Upstairs at Caroline
Renew Our Energy
RECEIVED Tue., May 23, 2023
Dear Editor,
Austin is falling behind.
Austin – the heart of Texas – arguably the best city to live in. Austin has been the leader of culture and community since its founding as the capitol in 1839. Us Austinites pride ourselves on our motto “Keep Austin Weird” – which means being willing to take the first bold step forward.
It saddens me to say that we have fallen behind our neighbors to lead the state into the new age of living. Georgetown has become the first city in Texas to rely solely on renewable energy, a step that they took in 2017. Now, over 5 years later, Austin has still refused to commit to the same – but there’s hope for the tides to turn.
Renewables are unarguably much better for the city than their natural gas alternative. They produce long term offsets to the cost, which is an invaluable benefit to our once sleepy, now rapidly growing city. By committing to renewables, we could boost the economy of the state’s renewable sector forward to preside over the rest of the country. Renewables are also significantly safer than oil industries in their building and upkeep. Thousands of people die yearly in the oil industry – a level of safety which our city should not stand for. In addition to keeping your fellow Texans safe by providing safe jobs in the energy sector, it would keep you and your fellow Texans healthier. Natural gas emissions are known to clog air quality – causing allergies (in addition to the onset brought on by pollen season and cedar), asthma, and lung disease.
It is time to band together and propel our city forward, accepting the new era with open arms. Show our fellow community that renewables are the next step forward. If you haven’t already, consider putting solar panels on your house. Pledge to drive your gas-powered car slightly less. And tell Mayor Watson that Austin needs to become a leader again – as we always have been – by committing to 100% renewable energy.
Austin is falling behind.
Austin – the heart of Texas – arguably the best city to live in. Austin has been the leader of culture and community since its founding as the capitol in 1839. Us Austinites pride ourselves on our motto “Keep Austin Weird” – which means being willing to take the first bold step forward.
It saddens me to say that we have fallen behind our neighbors to lead the state into the new age of living. Georgetown has become the first city in Texas to rely solely on renewable energy, a step that they took in 2017. Now, over 5 years later, Austin has still refused to commit to the same – but there’s hope for the tides to turn.
Renewables are unarguably much better for the city than their natural gas alternative. They produce long term offsets to the cost, which is an invaluable benefit to our once sleepy, now rapidly growing city. By committing to renewables, we could boost the economy of the state’s renewable sector forward to preside over the rest of the country. Renewables are also significantly safer than oil industries in their building and upkeep. Thousands of people die yearly in the oil industry – a level of safety which our city should not stand for. In addition to keeping your fellow Texans safe by providing safe jobs in the energy sector, it would keep you and your fellow Texans healthier. Natural gas emissions are known to clog air quality – causing allergies (in addition to the onset brought on by pollen season and cedar), asthma, and lung disease.
It is time to band together and propel our city forward, accepting the new era with open arms. Show our fellow community that renewables are the next step forward. If you haven’t already, consider putting solar panels on your house. Pledge to drive your gas-powered car slightly less. And tell Mayor Watson that Austin needs to become a leader again – as we always have been – by committing to 100% renewable energy.
S.N. Schaal