10.
City Council Special Meeting - AMENDED
- Meeting Date:
- 06/23/2020
- From:
- Nicole Antonopoulos, Sustainability Manager
TITLE:
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2020-41: A resolution urging the Arizona Corporation Commission to adopt a statewide clean energy standard.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read Resolution No. 2020-41 by title only
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2020-41 by title only (if approved above)
3) Adopt Resolution No.2020-41
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2020-41 by title only (if approved above)
3) Adopt Resolution No.2020-41
Executive Summary:
A transition from conventional fossil fueled electricity generation to clean energy offers several benefits—particularly the growth of new clean energy industries and associated jobs, diversification of energy supply, and reductions in the public health and environmental damages (especially from air pollution) associated with conventional electricity generation. Given the benefits of clean energy and the dependence of substantial growth in clean energy generation on new policies, Arizona policymakers have returned their attention to clean energy standards (CES). A CES is a type of electricity portfolio standard for electric utilities. The CES currently being considered would set aggregate targets for the level of clean energy that electric utilities would need to sell while giving electric utilities flexibility by: (1) defining clean energy more broadly than just renewables, and (2) allowing for market-based credit trading to facilitate lower-cost compliance.
Arizona's current renewable energy standard, completed more than 10 years ago, is 15% by 2025, which is lower than the goals of several neighboring states. The Arizona Corporation Commission's mission is to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable utility services. In furtherance of that mission, the Commission directed their staff on March 25, 2020 to develop a set of rules to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. If the Commission approves a new CES it could join 16 other states and territories that have targets of 100% clean or renewable electricity by 2050 or sooner.
If approved, the resolution would urge the Arizona Corporation Commission to adopt a statewide clean energy standard.
Arizona's current renewable energy standard, completed more than 10 years ago, is 15% by 2025, which is lower than the goals of several neighboring states. The Arizona Corporation Commission's mission is to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable utility services. In furtherance of that mission, the Commission directed their staff on March 25, 2020 to develop a set of rules to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. If the Commission approves a new CES it could join 16 other states and territories that have targets of 100% clean or renewable electricity by 2050 or sooner.
If approved, the resolution would urge the Arizona Corporation Commission to adopt a statewide clean energy standard.
Financial Impact:
Financial impacts of this resolution will result in renegotiating the contract with the City's State Lobbyist to expand the scope of work to include the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Policy Impact:
Urging the Arizona Corporation Commission to adopt a statewide clean energy standard will accelerate climate action in Arizona and support Flagstaff's climate action goals.
Connection to Council Goal, Regional Plan, CAAP, and/or Strategic Plan:
Council Goals:
Take meaningful climate change action.
Strategic Priorities:
High performing governance
Safe and healthy community
Inclusive and engaged community
Sustainable, innovative infrastructure
Robust resilient economy
Livable community
Regional Plan:
Goal E.1. Increase energy efficiency.
Goal E.2. Expand production and use of renewable energy.
Goal E&C.1. Proactively improve and maintain the region’s air quality.
Goal E&C.2 Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.
Goal E&C.3 Strengthen community and natural environment resiliency through climate adaptation efforts.
Goal E&C.4. Integrate the best available science into all policies governing the use and conservation of Flagstaff’s natural resources.
Take meaningful climate change action.
Strategic Priorities:
High performing governance
Safe and healthy community
Inclusive and engaged community
Sustainable, innovative infrastructure
Robust resilient economy
Livable community
Regional Plan:
Goal E.1. Increase energy efficiency.
Goal E.2. Expand production and use of renewable energy.
Goal E&C.1. Proactively improve and maintain the region’s air quality.
Goal E&C.2 Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.
Goal E&C.3 Strengthen community and natural environment resiliency through climate adaptation efforts.
Goal E&C.4. Integrate the best available science into all policies governing the use and conservation of Flagstaff’s natural resources.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
On June 2, 2020 City Council approved bringing forward the resolution for consideration. On May 19, 2020 City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with APS to develop a Clean Energy Arizona Partnership, which supports APS' goals of transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2050.
Options and Alternatives:
Resolution 2020-41 has the option to urge a clean energy standard by 2050 or 2030. The 2030 target date is linked to the goals of the Climate Emergency Declaration resolution which will be heard on June 23, 2020, prior to Resolution 2020-41.