Village Goes Green

Scientific evidence continues to strengthen the idea that climate disruption is a threat to the environmental and economic health of our communities. On February 16, 2005 the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement to address climate disruption, became law. On that same day, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels launched a separate initiative called the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which is meant to advance the goals of the Kyoto Protocol through leadership and action.  Since that time at least 710 mayors from each of the 50 states have signed the Agreement.  The Village of Lake in the Hills signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement on November 8, 2007.

Under the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, participating cities commit to take following three actions:

1.  Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns;
2.  Urge their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol -- 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and
3.  Urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system.

On December 13, 2007 the Village passed Resolution 2007-36, which urges State and Federal Government to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target established in the Kyoto Protocol.  The Resolution also urges that the U.S. Congress pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation that 1) includes clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) a flexible, market-based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries.

One of the Village's most important roles in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, is educating the public.  In doing this, the Village has developed this web-based Green Guide to be used as a resource for those interested in learning more about how they can make an impact.  Internally, the Village continues to pursue "green" methods that can be incorporated into the Village's daily operations.

Clean Air Counts Campaign

The Village of Lake in the Hills has joined the Clean Air Counts Campaign. The campaign is a regional initiative for the Chicago area to reduce ozone-causing emissions, thereby improving air quality and enabling economic development. It is a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, City of Chicago, US EPA and IEPA. The initiative seeks to achieve reductions in targeted smog-forming pollutants and major reductions in energy consumption. Joining the program means the Village is making a commitment to undertake voluntary efforts to reduce smog in the Chicago area. The Villiage is working on obtaining the first level of participation, which is the Bronze Level.