Climate Bond Will Help Austin Meet Its Climate Goals
AUSTIN, Texas – Austin City Council Members Ryan Alter, Vanessa Fuentes, José Velásquez, and Paige Ellis today filed a resolution directing the city manager to identify additional funding for climate change mitigation and resilience projects, including a possible bond that could be put to voters in November’s general election.
Kaiba White, Public Citizen climate policy and outreach specialist, issued the following statement:
“This proposal for new funding is essential for meeting Austin’s climate goals. The climate crisis is here, and its dangers are obvious. Austin has been hit by a deadly winter storm and dangerous summer heat waves in the past few years. Austin needs more investments in strategies that will significantly reduce emissions and improve community resilience. Without adequate funding to implement the necessary changes, Austin’s climate goals aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on.
“Surveys and polls have shown that the public is concerned about climate change and is willing to pay for solutions. In most cases, paying for the solutions will reduce overall costs. It’s smarter to pay for prevention than constantly pay for recovery. The city council should approve this resolution without delay. ”