22 Sep Austin Can’t Afford Coal … pt. 1

Cyrus Reed, energy analyst from the CenTex Sierra Club says, (paraphrased) “The City’s own analysts have found WE CAN MOVE TO RENEWABLES AT LESS COST than doing nothing because coal and natural gas costs are expected to continue to rise.”

My takeaway: it looks like clean is less expensive for Austin, right now…… no need to sacrifice……

There’s been a lot of controversy around this critical issue, see recent articles in the Statesman:

1. http://tinyurl.com/mtzm7t
“Advocates concerned Austin Energy plans will hurt poor, elderly”

2. http://tinyurl.com/mtzm7t
“Monsignor Mulvey: Energy rate hikes really hard on poor, service providers”

3. Texas Representative Eddie Rodriguez, today in an Op Ed —
“As a Catholic, an Austin Energy customer, someone who cares about the environment and a legislator who represents a largely low-income constituency, I think it’s critical that we address this issue. But I also think that the suggestion that Austinites must choose between affordable energy and protecting the poor presents a false choice.

“As a State Representative I advocate in every way I can on behalf of my low-income constituents. I also advocate that Austin, and all of Texas, must move toward the maximum possible use of renewable energy. My experience tells me that with thoughtful planning by Austin Energy, and important input from low-income energy customers, the faith community, policymakers and other stakeholders, we can achieve energy justice in Austin. My faith tells me we must.”

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Austin CAN Afford Clean.

Getting out of Austin’s coal plant looks like it will mean saving money, improving local health, eliminating our worst impacts on the planet, and — reducing costs to the poor (as well as our city’s employers).

Austin’s Generation Planning Task force is recommending we finalize this transition by 2014.

Let’s reenergize Austin Energy’s tradition of taking the lead in doing what’s economically brilliant, best for humans, and respectful of Creation, today.

Thanks — Chris