Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Vision for the Future A Strategic Approach This plan presents a strategy that is customized to Ashland's unique characteristics. Ashland can influence its ability to address or prioritize particular climate and energy strategies as a result of its: • Utility ownership. Ashland’s electricity utility ismunicipally owned, which grants the City directcontrol over utility operations, business decisions,and related program activities. • Energy mix. Ashland purchases energy fromBonneville Power Administration, which is largelysourced by hydropower. • Engaged community. Ashland citizenry are highlyengaged in community issues and activities. • Political will. Ashland’s leadership is historicallysupportive of innovative actions and environmen-tal leadership. • History of climate action. Ashland has a longhistory of environment- and climate-relatedpolicies and actions to build upon, includingthe first community solar project in Oregon andeffective energy efficiency programs. • Heavy tourism influence. Ashland’s industry islargely tourist-based, meaning that a portion ofthe city’s greenhouse gas emissions comes fromthe behavior of visitors over which the City hasless direct influence. Ashland's interactions withtourists could also potentially give Ashland'sactions a greater geographic reach, however, as visitors bring the Ashland experience back home with them. • Small city in a rural environment. Ashlandis a small town, which brings both benefits andchallenges. On one hand, governments of smallcommunities can have more direct contact andinfluence over their services and utilities. On theother hand, smaller communities have fewer available resources for climate action compared to larger cities, and advocating for changes at the state and national level could be more difficult. • Direct influence on water supply. Ashland hasdirect ownership and control over much of itswater supply. However, climate change will impactthat supply. • Progressive state-level activities. The State of Oregon has introduced ambitious climate policies and regulations, as well as tools and resources for supporting local climate action. Given these particular characteristics coupled with information on Ashland’s greenhouse gas emission sources and anticipated impacts from climate change, the following overarching strategic initiatives were identified to guide the strategies and actions presented in this plan. While the strategies and actions in this plan are organized by focus areas such as Buildings and Energy, Transportation and Land Use, and Natural Systems, these initiatives, described in the following sections, cut across these focus areas to emphasize synergistic and integrated solutions for addressing climate in Ashland. •Transition to clean energy. •Maximize conservation of water and energy. •Support climate-friendly land use and management. •Reduce consumption of carbon-intensive goods and services. •Inform and work with residents, organizations, and government. •Lead by example. 33 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANVISION FOR THE FUTURE