Tag: Human Health

Breathe Clean Air

Clean Air is a Priority

On By Kalpana SutariaIn Clean AirLeave a comment

Re: Sept. 27 commentary, “Bad news for Texas: Republicans are now anti-growth”

Responsible growth for health and well-being of Texans is what we want. Texas’ grid is strong. It produces more energy than the demand due to renewables like solar, wind and battery storage.

This energy is the most affordable, God-given gift. It cuts down the use of fuels like coal, oil and gas that spew polluting emissions affecting respiratory health of thousands of Texans. Curtailing air pollution would save lives and improve productivity.

Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian doesn’t support new transmission lines that could transmit energy from production sites to needed locations without wasting solar, wind or other energy. It is a commonsense approach to improve transmission lines to make energy more affordable to Texans.

Projects to sequester carbon dioxide, which has accumulated over years by burning of fossil fuels, would help clean the air we breathe.

Let us elect lawmakers who would enact energy policies for clean air and responsible growth.

Kalpana Sutaria, Austin Chapter, Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Published in the Austin American-Statesman

October 6, 2026

Wind Energy

We Need Wind Energy

On By Kalpana SutariaIn Wind EnergyLeave a comment

Re: Dec. 23 article, “Administration suspends 5 wind projects off the East Coast over security concerns”

It is mind boggling that large offshore wind energy projects that are under construction were paused by the Trump administration in the name of national security. These projects were awarded permits following review by state and federal agencies. The Department of Defense was consulted at every stage of the permitting process. Based on my professional experience, design and construction of large projects go through an arduous permitting process to ensure safety and security.

Clean energy reduces dependence on polluting fossil fuels, improving people’s health. That is why most Americans want to transition to clean power. This administration has routinely thrown roadblocks to this transition, showing a lack of concern for the welfare of its own people.

New data centers are moving forward in the U.S. They are energy guzzlers, raising overall electricity prices for all customers. To ensure access to affordable energy, the pause must be lifted so these wind energy projects can finish.

Kalpana Sutaria, Media Team Leader for the Austin, Texas Chapter, Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Published in the Austin American-Statesman, January 4, 2026

Clean Energy

Support Bills that Boost Clean Energy and Texans’ Health

On By Kalpana SutariaIn CCLATX, Clean Energy, Texas LegislatureLeave a comment

Generation of clean energy is a no-brainer for anyone who is worried about the warming world, extended summer seasons, rising electric bills for cooling and harmful pollution from burning fossil fuels. It allows many countries to reach clean energy goals, including the United Kingdom, which recently announced a policy for all new homes to be fitted with solar panels.

About 2.3 million Texans live within half a mile of active oil and gas operations and are directly affected by the toxic emissions, which can bring a higher risk of cancer, respiratory diseases and other health problems.

We urge lawmakers to approve bills this session to strengthen grid reliability and energy efficiency; improve solar panel review and installation; and expand energy resources and local energy independence. Those bills include House Bill 3069, SB 1915, HB 4374, HB 3826, SB 1202/HB 2304 and HB 3346.

Kalpana Sutaria, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Austin Chapter and

Project Manager, Public Works, City of Austin

Published on May 11, 2025

Austin American-Statesman