JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT December 13th, 2023 at 6pm Room 1401, Permitting and Development Center 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 Rohan Lilauwala at (rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Electric Utility Commission) Diana Wheeler, Vice Chair (Urban Transportation Commission) Charlotte Davis (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Haris Qureshi (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Bertha Delgado (Community Development Commission) Larry Franklin (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Chris Maxwell-Gaines (Water & Wastewater Commission) Amy Noel (Economic Prosperity Commission) Stephanie Bazan (Parks & Recreation Board) Jon Salinas (Design Commission) Vacant (City Council) 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 1. Sustainable Procurement Update – Amanda Mortl (Office of Sustainability) 2. Regional Air Quality – Anton Cox (Capital Area Council of Governments) 3. Air Quality in Austin – Scott Johnson 4. Updates from the Electric Utility Commission on Austin Energy Generation Plan Updates – Kaiba White, Electric Utility Commission. 5. Discussion of amendments to the Austin Climate Equity Plan spurred by council action. 6. Approval of minutes from the October 25th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Resolution on Austin Energy Resource Planning. 8. 2024 JSC Meeting Schedule. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Rohan Lilauwala at rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394 for additional …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20231213-007 Date: December 13, 2023 Subject: Austin Energy Resource Planning Motioned By: Haris Qureshi Seconded By: Anna Scott 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, if the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan emissions reductions are only or primarily focused on 2035, Austin will not meet the established greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal; and WHEREAS, any near or medium-term 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, water conservation and reducing water use are goals established by the Austin City Council; 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, green hydrogen currently only accounts for 0.2 percent of all hydrogen production and no hydrogen pipeline or other distribution infrastructure currently serves central Texas and no green hydrogen production exists in Texas; and WHEREAS, strict standards on the production of green hydrogen are necessary to ensure that it reduces, instead of increases, greenhouse gas emissions and those standards are not yet in place; and WHEREAS, hydrogen has 37 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide and leakage rates from hydrogen infrastructure vary widely, making any climate benefit from using …
December JSC Sustainable Procurement Program and Procurement Emissions Inventory update December 13, 2023 Sustainable Procurement Program ○ Past- Timeline ○ Present- Program development supported by SPLC ○ Future- Next Steps Sustainable Procurement Initiatives 2004 Air Quality Improvement Through contracting preference 2005 United Nations Urban Environmental Accords Zero Waste by 2040 2007 Carbon Neutrality Plan, Sustainability Standards in Municipal Projects 2008 Responsible (Green) Purchasing Program initiated ; Resolution to Eliminate Purchasing of Plastic Bottles 2014-2017 Internal training materials developed 2018 Sustainable Procurement Program policy vision text developed 2020 Climate Equity Plan goals adopted 2022 Baseline Procurement Emission Inventory Year w/ Parametrix 2023 SPLC Sustainable Procurement Program support Sustainable Procurement Leadership Council Coaching SP Program Components 🗸 - Vision 𐄂 - Program Charter 𐄂 - Establishing Goals and Metrics 𐄂 - Strategy Development 𐄂 - Staff Engagement and Accountability Vision We envision a future where every purchase we make is a statement of our commitment to sustainability, fostering a balance between people, planet, and prosperity. By choosing climate-friendly, environmentally preferred and ethically-sourced products, and investing in small businesses, we strive to create a positive impact on the environment, communities, and future generations. Strengthening the City’s sustainable procurement program A program charter defines the ways in which our program will work toward the vision and includes: 𐄂 Program objectives 𐄂 Program and Resource Commitments 𐄂 Program Structure 𐄂 Prioritization 𐄂 Focus Areas 𐄂 Metrics for Success 𐄂 Continuous Improvements Next Steps: Continue sustainable procurement program coaching with SPLC Plan to spend 2023-2024 budgeted $100K on sustainable procurement program development and climate plan implementation Goal 2 Strategies #1-2 Sustainable Procurement Program Focus Area Update: Procurement Emissions and Impacts ○ Procurement Inventory Intro ○ Preliminary Results ○ Next Steps Climate plan and Procurement Food and Product Consumption Goals Goal 2: By 2030, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from institutional, commercial, and government purchasing by at least 50%. 1. Measure institutional lifecycle emissions • Develop a methodology to measure lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental and social impacts from non-residential purchasing and identify a baseline for progress 2. Strengthen the City’s sustainable purchasing program programs 3. Strengthen non-City institutional purchasing 4. Expand the City’s Circular Economy Program Climate plan and Procurement Food and Product Consumption Goals Goal 2: By 2030, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from institutional, commercial, and government purchasing by at least 50%. 1. Measure institutional lifecycle emissions • Develop a methodology to measure lifecycle …
Overview of Regional Air Quality Planning Efforts in the Austin MSA Clean Air Coalition Meeting December 13, 2023 CAPCOG – Regional Planning Commission in Statute; more often called a COG. • Emergency Communications 9-1-1 • Area Agency on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Center • Homeland Security Planning & Training • Regional Law Enforcement Academy • Air Quality Planning • Solid Waste Planning • Economic Development Analysis & Technical Assistance • Transportation Planning 12/13/2023 Capital Area Council of Governments 2 Ten – county service area; State of Texas planning region 12 12/13/2023 Capital Area Council of Governments 3 CAPCOG’S AIR QUALITY PROGRAM 12/13/2023 Capital Area Council of Governments 4 Local Government Voluntary Action Central Texas Clean Air Coalition (CAC) is a national leader in pro-active, voluntary efforts to improve air quality and stay in attainment of the standards Goal: Maintaining compliance with the NAAQS, improve air quality, provide guidance • Inspection and maintenance program, vehicle replacement programs, point source controls • CAPCOG’s air quality program conducts air quality monitoring, technical work, planning, and outreach Pollutants of Concerns are Ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) 12/13/2023 Capital Area Council of Governments 5 Supporting Members • Austin White Lime • Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization • Capital Metro • City of Lago Vista • City of Sunset Valley • City of Taylor • Clean Air Force of Central Texas • Huston-Tillotson University • Lower Colorado River Authority • Lonestar Clean Fuels Alliance • Public Citizen • Sierra Club – Lonestar Chapter • South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource • St. Edward's University • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality • Texas Department of Transportation • Texas Lehigh Cement Company • Texas Parks & Wildlife Department • US Environmental Protection Agency 12/13/2023 Capital Area Council of Governments 6 CAPCOG’s AQ program • Provide technical assistance to CAC members – Monitor Pollution levels in the region – Technical reports (Annual Report, Annual Data • Preform Studies and Planning Activities – Emissions and Control Strategies (In partnership with Analysis) EPA and TCEQ) – Modeling Analysis (2015-2020 Ozone conceptual Moder, PM 2.5 Conceptual Model, Cost of Non- Attainment) 12/13/2023 Capital Area Council of Governments 7 Outreach and Education The CAC wants to educate everyone on the dangers of air pollution! Air Central Texas (ACT) is an initiative to reduce exposure to air pollution in Central Texas through voluntary actions. Our partners include local governments, regional …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES Oct 25, 2023 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy HQ. Acting Chair Diana Wheeler called the Board Meeting to order at 6:07 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Diana Wheeler, Charlotte Davis, Chris Maxwell- Gaines, Jon Salinas, Rodrigo Leal, Haris Qureshi Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Heather Houser, Melissa Rothrock, Kaiba White, Stephanie Bazan, Yure Suarez, Chris Campbell, Alice Woods Board Members Absent: Haris Qureshi, Larry Franklin, Bertha Delgado City Staff in Attendance: Angela Baucom, Rohan Lilauwala, Jason McCombs, Richard McHale CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Diana Prechter encouraged JSC to recommend closure of Zilker Park Polo Field to parking. off Dais) Chris Flores encouraged JSC to support audit of the use of fertilizer on Zilker Great Lawn because of its effects on water quality in Barton Creek. 9. Approval of minutes from the September 27th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Motion to approve by Qureshi, seconded by Davis. Approved unanimously (12-0, Woods 2. Austin Resource Recovery Zero Waste Comprehensive Plan Update. – Jason McCombs, Austin Resource Recovery, Scott Pasternak, Burns & McDonnell. Qureshi asks about multifamily composting. McCombs – thinking about this for a while, coming in Oct 2024. White has several questions around goals, timelines, rollout plans. Discussions at length around workforce development, community engagement, litter control, textile recycling, fees for diversion, etc. 1. Sustainable Purchasing Best Practices – Johanna Anderson, Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council. Discussions around potential staffing needs, resources available, engagement with institutions and businesses 3. Updates from the Planning Commission – Alice Woods PC submitted recommendations in support of changes to city telework policy Joint meeting with council on 10/26 in favor of homes initiative. 4. Updates from Urban Transportation Commission – Diana Wheeler Recent topics discussed safe routes to schools, ETOD program, parking requirements 5. Updates from Zero Waste Advisory Commission – Melissa Rothrock ZWAC made recommendation of support of ARR zero waste plan Working on multifamily composting initiative 6. Updates from Design Commission – Jon Salinas Looking at building/site design guidelines 7. Updates from Electric Utility Commission – Kaiba White AE to present on modeling at Nov meeting. Resource planning WG continued meeting AE part of EPA Solar for All grant application 10. Resolution in support of proposed Land Development …
Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution on Austin Energy Resource Planning December 13, 2023 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, if the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan emissions reductions are only or primarily focused on 2035, Austin will not meet the established greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal; and WHEREAS, any near or medium-term 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, water conservation and reducing water use are goals established by the Austin City Council; 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, green hydrogen currently only accounts for 0.2 percent of all hydrogen production and no hydrogen pipeline or other distribution infrastructure currently serves central Texas and no green hydrogen production exists in Texas; and WHEREAS, strict standards on the production of green hydrogen are necessary to ensure that it reduces, instead of increases, greenhouse gas emissions and those standards are not yet in place; and WHEREAS, hydrogen has 37 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide and leakage rates from hydrogen infrastructure vary widely, making any climate benefit from using hydrogen uncertain and worsening climate change a possibility; NOW THEREFORE, …
2024 JSC Meeting Schedule – Proposed 1. January 24, 2024 2. February 28, 2024 3. March 27, 2024 4. April 24, 2024 5. May 22, 2024 6. June 26, 2024 7. July 24, 2024 8. August 28, 2024 9. September 25, 2024 10. October 23, 2024 11. November 20, 2024 12. December 18, 2024
