To the editor: In June I went before the West Milford Council to ask Mayor Di Donato with the support of the council to sign onto the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Initiated in February 2005 by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickel, mayors across the country are pledging to reduce global warming carbon dioxide pollution in their cities/towns to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012 (same reductions and target date called for under the Kyoto Protocol Global Warming Treaty, however we are not negotiating with other countries or legally bound). Even for those skeptics who don’t believe that global warming is caused by human activity, we can’t deny the high cost of using fossil fuels, both in our pockets and in human health. This mayors’ agreement is gathering support around the country including the backing of the US Conference of Mayors. Many of these Cool Cities leaders are moving forward with innovative energy solutions that will cut their dependence on oil, benefit public health and save taxpayer dollars. In West Milford we currently have a newly formed energy committee that is looking into ways to save taxpayer dollars by cutting energy costs. We can cut energy costs by “greening” municipal vehicle fleets with hybrid gas/electric engines, and other cleaner vehicle technology (our school buses are now using biofuel), modernizing town buildings, lighting, and other operations with money-saving energy-efficient technology, and investing in clean, safe, renewable energy such as wind and solar power. We can also save money by recycling more. The Mayors Climate Protection Agreement also asks us to lobby the legislators to enact policies to help us to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and encourage our use of clean renewal energy. We can use all the incentives we can get. Many of us have for years taken cheap energy for granted. That time is over. Americans, however, are resilient. We are pioneers and have that American ingenuity. I have faith that we will develop the technology and find the determination and the resources to become self sufficient once again. This grassroots movement is growing. Not only large cities are taking on the challenge, but smaller municipalities as well. At least 22 mayors in New Jersey with support of their councils have signed on. These include Ringwood, Morristown, Brick Township, Closter, Newark, and Hopewell Township. I am asking Mayor Di Donato with the support of our West Milford Council to sign the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Be part of the leadership that makes America great - one town at a time. For more information on the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement go onto www.seattle.gov/mayor/climate/ Renee Bettini Allessio West Milford