History

Policy

In 2007, the City joined the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), by way of Resolution No. 2007-13, as a fully participating member in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and, as a participant, pledge to take a leadership role in promoting public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change.  The resolution noted that the City would undertake the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign's five (5) milestones to reduce both greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions throughout the community, specifically:

• Conduct a greenhouse gas inventory and forecast to determine the source and quantity of greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions in the jurisdiction
• Establish a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target
• Develop an action plan with both existing and future actions which when implemented will meet the local greenhouse gas reduction target
• Implement the action plan
• Monitor and report progress.

In 2010, purusant to Resolution 2010-18, the City adopted a greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal of 20% of 2005 levels (from City operations by year 2020.  The City affirmed and adopted the GHG reduction goal in 2013 (see Resolution No. 2013-16).  Then, in 2014, the City Council updated the baseline year from the 2005 level to 2008 and once again affirmed the reduction goal of 20% of 2008 levels by 2020.  Finally in 2018, the City approved Resolution No. 2018-23, which urged the United States Congress to enact a revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend policy for the U.S.  The resolution notes that the Moscow City Council recognizes that the effects of climate change have impacted Moscow and northern Idaho and threaten natural resources, food security, public health, quality of life, and the economy.

Citizen survey

In 2017, the City's various commissions conducted the first comprehensive Commission Survey.  IN that survey, City residents were presented with the following statement: 

" There are concerns that adverse climate patterns are having an effect on precipitation, temperatures, aquifer recharge, snowpack, air quality, and pest incursion on the Palouse."

To gauge the level of resident concerns, the City asked respondents to indicate their feelings on the matter.  The Likert Scaled used ranges from "Very Concerned" to "Not Concerned".  Of the responses received, 68 percent noted they are either "Concerned" or "Very Concerned" whereas 10 percent said they are "Not Concerned".

Today

City Council recently adopted a Major Challenge Area of "Climate Change Science Highlights Need for Significant Action" in the City's Strategic Plan.  To that end, City Staff has been working to gather information to help City Council develop a Climate Action Plan.

On April 26, 2021, City Staff presented an update to City Council on the results of our 2020 Local Government Operations Inventory, how we met the 20% reduction goal, and potential next steps in tackling remaining emissions.  At that time, staff was directed to look at what carbon neutrality, or Net-Zero, would look like for City operations and to look at what a community-wide plan might entail.

On September 27, 2021, City Staff presented research and alternatives to address greenhouse gas emissions and programs focusing on climate concerns at a City Council Workshop.  Information presented included an analysis of community-wide emissions, carbon sequestration rates on city operations- and community- scales, as well as an overview of climate action plans from other communities.