PlaNYC, the City’s sustainability plan, is a great initial response to climate change.  However, with world oil production expected to peak and begin permanent decline as early as 2010, the more immediate threat is rising and increasingly volatile fuel prices, addressed only indirectly by PlaNYC. 

The Sierra Club NYC report, “Sustainable Energy Independence for New York City,” asks City officials to create a Task Force to study potential local impacts and mitigations of energy volatility.  San Francisco and Portland, Oregon are already developing their energy volatility plans.  The report offers other short- and long-term recommendations at the City, State and National levels. It has been endorsed by over 20 organizations.

Designated "Report of the Day" at NYC public policy website Gotham Gazette on 4/01/08. 

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Two page summary
Full report (50 page PDF).

Click below to read the full report online, with links to all references.

Introduction
Part I: Preparing for Energy Volatility
Part II: Making Transportation More Efficient
Part III: Regional Production
Part IV: Energy Efficient Buildings
Part V: Electricity
Part VI: Changing National Energy Policy
Appendix A: Climate Change is Accelerating
Appendix B: Fuel Depletion and Peak Oil Guarantee Volatility
Appendix C: Energy Shortage Contingency Plan
beyond oil