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Bellingham · BEL-CP-2016 · Pages 159-178

Environment Chapter

The Environment Chapter implements Bellingham's commitment to protecting and restoring its natural resources including Lake Whatcom (the drinking water source), critical areas, fish and wildlife habitat, urban forestry, air quality, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. It incorporates the Shoreline Master Program by reference and establishes goals and policies for sustainable land use, low impact development, GHG reduction, and energy conservation. The chapter reflects the City's role as an environmental steward while planning for resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

Environment Environment Governance Economy Social
Key Commitments
Reduce municipal GHG emissions 64% from 2000 levels by 2012 and 70% by 2020; reduce community GHG emissions 7% from 2000 levels by 2012 and 28% by 2020; 29.9% tree canopy coverage as of 2013; sea level rise planning up to 50 inches by end of century
Goals (9 total)
  • GOAL EV-1: Protect and improve drinking water sources.
  • GOAL EV-2: Limit development in the Lake Whatcom watershed.
  • GOAL EV-3: Protect and restore ecological functions and habitat.
  • GOAL EV-4: Limit urban sprawl and promote sustainable land use planning.
  • GOAL EV-5: Protect and improve the health of lakes, streams, and the Salish Sea.
  • GOAL EV-6: Conserve and maintain natural resources, including the urban forest.
  • GOAL EV-7: Maintain good air quality.
  • GOAL EV-8: Reduce contributions to climate change.
  • GOAL EV-9: Promote interdependence of environmental, economic, and social interests.
Stronger Policy Language (29 policies)
  • Policy EV-1: Focus on protection over treatment in managing Lake Whatcom and its watershed.
  • Policy EV-8: Continue the Lake Whatcom Watershed Property Acquisition Program.
  • Policy EV-17: Protect critical areas and riparian zones by prohibiting camping in these areas.
  • Policy EV-45: Strive to meet or exceed the City's goals and commitments for reducing greenhouse gases.
  • Policy EV-57: Reduce solid waste generated from municipal facilities through increased opportunities, capacity and education for recycling and composting.
Aspirational / Monitoring Language (27 policies)
  • Policy EV-14: Encourage development of mitigation options such as a mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program.
  • Policy EV-22: Maximize the use of integrated pest management and discourage the use of herbicides and pesticides.
  • Policy EV-32: Promote greater knowledge of trees and tree care to the citizens of Bellingham.
  • Policy EV-41: Consider the role of trees in maintaining good air quality.
  • Policy EV-47: Encourage renewable energy sources such as solar power.

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