The Climate Action Plan (CAP) in Boulder, Colorado, is a set of strategies intended to guide community efforts for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These strategies have focused on improving energy efficiency and conservation in homes and businesses—the source of nearly three-fourths of local emissions. The plan also promotes strategies to reduce emissions from transportation, which account for over 20 percent of local greenhouse gas sources.
General information In November 2006, citizens of Boulder, Colorado, voted to approve Ballot Issue No. 202, authorizing the city council to levy and collect an excise tax from residential, commercial and industrial electricity customers for the purpose of funding a climate action planCity of Boulder R.S. 3–12, accessed 2010-02-02 (archived link) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan outlines programs to increase energy efficiency, increase renewable energy use, reduce emissions from motor vehicles, and take other steps toward meeting the goals set in the Kyoto Protocol.
Beginning April 1, 2007, and expiring March 31, 2013, the initial tax rate was set at $0.0022/kWh for residential customers, $0.0004/kWh for commercial customers, and $0.0002/kWh for industrial customers. The city council has the authority to increase the tax after the first year up to a maximum permitted tax rate of $0.0049/kWh for residential customers; $0.0009/kWh for commercial customers; and $0.0003/kWh for industrial customers. Voluntary purchases of utility-provided wind power are exempt from the tax.
Allocation and generation of fund Charge:March 2010 rates for electricity customers: Electricity User Type Tax Rate Average Annual Tax Residential $0.0049/kWh $21 Commercial $0.0009/kWh $94 Industrial $0.0003/kWh $9,600
Total Fund: $860,265 in the first year and up to $1,342,000/year thereafter through March 31, 2013Purpose: Renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation.
Incentive authority Authority 1: Ballot Issue 202 (Climate Action Plan Tax)Date Enacted:11/7/2006
Authority 2: Boulder Revised Code 3-12Date Effective: 4/1/2007Expiration Date: 3/31/2013
See also Carbon pricing Global Action Plan Transition town Greenhouse gas emissions by the United States Chicago Climate Action Plan San Francisco Climate Action Plan Presidential Climate Action Plan
References
External links Boulder's Climate Commitment (City of Boulder) Climate action in Boulder County DSIRE Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. Clean air reference website BAAQMD phone numbers – including 800-EXHAUST (800-394-2878) to report auto exhaust pollution