Investing in Local Climate Change Mitigation Best Use of $50 Million Surplus From CPS Energy
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio City Council will decide within the next few weeks what to do with $50 million of a $75 million windfall the city received from its electric utility, CPS Energy. The extra funds were collected during this brutal summer of climate-fueled high temperatures that saw Texans use record amounts of electricity to keep cool. DeeDee Belmares, climate justice organizer for Public Citizen, issued the following statement:
“This surplus happened thanks to the climate crisis. It makes sense that the council would use the $50 million to take action against the problem that got us here. Addressing the climate crisis is a marathon that requires wise long-term solutions. The city should take this extra cash and invest it in preparing San Antonians for future summers that could be just as hot or worse.
“The council should vote to approve a plan like the one suggested by District 1 Council Member Mario Bravo, who proposed the funds be used for climate change mitigation efforts like weatherization and energy efficiency, converting city buildings into community resilience centers, and fighting the heat island effect. These local measures will save energy, lower our bills, and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels.”