WHEREAS, the Chicago Climate Exchange is North America’s first and only voluntary multi-sector market for reducing and trading greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, members of the Chicago Climate Exchange make voluntary, legally binding commitments to reduce programwide net emissions of greenhouse gases by four percent below the average of their 1998-2001 baseline by 2006; and

WHEREAS, current members of the Chicago Climate Exchange come from the United States, Mexico and Canada, and include a cross-section of major public and private sector entities, including but not limited to major public companies, smaller public and privately-held companies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations; and

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago was a founding member of the Chicago Climate Exchange with the City of Oakland (CA), City of Boulder (CO), and the City of Portland (OR) recently becoming members; and

WHEREAS, cities that have joined the Chicago Climate Exchange recognize that there is environmental, economic or other value in reducing or trading greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, by virtue of their membership in the Chicago Climate Exchange, member cities are demonstrating a leadership role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, cities that join the Chicago Climate Exchange are strategically positioned as federal climate change policy develops; and

WHEREAS, encouraging additional cities to join Chicago Climate Exchange is consistent with policy previously adopted by the United States Conference of Mayors that specifically recognizes the importance of greenhouse gas reductions and calls upon cities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors affirms it prior recognition of the importance of greenhouse gas reductions and its call for cities to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United States Conference of Mayors recognizes the leadership of the cities that have joined the Chicago Climate Exchange and recognizes the valuable role that the Chicago Climate Exchange plays in helping cities to achieve greenhouse gas reductions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United State Conference of Mayors encourages U.S. mayors to strongly consider membership for their cities in the Chicago Climate Exchange.