climate change and explore a Carbon Fee and Dividend as a sound, effective policy.
End