St. Joseph City Commissioners have tabled a resolution supporting an international fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty while they study more ways its passage could result in local action.

Speaking at a commission meeting this week, Communications Director Kayla Griffith explained the resolution, which would state that the city supports the transition to alternative energy production.

“This is something that has come up at the UN level,” Griffith said. “There is not currently a treaty in place, and this would be in support of the creation of a treaty, basically affirming that the City of St. Joseph acknowledges the human health ramifications of continued fossil fuel production and that sort of thing.”

The idea originated from a resident and was reviewed by the city’s Sustainability Committee, which recommended approval, noting the resolution was largely symbolic and similar to other proclamations the city has adopted. Commissioner Michael Fernandez said approval of the resolution would add St. Joe’s voice to the chorus calling for better energy policy.

“It’s a global thing, and we are just but a small city that would be very small in comparison to some of the other things,” Fernandez said. “But as the Sustainability Committee reviewed it, they felt and brought it before us with their recommendation that these are good principles.”

Fernandez noted the resolution wouldn’t require much direct action by the city.

“As I read this, I think there’s no action that this requires us to take nothing, no pledges. This is largely, as you said, a symbolic show of support and that demands little to no follow-up.”

However, other commissioners questioned the purpose of the resolution when it lacks direct, local impact. They wanted the Sustainability Committee to discuss actionable steps that could be taken by the city.

A motion from Fernandez to approve the resolution died without support, and the commission then voted to table it.