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Resolution reaffirms Kansas City's commitment to Paris Climate Agreement

Posted at 9:30 PM, Jul 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-14 06:11:03-04

City Council continues to move forward on a resolution reaffirming the city’s support for the Paris Climate Agreement to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The City Council Finance and Governance Committee approved the measure this week, met with excitement by environmental supporters, including Café Gratitude owner Mike George.

The restaurant specializes in vegan and organic foods in the Crossroads Arts District and has been in business for five years -- partly fueled by the sun.

“I think we got 27 solar panels,” George explained. “We need to live sustainably. I just think it's a responsible thing to do."

The move by City Council comes just over a month after President Donald Trump announced that the United States would be pulling out from the international climate agreement.

During a speech in early June, Trump said the Paris Climate Agreement led to an “economic disadvantage” in the U.S. and would hurt jobs.

However, with the agreement intended to combat climate change, George told 41 Action News he was glad city leaders were taking a bold step.

“The Paris accord, when it was a national thing, it was removed from me. Now that Kansas City affirms it, we're a part of this, and I'm thinking locally here,” he said. “I actually think it's great Trump exited because it pushed the cities, states and governors to take responsibility for themselves."

The resolution comes at a crucial time for renewable energy companies in the metro.

For staff at SunSource Homes, a solar energy company in the Crossroads, this week’s developments were met with support.

“We think it's great news,” explained SunSource Homes owner Keith Graepler. “It's a very smart, forward-thinking decision."

Graepler told 41 Action News that after six years in business, the company continues to see a rise in customers turning to different forms of energy.

“We've seen a pretty large increase in the number of people moving forward with (solar energy),” he explained. “What we're finding is, we go in and do one project, and suddenly we have all the neighbors coming out and talking to our installation crews."

SunSource Homes has an office in the Crossroads with over 100 solar panels on its roof, which has allowed it to produce more energy than it uses.

Nearby, Graepler can point to multiple businesses with solar panels that he helped install.

“The level of awareness is being raised pretty rapidly,” he explained. “We're seeing a lot more people adopt solar energy.”

With more people and businesses turning to solar energy, Graepler said City Council’s decision to reaffirm its support of the Paris Climate Agreement could help lead to more growth in the metro.

“I think it's brought a lot of publicity to it that wasn't there before,” he explained. “It's yet another tool to get people thinking about being more sustainable and for the right reasons."

The Paris Climate Agreement Resolution is scheduled for a vote by the full City Council next week.

One council member told 41 Action News Thursday that he expected the resolution to easily pass.

Moving forward, Café Gratitude owner Mike George hopes the decision will lead to a cleaner future in Kansas City.

“I think it sends a message that we care,” he said. “We're part of the movement that's looking to live sustainably on the planet."

Read the city's full resolution below.

 

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