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U.S. EPA recognizes Aspen for climate change initiative

Release Date: 05/09/2007
Contact Information: Frank Montarelli, 303-312-6780, [email protected] Randy Brown, 303-312-6048, [email protected]

(May 9, 2007, Denver, Colo.) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 Assistant Regional Administrator Steve Tuber will present at 1 p.m. today, May 9, EPA’s Environmental Achievement Award to City of Aspen Mayor Helen Klanderud.

As part of the City of Aspen’s Canary Initiative, its response to global warming, the year-long study called the Aspen Climate Impacts Assessment was released to the public last July, providing a comprehensive, integrated scientific assessment on the likely consequences to Aspen of climate change over the course of the 21st Century.

“Aspen's voluntary actions, taken through the city's own initiative, serve as a model for others to follow," Tuber said. "Aspen's example may motivate others to also take action, such as individuals and businesses reducing pollution and helping prevent greenhouse gas emissions through EPA's Energy Star program, which will enable us to live on this planet in a sustainable manner.”

The ACIA, conducted with input from scientific professionals, stakeholders, city staff, and the Aspen Global Change Institutes national advisory panel, focuses on three main areas: changing climate trends and projections in Aspen and the surrounding area, socioeconomic impacts of climate change on the ski industry and, by extension, the entire local economy, and ecological impacts of climate change on the Roaring Fork Valley.

While the ACIA was specific to Aspen and the effects global warming will have on the city’s economic base, the findings are applicable to mountain towns across North America as well as all the communities that exist downstream from them.

Locally the ACIA will be used as the scientific basis for economic forecasts, energy and transportation policies, and overall green house gas reduction targets.

EPA Region 8 presents awards in four categories to individuals and groups. This award recognizes significant achievements in the protection of public health or the environment and in advancing the Agency’s strategic goals. Among the criteria is an outstanding contribution to environmental protection through a single action, or by an ongoing action over an appreciable period of time.