Category: CCLATX

LTE Under Consideration: Austin’s Ozone Action Days

On By CCLATXIn CCLATX, HealthLeave a comment

Re: October 15, 22 Article, “City sees record 25 Ozone Action Days”

People suffering from pollen allergies as I do, have an instant physiological effect when ground level ozone increases along with pollens from ragweed, grass, mold, trees and other pollutants. Sneezing, headaches, post nasal drainage and general sense of tiredness are the symptoms that I suffer from even after staying indoors.

It is alarming to have 25 “Ozone Action Days” in just 2022 which tops the combined total for past 8 years. Clearly, Austinites have to pay attention to the Ozone Action Days by taking measures like reduction in use of gasoline powered vehicles, equipment and manufacturing for the short term.

For the long term, we need to transition away from fossil fuels and polluting emissions and invest in clean energy sources. There are incentives in bills passed this year including the Inflation Reduction, Infrastructure and the CHIPs Acts. Continuing on the path will improve our health and quality of life.

Kalpana Sutaria

Project Manager, City of Austin and Member, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Austin Chapter

Submitted to the Austin American-Statesman

December 2022

A milestone on the road to replace all U.S. fossil fuel power generation

On By CCLATXIn CCLATX, Clean EnergyLeave a comment

Re: May 3 article, “Texas renewables generate record power in early 2022.”

Renewables generated more power so far this year in Texas than gas-powered turbines, or any other power source? What excellent news! It comes along about the same time it was reported that on May 4 for a short duration starting at 2:50 p.m., 99.87% of California’s entire power load was provided by renewables. 

We still have a very long journey to replacing all U.S. fossil fuel power generation with renewables, but we have certainly put to rest the notion that we can’t achieve this goal quickly, which is essential if we are to halt earth’s warming. Just imagine what we can achieve once we actually make an effort – like, for example, by instituting a carbon fee and dividend policy. Carbon fee and dividend not only will accelerate the conversion to renewables, but will result in a net return of money to a significant majority of U.S. households.  

Mark Warren, Austin

Austin American-Statesman

May 14, 2022

Remarks exemplify why we’re not able to address the climate crisis

On By CCLATXIn CCLATX, Texas Railroad CommissionLeave a comment

Re: Feb. 12 letter to the editor, ‘Liberals’ goal of implementing deal would drive up energy costs’

The chairman of the Railroad Commission exemplifies why we are not able to address the climate crisis. He needs to listen to what Texans want:

  • Climate change is not a liberal or conservative issue; it is a major crisis for humanity.
  • Republicans and Democrats who look at scientific facts without a bias realize that harmful emissions from coal, oil and gas are warming the planet.
  • A majority of Texans want sustainable energy path that would not harm our state or the U.S. and that would reduce intensity of extreme weather events.
  • Texas has shown leadership in renewable energy production and can continue to maintain that without sacrificing health and well-being of people if investments in clean energy were accelerated
  • We need to stabilize the climate, which is not possible with current policies.

Kalpana Sutaria

Austin American-Statesman

February 16, 2022

Bill puts price on polluting and returns the revenue

On By CCLATXIn CCLATX, Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend ActLeave a comment

One of our six local members of the U.S. Congress, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, deserves a huge thank you for agreeing to co-sponsor House Bill 2307, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act in the U.S. Congress.

This bill would put a price on polluting and return the revenue to American households, accomplishing two good things at once: curbing carbon emissions and putting more money in our wallets.

Thank you, Rep. Doggett! I hope we will now see one of the other five join in as well. What do you say, Reps. McCaul, Williams, Roy, Carter and Sessions?

Anna Graybeal

Austin American-Statesman

July 6, 2021

LTE Under Consideration: H.C.R. No. 22

On By CCLATXIn CCLATX, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Climate Change, HCR 22, Texas Environmental and Economic Stewardship Resolution, Texas LegislatureLeave a comment

The 87th Legislature of the State of Texas has a great opportunity to sponsor the proposed H.C.R. No. 22 – the Texas Environmental and Economic Stewardship Resolution. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while diversifying the economy supported by technological innovation and bipartisan collaboration.

It is not unknown to the Legislature that climate is changing and is having adverse impacts on the health and wellbeing of Texans. But we can’t rely on oil and gas as energy sources alone especially when it is contributing negatively to the health of Texans. Texas leads the nation in wind energy but we need more zero emissions sources like solar, geothermal, and nuclear.

The State of Texas has innovators, scientists, engineers and environmentalists who can provide expertise on energy sources and its impact on the changing climate. Texas House has already formed a Caucus on Climate and Environment and the Energy Industry, a perfect place to start thoughtful discussions on energy sources and transition opportunities to the 21st century low-carbon economy. The Legislature has a choice to grab this opportunity for the people they serve.

Richard “Larry” Howe

February 13, 2021