JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT May 24th, 2023 at 6pm Permitting and Development Center – Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Zach Baumer at (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov or 415-694-3111). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Diana Wheeler, Acting Chair (Urban Transportation Commission) Charlotte Davis (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Richard Brimer (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Vacant (Community Development Commission) Frances Deviney (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Vacant (Water & Wastewater Commission) Kelsey Hitchingham (Economic Prosperity Commission) Vacant (Parks & Recreation Board) Jon Salinas (Design Commission) Vacant (City Council) Randall Chapman (Electric Utility Commission) Alice Woods (Planning Commission) Rodrigo Leal (Mayor’s Representative) Anna Scott (Mayor’s Representative) Heather Houser (Mayor’s Representative) Yureisly Suarez (Mayor’s Representative) Christopher Campbell (Mayor’s Representative) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc 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. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approval of minutes from the April 26th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. 2. JSC Officer Elections for the 2023-2024 Term (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 3. Creation of JSC working groups to help advance implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and updates from previously informal working groups (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 4. Updates on the Inflation Reduction Act Coordinated Grant Approach – Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 5. Climate Ambassadors Overview, Projects, and Lessons Learned – Sydnee Landry, Office of Sustainability (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 6. City of Austin Support for Energy Innovation and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (Discussion and/or Possible Action). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT May 24th, 2023 at 6pm Permitting and Development Center – Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Zach Baumer at (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov or 415-694-3111). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Diana Wheeler, Acting Chair (Urban Transportation Commission) Charlotte Davis (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Richard Brimer (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Vacant (Community Development Commission) Frances Deviney (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Vacant (Water & Wastewater Commission) Kelsey Hitchingham (Economic Prosperity Commission) Vacant (Parks & Recreation Board) Jon Salinas (Design Commission) Vacant (City Council) Randall Chapman (Electric Utility Commission) Alice Woods (Planning Commission) Rodrigo Leal (Mayor’s Representative) Anna Scott (Mayor’s Representative) Heather Houser (Mayor’s Representative) Yureisly Suarez (Mayor’s Representative) Christopher Campbell (Mayor’s Representative) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc AGENDA ADDENDUM 7. Promotion of cooperation between the Airport and Environmental Commissions and the Department of Aviation on environmental matters that extend outside the boundaries of the ABIA property (Discussion and/or Possible Action).
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES May 24, 2023 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at PDC. Acting Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:12 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Anna Scott, Kaiba White, Charlotte Davis, Rick Brimer, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Yure Suarez Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Alice Woods, Jon Salinas, Melissa Rothrock, Rodrigo Leal, Heather Houser, Chris Campbell, Diana Wheeler Board Members Absent: Kelsey Hitchingham, Frances Deviney, City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer, Rohan Lilauwala, Sydnee Landree CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. • Scott Johnson o Air quality and climate are intertwined. Find ways to implement air quality plan. o JSC made a recommendation to hire a full-time employee on sustainable Scott can be a resource. purchasing – Scott supports this. o Need JSC support to make this position successful and expand their reach across the city. 1. Approval of minutes from the April 26th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Scott motions to approve, Houser seconds, all in favor (13-0) • Passes 12-0 with Woods abstaining. 2. JSC Officer Elections for the 2023-2024 Term (Discussion and/or Possible Action). • Wheeler nominates White for Chair, Campbell seconds. • White nominates Wheeler for Vice-Chair, Scott seconds. o Both pass unanimously (13-0) 3. Creation of JSC working groups to help advance implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and updates from previously informal working groups (Discussion and/or Possible Action). • Groups have been meeting informally, and are unofficial to date – Transportation, Buildings, Consumption + Natural Systems. Existing members been meeting unofficially, new members welcome. • Goal – bring momentum to plan implementation, identify priorities and push them forward. • Buildings – Salinas, Maxwell-Gaines • White motions to formally create groups; Houser seconds o Passes unanimously (13-0) • Updates from groups o Buildings – interest in moving forward building codes (2024 IECC, Passive House, etc.) some already happening with AEGB, how do we build on that work? o Consumption + Natural Systems – difficult to go through the plan and strategically rank actions. Consider implementation difficulty – will require outside outreach. Consumption section does not include as many policy changes, needs more money. Composting, green infrastructure, carbon neutrality for public lands – high impact + …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Recommendation No 20230524-6 City of Austin Support for Energy Innovation and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Whereas, the scientific consensus is clear that human activities are primarily responsible for accelerating global climate change, and that the climate crisis now represents one of the preeminent threats to global civilization; and Whereas, changes in our climate are already being felt in Austin and throughout our state, with prolonged drought punctuated by unpredictable torrential downpours and flooding, more frequent extreme heat events, wildfires, stronger winds, and warmer water temperatures that can result in increasing severe storms and rising costs that are taking an unsustainable economic toll on the State and working people; and Whereas, our entire community is being impacted by the health and safety risks of fossil fuel expansion, particularly those who also face socioeconomic and health inequities, including low-income families, those experiencing homelessness, people of color and indigenous peoples, youth, seniors, those experiencing mental and physical disabilities, and people with pre-existing health conditions; and Whereas, our youth and future generations have the most to lose from a lack of immediate action to stop fossil fuel expansion as they face major and lifelong health, ecological, social, and economic impacts from prolonged and cumulative effects of climate change, including food and water shortages, infectious diseases, and natural disasters; and Whereas, the City of Austin recognizes that it is the urgent responsibility and moral obligation of wealthy fossil fuel producers, governments, NGOs, and the business community as a whole, to lead in putting an end to fossil fuel development and to manage the decline of existing production; and Whereas, on August 8, 2019 the City Council unanimously approved a resolution declaring a climate emergency and called for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate; and Whereas, the City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes the bold goal of equitably reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and achieving 100% of electricity power supply through clean, renewable, and zero carbon emission energy sources by 2040; and Whereas, the Paris Climate Agreement is silent on coal, oil, and gas, an omission with respect to the supply and production of fossil fuels (the largest source of GHGs) that needs to be collectively addressed by other means; and Whereas, global governments and the fossil fuel industry are currently planning to cumulatively produce about 120% more emissions by 2030 than what …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Recommendation No 20230524-7 Cooperation between the Airport Advisory Commission and Environmental Commission WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee recognizes the City of Austin requires a First Class International Airport to serve its Residents and travelers to and through the City of Austin to support a vibrant economy; and the long-term viability of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport requires strong management, long-term planning and close cooperation with vendors, contractors, airlines, and the City; and the Environment surrounding ABIA needs to be protected for the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for the Residents of Austin and airport users. WHEREAS, the City of Austin Department of Aviation is responsible for oversight of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; its operation, projects, capital improvement programs, aviation contracts, annual operating budget, long term planning, and quality of service to for the Customers of ABIA and the Residents of Austin. WHEREAS, the Airport Advisory Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Council on aviation projects that the Department of Aviation proposes for the capital improvements program; and review and make recommendations to the council on aviation contracts that are presented by the Department of Aviation for council for action; and review and make policy recommendations to the council on quality of services at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Residents of Austin and customers of the airport and long term planning of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; in addition to other responsibilities. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission shall assist the city council, the city manager, and the Watershed Protection Department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all residents within the City’s incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and advise the city council, city manager and Watershed Protection Department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment as specified in Austin, Texas Code 2-1-144 Sections H-L. WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee shall promote close cooperation between the Council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and agencies concerned with procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and Austin Climate Equity Plan in order to secure the greatest public benefit; the joint committee may advise City boards, commission, and committees on policy matters that impact the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of the Residents of Austin. BE …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES April 26, 2023 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at PDC. Chair Diana Wheeler called the Board Meeting to order at 6:08 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White (chair), Haris Qureshi, Heather Houser, Rodrigo Leal, Chris Campbell Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Anna Scott, Kelsey Hitchingham, Frances Deviney Board Members Absent: City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. N/A 1. Approval of minutes from the March 29, 2023 special called meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Qureshi motions to approve, Campbell seconds, all in favor, none opposed. 2. Project Connect LRT Options Presentation and Q&A (Discussion and/or Possible Action) – Lisa Storer, Alvin Livingstone, Courtney Chavez, Austin Transit Partnership; Sravya Garledenne – Project Connect Office. • Presentation on light rail component of LRT – one component only • Cost estimates came up high, so initial system needs to be scaled back to fit funding envelope • Not seeking feedback on downtown crossings at the moment for surface alignments o White: What are pros and cons of crossings? o Livingstone: S1st pros-straight line crossing; cons-traffic at Cesar Chavez; Trinity street pros-connection to conv ctr, east downtown; cons-impacts boathouse, still traffic at Cesar Chavez • Houser: why does 38th/Oltorf/Yellow Jacket offer more flexibility vs North Lamar to Pleasant Valley o NL-PV requires protective buys (to preserve extension southward), and/or require a spur put in. 3-legged option has a transfer station • Intention is to build out full system once funding is available • Qureshi – elevated option avoids traffic from 8th to S Congress • Over 12,000-13,000 comments – does not include meetings (70+) • Qureshi – for partial underground – why not go down South rather than East? o Livingstone – money+technical feasibility; highest ridership segments were prioritized (UT, Republic Square, Pleasant Valley); each option also has to extend to a maintenance facility. o White: lots of student housing off Riverside • Qureshi – what’s the status of the capitol view corridor on South Congress? o Livingstone: LRV is no different than a bus; wires no different than existing infrastructure, crossing ramp descends to grade before South Congress • Qureshi – could an airport option …
The Inflation Reduction Act City of Austin Opportunities Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability Sep 2022 About ● Largest investment in climate in US history ○ $391 billion ● Projected 40% reduction in GHGs by 2030 (from 2005 levels) ○ Further federal action + local/state action is needed to meet US goals (50-52% GHG reduction) as part of Paris Agreement ● Funding opportunities for City of Austin departments as well as community partners to work on climate action Breakdown of Funding in IRA Source: RMI GHG Reductions / Environmental Justice $5 b $2.8 b Climate Pollution Reduction Grants for local and state plans and implementation projects to reduce GHGs Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants for community- led climate, resilience, pollution mitigation, capacity building projects Direct funding opportunity for City Projects Opportunity for City to support community-based organizations, help find resources and build capacity Direct Pay Tax Credits Tax-exempt entities like cities or municipally-owned utilities can claim a tax credit despite having no tax liability. ● Renewable Electricity Production ● Renewable Energy Investment ● Carbon Oxide Sequestration ● Zero-Emission Nuclear Power Production (new in Opportunities for AE to directly invest in renewable assets, EDD advanced manufacturing incentives, fleet savings, clean ARR trucks, PARD/WPD/AW/DSD carbon sequestration projects, etc. ● Clean Hydrogen Production Credit (new in IRA) ● Advanced Manufacturing Production (new in IRA) IRA/CHIPS) ● Clean Electricity Production (new in IRA) ● Clean Fuel Production (new in IRA) ● Clean Energy Investment (new in IRA) ● Qualifying Advanced Energy Project (new in IRA) ● Clean Electricity Investment (new in IRA) ● Alternative Fuel Refueling Property ● Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles (new in IRA) Direct Pay Tax Credits Many tax credits have ‘adders’ or bonus credits awarded for many different purposes, which can be stacked to maximize benefits: ● If prevailing wage/apprenticeship requirements are met ● If projects are located in disadvantaged communities (additional bonus if benefits primarily flow to residents) ● For meeting domestic content requirements ● For projects in an ‘energy community’ Transportation $290 m Alternative Fuel and Low-Emission Aviation Technology Program $3.2 b Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program for highway removal, remediation, capping + complete streets, active transportation + access to essential destinations $600 m Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grants and Rebates, to cover incremental costs of vehicles, fueling/charging infrastructure, workforce development, technical assistance Potential funding for clean ARR trucks, CapMetro buses, AISD buses Aviation department opportunity - cleaner jet …
May 24, 2023 - JSC Presentation 2 0 2 3 C L I M A T E A M B A S S A D O R S R E P O R T Sydnee Landry Climate Equity Engagement Associate Background Information THE CLIMATE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM WAS CREATED AS A PAID OPPORTUNITY FOR PASSIONATE AUSTINITES TO ENGAGE THEIR COMMUNITIES AND GET INPUT FOR THE AUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN IN 2020 Background Information OVER 6 MONTHS, THE 2020 AMBASSADORS COMPLETED 50+ INTERVIEW REPORTS FROM CONVERSATIONS THEY HAD WITH PEOPLE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE, AND THEIR VISIONS FOR AUSTIN MAJOR THEMES FROM THESE CONVERSATIONS WERE DISTILLED AND INCORPORATED INTO THE CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN AS EQUITY ICONS Example of equity icon use throughout the plan Equity icons IN 2021 THE PLAN WAS FORMALLY ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL, WHICH MEANT THE WORK OF IMPLEMENTATION COULD BEGIN... ... AND THE FOCUS OF THE CLIMATE AMBASSADOR GROUP WOULD NEED TO CHANGE A BIT WHICH IS WHERE I CAME IN! AND SET OUT TO GET STAKEHOLDER INPUT AS I REIMAGINED THE PROGRAM... The JSC, The JSC, Former Ambassadors, Former Ambassadors, ACEP Advisory Groups, ACEP Advisory Groups, Community orgs, Community orgs, and many more... and many more... Me 2 Me 2 months in months in to this job to this job community-led community-led strategies from strategies from the climate plan the climate plan opportunity to opportunity to reimagine reimagine engagement engagement for for implementation implementation opportunities opportunities to implement to implement climate plan climate plan 2022-2023 2022-2023 CLIMATE CLIMATE AMBASSADORS AMBASSADORS desire to desire to build build community community capacity capacity desire to avoid desire to avoid extractive extractive engagement engagement TRAINING & EDUCATION ONGOING PARTICIPATION WITH OOS STAFF INTERVIEW REPORTS TRAINING & EDUCATION WITH AN ADDITIONAL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP RELATIONSHIP BUILDING MORE EMPHASIS ON THE CITY + AMBASSADOR RELATIONSHIP COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS THAT ARE AMBASSADOR DESIGNED AND LED WITH COMMUNITY BENEFIT IN MIND +1 civic +1 civic workshop workshop +1 relationship +1 relationship building building +1 community +1 community benefit benefit SINCE THIS NEW COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECT ELEMENT WAS BEING ADDED, WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE SELECTED AMBASSADORS THAT MET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA... SHOWS A NUANCED UNDERSTANDING OF INEQUITIES REPRESENTS A MARGINALIZED COMMUNITY HAS EXPERIENCE WORKING, VOLUNTEERING, OR ORGANIZING WITH MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES IN AUSTIN HAS A CONNECTION TO OR ESTABLISHED METHOD OF OUTREACH TO MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES The 2022 Ambassadors K E C I A D Y L …
Joint Sustainability Committee City of Austin Support for Energy Innovation and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Whereas, the scientific consensus is clear that human activities are primarily responsible for accelerating global climate change, and that the climate crisis now represents one of the preeminent threats to global civilization; and Whereas, changes in our climate are already being felt in Austin and throughout our state, with prolonged drought punctuated by unpredictable torrential downpours and flooding, more frequent extreme heat events, wildfires, stronger winds, and warmer water temperatures that can result in increasing severe storms and rising costs that are taking an unsustainable economic toll on the State and working people; and Whereas, our entire community is being impacted by the health and safety risks of fossil fuel expansion, particularly those who also face socioeconomic and health inequities, including low-income families, those experiencing homelessness, people of color and indigenous peoples, youth, seniors, those experiencing mental and physical disabilities, and people with pre-existing health conditions; and Whereas, our youth and future generations have the most to lose from a lack of immediate action to stop fossil fuel expansion as they face major and lifelong health, ecological, social, and economic impacts from prolonged and cumulative effects of climate change, including food and water shortages, infectious diseases, and natural disasters; and D R A F T Whereas, on August 8, 2019 the City Council unanimously approved a resolution declaring a climate emergency and called for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate; and Whereas, the City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes the bold goal of equitably reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and achieving 100% of electricity power supply through clean, renewable, and zero carbon emission energy sources by 2040; and Whereas, the City of Austin recognizes that it is the urgent responsibility and moral obligation of wealthy fossil fuel producers, governments, NGOs, and the business community as a whole, to lead in putting an end to fossil fuel development and to manage the decline of existing production; and Whereas, the Paris Climate Agreement is silent on coal, oil, and gas, an omission with respect to the supply and production of fossil fuels (the largest source of GHGs) that needs to be collectively addressed by other means; and DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES Whereas, global governments and the fossil fuel industry are currently planning to cumulatively produce about 120% more …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Seconded By: Date: May 24, 2023 Subject: Cooperation between the Airport Advisory Commission and Environmental Commission Motioned By: Richard Brimer WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee recognizes the City of Austin requires a First Class International Airport to serve its Residents and travelers to and through the City of Austin to support a vibrant economy; and the long-term viability of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport requires strong management, long-term planning and close cooperation with vendors, contractors, airlines, and the City; and the Environment surrounding ABIA needs to be protected for the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for the Residents of Austin and airport users. WHEREAS, the City of Austin Department of Aviation is responsible for oversight of Austin-Bergstrom Internation Airport; its operation, projects, capital improvement programs, aviation contracts, annual operating budget, long term planning, and quality of service to for the Customers of ABIA and the Residents of Austin. WHEREAS, the Airport Advisory Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Council on aviation projects that the Department of Aviation proposes for the capital improvements program; and review and make recommendations to the council on aviation contracts that are presented by the Department of Aviation for council for action; and review and make policy recommendations to the council on quality of services at Austin-Bergstrom Internation Airport to Residents of Austin and customers of the airport and long term planning of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; in addition to other responsibilities. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission shall assist the city council, the city manager, and the Watershed Protection Department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all residents within the City’s incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and advise the city council, city manager and Watershed Protection Department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment as specified in Austin, Texas Code 2-1-144 Sections H-L. WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee shall promote close cooperation between the Council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and agencies concerned with procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and Austin Climate Equity Plan in order to secure the greatest public benefit; the joint committee may advise City boards, commission, and committees on policy matters that impact the health, safety, welfare, and quality …
