Jan 23 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Melanie Carroll Palo Alto Daily News, Calif.

Following much discussion about global warming, the Los Altos City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to sign on to an agreement pledging to reduce carbon emissions and spend $15,000 to find out how much greenhouse gas the city is emitting.

Mayor Val Carpenter's signature will be added to more than 780 others -- including the mayors of Palo Alto, Los Altos Hills and Menlo Park -- already signed to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. A group called the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives is slated to help the city conduct its baseline inventory of greenhouse gas emissions.

While most of the 13 residents who voiced opinions about the green action were positive, some questioned whether the city was taking the right course of action.

Vija Singh, a member of Los Altos' environmental committee, asked the council to wait until her panel had done its due diligence before making a decision, including contacting other area cities who already signed on.

Fellow environmental committee member Hank Cooper said that global warming is simply part of the natural long-term cycle the Earth goes through, although greenhouse gases accelerate that process.

"I recommend the city do commit to this program," Cooper said. "It will show that Los Altos has its mind and heart in the right place."

Los Altos High School junior Neil Swarup told the council that it is his future that's being decided, adding that if nothing's done now, it will be too late.

Still, Council Member Ron Packard questioned whether passing the so-called Cool Cities initiative was largely a political statement.

"I'm convinced the Earth is warming," Packard said. "What do we do as a community?"

Council Member David Casas said signing the agreement is symbolic; it is "affirming what a large portion of the community believes," he said.

The council decided to postpone putting together a task force to develop a climate protection plan, and first ask the Environmental Committee to come up with recommendations about its formation.

E-mail Melanie Carroll at mcarroll@dailynewsgroup.com.