Durango City Council has approved an updated policy statement by Colorado Communities for Climate Action, a statewide organization that advocates for stronger state and federal climate policy.
Marty Pool, the city's sustainability manager, said CC4CA represents climate policies before the state and federal government. The group lobbies governments and monitors laws related to energy and utilities, transportation and emissions, materials consumption, land use, regenerative agriculture, composting and other similar issues.
The city became a member of CC4CA in 2021, joining 42 other communities including Aspen, Boulder, Fort Collins, Summit County, Telluride and Vail. Every member community gets the chance to review the organization’s policy statement when it is updated biannually, Pool said.
Every member community has a seat and a vote on the organization’s board, he said. Members pay various dues depending on their population size and commitment levels. Durango is on a base commitment level and pays $5,000 annually to remain a member, although the cost of membership could rise in the coming years.
In 2022, CC4CA engaged 29 separate bills, 18 of which were passed, according to a summary by CC4CA. The bills were focused on reducing solid wastes and improved recycling; improved local government wildfire and natural disaster funding; the creation of a circular economy development center; affordable housing; funding for coal community transition problems; reduction of air toxins; improved building codes; and establishment of free transit during peak ozone season, among other things.
In a resolution approving CC4CA’s updated policy statement, the city confirmed the organization’s goals are in line with the city’s own strategic plan.
The policy statement highlights local and statewide climate strategies, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a comprehensive market-based approach, removing barriers to local clean energy, retiring fossil fuel power plants and support for renewable energy.
City Council will discuss potentially assigning one or more councilors to a liaison role with CC4CA at an upcoming meeting. The group has several committees that councilors could participate on, such as its legislative committee or its policy committee, Pool said.
cburney@durangoherald.com
