National Capital Region Climate Change Report Presentation for the Potomac Watershed Roundtable Stuart A. Freudberg Director, Environmental Programs Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments January 9, 2009

2 What is COG? COG is a voluntary, regional organization of Washington area local governments. Formed in COG is composed of 21 local governments surrounding our nation's capital* 250 elected officials in total 135 staff in 4 departments Transportation Environment Public safety and Health Community Planning and Services *plus area members of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives. Population ~ 5 million

3 COG Board Action April 11, 2007 R31-07 creates COG Climate Change Steering Committee to:  Prepare regional inventory of greenhouse gases  Identify best practices and policies  Examine climate change impacts  Recommend regional greenhouse gas reduction goal(s)  Recommend committee structure for climate change initiative  Propose advocacy positions  Prepare recommendations report to COG Board COG Board Action April 11, 2007

4 Climate Change Steering Committee 18 members –Primarily elected officials from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia local governments –State environmental representatives from Maryland, Virginia and DC –Regional transit agency (METRO), Greater Washington Board of Trade

5  Greenhouse gas emissions inventory  Best Practices Report  Emission reduction goals for 2012, 2020, 2050  Federal/state advocacy  Draft Report July 9, 2008  Listening July 9 – Sept. 30  Final Report Adopted November 12, 2008 Major Accomplishments

6 Best Practices Guide HIGHLIGHTS: Over 2/3 of local governments in the region purchase renewable energy Over 1⁄2 of the jurisdictions have adopted energy efficiency measures Nearly 90% of the communities in the region have embarked on transit oriented development and over 80% have “walkable community” initiatives About 70% of communities have green space protection and green infrastructure programs All communities in the region have recycling programs. Download at:

7 I.Getting Smart on Climate Change Climate Change, Potential Impacts on Region; Current & Projected Regional Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory; Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets II.Taking Action Energy Consumption; Transportation and Land Use; Economic Development; Preparing for Impacts, Financing; Outreach and Education. III.Moving Forward COG Climate Change Program IV.Reference Information Climate Change Report

8 Global CO 2 Emissions Since 1752

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10 Measured Temperature Changes in Chesapeake Bay Surface Waters

11 Milder Winters, Much Hotter Summers

12 Sea-level Rise Vulnerability in DC Area

13 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Total – 74 million metric tonnes in 2005 Source: MWCOG 2008.

14 Example of Local Government Greenhouse Gas Emissions

15 Projections of Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

16 Proposed Regional Reduction Goals 2012:10% Below Business as Usual 2020:20% Below :80% Below 2005

17 Improve Energy Efficiency/Reduce Energy Demand Major Energy Recommendations Develop Clean Energy Alternatives Local Governments Purchase 20% Renewable Energy by Implement COG Green Building Policy Implement Best Practices to reduce local government energy use by 15% by 2015 Promote energy efficient building codes Promote energy performance contracting/cooperative purchasing Remove barriers to renewable energy implementation. Explore energy audit and retrofit program. Promote energy efficient street lighting. Collaborate with utilities on regional energy conservation program. Advocate for rate structure that rewards conservation investment.

18 Major Transportation Recommendations Increase Fuel Efficiency and Clean Fuel Vehicles Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled Adopt Regional Green Fleet Policy Implement incentives for high mileage and alternative fueled vehicles Support California Low Emission Vehicle Standards Plan for alternative fuel infrastructure (natural gas, hybrid-electric, hydrogen) Explore state/regional alternative fuels standard. Collaborate with TPB on: “What Would it Take?” Analysis Regional planning process for reducing transportation greenhouse gas emissions Invest/expand transit use and infrastructure Expand commuter options

19 Major Land Use Recommendations Smart Growth/Comprehensive Planning Tree Canopy Preservation Promote transit-oriented development and concentrated growth Establish Transit-oriented development as the region’s preferred growth strategy Evaluate benefits from directing up to 95% of new development to activity centers Prepare plan to meet goal of increased tree canopy in region. Integrate greenhouse gas analyses into comprehensive planning and new capital projects Develop standard methodology for evaluating greenhouse gas emissions from proposed individual development projects

20 Developing a Plan to Increase Tree Canopy Current Situation and Challenge 1.3 million acres of forest and grassland in the National Capital Region Sequesters approximately 4.1 million metric tons of CO2 annually Annual loss of forested land occurring now Significant additional future loss of land possible (>200,000 acres by 2030?) Region in nonattainment with federal ozone standards Recognition that enhanced urban tree canopy can improve air quality

21 Increase in Developed Land within the COG WMA

22 Additional Recommendations Adaptation Research best practices to prepare for effects of climate change. Partner with universities to research climate change and adaptation strategies. Develop a regional climate adaptation plan to assist localities with vulnerability assessments, adaptation planning, and emergency preparedness. Conduct adaptation workshops with major infrastructure agencies (wastewater, water supply, stormwater, transportation) Outreach and Education Implement regional public education campaign Develop partnerships with private sector and other organizations. Financing and Economic Development Develop Regional Carbon Offset Fund for preserving tree canopy Promote cooperative regional green purchasing.

23 Next Steps 2009 Tasks –Develop Plans to Meet 2012 and 2020 Goals Identify Priority initiatives for 2009 –Convene Policy Workgroup to Develop Recommendation for Federal/State Legislative Sessions

24 COG Board Action April 11, 2007 To obtain an electronic copy of the final report: Questions? –Stuart A. Freudberg, COG Environmental Director For further information…