How should Boulder best reduce GHG's?

Recommended Action Plan

Boulder Tomorrow supports the city's goal to reduce GHG emissions and recommends the following actions:

• Design the energy reduction programs first, and then prepare a budget to support them.
  
• Begin the GHG initiative with citizen education on ways to apply rebates and leverage new technology.
  
• Project how long it would take to meet the city emission goal. If the goal can be achieved within two or three years of 2012, it is acceptable without a new tax. This would demonstrate an admirable combination of balanced priorities, fiscal responsibility and respect for the financial imperatives of citizens and businesses in our city.
  
• The City of Boulder can and should consider setting an example - and a challenge goal - by committing to the Kyoto Protocol for its own energy use. This can be accomplished by being the first city of its size to use 100% wind energy. Two private sector enterprises (Boulder Community Hospital and Whole Foods Markets, Inc.) have already made this commitment. As a small city, we can do it too.
  
• If a new tax or fee is to be imposed, place the proposal on the ballot. This would serve to accelerate the education programs for citizens and get them behind the energy reduction effort.