The Eugene Green Energy Standard is a set of rules and guidelines that help people in the city of Eugene use more clean and renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power, instead of relying on dirty and harmful ones like coal and gas. It's like having a set of rules for a game we play, but instead of winning a prize, we protect the environment and our health.
The standard is made up of two parts: 1) a goal to decrease the amount of harmful carbon emissions in the city's energy supply and 2) a plan for how to achieve that goal. Imagine trying to clean up a messy room - the goal would be to make it neat and organized, and the plan would be to pick up the toys, fold the clothes, and put everything in its right place.
To reach the goal of reducing carbon emissions, the Eugene Green Energy Standard sets percentage targets for how much clean energy the city should use by certain years. For example, by 2020, the standard set a target for Eugene to get at least 20% of its energy from renewable sources. This meant everyone in the city needed to start using more renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or geothermal power, and less energy from sources like coal or gas.
To achieve these targets, the standard also provides specific actions that individuals and organizations can take. It encourages and incentivizes installing solar panels on homes and buildings, purchasing electric cars or buses, and increasing the use of public transportation. These actions reduce the amount of harmful emissions in the air and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Overall, the Eugene Green Energy Standard is like a plan or a set of guidelines for how to use clean and renewable energy to protect our environment, and it gives everyone a way to contribute to this goal!