HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-22-2020 Public Comment - K. Hiestand - Comments on Draft Climate PlanFrom:kathryn and neal
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Comments on Draft Climate Plan
Date:Thursday, October 22, 2020 8:12:31 AM
Greetings from a long time Bozeman Resident,
I am writing to comment on the City's Draft Climate Plan. The City has great climate
goals, but can the climate plan meet those goals? That is a hard question to answer,
but I feel that improvements in the plan will be necessary. I urge that the
Commissioners not pass a plan until the actions taken--can you say solar?--can reach
the city's climate goals.
For starters, the city cannot rely on Northwestern Energy for power. Northwestern
still plans to use Colstrip to generate power. As long as that is happening, then
carbon emissions are being spewed into the air.
To truly reach the strong goals set by the city, then solar MUST be used and buildings
need to use electricity for power (I am reminded of the commercials on TV from when
I was a kid--"the all electric gold medallion home".)
We need to pass laws that allow for community solar projects--lobby the legislature--
as well as continuing strong net metering laws for individual homes. The city can
offer low interest loans to incentivize energy efficiency upgrades to homes andbusinesses.
Individuals can do a lot with rooftop solar arrays, but really strong pressure must be
put on Northwestern to make changes to their basic energy program.
I urge the city Commissioners to pressure Northwestern to bail on the idea of building
power plants that will use gas from the fracking process. That is so old school!
Northwestern does not have a commitment to decreasing emissions.
The city needs to forget about Northwestern Energy and boldly forge ahead toacquire clean energy on its own. If not now, when?
Costly? Initially this would cost to change systems from gas to electricity, but if using
solar that change will pay for itself time and again. And how can the city pay for this?
However it is paid for, we must find a way to pay. With Bozeman growing and moreemissions on their way, the city has to take a strong stance to make changes NOW.
Good luck!
Urgently and sincerely,Kathryn Hiestand