REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. To speak in person, registration is required at least 10 min prior to the start of the meeting. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3771 or michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov BOARD MEMBERS Angelica Navarro, Chair (D-8) Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair (Mayor) Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (D-10) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Vacant, Member (D-6) Gerardo Gandy, Member (D-7) Vacant, Member (D-9) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a (3) three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Regular Meeting of November 6, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, November and December programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative and Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Creation of FY26 Budget Working Group. (Sponsors Amaro, Estrada) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Michelle Rojas at the Parks and Recreation Department, at 512-974-3771, for additional information; TTY users’ route …
EMMA S. BARRIENROS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at City Hall Boards and Commissions Room. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:07pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Angelica Navarro, Chair Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Gerardo Gandy, Member (Left at 6:53pm) John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Anthony Martinez, Member (Left at 7:33pm) Board Members Absent: Noemi Castro, Member Staff in Attendance: Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Laura Esparza, former Parks and Recreation Division Manager and current Executive Director of Art Alliance Austin (A3) explained that A3 was a local art agency that raises funds to sustain free programming in Austin. She stated the work they do was important because there have been financial challenges and changes in funding patterns which causes the concern for the welfare of artists, musicians, and performers and she hoped that through the efforts of A3 she could help sustain the arts ecosystem. She mentioned that one of the current programs she was working on raising funds for was for the MACC’s Teen Caminos program, noting that with the funds raised they could hire more artist to mentor and lead art projects. She also informed the board that she had submitted a collaboration request with the city and the request was pending but the plan would include Facebook funding efforts to help raise money for the Rainey Street furniture and video project. She also announced that they would be hosting a fundraising party for the Carver Museum’s Artists in Residence Program and invited the board to attend Thursday, November 21st from 7pm- 9pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Regular meeting of October 2, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Zamarripa- Saenz’s motion. Member Herrera seconded the motion. Unanimous vote (8.0). Motion passed. Member Castro absent. 1 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, August, September and October programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements Project Update December 4, 2024 Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager PROJECT TIMELINE: ESB MACC Groundbreaking for Phase 2 Improvements / Move-Out Began– 12/10/22. • • Parking Lot Closure – 3/10/23. • Contractor Mobilization/Pre-construction Inspections – Began 3/11/23. • Permitting (Site) – Approved on 7/25/23. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP1/Site) – Executed contract on 8/28/23. • Construction (Site) – Underway since 8/28/23. • Permitting (Building) – Approved on 3/4/24. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP2/Building) – Executed contract on 3/7/24. • Construction (Site + Building) – Currently underway. • AIPP ESB-MACC Phase 2 – Artist(s) selection approval by Austin City Council on 8/29/24 • • Roof dry-in – Process of ensuring the roof is impermeable to rain and weather is expected mid-December. Topping Out – Topmost structural beam was lifted into place on 9/11/24. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: conflicts. addition. • Brick installation underway. ANNOUNCEMENTS: • Exterior circulation corridors for the second floor are being waterproofed. • Foundation footings for the Zocalo are being coordinated with stormwater pipe locations and tree roots to avoid • Installation of insulation and protecting building openings are on-going. • Welding inspections were completed prior to continuing erection of the shade structure. • An opening was carefully cut in the existing precast concrete panels to connect the old and the new building • Roofing has begun with installation of the metal decking and parapet blocking for the roof edge. • City Council approved artists, Katherine Telley and Ruben Esquivel, to design and fabricate artwork for the ESB MACC Phase 2, Art in Public Places (AIPP) project is scheduled for a kick-off meeting this month. Please visit AIPP website for more announcements regarding the planned community engagement for this project. • Concrete pours and steel/crane deliveries will continue. Work hours will adhere to the City’s noise ordinance. Ordinance information can be found here. • The Confluence, a separate public/private partnership project has increased activities at the ESB MACC. The parking lot is the construction access point for the east side of the creek delta. Additional information can be found here. • Temporary & partial Rainey Street closures are planned in December for dismantling of cranes for various private development in the Rainey District. Detailed and updated information can be found here. • Drone video illustrating ESB MACC site work can be found here. SCHEDULED MILESTONES: • Construction began – …
BRAND DECK ATX SUNDAY SESSIONS Sunday Sessions ATX Who We Are Who are we? Sunday Sessions is our wellness ritual. An opportunity to relax, freely express, regularly connect to nature & community, and listen to music that feeds the soul. 03 Sunday Sessions ATX Pillars 06 Sunday Sessions ATX Mission/Vision Our Core Values We believe what we need most in the world at this time is community & dependable, safe spaces that facilitate genuine connection to one another & our environment 05 MISSION To serve our diverse community by embracing collaboration- sharing ideas, information, practices, & services, that uplift our wellness and creativity. Our foundation is rooted in creating welcoming spaces to relax, release, connect, & recharge in nature with our fellow folx. All are welcome, black & brown people are centered. VISION Space where we can leave the worries of the world behind to be present with ourselves & one another, secure in our environment, safe in our bodies, & well in spirit. Sunday Sessions ATX Essence PART 2 Essence 07 H I G H L I G H T S Essence ( c l i c k t o p l a y / s t o p ) L I N K T O R E E L F O O T A G E L I N K T O R E E L ( o r c l i c k t o p l a y / s t o p ) 09 Sunday Sessions ATX Impact PART 3 Impact 10 Community Feedback 11 Sunday Sessions ATX About Us Growth & Engagement Sunday Sessions began Apr 16, 2023 with only 6 attendees & initially occurred once/month. It grew over 700% in just 2 months. We now host events 2 or more times/month 0 INITIAL GROWTH DATE ATTENDEES April: May: June: July 2: July 9: July 16: July 23: July 30: 6 25 51 162+ 350+ 400+/- 325+ 368+ 400 300 200 100 CURRENT AVG ATTENDEES: 250 06 0 A P RIL M A Y J U N E J U LY 2 J U LY 9 J U LY 16 A U G J U LY 3 0 J U LY 23 S E P T ATTENDEE GROWTH O C T O V N D E C F E B M A R A P R M A Y J U N E J …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission for Women Recommendation Number: 20241204-004: Support of Sunday Sessions ATX WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity, well-being, and engagement through free, open-to-the-public music events hosted in outdoor greenspaces that reflect the City of Austin’s cultural identity and enhance its reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World"; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the significant social and economic benefits of supporting free community events, which attract visitors, support local businesses, and provide meaningful opportunities for community engagement; and WHEREAS, the City Council, in Resolution No. 20240215-023, acknowledged the challenges faced by event organizers due to rising costs, emphasizing the need for support to sustain free, accessible community events like "Blues on the Green," which contribute to Austin’s cultural vibrancy; and directed the City Manager to solicit input from the Arts, Music, and Quality of Life commissions in developing recommendations to support and sustain these events by utilizing partnerships across all areas of expertise involved in the live music and arts event space, with the goal of expanding opportunities for the City to co-sponsor community events that are centered around locality, diversity, and inclusivity; and further established an ordinance for associated fee waivers, co-sponsorships, or related budget authorizations needed to effectuate these goals; and WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is an ongoing, monthly event that aligns with the goals outlined in Resolution No. 20240215-023 by providing free access to local music, arts, and wellness activities, while creating inclusive and diverse spaces for Austinites; and WHEREAS, the ACE permitting fee presents a financial barrier for small, grassroots organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX, and waiving this fee on an ongoing basis would directly support the City’s goal of fostering open, accessible, and culturally enriching events; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to preserving and promoting accessible community events that reflect Austin’s diversity and vibrancy, including supporting organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX through fee waivers and other resources to ensure their long-term sustainability; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOMMENDED, that the Commission for Women requests that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to waive the ACE permitting fees for Sunday Sessions ATX on a recurring, monthly basis in recognition of its valuable contributions to Austin’s cultural and community life, as part of the City's broader efforts to support free, public, and inclusive events; and BE IT FURTHER RECOMMENDED, that the …
We do NOT support the demoli�on of 1417 Preston Ave., which has its original window and door openings and architectural configura�on from its 1935 construc�on. Changes in its siding over the years, easily reversible, are the likely cause of its “non-contribu�ng” status in the Old West Aus�n Na�onal Register Historic District. The unique design/ floorplan of this house for Pemberton Heights indicates that it is likely an architect-designed residence. The Landmark Commission does not appear to have undertaken any research on 1417 to determine if it meets City of Aus�n Landmark status. This should be determined before the Landmark Commission makes a determina�on on the fate of this house. Because the OWANRHD is so large, contribu�ng status was based on visual assessment (approved by the Texas Historical Commission) rather than research for the 1600+ proper�es in this largest NRD in Texas. It is unfortunate to have a buyer for one of our historic proper�es who likes the historic appearance and stability of this block of Preston Ave., wants to own a residence here, and then demolishes an original house. Their view of our street doesn’t change, but everyone else’s does and not in a good way. The east block of Preston Ave. is very intact from its original construc�on; only one house has been completely demolished and rebuilt. A “modern farmhouse”, the style that the architect appears to be planning for 1417 Preston, is today’s version of a McMansion and is incompa�ble architecturally with our historic street. The scale and style of the original 1930s-50s houses on Preston Ave. works well for our small lots and low ver�cal density; adjacent homes are not crowded or overhung, and the streetscape and large trees are not overwhelmed. However, the architect plans to widen the street façade of 1417 so that the east side will be at the east setback line; this will place the new house ten feet from the neighboring house to the east. The garage will be raised to story and a half height and placed against the west setback line, overhanging neighbors on the south and west sides. We request that the Landmark Commission perform basic research on 1417 Preston Ave. to determine whether it meets the criteria to be eligible for Aus�n Landmark status if the exterior is restored. We do not want this original house to be demolished. Candace and John Volz 1406 Preston Ave.
PFAS Update Water & Wastewater Commission Meeting December 4, 2024 Kasi Clay Water Quality Manager Agenda What are PFAS? Drinking Water Testing Future Drinking Water Regulations Wastewater and Biosolids EPA Studies 2 What are PFAS? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: man-made chemicals widely used since 1940s - Persistent - Bioaccumulative - Toxic PFAS Environmental Pathways • Ground and surface water • Wastewater plant effluent, industrial waste • Soil contamination: landfill, industrial • Air: precipitation Potential health impacts from long-term exposure • Cancer • Reproductive health • Developmental effects 3 Source: US EPA Common PFAS Sources & Historical Uses Drinking Water Testing Regulatory Development Process UCMR purpose: Collect data on emerging, unregulated contaminants to assist EPA in the determination of future regulations Draft/Final CCL Proposed/ Final UCMR UCMR Monitoring Results Prelim/Final Regulatory Determination Proposed/ Final Rule Six-Year Review Drinking Water Testing 2013/2014 UCMR 3 Testing March 2024 UCMR 5 Q2 Testing July 2024 UCMR 5 Testing October 2023 UCMR 5 Q1 Testing April 2024 UCMR 5 Q3 Testing Tests treated drinking water collected from each Water Treatment Plant Quarterly testing over 12-month period 29 PFAS chemicals + lithium How much is one part per trillion? One drop in three Barton Springs Pools 1.2 square inches in the total area of Austin (305 square miles) One cent in $10 billion 6 Drinking Water Testing UCMR5 Results Parameter MCL* ppt HFPO-DA (GenX)* Not regulated individually 1.4 PFOA* PFOS* PFNA* PFHxS* PFBS* PFBA PFHxA PFPeA 7 21 Other Compounds 4.0 4.0 10 10 10 N/A N/A N/A N/A Average ppt 0 0.79 0 2.3 0 2.3 0.5 1.2 0 * Regulated beginning 2027 Future Drinking Water PFAS Regulatory Limits PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid) PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) HFPO-DA (GenX) (hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid) PFNA, PFHxS, GenX, and PFBS (Mixture) 8 PFAS Compound Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) 4.0 ppt 4.0 ppt 10 ppt 10 ppt 10 ppt 1 (unitless Hazard Index) Future Drinking Water Regulations National Primary Drinking Water Regulation • Now to 2027: Initial UCMR 5 testing determines future monitoring frequency • 2027: Monitoring begins • 2029: Compliance deadline for PFAS treatment Compliance based on Running Annual Average (RAA) of quarterly testing • Exceedances beyond EPA's MCL require public notice and treatment 9 Future Drinking Water Regulations Projected PFAS Compliance PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) 4.0 ppt …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-002 Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Dredge of Channel Rd. Lagoon, SP-2023-0376D Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-261(C)(9)(a) to allow more than 25 cubic yards of dredging in Lake Austin; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Lake Austin Watershed Water Supply Rural Classification, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: Seconded by: Perry Bedford 1. Protect the natural shoreline areas and larger wetland Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) W-13 by providing a 3:1 H:V slope from the lake bottom elevation at the shoreline to the final dredge depth. 2. Provide additional wetland mitigation plantings (2,125 plantings comprised of an equal number of 6 different species of FACW and OBL species) within 5 feet of the shoreline to a maximum depth of 1 foot. 3. Provide additional wetland mitigation plantings (1,321 plantings comprised of an equal number of 6 different species of FAC and FACW species) on the other 14 existing wetland CEFs on land. 4. Restore all areas disturbed in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) per Standard Specification 609S.) 5. Limit dredging within the 25% and 50% Critical Root Zones (CRZ) of trees along the shoreline to outside of the existing concrete retaining walls. 6. Provide measures to minimize/avoid sediment discharge including: 1) stabilized construction entrance and access road from the Channel Rd entrance to the barge access location and, 2) silt fencing and mulch logs downslope of staging, storage and dewatering areas, and 3) stabilized dewatering area for dredge bags, 4) floating turbidity curtain downstream of the dewatering operation, and 5) floating turbidity curtain surrounding active dredge area. 7. Conduct dredging via hydraulic methods using floating excavator units and bagging of material. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions; 1. Supply information about best practices in maintaining the plants and avoiding using chemicals that cause Algae blooms. Each of the property owners will receive a packet that includes the Go Green manual. 2. Find a way to reuse the sediment after it is dried and evaluated for toxins. VOTE 7-0 For: Haris Qureshi, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Richard Brimer and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-003 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Loyola Flats, SP-2024-0147C.SH Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ); and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this project is proposing modification of the City of Austin 100-year floodplain within the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) to construct a biofiltration and detention pond and provide compensatory flood storage within the existing engineered drainage channel for a Smart Housing/Affordability Unlocked multifamily residential development. There are two wetland Critical Environmental Features (CEFs) on the site, located within existing drainage channels; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Elm Creek Watershed Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: 1. Provide ~44,000 square feet of additional wetland mitigation including: 1) native plantings in sedimentation and filtration basins of the biofiltration pond, 2) low-grow native seeding in the detention pond, 3) an enhanced nonerosive pond outfall, 4) planting of native trees, shrubs and bunchgrasses in CEF setbacks and mitigation areas. 2. Provide native pollinator species for wetland CEF mitigation and floodplain restoration plantings. 3. Provide an edge barrier of limestone blocks around the perimeter of the modified CEF setbacks/restoration areas to prevent mowing and/or encroachment in these areas. 4. Provide wetland CEF educational signage next to the CEF setbacks/restoration areas. 5. Provide floodplain restoration plantings of native trees and shrubs for the remaining open area (26,349 square feet/0.61 acres) maximizing restoration within the CWQZ and enhancing the floodplain from an existing condition of Fair to Excellent. 6. Pay $382,157.63 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund for the remaining required floodplain mitigation (376,326 square feet/8.63 acres) using the appropriate ratios per ECM 1.7.6. 1 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions: 1. Recommend finding a space for a community garden and provide education programing and signage to community members. 2. Partner with local non-profits on community gardening. 3. Recommend planting native pecan trees. VOTE 7-0 For: Haris Qureshi, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Richard Brimer and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-004 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: City of Austin Tree Canopy Motion by: Melinda Schiera WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Council approved, on August 8, 2019, a Resolution declaring a climate emergency in the City; and WHEREAS, the Council approved, on September 30, 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan setting a goal of 50% citywide tree canopy by 2050; and WHEREAS, Council approved, on March 21, 2024, a resolution directing the City Manager to explore a right-of-way design and management plan to promote green infrastructure including street trees in the right-of-way while ensuring the safety and reliability of utility infrastructure; and WHEREAS, Council approved, on November 21, 2024, a resolution directing the City Manager to develop an incentive program to encourage the preservation of trees that have a diameter between 8 and 18 inches on residential lots through the provision of a credit toward development fees and directing funding and elements of the program; and WHEREAS, current data shows 41% canopy cover city wide based on satellite imagery captured in the summer of 2022. Thereafter in February 2023, 30% of the tree canopy was impacted by winter storm Mara, highlighting the need for updated satellite imagery; and WHEREAS, the tree canopy in the Blackland prairie ecoregion of Austin is less than Edwards Uplift ecoregion of Austin; and WHEREAS, an expansive Tree Canopy in balance with understory plants and prairie ecosystems mitigates heat island effects, sequesters carbon, improves community health, and improves biodiversity; and WHEREAS, feedback from Urban Landscape Architects to Environmental Commissioners at the City of Austin Functional Green Workshop that trees planted from site plan requirements are not surviving; and WHEREAS, the mitigation payment rates to the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund (UFRF) defined in the Environmental Criteria Manual 3.5.4, in lieu of replacement or preservation, have not been updated since 2010; and 1 of 3 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends Council adopt the following actions to expand, protect, and enhance the City’s Tree Canopy by: 1. Recommend reviewing the Climate Equity Plan of reaching 50% canopy by 2025 to find ways to reach that goal by 2040. 2. Augment the current inventory plans to capture satellite imagery to calculate the city- wide canopy cover biennially instead of every four years in order to evaluate the tree canopy percentage in a more cost-effective manner and gain the ability to track progress towards tree …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-005 Second by: David Sullivan Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and calling “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate” and directing the city manager to take a number of steps to accelerate local greenhouse gas emissions reductions, including from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, in 2020, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030, which states that “Austin Energy will maintain an energy supply portfolio sufficient to offset customer demand while eliminating carbon and other pollutant emissions from its electric generation facilities as rapidly as feasible within the limitations set by the Austin City Council.” and states that “and all generation resources will be carbon-free by 2035;” and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 also states that “Austin Energy will no longer purchase, contract for or build long-term generation or storage resources that emit new carbon”; and WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, with about 75% reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, electrification is a key strategy for reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in many sectors and Carbon-Free electricity is needed to achieve those goals; and WHEREAS, on June 8, 2023, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and a plan for “transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy economy, phase out fossil fuel production, and invest in communities on the frontlines of environmental injustice;” and WHEREAS, ground level ozone and particulate matter air pollution in the Austin region already exceed the health-based standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and CAPCOG has identified that increased NOx emissions from electric generating units, including Austin Energy's power plants, as highly correlated with high local ozone measurements; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 references an affordability goal and affordability remains important to many customers, but the workshops that Austin Energy hosted as part of this process to update the Austin Energy 1 of 4 Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan revealed that a large majority of participants are supportive of allowing …
