Tell the ATX Council: Adopt a Clean Energy Plan for Austin Energy

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Climate change is here and will get much worse if we can’t collectively reduce emissions quickly. I’m counting on you to remember that when you’re discussing and voting on the update to the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan. This plan must align with the climate goals set in the Austin Climate Equity Plan.

I urge you to reject Austin Energy’s so-called “hydrogen capable” combined cycle power plant proposal. This branding is meant to distract you from the fact that what you’re being asked to approve of is an expanded use of methane gas – a fuel that is driving climate change. Austin Energy has admitted that the plant or plants may never transition to burning green hydrogen. It would almost certainly cost much more than they are assuming if it did happen, and burning hydrogen would add to our local air pollution.

Our city-owned electric utility should be fully committed to a transition to clean renewable energy. A combination of local solar, utility-scale wind and solar, batteries, energy efficiency improvement and scaled-up demand response programs (that allow us to use energy smarter) can be deployed over the next several years to replace Austin Energy’s polluting fossil fuel plants.

Given the state of climate change and worsening air pollution problems, adding more gas-burning power generation in East Austin is a terrible idea. Ground-level ozone levels in the Austin area already exceeded EPA limits last year. We need to reduce local air pollution to protect people from respiratory diseases and avoid costly restrictions that will be imposed if the EPA designates Austin as a non-attainment area.

Instead of adding more fossil fuel power plants, City Council and Austin Energy should focus on the clean energy solutions that will allow Austin to be powered by 100% carbon-free – and eventually 100% renewable – energy. It’s a matter of building up a robust portfolio that can meet all of the utility’s and customers’ needs. It’s time for action.

I look forward to hearing from you on this important issue that will impact our community.

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Tell the ATX Council: Adopt a Clean Energy Plan for Austin Energy

Tell the ATX Council: Adopt a Clean Energy Plan for Austin Energy

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