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 …
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, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Anna Scott Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Shelby Orme, Chris Crookham, Chris Campbell, Varun Prasad, Diana Wheeler, Rodrigo Leal, Andy Smith, Jon Salinas Board Members Absent: Aaron Gonzales, Josh Hiller City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Phillip Duran CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:07 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Scott Johnson – spoke in favor of electric landscape equipment and additional staff for Austin Climate Action and Resilience APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on October 22, 2025. a. Davis motion, Scott second, passes on a 12-0 vote with Crookham off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Solar on City Facilities. Presentation by Rohan Lilauwala, Climate Project Manager, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation regarding Austin Resource Recovery Fleet Electrification. Presentation by Nia Nickens, Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellow. a. Scott: questions around equity, how to measure benefits. Potential for further study. b. Crookham: could they be used as backup power? Nickens: potentially, done in other places. c. Campbell: is future energy mix factored into GHG calculations? Nickens: current makeup, future greening would improve GHG reductions. d. Campbell: was cost of charging at different times considered? Nickens: no, potential future analysis. e. Salinas: how long were vehicles replaced in 2026 in operation for? What is life cycle? Nickens: unknown, will follow back up. f. Salinas: is anyone else doing this? Nickens: a couple of trucks, not large scale g. White: how many vehicles can a daisy chain charge? Nickens: unknown, new proprietary technology h. Scott: what’s the scale of program to be cost saving? Nickens: in current scenario, by 2032, break even, future savings after. i. Campbell: what’s the biggest barrier? Nickens: cost. 4. 5. Presentation regarding Commercial Landscape Survey. Presentation by Jen Cregar, Terra Lumina Consulting. a. Smith: affirms phased rollout, Presentation regarding Farmland Acquisition and Preservation. Presentation by Andy Smith, Marissa Bell, and Matt Simon, Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the creation of working groups for FY27 City of Austin Budget, funding, and priority policy recommendations. a. White motion, Davis …
Carbon Offsets at the City of Austin Joint Sustainability Committee • January 28, 2026 Phillip Duran Agenda 01 What are carbon offsets? 02 Carbon offsets at the City of Austin 03 How and why we use them 04 Next steps and opportunities 2 A refresher - What are carbon offsets? • Voluntary carbon market • One carbon offset → one tonne of carbon avoided or captured elsewhere • If done correctly, supports good projects that might not otherwise happen • Registries and standards verify when it’s “done correctly” E.g. Green-E, American Carbon Registry, Verra, Gold Standard, Intergrity Council of the Voluntary Carbon Market, more 3 Types of Carbon Offsets Technology based solutions Renewables, energy efficiency, methane or even direct air carbon capture Nature based solutions Tree planting, land management and improvement, sustainable agriculture and soil carbon 4 Types of Carbon Offsets Old or low quality ~$1 per tonne Old offsets, before standards and verification Quality and value $15-$30, up to $100 per tonne Established tech or nature solutions - Austin participates here Emerging technology $1,000 per tonne Direct air capture. Might make sense for high profile buyers 5 Carbon Offsets at the City of Austin History and our approach 6 What’s in the Climate Equity Plan Reduce carbon emissions FIRST For emissions that are difficult to reduce, prioritize offsets that are: 1. From projects as close to the Austin area as possible. 2. From projects that create additional environmental and equity benefits. 3. Carbon offsets from negative emissions should be prioritized over avoided emissions. 7 Our Motivation Net-zero by 2040 – Climate Equity Plan 2007 Resolution to make City operations carbon neutral by 2020 In pursuit of both goals, we urge all City projects to attain high levels of sustainability certification (LEED, AEGB, SITES, Envision, etc) • Better projects • Higher engagement in climate and resilience efforts • Means we’re integrating and operationalizing sustainability as much as possible Sometimes carbon offsets are part of the certification and accreditation process. 8 Examples of Carbon Offset Purchases Austin Energy HQ LEED Platinum Facility Green-E Certified offsets for 5 years of operations Austin Airport (AUS) Airport Carbon Accreditation Green-E Certified offsets or better Austin Convention Center LEED Facilities Participates with other buyers to maximize purchasing power Climate Action & Resilience Support parterns in pursuit of climate goals City Forrest Credits in collaboration with TreeFolks 9 Opportunities and Next Steps 1 0 Promote sustainable …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20251119-007 Date: November 19, 2025 Subject: Staff for Climate Action and Resilience office in FY 2026 City of Austin Budget Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council retain the Energy Program Manager and the Sustainability Program Manager positions for the Climate Action and Resilience office in the FY 2026 budget. Description of Recommendation to Council The Energy Program Manager and the Sustainability Program Manager positions for the Climate Action and Resilience office were included in FY 2026 budget adopted by Council in August. The Joint Sustainability Committee believes it is important to preserve these positions in the new FY 2026 budget that Council will soon adopt. Rationale: The Energy Program Manager and the Sustainability Program Manager are vital to make progress on the city’s climate goals and will ultimately save the city money. The impact of these two positions on the budget is minimal, amounting to $124,276 from the General Fund and $104,274 from other sources. Given that these positions will help the City save money and utilize its resources more strategically, it would be more prudent to allocate space in the budget for this minor expense than to cut the positions. The Climate Action and Resilience office hasn't received new staff positions in years, despite the scope and responsibilities of the office expanding. Even with these two new positions, the office will still have unmet staffing needs; however, these two will help fill the most urgent gaps. The Energy Program Manager is needed to lead the effort to install solar energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements at City facilities. These upgrades will reduce energy consumption, thereby saving the City money and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Capturing the financial savings in a revolving fund will enable the City to continually make informed investments that reduce energy use and emissions at its facilities. It will address a long-standing problem of deferring needed maintenance at City facilities. This position will allow the City to align its practices with the adopted goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan, both of which identify local solar and energy efficiency as key strategies to reduce emissions and affordably meet local energy needs. This work is extremely time-sensitive because of the expiring federal solar energy tax credits. 1 of 2 The Sustainable Program Manager …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number: (20240430-002): Environmental Investment Plan Funding Needs List of Funding Needs Cross-Sector Funding Needs ......................................................................................................................... 2 1. 2. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives ............................................................ 2 Austin Civilian Conservation Corps .............................................................................................. 3 Energy and Water Conservation Funding Needs .......................................................................................... 4 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Expand Austin Energy’s energy efficiency programs ................................................................... 4 Expand Austin Energy’s demand response programs ................................................................. 4 Invest in battery energy storage.................................................................................................. 5 Utility-owned or contracted rooftop solar .................................................................................. 6 Shut down/retire AE’s portion of Fayette coal plant .................................................................. 6 Air sealing task force and training program ................................................................................ 7 Passive House incentive program ................................................................................................ 7 10. Decarbonizing municipal buildings .............................................................................................. 8 11. Water leak detection programs ................................................................................................... 8 12. Improve rebates for residential and commercial landscape conversions ................................... 9 Consumption & Waste Reduction Funding Needs........................................................................................ 9 13. Circular economy & waste reduction programs .......................................................................... 9 14. Low-carbon concrete fund ........................................................................................................ 10 15. Pro-climate, pro-health foods ................................................................................................... 11 16. Sustainable purchasing and carbon accounting ........................................................................ 11 17. City-owned composting facility ................................................................................................. 11 Natural Systems Funding Needs ................................................................................................................. 12 1 18. Preservation of existing agricultural land .................................................................................. 12 19. Revolving loan fund for Working Farms Fund pilot ................................................................... 12 20. Energy and water dashboard for city facilities .......................................................................... 13 21. Comprehensive public tree inventory for the city of Austin ..................................................... 13 Transportation and Land Use Funding Needs ............................................................................................. 14 22. Austin Resource Recovery Fleet Electrification ......................................................................... 14 23. Austin Resource Recovery Transfer Station .............................................................................. 14 24. Expand All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Network, Urban Trails, Sidewalks, and Shared Mobility 14 25. Extend Pickup Service Zones ..................................................................................................... 16 26. Downtown High-Frequency Circulator ...................................................................................... 17 27. Neighborhood E-Circulators ...................................................................................................... 18 28. Heat Resilience Infrastructure ................................................................................................... 19 29. CityLeap ATX Plan: convert travel lanes on arterial roads to protected bike or bus lanes ....... 21 30. Establish a city-owned all-electric carshare service .................................................................. 21 31. Low-cost, accessible charging stations at City of Austin owned facilities ................................. 22 32. Install charging stations at multi-family homes with priority in low and moderate income communities ....................................................................................................................................... 23 33. E-mobility solutions pilot program ............................................................................................ 24 Cross-Sector Funding Needs 1. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives Details: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. A part of the challenge is awareness. The city should host a …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20260128-XX Recommendation on Leak Detection and Repair 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, 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 City, 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 City. 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 gas emergencies ○ Average repair time
