Screen Reader Mode Icon
Are you aware there is an election on May 6th?  Are you familiar with what will be on ballot and what you be voting for? Are you aware there are there are 10 Propositions that will need your vote against or for?
 
One of those propositions on the ballot Prop K. the Climate Charter Amendant (Prop K.) which we would like your insight on.
 
While it is a short read, it has many demands and timelines that have many people concerned about the local economy.  Here are few of the key aspects in the charter:
 
Proposition K—Climate Charter REQUIRES CITY TO: if approved by the voters
 
·       Employ a Climate Director—hired by Council, not City Manager
·       Create a 9-member Climate Commission
·       Create an Annual Goal for Climate Jobs
·       Transfer current City Employees to Climate work
·       Create an Annual Solar Power Generation Plan for City
·       Develop rooftop Solar Power Generation within City
·       Place Solar Power Generation on new and retrofitted buildings
·       Use Clean Renewable Energy for ALL energy generated in City: (1) 80% Clean Renewable Energy by 2030 (2) 100% Clean Renewable Energy by 2045 Convert El Paso Electric to City Ownership
·       Ban the use of City water for the fossil fuel industry activities Including El Paso Electric
·       Prohibit selling or transferring any water for purposes of fossil fuel industry activities outside City limits
·       Local businesses that would like to obtain a contact with the City this charter would demand that you meet this standards, with “a preference for contractors who are able to advance” the goals set forth in the charter.
 
With no plan to fund this initiative, how do you feel about the Climate Charter? Do you feel that at this time you are prepared to convert your business to meet these guidelines?  

Question Title

* 1. We all agree climate change is occurring -and steps are already taking place to address this issue in our community.

But under this charter businesses and homes would be expected to become 80% “green friendly.”

Currently there is no cost estimate to make homes “green friendly." With the economy where it is do you feel that you would be able to meet this requirement by 2030?

Question Title

* 2. Many industries, including the restaurant businesses and the general public, prefer the use of gas stoves. Most homes also use gas water heaters and furnaces to heat their homes.

But under the proposed Climate Charter by 2030 you would not be able to use gas, you would need to switch to electric.

Do you feel that the City should be able to possibly cite and fine you for the home appliances you choose to use?

Question Title

* 3. As of right now the proposed Climate Charter is unfunded -potentially making El Paso businesses pay for the majority of the cost.

This means small businesses, like you, would be expected to fund these changes mentioned in the Climate Charter.

Can you afford to make these changes right now?

Question Title

* 4. The proposed Climate Charter would ban the sale of water to any fossil fuel energy company outside of city limits.

El Paso Electric has one of their largest plants outside of the City limits, meaning that they would need to obtain water from other sources or close the plant down, potentially increasing the cost of electricity and making service less reliable.

Do you think that this is in the best interest of El Paso community?

Question Title

* 5. El Paso Electric is not for sale but in the Climate Charter it states that the City would aggressively attempt to buy it.

If El Paso Electric is bought, with the estimated price tag of $9 billion, it would mean a tax increase on all El Paso residents. Most importantly lower and fixed income families, who struggle already to pay their bills.

Would a tax increase affect your ability to meet your monthly bills?

Question Title

* 6. The Climate Charter clearly states that when ANY funding comes into El Paso that they will first be used to create climate jobs before that money can be routed to El Pasoan’s immediate needs.

Do you feel that the City of El Paso should first, before anything else, put all funds towards meeting the goals within this proposed Climate Charter?

Question Title

* 7. These changes would not have any effect on businesses or activities in Ciudad Juarez.

Do you believe, in light of that, that these changes would have any significant impact on the environment in our region?

Question Title

* 8. Please let us know any additional comments or concerns you may have- we want to be the best advocates for you and your business!

0 of 8 answered
 

T