Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

This plan sets forth an ambitious goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ashland. What does a reduction target of 8% per year (95% reduction by 2050) mean for the average Ashlander and how the City operates? What kinds of changes would need to happen in Ashland to really move the needle on emissions? This section provides a hypothetical experiment to demonstrate how a few example changes in Ashland’s behaviors and infrastructure could result in meeting slightly less than half of the required greenhouse gas emission reductions. It is merely a thought experiment to demonstrate the linkage between behavior and emissions — the scenario presented does not necessarily reflect what is realistic or would result by taking the actions in this plan. For more information on how specific actions in this plan may contribute toward Ashland’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goal, see the “What will this plan achieve?” section on page 43. If the Ashland community made the achievements listed in the table below, then the community would be able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 38% below 2015 levels by 2050 , equivalent to each Ashland resident and business reducing its footprint by about 1.4% per year. These estimates are based on assumptions from similar analyses conducted by other municipalities and organizations in the Pacific Northwest. The progress that Ashland makes toward reducing its GHG emissions will also be influenced by broader state, regional, national, and international initiatives and policies. The federal Clean Power Plan, for example, if enacted, will reduce the GHG emissions associated with the U.S. energy grid by making power plants operate more cleanly and efficiently and expanding the capacity for zero- and low-emitting power sources. In 2016, the State of Oregon enacted legislation requiring Oregon’s major electricity suppliers to obtain 50% of their power from renewable sources by 2040. The law also sets a timetable for eliminating coal-fired electric power in the state, and it establishes a community solar program for Oregon. These and other anticipated regulations and programs, such as changes to the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, will further contribute toward Ashland’s emissions reduction goals and were taken into account in this analysis. Moving the Needle: A Thought Experiment 40 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANVISION FOR THE FUTURE