For a variety of reasons, the achievement of significant reductions has been slow to develop, due in part to the low cost of gasoline and a decline in fleet efficiency. However, energy efficient County building retrofits, public transit initiatives, and solid waste programs are broadening recognition and building support for Miami-Dade's C02 reduction plan. In Michigan, the predicted effects of global warming include increased precipitation and higher temperatures. Of particular concern is an increase in summer droughts and heat waves, which could threaten health and property. Ann Arbor is an environmentally- oriented community with an active Energy Commission and both an Energy Plan to reduce energy use and encourage renewable energy where feasible.
Municipal buildings make up the rest of the non-transportation energy use.
A Landfill Gas to Energy project financed by private investors has saved over 119,000 tons of CO2 equivalent. The City has created new franchise ordinances for electricity and natural gas suppliers which include environmental protections and low income program contributions. A new Alternate Transportation program features free downtown employee bus passes and a full time Alternate Transportation Coordinator. The goal was to reduce CO2 emissions throughout the Portland metropolitan area to 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2010. The City's plan not only reduces CO2 levels, but also contributes positively to Portland's environmental, economic and other social goals.