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After two years of study and debate, the city of Austin has approved a new plan for meeting its energy needs over the next decade. The plan, called Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035, outlines how the city’s public utility will generate and conserve electricity while also meeting climate and environmental goals.
One of the main points of contention in the plan was the role of natural gas in Austin’s energy mix. While the city has a goal of becoming a “net-zero” emission city by 2040, it has also been facing increasing transmission costs as it relies more on distant wind and solar farms for electricity. To address this issue, Austin Energy proposed installing new natural gas generators, or “peaker plants,” which would run during times of peak demand to reduce costs and stabilize the local electric distribution system.
However, this proposal faced backlash from climate-conscious Austinites and environmental groups, who argued that expanding fossil fuel power goes against the city’s goal of reducing emissions. In response to these concerns, City Council added 14 amendments to the plan before approving it. These amendments include requirements for regular reporting on emissions reduction progress and studies comparing the value of a new “peaker plant” against cleaner energy sources.
The amendments also include caps on carbon dioxide and other emissions from city power, showing a commitment to reducing the city’s carbon footprint. While the plan has been approved, it remains to be seen how effective these amendments will be in balancing the city’s energy needs with its environmental goals. However, the fact that City Council took the time to address these concerns and make changes to the plan shows a commitment to finding a sustainable and responsible solution for Austin’s energy future.