REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, July 22th, 2026, AT 6 PM CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Joint Sustainability Committee may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by remotely, contact Amanda Mortl (amanda.mortl@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2651). telephone. To to speak register CURRENT JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Home Commission Member Alternate Electric Utility Commission Kaiba White (Chair) Al Braden Resource Management Commission Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) GeNell Gary Urban Transportation Commission Varun Prasad Justin Jacobson Environmental Commission Haris Qureshi Zero Waste Advisory Commission Iris Suddaby Community Development Commission Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Andrew Smith Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Aaron Gonzales Zain Pleuthner Water & Wastewater Commission Chris Maxwell-Gaines Amanda Marzullo Parks & Recreation Board Luai Abou-Emara Shelby Orme Jon Salinas Josh Hiller Evgenia Murkes Peter Breton Chris Crookham Vacant Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Mayor’s Representative Mridula Madipakkam Mayor’s Representative Christopher Campbell Mayor’s Representative Diana Wheeler CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Vacant N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Special Called Meeting on June 25th, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Rain to River. Presentation by Erin Wood, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Watershed Protection DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation by Bobby Levinski, Senior Staff Attorney for Save Our Springs Alliance regarding impacts of data centers. Discussion of policies regarding data centers. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing regarding proposed Austin Climate Action and Resilience budget for fiscal year 2027. Presentation by Braden Latham-Jones, Climate Program Manager, Austin Climate Action and Resilience DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding Austin Climate Action and Resilience budget for fiscal year 2027. Approve a …
Rain to River: Austin Watershed Protection Strategic Plan Joint Sustainability Committee Austin Watershed Protection | July 22, 2026 What is Rain to River? Austin Watershed Protection’s Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities Guiding Blueprint for Department Communication Resource – Establishes our mission, – Helps explain our vision, and values – Sets strategies and direction for the next 10 years work and priorities to staff, policymakers, and the community Note: Rain to River will update and replace the current Watershed Protection Strategic Plan 2 Guiding Principles for the Plan • • • • • • Center the needs of vulnerable populations Engage the community through clear and open communication Align our aspirations with community priorities Strengthen partnerships for greater impact Empower our leaders to advocate for our mission Create a dynamic and inclusive framework 3 Plan Highlights • Our mission remains unchanged to reduce the impacts of flooding, erosion, and water pollution • Reflects how we will strengthen and adapt our work to center community and build resilience • Expands our focus to include community voices, lived experience, and shared stewardship as essential components of our infrastructure • Holistic and proactive approach that balances immediate needs with our long-term vision • Equity not as a one-time initiative, but as an ongoing practice rooted in accountability and trust 4 Our Challenges • Climate change is driving more extreme weather, including more intense storms and prolonged drought • Historic inequities have left some neighborhoods more exposed to flooding and degraded waterways • Urbanization and development add pressure to our natural environment and infrastructure • Housing costs are driving displacement of residents and an increase in people experiencing homelessness 5 Community Engagement • Robust and inclusive process that spanned multiple years • We identified stakeholder groups that have been historically underrepresented in our past planning efforts and worked to engage with them more directly • We partnered with local organizations, community ambassadors, and advocacy groups to reach residents in every district • Engagement took many forms—surveys, interviews, focus groups, neighborhood meetings, and community events 6 Community Activation Group The Community Activation Group (CAG) helped shape the content of the plan and ensured that the diverse voices of our community are integral to the Rain to River planning process and Austin Watershed Protection’s work. • Diverse community leaders with expertise in the environment, community health, and disaster preparedness and recovery • Helped shape …
Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation on Austin Climate Action and Resilience Budget 20260722-006 Date: July 22, 2026 Subject: 2027 Budget Recommendation on Austin Climate Action and Resilience FY Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Recommendation to retain $75,000 Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grants as part of the Austin Climate Action and Resilience budget for FY 2027 Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City Council keep $75,000 Food and Climate Equity Grants as part of the Austin Climate Action and Resilience budget for FY 2027. Rationale: “The Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grant program supports a more just and resilient Austin by providing direct funding for community-led solutions that enable transformative change in the areas of food, climate, and resilience. The program aims to uplift the experience of those most impacted by systemic and structural inequities, eliminate disparities in health outcomes, and improve quality of life for all.” FACE grants are up to $3,000 to support community organizations that represent and/or serve racially and economically diverse Austinites and have unique insight into their communities' needs. In 2024, $150,000 was allocated to FACE grants, providing funding for 50 different community projects. Projects included food delivery services to a variety of vulnerable populations, support for community gardens, nutrition education programs and more. The program leverages significant community capital in the form of volunteer hours. The program has since been cut to $75,000, but is still making a meaningful impact and should be maintained at that level for FY 2027. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign]
Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation on Austin Energy Rates 20260722-007 Date: July 22, 2026 Subject: Recommendation on Austin Energy Rates Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Recommendation to delay any Austin Energy rate increase until after a rate case process that includes a consumer advocate and full opportunity for customers to formally engage in the process. Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City Council refrain from increasing Austin Energy rates until after a rate case process, similar to the process implemented in 2016 and 2022. The Austin City Council should begin the public portion of Austin Energy’s rate case process in 2027 to better keep Austin Energy budgets aligned with costs, while ensuring that rates are justified for all customer classes and that rate design aligns with established policy priorities. In preparation, the Austin City Council should ensure that Austin Energy conducts an assessment of its costs and revenues. The City Council should direct the City Manager to initiate the process of hiring a consumer advocate to represent residential customers in the rate case and should initiate the hiring of an independent hearing examiner to preside over the rate case in 2027, with the goal of approving new rates in 2027 that are fair for all customers. Rationale: Following a challenge of Austin Energy rates to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) in 2012, the City Council established a process for evaluating proposed rate changes that is similar in many ways to the process used by the PUCT. The purpose of utilizing this rate case process is to ensure that rate increases are justified, demonstrate that Austin Energy is operating with sufficient oversight and in the best interests of customers, and better ensure that rates will hold up to scrutiny by the PUCT and state lawmakers. Austin Energy has requested and received base rate increases outside of the established rate case process, has now requested another 5% increase and has stated that it plans to request 5% increases for the coming four years. These significant rate increases each year are a threat to affordability. It is also possible that any rate increase that is needed is being caused more by one customer class than another, which would make the 5% increase applied to all customer classes unfair. The appropriate amount for the monthly Customer Charge for residential customers, the break points for the residential rate …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260722-006: Recommendation on Austin Climate Action and Resilience FY 2027 Budget Date: July 22, 2026 Recommendation Recommendation to retain $75,000 Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grants as part of the Austin Climate Action and Resilience budget for FY 2027 Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City Council keep $75,000 Food and Climate Equity Grants as part of the Austin Climate Action and Resilience budget for FY 2027. Rationale: “The Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grant program supports a more just and resilient Austin by providing direct funding for community-led solutions that enable transformative change in the areas of food, climate, and resilience. The program aims to uplift the experience of those most impacted by systemic and structural inequities, eliminate disparities in health outcomes, and improve quality of life for all.” FACE grants are up to $3,000 to support community organizations that represent and/or serve racially and economically diverse Austinites and have unique insight into their communities' needs. In 2024, $150,000 was allocated to FACE grants, providing funding for 50 different community projects. Projects included food delivery services to a variety of vulnerable populations, support for community gardens, nutrition education programs and more. The program leverages significant community capital in the form of volunteer hours. The program has since been cut to $75,000, but is still making a meaningful impact and should be maintained at that level for FY 2027. Date of approval: July 22, 2026 Motioned By: Kaiba White Vote: 10-0 Seconded By: Haris Qureshi For: Diana Wheeler, Charlotte Davis, Aaron Gonzales, Rodrigo Leal, Mridula Madipakkam, Haris Qureshi, Jon Salinas, Anna Scott, Iris Suddaby, Kaiba White Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Off the Dais: None Absent: Josh Hiller, Varun Prasad, Lane Becker, Chris Campbell, Chris Crookham, Chris Maxwell- Gaines, Melody McClary, Luai Abou-Emara Attest: Amanda Mortl, Staff Liaison
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260722-007: Recommendation on Austin Energy Rates Recommendation Recommendation to delay any Austin Energy rate increase until after a rate case process that includes a consumer advocate and full opportunity for customers to formally engage in the process. Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City Council refrain from increasing Austin Energy rates until after a rate case process, similar to the process implemented in 2016 and 2022. The Austin City Council should begin the public portion of Austin Energy’s rate case process in 2027 to better keep Austin Energy budgets aligned with costs, while ensuring that rates are justified for all customer classes and that rate design aligns with established policy priorities. In preparation, the Austin City Council should ensure that Austin Energy conducts an assessment of its costs and revenues. The City Council should direct the City Manager to initiate the process of hiring a consumer advocate to represent residential customers in the rate case and should initiate the hiring of an independent hearing examiner to preside over the rate case in 2027, with the goal of approving new rates in 2027 that are fair for all customers. Rationale: Following a challenge of Austin Energy rates to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) in 2012, the City Council established a process for evaluating proposed rate changes that is similar in many ways to the process used by the PUCT. The purpose of utilizing this rate case process is to ensure that rate increases are justified, demonstrate that Austin Energy is operating with sufficient oversight and in the best interests of customers, and better ensure that rates will hold up to scrutiny by the PUCT and state lawmakers. Austin Energy has requested and received base rate increases outside of the established rate case process, has now requested another 5% increase and has stated that it plans to request 5% increases for the coming four years. These significant rate increases each year are a threat to affordability. It is also possible that any rate increase that is needed is being caused more by one customer class than another, which would make the 5% increase applied to all customer classes unfair. The appropriate amount for the monthly Customer Charge for residential customers, the break points for the residential rate tiers, and the price differentiation between the residential rate tires …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260722-008: Recommendation on Dog’s Head Development Date: July 22, 2026 Recommendation: WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee (JSC) has been commissioned to advise City Council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and WHEREAS, energy use, water consumption, water quality, and potential pollutants are pillars of concern for the Committee, and public trust and transparency are of the utmost importance; and WHEREAS, the proposed tenant of the Dog's Head site, Amazon Robotics, presents several risks to the surrounding environment through massive lithium-ion battery arrays that power the robots, creating fire, explosion, and toxic runoff hazards, and lithium-ion batteries can emit toxic chemicals such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide; and energy consumption at similar Amazon Robotics sites has required 9.5 megawatts of power to operate the facility; and WHEREAS, the JSC recognizes and seeks to call attention to, and to reduce, the harms that could be inflicted upon this property, the surrounding environmental area, and the East Austin community where it resides, and is emphatic that historical harms must not be continued through this project; and WHEREAS, the JSC acknowledges that adjacent landowners and neighborhood associations were not made aware of the annexation until after the fact, breaking with the healthy, expected, and necessary processes valued and codified by the City; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has not conducted an Environmental Assessment Study, an Environmental Resource Inventory, or a Tree Survey, nor worked with the State to assess existing pollutants on the property; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is recommending expanded access to the Dog's Head site via at least three bridges across the Colorado River as part of the infrastructure package, yet has not conducted an Environmental Assessment or Impact Study; and WHEREAS, the JSC recognizes that this project falls within the Blackland Prairie ecoregion, and that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department states that less than 1% of this ecoregion remains in Texas; and WHEREAS, the JSC acknowledges that the project site is habitat for hundreds of species of migratory and resident birds, drawing birders from around the world each year who contribute millions of dollars to the regional economy; and WHEREAS, the JSC understands that the project encompasses alluvial aquifers that store and filter water along the river, providing drinking water for Austin's Colony, Manor, Travis County, downstream counties such as Bastrop, as well as for livestock and wildlife; …
Unsustainable Demands of Data Centers PRESENTATION TO JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE JULY 22, 2026 Bobby Levinski, Senior Staff Attorney Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory ERCOT Queue. 480 Projects Competing for Power by 2032. Local Impacts to Energy Rates Data Centers Strain on Austin Energy • Austin Energy: “An AI data center could be built in as little as 18 months for the same amount of load as a high density mixed use development covering thousands of acres that may take 20-25 years to fully build out.” • Transmission and Distribution Costs • Ratepayers responsible for covering the costs of building and maintaining substations, transmission lines, and distribution networks • Costs are passed on to ratepayers as delivery charges; esp. if substantial upgrades required. • New power generation? See eg. Peaker Plant Discussion. • Market competition for power purchase agreements. • Stranded costs - what happens if AE ramps up then data center vacates? State Impacts Data Centers Strain on Texas Rates • At state level, Texas will need more transmission infrastructure to serve the new large energy loads.~ $33 billion • Austin Energy will pay a larger share of statewide transmission costs as its total load grows. • Power costs will rise if demand grows faster than transmission, batteries, and generation. • Need for rate class protection to prevent the transfer of these costs onto residential and small businesses Water Demands Data Centers Are NOT in State Water Planning • 2030 Forecast: State already at a 1.6 Trillion Gallon deficit to meet water demands (Source: 2022 TWDB State Water Plan) • False Comparison • Data Centers do NOT replace residential water demands • Water demands are largely based on anticipated population growth • Data Centers represent unmet demands in state / regional plans • Water is a finite resource Direct vs. Indirect Water Demands Water-Energy Nexus. • Basic truth: every unit of electrical energy flowing to a data is coverted to heat; which must be removed • Reducing direct water usage generally increases energy demand • Air cooling = low direct water, more energy (indirect water demand) • Water cooling = high direct water, less energy • Non-water cooling technologies available = higher operational and capital costs • Other than wind and solar, most power generation is water intensive Climate Reality in Texas. Wrong location for Data Center Epicenter? • Non-curtailable uses • Require Constant Cooling • Claim to be “Critical …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2026, AT 6 PM CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Joint Sustainability Committee may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by remotely, contact Amanda Mortl (amanda.mortl@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2651). telephone. To to speak register CURRENT JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Home Commission Member Alternate Electric Utility Commission Kaiba White (Chair) Al Braden Resource Management Commission Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) GeNell Gary Urban Transportation Commission Varun Prasad Justin Jacobson Environmental Commission Haris Qureshi Zero Waste Advisory Commission Iris Suddaby Community Development Commission Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Andrew Smith Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Aaron Gonzales Zain Pleuthner Water & Wastewater Commission Chris Maxwell-Gaines Amanda Marzullo Parks & Recreation Board Lane Becker Shelby Orme Design Commission Planning Commission Jon Salinas Josh Hiller Evgenia Murkes Peter Breton Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission Chris Crookham Vacant City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Mayor’s Representative Mridula Madipakkam Mayor’s Representative Christopher Campbell Mayor’s Representative Diana Wheeler Vacant N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 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 three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Special Called Meeting on May 13th, 2026. DISCUSSION 2. Discussion to develop Joint Sustainability Committee priorities and plan for upcoming year. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding Travis County Environmental Preferred Procurement Program. Presentation by Ryan Kenney and Katie Cane, Travis County Operational Sustainability. HOME COMMISSION UPDATES 4. Update regarding the status of Mopac Expansion – Chris Crookham, Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES May 13, 2026 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a special called meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Shudde Fath Hall (4815 Mueller Blvd) in Austin, Texas. Chair Kaiba White called the Meeting to order at 6:10 pm Commissioners in Attendance: Kaiba White, Charlotte Davis, Anna Scott, Haris Qureshi, Iris Suddaby Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aaron Gonzales, Chris Crookham, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Rodrigo Leal, Jon Salinas, Mridula Madipakkam, Chris Campbell Board Members Absent: Josh Hiller, Diana Wheeler, Varun Prasad PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on February 25th, 2026. Minutes were approved on Davis’ motion and Quershi’s second on a 11-0 vote with Suddaby off the Dais. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on March 25th, 2026. The minutes from the March 25th, 2026, meeting were approved with the following amendment on Commissioner Davis’ motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 11-0 vote with Suddaby off the Dais. The amendments were: page 2 of 2, Discussion and Action Item #4, from “monet” to “money.” DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Joint Sustainability Committee. 1 a. Anna nominated and Charlotte seconded Aaron as Vice chair, all in favor b. Chair Kaiba White was re-elected as Chair on Commissioner Scott’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 11-0 vote with Suddaby off the Dais. c. Commissioner Gonzales was elected as Vice Chair on Commissioner Scott’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on a 12-0 vote. HOME COMMISSION UPDATES 4. Jon Salinas gave updates on the status of updates to the City’s Urban Design Guidelines from the Design Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Recommendation regarding implementation of and options for generation in Austin Energy’s Resource Generation Plan. a. Commissioner Davis’ made a motion to approve the recommendation and Qureshi seconded b. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Suddaby: The amendment was to add “and the financial risks associated with potential stranded assets;” to #4. The amendment was approved on a 12-0 vote. c. The following amendment was made by Chair White and seconded by Commissioner Scott. The amendment was to remove “and carbon-free" from #6 The amendment was approved on a 12-0 vote. d. The following amendment was made by Chair White and seconded by Commissioner Scott. …
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing A Look at Travis County’s EPP Policy Katie Cane Ryan Kenney Travis County’s Operational Sustainability Team Travis County’s Operational Sustainability Team Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 Katie CaneEnvironmental SpecialistRyan KenneyEnvironmental Specialist Sr. Agenda Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 1: What is EPP?2: Why does EPP matter?3: How to shop EPP?4: EPP at Travis County What is Environmentally Preferable Purchasing? Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 “Environmentally preferablepurchasing (EPP)” means purchasingand procuring products and servicesthat have the least adverse effect onhuman health and the quality of theenvironment when compared tosimilar products and services. EPP Key Factors Life Cycle Perspective Green Spending/ Green Products Vendor Selection Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Why does EPP matter? Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Carbon Foot Print Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 Why EPP MattersCircular Economy Which product would you buy? Item A $12.49 $0.02/count Item B $15.49 $0.04/count Your Agency or Department Name | SDG Progress Report 2025 Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 Which product would you buy? Your Agency or Department Name | SDG Progress Report 2025 Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 Item AItem B$12.49$15.49$0.02/count$0.04/count Considerations - recycled content? made locally? Avoid - toxic chemicals, single-use items Eco-labels - certified EPP products Vendors - take back programs? PLC impacts? Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 How toshop EPP? The Life Cycle Perspective https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351393304_Personal_protective_equ ipments_PPEs_for_COVID-19_a_product_lifecycle_perspective#pf7 Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing | US EPA Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 Eco-Labels EPP at Travis County Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing EPP at Travis County Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 Education and TrainingOnline and In-person trainingPolicy2019 - Travis County CommissionersCourt adopted EPP PolicyReuse ResourcesReuse Store and PurchasingWarehouse EPP Policy Use EPP for a minimum of 50% of office supply purchases Influencing vendor behavior by requesting information on vendor EPP and sustainability practices Develop and utilize internal reuse networks – Reuse Store and Purchasing Warehouse Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 Goals Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing 2026 Gently used office supplies Department admin assistance Your Agency or Department Name | SDG Progress Report 2025 Conserve Travis County | Environmentally Preferable Purchasing …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, May 13th, 2026, AT 6 PM SHUDDE FATH HALL, AUSTIN ENERGY 4815 Mueller Blvd AUSTIN, TEXAS 78723 Some members of the Joint Sustainability Committee may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by remotely, contact Amanda Mortl (amanda.mortl@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2651). telephone. To to speak register CURRENT JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Al Braden Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) GeNell Gary Varun Prasad Haris Qureshi Iris Suddaby Vacant Andrew Smith Aaron Gonzales Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Jon Salinas Josh Hiller Chris Crookham Justin Jacobson Vacant Vacant Vacant Marissa Bell Zain Pleuthner Amanda Marzullo Shelby Orme Evgenia Murkes Peter Breton Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Mridula Madipakkam Christopher Campbell Diana Wheeler Vacant N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 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 three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on February 25th, 2026. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on March 25th, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Recommendation regarding implementation of and options for generation in Austin Energy’s Resource Generation Plan. HOME COMMISSION UPDATES 5. Update regarding the status of updates to the City’s Urban Design Guidelines from the Design Commission – Jon Salinas, Design Commission. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Feb 25, 2026 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin CIty Hall. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Iris Suddaby, Mridula Madipakkam, Haris Qureshi, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Jon Salinas, Chris Campbell Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Josh Hiller, Varun Prasad, Rodrigo Leal, Chris Crookham, Charlotte Davis, Diana Wheeler, Anna Scott Board Members Absent: Aaron Gonzales, Lane Becker City Staff in Attendance: Braden Latham-Jones, Phillip Duran, Molly Ellsworth CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:09 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on January 28, 2026. a. Qureshi motion, Maxwell-Gaines second. Approved 13-0 (Scott off dais) STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Staff briefing on Refrigerant Management. Presentation by Molly Ellsworth and Phillip Duran, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. a. Scott: What is the cost need here? b. Duran: Primary focus is internal coordination and establishing internal protocols. c. White: How complete do you think your data set is? d. Ellsworth: Austin Water is only able to send appliances over 50lbs, but they’re working on this. e. White: While you don’t have data for smaller units, do these requirements still apply to smaller units? f. Ellsworth: Requirements won’t apply for smaller units, but the process to collect data for smaller appliances is in progress. g. Chris XXXX: What do people do with household appliances when they’re outlived their use? h. Duran: There are existing programs through Austin Energy that allow for recycling and destroying those, and we’re exploring other opportunities for this kind of program. 2. Staff briefing on the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program. Presentation by Braden Latham-Jones, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. a. Discussion about possible budget recommendations from Scott. b. Discussion about “Local Solar Energy” budget proposal related to Solar Standard Offer c. Discussion on exact dollar amount asks to advance City fleet vehicle electrification d. Discussion on existing budget funds that should be maintained or reduced. e. No action taken, discussion will continue at a future meeting. 4. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the 2026 bond. a. Discussion on proposed recommendations, proposed by Chair White. b. Davis moves to adopt, Qureshi seconds. c. …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES March 25, 2026 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers (301 W 2nd St) in Austin, Texas. Chair Kaiba White called the Meeting to order at 6:07 pm Commissioners in Attendance: Kaiba White, Charlotte Davis, Anna Scott, Haris Qureshi Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josh Hiller, Lane Becker, Aaron Gonzales, Diana Wheeler, Jenny Murkes, Chris Crookham, Chris Maxwell-Gaines Board Members Absent: Iris Suddaby, Rodrigo Leal, Andrew Smith, Chris Campbell, Mridula Madipakkam, Diana Wheeler, Varun Prasad PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on February 25th, 2026. Minutes were approved on Davis’ motion, Scott’s second on a 10-0 vote with Qureshi off the Dais STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing on the City of Austin Action Plan to Transition to Low-Embodied Carbon Concrete in Pursuit of a Carbon Neutral Austin. Presentation by Amica Bose, P.E., Assistant Director, Civil Engineering Services, Austin Transportation and Public Works • Discussion of performance-based approach - tradeoffs, risks, implications. Staff briefing on Solar on City Facilities. Presentation by Rohan Lilauwala, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. • Update to language on #4, re: Green Choice Program • Update to #5 to state rationale for recommendation on cuts • Update to #6 to suggest a minimum • Updates to #7 to add language adopted by the Urban Transportation Commission • Discussion on reorganizing recommendations to clearly mark which save monet Motion to approve recommendations on Qureshi Motion, Gonzales second, on a 10-0 vote with Crookham off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion of San Antonio’s Free Bus Pilot Program and its applicability in Austin. • Qureshi to convene discussion with Gonzales, pass questions to staff. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Solar deep dive / lessons learned in May • Officer elections in April • Low Carbon concrete in June • Request for AE to discuss rates and AI implications on them Chair White adjourned meeting at 8:48 pm without objection. These minutes were approved at the February 25, 2026 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee on an 13-0 vote on Qureshi’s motion and Maxwell-Gaines’ second with Scott off the dais. 2
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260513-004: Austin Energy Gas Peakers and Alternatives WHEREAS, it is the Joint Sustainability Committee’s responsibility to advise “on matters related to conservation and sustainability and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”, and WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emission by 2030; and WHEREAS, meeting the greenhouse gas reduction goals adopted by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan isn’t possible without significant emissions reductions by Austin Energy in the near, medium and long-term; and WHEREAS, any increase in greenhouse gas emissions does not align with the Climate Equity Plan or the greenhouse gas reduction goals adopted by the Austin City Council; and WHEREAS, reducing and eliminating local air pollution, especially in and near historically and currently marginalized and lower-income parts of the community, is an important equity and community health priority reflected in the Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, methane - the primary component of natural gas - has 86 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide when emitted directly into the atmosphere, which is a well- documented problem and natural gas also releases carbon dioxide emissions when combusted; and WHEREAS the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan includes a commitment to “incorporating community input, prior to bringing a [natural gas peaker] project forward for approval”, and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan states “should Austin Energy seek Council approval for any peaker units, we will show any analysis performed demonstrating why a carbon-free alternative was not available and how the requested action will impact the utility’s ability to reach the goal of 100% carbon-free by 2035”, and WHEREAS, the Austin City Charter states that all purchases greater than $5,000 must be let through a competitive bidding process, and WHEREAS, Texas state law requires municipalities to use competitive purchasing for purchases over $50,000, and WHEREAS, Austin Energy is requesting authorization to develop and execute a contract to purchase 400 megawatts of gas-burning peaker power generation without issuing a request for proposals or a bids …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260513-004: Austin Energy Gas Peakers and Alternatives WHEREAS, it is the Joint Sustainability Committee’s responsibility to advise “on matters related to conservation and sustainability and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”,”; and WHEREAS, it is Austin Energy customers who will bear the financial risk of any capital investments that become stranded assets or become economic liabilities; and WHEREAS, innovation and competition are projected to result in continued declining renewable energy and energy storage costs, and sources such as Bloomberg’s Levelized Cost of Electricity 2026 report project the cost of battery storage to decrease by 25% and the cost of solar to decline by 30% by 2035; and WHEREAS, natural gas prices can be volatile and EIA and Wood Mackenzie project significant increases to Henry Hub natural gas prices over the next year and through 2035; and WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emissionemissions by 2030; and WHEREAS, meeting the greenhouse gas reduction goals adopted by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan isn’t possible without significant emissions reductions by Austin Energy in the near, medium and long-term; and WHEREAS, any increase in greenhouse gas emissions does not align with the Climate Equity Plan or the greenhouse gas reduction goals adopted by the Austin City Council; and WHEREAS, reducing and eliminating local air pollution, especially in and near historically and currently marginalized and lower-income parts of the community, is an important equity and community health priority reflected in the Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, the American Lung Association’s 2026 State of the Air Report assigns Travis County an F grade for ozone pollution, a D grade for short-term particle pollution, and a failing grade for annual particle pollution; and WHEREAS, methane - the primary component of natural gas - has 86 times themore global warming potential asthan carbon dioxide over a 20-year time horizon when emitted directly into the atmosphere, which is a well-documented problem and important because of high leakage rates in the Texas natural gas also releases carbon dioxide emissions …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25TH, 2026, AT 6 PM CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Joint Sustainability Committee may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by remotely, contact Rohan Lilauwala telephone. To (rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). to speak register CURRENT JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Al Braden Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) GeNell Gary Varun Prasad Haris Qureshi Iris Suddaby Vacant Andrew Smith Aaron Gonzales Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Jon Salinas Josh Hiller Chris Crookham Justin Jacobson Vacant Vacant Vacant Marissa Bell Zain Pleuthner Amanda Marzullo Shelby Orme Evgenia Murkes Peter Breton Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Mridula Madipakkam Christopher Campbell Diana Wheeler Vacant N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 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 three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on February 25th, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing on the City of Austin Action Plan to Transition to Low-Embodied Carbon Concrete in Pursuit of a Carbon Neutral Austin. Presentation by Amica Bose, P.E., Assistant Director, Civil Engineering Services, Austin Transportation and Public Works Staff briefing on Solar on City Facilities. Presentation by Rohan Lilauwala, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion of San Antonio’s Free Bus Pilot Program and its applicability in Austin. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Nov 19, 2025 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy HQ. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Anna Scott, Iris Suddaby, Mridula Madipakkam, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Josh Hiller, Lane Becker, Aaron Gonzales, Varun Prasad, Lane Becker, Rodrigo Leal, Chris Crookham Board Members Absent: Chris Campbell, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Jon Salinas City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Phillip Duran CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on November 19, 2025. a. Scott motion, Suddaby second, passes on a 11-0 vote with Crookham off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Carbon Offsets. Presentation by Phillip Duran, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. a. White: how much do we spend annually? i. Duran: don’t have exact numbers, but estimating $50-60k annual, will follow up later. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of working groups for FY27 City of Austin Budget, funding, and priority policy recommendations. a. How can we be more effective? i. JSC has spent a lot of time working on budget recommendations in the past with mixed success ii. Thematic/refined recommendations, immediate impact, small dollar wins, fewer items, most effective GHG reduction strategies, identify funding sources iii. We have the staff response to past recommendations iv. Motion to create a budget working group (members: Scott (chair) Becker, Leal, Gonzales, Davis, White, Suddaby, Madipakkam) 1. Motioned by White, Davis second, passes 12-0 4. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. a. Conversation had as part of Item #3 5. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the 2026 bond. a. Not a lot of carbon-negative items in the bond b. Uncertainty around scale/scope c. Interest in ARR charging, sidewalks/bike lanes, battery storage d. Should highlight cost-effective measures e. Overarching recommendations 6. Approve a recommendation related to Leak Detection and Repair in the Texas Gas Service Franchise Agreement. a. Davis motion, Gonzales second, passes 11-0 with Scott recusing. b. Davis motion, Suddaby second to amend: i. #3 should say ‘Austin Metropolitan area’ instead of city ii. Additional bullet under #3 – the number of leaks repaired and analysis of (DOUBLE CHECK RECORDING) iii. #4 …
City of Austin Plan to Transition to Low – Embodied Carbon Concrete In Pursuit of a Carbon Neutral Austin Transportation and Public Works Amica Bose, P.E., Assistant Director, Office of the City Engineer March 25, 2026 City of Austin Path to Sustainability: Low Carbon Concrete Why This Initiative Matters ▪ Traditional cement and concrete have a significant impact on the sustainability of our built environment and infrastructure. ▪ Austin has a near-term opportunity to reduce emissions; have direct impact on infrastructure and capital projects ▪ Scalable across city operations and private development ▪ A resolution from the Austin City Council enables the City to begin advancing lower- carbon concrete practices. ▪ Low Carbon Concrete is one of the multiple focus areas within the Climate Resilience Framework 2 City Council Resolution Resolution 20230420-024 passed on April 20, 2023 City of Austin Low-Embodied Carbon Concrete Initiative ▪ Develop a plan to progress toward Low-Embodied Carbon Concrete 1) Provide Concrete Tracking that a) Identifies how much concrete is used and its impact b) Require the use of EPDs to influence and encourage more sustainable concrete production c) Strategy to review, pilot, and approve alternative, more sustainable concrete mix designs 2) Establish specifications and designs that allow for meeting the need for lower-embodied carbon concrete. 3) Provide annual report to City Council on progress toward the overall goal of more sustainable concrete. 3 Roadmap for Implementing Low-Carbon Concrete Measure • Measure Carbon Footprint – Establish a protocol to calculate and track the City of Austin carbon footprint annually. (Task 1a) Increase • Increase Material Transparency – Implement Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). (Task 1b) Enable • Enable Low-Carbon Mix Designs – Develop processes allowing sustainable and innovative concrete materials and admixtures. (Task 1c) Update • Update Specifications & Contracts – Revise concrete specifications and procurement documents to encourage lower-carbon mixes. (Task 2) Report • Report Progress Annually – Provide updates to the Austin City Council. (Task 3) 4 Concrete and Cement Volume Tracking • Started collecting quarterly data since FY23 from concrete producers and internal city departments • CO₂ footprint includes city of Austin and surrounding areas • FY 23: 499,641 CY concrete (Approx.175M lbs CO₂) • FY 24: 516,319 CY concrete (Approx. 174M lbs CO₂ ) • FY 25: 462,790 CY concrete (Approx. 166M lbs CO2) ) Y C ( s d n a s u o h T 540 520 500 480 460 …
Solar on City Facilities Joint Sustainability Committee – March 25, 2026 Part of the CCIP, Support by JSC CCIP: • • Install 8MW of rooftop solar on City facilities $22 million cost, $28 saved per ton of GHGs reduced Support from JSC • Recommendation 20250625-004: Resolution on Revolving Fund for Solar and Efficiency Investments at City Properties • Recommendation 20251119-008: Funding for Solar and Energy Efficiency Investments at City Facilities 2 Collaborative Team Effort Resolution No. 20250522-052: Analyze City-owned property and property for solar generation potential, make recommendations for priority projects, and return to Council with the recommendations and analysis needed to implement development. Austin Climate Action and Resilience Austin Facilities Management Austin Energy Finance and Procurement Rocky Mountain Institute 3 Assess Procure Decide and Build Inventoried and assessed 250+ facilities, narrow to ~110 Engaged with building owning departments upfront to build support and understanding Issue multi-site RFP to achieve economies of scale Evaluate proposals and ownership models: • City Owned • Solar Standard Offer Select winning proposal(s) Build Solar ASAP to leverage tax credits Build O&M into the contract for long-term performance Approach 4 Procurement Process Dec Jan Feb Mar Two phase flexible RFP released, 110 sites Phase 1 closes, 16 submissions, eval committee advances 8 firms on qualifications Phase 2 closes, lots of evaluation, Best and Final Offer phase begins Best and Final evaluation, selected vendor recomended, target April council approval 5 Next Steps • • • Council approval Contract negotiation and execution Commence construction by July 4, 2026 to ‘safe harbor’ the entire portfolio for the Solar Investment Tax Credits 6 Thank you. Rohan Lilauwala AustinTexas.gov/climate Rohan.Lilauwala@AustinTexas.gov
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20260228-XXX Subject: FY 2027Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations WHEREAS a changing climate presents both a costly disruption and an urgent threat to Austinites way of life; and WHEREAS in 2021, Council approved the Austin Climate Equity Plan that provided 74 strategies to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions equitably by 2040; and WHEREAS Austin FY2027 faces an estimated budget shortfall of $54 M; and WHEREAS Austin is considering the FY2026 budget; AND WHEREAS Council Resolution 20250522-052 directs the City Manager to calculate any energy cost savings or revenue generated annually, realized by solar generation installed on City facilities for departmental use and utilize an equivalent amount of funding for projects that have a beneficial environmental impact, beginning with those identified in the Climate Implementation Plan; and WHEREAS analysis performed by ACAR and presented to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force - Transportation & Electrification Working Group on 10/15/25 in consideration of the CCIP demonstrated that spending on fleet vehicle electrification nets a savings of -41$ per ton of carbon dioxide avoided; and WHEREAS that same analysis demonstrated that rooftop solar nets a savings of -28$ per ton of carbon dioxide avoided, The JSC recommends the following for the upcoming FY2027 budget: 1. No Cuts to ACAR: Recommend that no positions within Austin Climate Action and Resilience be eliminated, reclassified or moved to other departments. Many departments ask ACAR for assistance in developing programs and policies needed to implement the Austin Climate Equity Plan. The department’s workload is only increasing and there already isn't capacity to do all the needed work. 2. No cuts to fire, flood, and zero waste programs: the Joint Sustainability Commission recommends the following programs maintain their budget for FY2026: a. Natural Land Restoration and Wildfire Prevention ($828,115 & 4 FTEs) b. Fire – Urban Forest Replenishment Fund ($1,000,000) c. Floodplain Reforestation Program ($143,000- $550,000) d. MoveOutATX ($15,000/year) e. Fix-It and Repair Clinics ($7,650/year) 3. Climate Revolving Fund Implementation: Recommend that Council ensure that the Climate Revolving Fund established by Resolution 20250813-022 in August 2025 is formally in place and that all appropriate savings are directed to it and that ACAR staff have authority to direct their use for appropriate projects. This fund is supposed to enable investments in city buildings that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many such investments will lead to more financial savings for the City. 4. Local Solar Energy: Recommend …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260325-004: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations Date: March 25, 2026 Subject: FY 2027Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations WHEREAS a changing climate presents both a costly disruption and an urgent threat to Austinites’ way of life; and WHEREAS in 2021, Council approved the Austin Climate Equity Plan that provided 74 strategies to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions equitably by 2040; and WHEREAS Austin FY2027 faces an estimated budget shortfall of $54 M; and WHEREAS Austin is considering the FY2026 budget; AND WHEREAS Council Resolution 20250522-052 directs the City Manager to calculate any energy cost savings or revenue generated annually, realized by solar generation installed on City facilities for departmental use and utilize an equivalent amount of funding for projects that have a beneficial environmental impact, beginning with those identified in the Climate Implementation Plan; and WHEREAS analysis performed by ACAR and presented to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force - Transportation & Electrification Working Group on 10/15/25 in consideration of the CCIP demonstrated that spending on fleet vehicle electrification nets a savings of -41$ per ton of carbon dioxide avoided; and WHEREAS that same analysis demonstrated that rooftop solar nets a savings of -28$ per ton of carbon dioxide avoided, The JSC recommends the following for the upcoming FY2027 budget: 1. No Cuts to ACAR: Recommend that no positions within Austin Climate Action and Resilience be eliminated, reclassified or moved to other departments. Many departments ask ACAR for assistance in developing programs and policies needed to implement the Austin Climate Equity Plan. The department’s workload is only increasing and there already isn't capacity to do all the needed work. 2. No cuts to fire, flood, and zero waste programs: the Joint Sustainability Commission recommends the following programs maintain their budget for FY2026: a. Natural Land Restoration and Wildfire Prevention ($828,115 & 4 FTEs) b. Fire – Urban Forest Replenishment Fund ($1,000,000) c. Floodplain Reforestation Program ($143,000- $550,000) d. MoveOutATX ($15,000/year) e. Fix-It and Repair Clinics ($7,650/year) 3. Climate Revolving Fund Implementation: Recommend that Council ensure that the Climate Revolving Fund established by Resolution 20250813-022 in August 2025 is formally in place and that all appropriate savings are directed to it and that ACAR staff have authority to direct their use for appropriate projects. This fund is supposed to enable investments in city buildings that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many such investments will lead …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES March 25, 2026 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers (301 W 2nd St) in Austin, Texas. Chair Kaiba White called the Meeting to order at 6:07 pm Commissioners in Attendance: Kaiba White, Charlotte Davis, Anna Scott, Haris Qureshi Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josh Hiller, Lane Becker, Aaron Gonzales, Diana Wheeler, Jenny Murkes, Chris Crookham, Chris Maxwell-Gaines Board Members Absent: Iris Suddaby, Rodrigo Leal, Andrew Smith, Chris Campbell, Mridula Madipakkam, Diana Wheeler, Varun Prasad PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on February 25th, 2026. Minutes were approved on Davis’ motion, Scott’s second on a 10-0 vote with Qureshi off the Dais STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing on the City of Austin Action Plan to Transition to Low-Embodied Carbon Concrete in Pursuit of a Carbon Neutral Austin. Presentation by Amica Bose, P.E., Assistant Director, Civil Engineering Services, Austin Transportation and Public Works • Discussion of performance-based approach - tradeoffs, risks, implications. Staff briefing on Solar on City Facilities. Presentation by Rohan Lilauwala, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. • Update to language on #4, re: Green Choice Program • Update to #5 to state rationale for recommendation on cuts • Update to #6 to suggest a minimum • Updates to #7 to add language adopted by the Urban Transportation Commission • Discussion on reorganizing recommendations to clearly mark which save money Motion to approve recommendations on Qureshi Motion, Gonzales second, on a 10-0 vote with Crookham off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion of San Antonio’s Free Bus Pilot Program and its applicability in Austin. • Qureshi to convene discussion with Gonzales, pass questions to staff. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Solar deep dive / lessons learned in May • Officer elections in April • Low Carbon concrete in June • Request for AE to discuss rates and AI implications on them Chair White adjourned meeting at 8:48 pm without objection. 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 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2026, AT 6 PM CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Joint Sustainability Committee may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by remotely, contact Rohan Lilauwala telephone. To (rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). to speak register CURRENT JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Al Braden Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) GeNell Gary Varun Prasad Haris Qureshi Vacant Vacant Andrew Smith Aaron Gonzales Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Jon Salinas Josh Hiller Chris Crookham Justin Jacobson Vacant Vacant Vacant Marissa Bell Zain Pleuthner Amanda Marzullo Shelby Orme Evgenia Murkes Peter Breton Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Mridula Madipakkam Christopher Campbell Diana Wheeler Vacant N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 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 three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on January 28th, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing on Refrigerant Management. Presentation by Molly Ellsworth and Phillip Duran, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. Staff briefing on the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program. Presentation by Braden Latham-Jones, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the 2026 bond. Approve a recommendation related to Gas Conservation Programs. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. 8. Update regarding Austin Water’s Emergency Management; and Q4 report on Water Management Strategy Implementation – Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Water and …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Nov 19, 2025 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy HQ. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Anna Scott, Iris Suddaby, Mridula Madipakkam, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Josh Hiller, Lane Becker, Aaron Gonzales, Varun Prasad, Lane Becker, Rodrigo Leal, Chris Crookham Board Members Absent: Chris Campbell, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Jon Salinas City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Phillip Duran CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on November 19, 2025. a. Scott motion, Suddaby second, passes on a 11-0 vote with Crookham off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Carbon Offsets. Presentation by Phillip Duran, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. a. White: how much do we spend annually? i. Duran: don’t have exact numbers, but estimating $50-60k annual, will follow up later. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of working groups for FY27 City of Austin Budget, funding, and priority policy recommendations. a. How can we be more effective? i. JSC has spent a lot of time working on budget recommendations in the past with mixed success ii. Thematic/refined recommendations, immediate impact, small dollar wins, fewer items, most effective GHG reduction strategies, identify funding sources iii. We have the staff response to past recommendations iv. Motion to create a budget working group (members: Scott (chair) Becker, Leal, Gonzales, Davis, White, Suddaby, Madipakkam) 1. Motioned by White, Davis second, passes 12-0 4. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. a. Conversation had as part of Item #3 5. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the 2026 bond. a. Not a lot of carbon-negative items in the bond b. Uncertainty around scale/scope c. Interest in ARR charging, sidewalks/bike lanes, battery storage d. Should highlight cost-effective measures e. Overarching recommendations 6. Approve a recommendation related to Leak Detection and Repair in the Texas Gas Service Franchise Agreement. a. Davis motion, Gonzales second, passes 11-0 with Scott recusing. b. Davis motion, Suddaby second to amend: i. #3 should say ‘Austin Metropolitan area’ instead of city ii. Additional bullet under #3 – the number of leaks repaired and analysis of (DOUBLE CHECK RECORDING) iii. #4 …
Refrigerant Management Agenda 01 Background on refrigerants 02 Motivation for this work 03 Project scope, progress, and lessons 04 Next steps 2 What are refrigerants Refrigerants are the chemicals that make cooling equipment work HVACs, freezers, car ACs, heat pumps, whole building chillers, and district energy Cooling solutions are part of local heat resilience efforts Refrigerants also support grid decarbonization through electrification (heat pumps, district energy) 3 History of refrigerants 1987 Montreal Protocol 1987 • Began phasing out ozone-depleting refrigerants or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) replaced CFCs. Unknown at the time, HFCs are often highly potent greenhouse gases (like R-11, R-22, more) • Montreal Protocol amended in 2016 to address this → American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act CFCs:Impact the ozone HFCs: Impact the climate 4 Climate Equity Plan Alignment By 2030, reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerant leakage by 25% ★ Strategy 1: Capture and destroy old refrigerants ★ Strategy 2: Improve building codes to encourage cleaner refrigerants ★ Strategy 3: Create incentives for leak detection and repair ★ Strategy 4: Awareness and training for HVAC service providers ★ Strategy 5: Reduce the volume of refrigerants 5 Austin’s Carbon Footprint 2024 • Refrigerants small but high-impact share of emissions • Growing cooling demand increases risk of emissions • Refrigerant management is a near-term climate action opportunity 36% 11.5M MT CO2e 31% 10% 5% 9% 9% ~575k MT CO2e 6 Insights from Climate Implementation AIM Act American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act • Federal law (EPA) to reduce HFC production and consumption • Phases down HFCs by 85% by 2036 What Does the AIM Act Mean for the City? Previously only applied to the largest appliances (50+ lbs refrigerants) As of January 2026, applies to smaller appliances with 15lbs of refrigerants (like AC units at mid-sized buildings) AIM Act Requirements: • Leak detection and repair • Recordkeeping and reporting 8 Additional Background on Project City of Austin is a early mover Few, if any, local governments are acting here Refrigerants are a JSC priority Budget recommendations in FY24 and FY25 Emerging climate action Emerging climate action comes with complexity – AIM Act, partner awareness / buy-in, more This is the first step Refrigerant management will be an ongoing effort at COA and throughout the community 9 Addressing Refrigerant Management Project Scope and Progress 10 Contract with Refrigerant Management Solutions Project Scope Internal Goals: • Inventory existing refrigerant-containing appliances …
Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Joint Sustainability Committee – February 25, 2026 Agenda 01 Council Direction & Purpose 02 CCIP Structure 03 Implementation in Practice 04 Opportunities & Benefits 05 2026 Priorities 2 Council Direction • Resolution 20240718-093 • Bring forward a “comprehensive climate implementation program…” • “…that shall provide a detailed and thorough means for investing in our climate.” 3 Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Two-year Implementation Plan Public document with climate projects achievable between 2025-2027 Programmatic Adjustments Organizational restructure aimed at successful implementation 4 The two-year Implementation Plan (25’-27’) 46 ACTIONS Sustainable Buildings: 13 Transportation & Land Use: 8 Transportation Electrification: 4 Food & Product Consumption: 7 Natural Systems: 4 + 10 Foundational Actions 5 Action Progress Highlights Implementation Plan (25’-27’) 01 02 03 04 Solar on City Facilities Fleet Electrification Green Building Policy Revision Climate Revolving Fund + Continuing progress across multiple actions 6 Climate Cabinet CART Delivery Teams ● “Steering Committee” ● Strategic oversight/direction ● SPOCs from 20+ depts ● Monthly meetings ● Coordination & collaboration ● Professional networking ● Quarterly meetings ● Cross-functional teams for project- based work ● Implementing our climate and resilience goals ● Built/dissolved as- needed 7 What is the “CART”? • A large, inclusive group of City staff coming together for coordination, networking, education, and information sharing. • Focused on making progress towards meeting Austin’s climate and resilience goals. • Outcome-driven, with buy-in from and two-way communication with leadership. “Climate Cabinets” ▪ Emerging best practice in climate implementation ▪ “Whole-of-government” approach ▪ Climate embedded within each department, breaking down silos and increasing coordination ▪ Efficient implementation through reducing redundancy, overlapping duties ▪ Streamlined project management and problem-solving ▪ Examples: Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston 9 Primary Duties of ATX’s Climate Cabinet ▪ Coordinating Citywide climate action ▪ Driving implementation on City plans and priorities ▪ Guiding CART agendas and projects ▪ Tracking and managing progress on “Delivery Teams" ▪ Responding to CMO/MAC action and direction ▪ Adjusting, amending, and evaluating current approaches to CCIP 1 0 What is a “Delivery Team” • A cross-departmental implementation tool for climate and resilience priorities that cannot be delivered by a single department • Enable targeted, coordinated action on complex climate priorities • Criteria for creation include: • Executive Support • Cross-departmental requirement • Connection to adopted priorities • • Clearly defined outcomes & Time-bound deadlines 11 Combined Efforts Leadership in the Climate Space Climate & Environment Leadership …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20260228-XXX Subject: FY 2027Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations WHEREAS a changing climate presents both a costly disruption and an urgent threat to Austinites way of life; and WHEREAS in 2021, Council approved the Austin Climate Equity Plan that provided 74 strategies to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions equitably by 2040; and WHEREAS Austin FY2027 faces an estimated budget shortfall of $54 M; and WHEREAS Austin is considering the FY2026 budget; AND WHEREAS Council Resolution 20250522-052 directs the City Manager to calculate any energy cost savings or revenue generated annually, realized by solar generation installed on City facilities for departmental use and utilize an equivalent amount of funding for projects that have a beneficial environmental impact, beginning with those identified in the Climate Implementation Plan; and WHEREAS analysis performed by ACAR and presented to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force - Transportation & Electrification Working Group on 10/15/25 in consideration of the CCIP demonstrated that spending on fleet vehicle electrification nets a carbon savings of -28$ per ton of carbon dioxide avoided; and WHEREAS that same analysis demonstrated that rooftop solar nets a carbon savings of -y$ per ton of carbon dioxide avoided, The JSC recommends the following for the upcoming FY2027 budget: 1. No Cuts to ACAR: Recommend that no positions within Austin Climate Action and Resilience be eliminated, reclassified or moved to other departments. Many departments ask ACAR for assistance in developing programs and policies needed to implement the Austin Climate Equity Plan. The department’s workload is only increasing and there already isn't capacity to do all the needed work. 2. Climate Revolving Fund Implementation: Recommend that Council ensure that the Climate Revolving Fund established by Resolution 20250813-022 in August 2025 is formerly in place and that all appropriate savings are directed to it and that ACAR staff have authority to direct their use for appropriate projects. This fund is supposed to enable investments in city buildings that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many such investments will lead to more financial savings for the City. 3. Environmentally Sustainable Purchasing: Recommend adding a Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager FTE within Austin Climate and Resilience to establish a comprehensive environmentally sustainable purchasing policy and work with Financial Services to implement it and train all employees who are authorized to make purchases for the city. The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 2 says …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20260225-XX Recommendation on Energy Conservation Programs in Texas Gas Service Franchise Agreement WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a 20-year franchise agreement with Texas Gas Service (TGS), which is the Company’s license to operate in the City’s right of way; and WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service (TGS) has been planning and operating Residential energy conservation incentive programs that do not pay for themselves in reduced fuel costs or reduced fuel consumption; and WHEREAS, some of these conservation programs appear to be aimed at marketing gas appliances rather than improving energy efficiency; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy already runs similar conservation programs for energy efficiency building improvements and serves most of the same customers as TGS; and WHEREAS, there is precedent for the City of Austin to operate a gas utility conservation program, which was done between 1987 and 1997; and WHEREAS, TGS is currently in violation of its franchise, which requires it to implement energy conservation programs as part of its normal operations; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City implement the following policies as part of the Texas Gas Service franchise agreement: ● Austin should take over planning and management of TGS conservation programs as part of the new franchise agreements, with charges for gas conservation programs paid by TGS. ● These funds should be collected with either an increased franchise fee specific to each rate class of customers or a bill rider similar to the Texas Gas Service’s Conservation Adjustment Charge or Austin Energy’s Community Benefits Charges. The funds from an increased franchise fee or bill rider can be allowed to change from year to year, with a not-to-exceed amount or percentage. ● All previously collected but unspent conservation funds and previously purchased equipment for implementation of the Texas Gas Service program should be transferred to the City of Austin for continued operation of the programs. Previously collected TGS conservation funds should be directed towards low-income home weatherization.
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20260225-005 Sustainability in Bond Proposals WHEREAS, the purpose of the Joint Sustainability Committee is “to advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”; and WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Joint Sustainability Committee to “promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with the politics, procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan with the goal of coordinating all similar activities within the City and the community in order to secure the greatest public benefit”; and WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen each year and the window of opportunity to preserve a livable climate is rapidly closing as climate tipping points are likely already being reached; and WHEREAS, on July 18, 2024, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution stating “The City Manager is directed to bring to Council two items: 1) a comprehensive bond package that funds and addresses climate, infrastructure, and any other public improvements for the purpose of conducting an election no later than November 2026, and 2) a comprehensive climate implementation program of which one component is a climate bond proposition contained in the comprehensive bond package.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Action and Resilience department has identified city fleet vehicle electrification as the most cost-effective strategy for reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, and calculated that reducing emissions using this strategy saves the city $41 per ton of avoided emissions; and WHEREAS, heavy duty vehicles with diesel engines are dangerous for the Austin community because they create hazardous particulate matter and other pollution harmful to human health - especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory and cardiac conditions - in addition to greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, additional charging infrastructure, especially for heavy-duty vehicles - including refuse trucks, is needed to enable the City of Austin fleet to transition from polluting internal combustion engine vehicles to zero emissions electric vehicles, and is itself one of the most cost-effective ways for the city to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, City of Austin staff have identified electric vehicle charging infrastructure as eligible for voter-approved general obligation bonds; and WHEREAS, …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260225-005: Sustainability in Bond Proposals Date: February 25, 2026 WHEREAS, the purpose of the Joint Sustainability Committee is “to advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”; and WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Joint Sustainability Committee to “promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with the politics, procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan with the goal of coordinating all similar activities within the City and the community in order to secure the greatest public benefit”; and WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen each year and the window of opportunity to preserve a livable climate is rapidly closing as climate tipping points are likely already being reached; and WHEREAS, on July 18, 2024, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution stating “The City Manager is directed to bring to Council two items: 1) a comprehensive bond package that funds and addresses climate, infrastructure, and any other public improvements for the purpose of conducting an election no later than November 2026, and 2) a comprehensive climate implementation program of which one component is a climate bond proposition contained in the comprehensive bond package.” and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Action and Resilience department has identified city fleet vehicle electrification as the most cost-effective strategy for reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, and calculated that reducing emissions using this strategy saves the city $41 per ton of avoided emissions; and WHEREAS, heavy duty vehicles with diesel engines are dangerous for the Austin community because they create hazardous particulate matter and other pollution harmful to human health - especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory and cardiac conditions - in addition to greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, additional charging infrastructure, especially for heavy-duty vehicles - including refuse trucks, is needed to enable the City of Austin fleet to transition from polluting internal combustion engine vehicles to zero emissions electric vehicles, and is itself one of the most cost-effective ways for the city to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, City of Austin staff have identified electric vehicle charging infrastructure as eligible …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260225-006: Recommendation on Energy Conservation Programs in Texas Gas Service Franchise Agreement Date: February 25, 2026 WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a 20-year franchise agreement with Texas Gas Service (TGS), which is the Company’s license to operate in the City’s right of way; and WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service (TGS) has been planning and operating Residential energy conservation incentive programs that do not pay for themselves in reduced fuel costs or reduced fuel consumption; and WHEREAS, some of these conservation programs appear to be aimed at marketing gas appliances rather than improving energy efficiency; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy already runs similar conservation programs for energy efficiency building improvements and serves most of the same customers as TGS; and WHEREAS, there is precedent for the City of Austin to operate a gas utility conservation program, which was done between 1987 and 1997; and WHEREAS, TGS is currently in violation of its franchise, which requires it to implement energy conservation programs as part of its normal operations; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City implement the following policies as part of the Texas Gas Service franchise agreement: ● Austin should take over planning and management of TGS conservation programs as part of the new franchise agreements, with charges for gas conservation programs paid by TGS. ● Any such conservation program operated by the city of Austin should have the goal of reducing total natural gas consumption by Texas Gas Service customers in Austin compared to current levels. ● These funds should be collected with either an increased franchise fee specific to each rate class of customers or a bill rider similar to the Texas Gas Service’s Conservation Adjustment Charge or Austin Energy’s Community Benefits Charges. The funds from an increased franchise fee or bill rider can be allowed to change from year to year, with a not-to-exceed amount or percentage. ● All previously collected but unspent conservation funds and previously purchased equipment for implementation of the Texas Gas Service program should be transferred to the City of Austin for continued operation of the programs. Previously collected TGS conservation funds should be directed towards low-income home weatherization. Motioned By: Kaiba White Seconded By: Haris Qureshi Vote: 12-0 For: Kaiba White, Iris Suddaby, Mridula Madipakkam, Haris Qureshi, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Jon Salinas, Chris Campbell, Josh Hiller, Varun Prasad, Rodrigo Leal, …
Joint Sustainability Committee MEETING MINUTES 25 February 2026 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING Feb 25, 2026 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin CIty Hall. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Iris Suddaby, Mridula Madipakkam, Haris Qureshi, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Jon Salinas, Chris Campbell Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Josh Hiller, Varun Prasad, Rodrigo Leal, Chris Crookham, Charlotte Davis, Diana Wheeler, Anna Scott Board Members Absent: Aaron Gonzales, Lane Becker City Staff in Attendance: Braden Latham-Jones, Phillip Duran, Molly Ellsworth CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:09 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on January 28, 2026. Minutes were approved on Qureshi’s motion and seconded by Maxwell-Gaines. Approved with a 13-0 vote with Scott off dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Staff briefing on Refrigerant Management. Presentation by Molly Ellsworth and Phillip Duran, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. a. Scott: What is the cost need here? Joint Sustainability Committee MEETING MINUTES 25 February 2026 b. Duran: Primary focus is internal coordination and establishing internal protocols. c. White: How complete do you think your data set is? d. Ellsworth: Austin Water is only able to send appliances over 50lbs, but they’re working on this. e. White: While you don’t have data for smaller units, do these requirements still apply to smaller units? f. Ellsworth: Requirements won’t apply for smaller units, but the process to collect data for smaller appliances is in progress. g. Chris XXXX: What do people do with household appliances when they’re outlived their use? h. Duran: There are existing programs through Austin Energy that allow for recycling and destroying those, and we’re exploring other opportunities for this kind of program. 2. Staff briefing on the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program. Presentation by Braden Latham-Jones, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. a. Discussion about possible budget recommendations from Scott. b. Discussion about “Local Solar Energy” budget proposal related to Solar Standard Offer c. Discussion on exact dollar amount asks to advance City fleet vehicle electrification d. Discussion on existing budget funds that should be maintained or reduced. e. No action taken, discussion will continue at a future meeting. 4. Approve a recommendation related to climate …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026, AT 6 PM CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Joint Sustainability Committee may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by remotely, contact Rohan Lilauwala telephone. To (rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). to speak register CURRENT JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Al Braden Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) GeNell Gary Varun Prasad Haris Qureshi Vacant Vacant Andrew Smith Aaron Gonzales Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Jon Salinas Josh Hiller Chris Crookham Justin Jacobson Vacant Vacant Vacant Marissa Bell Vacant Amanda Marzullo Shelby Orme Evgenia Murkes Peter Breton Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Vacant Christopher Campbell Diana Wheeler Vacant N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 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 three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on November 19, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Carbon Offsets. Presentation by Phillip Duran, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Approve the creation of working groups for FY27 City of Austin Budget, funding, and priority policy recommendations. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the FY26 City of Austin Budget. Approve a recommendation related to climate and sustainability in the 2026 bond. Approve a recommendation related to Leak Detection and Repair in the Texas Gas Service Franchise Agreement. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Update regarding the Texas Gas Service Franchise Agreement – Charlotte Davis, Resource Management Commission. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260128-006: Recommendation on Leak Detection and Repair in Texas Gas Service Franchise Agreement Date of Approval: January 28, 2026 WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a 20-year franchise agreement with Texas Gas Service (TGS), which is the Company’s license to operate in the City’s right of way; and WHEREAS, methane leaks are an inherent risk in the operation of gas utilities and can pose significant safety concerns for people, businesses, infrastructure, and the environment; and WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the residents of the City of Austin to have visibility into the frequency and severity of methane leaks and the mitigation and repair procedures being employed to minimize the risk; and WHEREAS, methane is more than 30 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere; and WHEREAS, ONEGas, the parent company of TGS, has a stated goal of 55% reduction in emissions due to leaks by 2035 from a 2005 baseline; and WHEREAS, minimum leak detection standards are established by federal and state law and the City’s current franchise agreements include only general provisions requiring gas utilities to comply with applicable federal and state regulations; and WHEREAS, the public has limited visibility into the efforts to detect and reduce leaks, the effectiveness of such efforts, the frequency, duration, and persistence of non-hazardous leaks, and the volume of methane emissions from ongoing leaks; and WHEREAS, current advanced leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs may include highly sensitive vehicle-mounted detectors, infrared optical imaging and other methodologies, but are continuously evolving; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City require in its upcoming franchise agreement that Texas Gas Service: 1. Employ industry-leading advanced leak detection and repair technologies throughout the term of the agreement, including technologies that increase the speed and sensitivity of leak detection, expand the search footprint, reduce response time for gas emergencies, and/or increase the repair speed of leaks within the Austin Metropolitan area, 2. Regularly update its LDAR practices to reflect technological advancements, 3. Submit annual reports to the City on the performance of its LDAR programs within the Austin Metropolitan area. Information in reports could include but is not limited to: • LDAR practices & technology employed including leak detection survey frequency and mitigation strategies • Fugitive methane emissions and fugitive methane emissions rate • Average response time for …
