We strive to reduce
greenhouse gas
emissions in
Metro-Denver at the
fastest possible pace
and we strive
to create a model
for conversion
from the old
fossil fuel economy
to the new
renewable energy
economy.
Steering Committee
Barbara Donachy MPH
Betty Goeble
David Goens
Cyrus Martin
Jeff Neuman-Lee, chair
Tim Robertson, sec.
Technical Advisors
Gregg Eells P.E.
Jim Pequette PhD.
Mayor Michael Hancock,
Much has changed since the signing of Denver’s 2006 Franchise Agreement
with Xcel Energy, the drafting of the 2007 Climate Action Plan, and even the recent
passing of your2020 Sustainability Goals.
Climate change is happening at a rate much faster than anticipated in the 2007
report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Readings from NOAA show
that carbon dioxide levels now hover around 400 ppm, above what many scientists
consider the tipping point for climate as we have known it. We now observe the effects
of climate change in droughts, wildfires and superstorms. Besides the warming earth,
ocean acidification from CO2 emissions threatens marine life. These worsening
environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels confirm that the time is now to chart the
inevitable end of our use of fossil fuels.
Happily, at the same time, the price of wind and solar electric generation is now
decreasing to a point where both are more cost-effective than the cost of fossil fuel
electric generation. New wind predictive technologies developed by NCAR and new
energy storage technologies make wind and solar options viable now.
The full relevant passage from the Franchise Agreement between the City and
County of Denver (the City) and Xcel Energy is attached. Most relevant is this:
" . . . the Company shall continually monitor its operations to mitigate environmental
impacts; shall seek to cost-effectively meet or exceed the requirements of environmental
laws, regulations and permits; shall invest in cost effective environmentally-sound
technologies; shall consider environmental issues in its planning decision-making; and
shall support environmental research and development projects . . ."
Already the natural advantages of renewable energies prove more cost effective
in the short-term, even before the Franchise Agreement is to be renewed in 2026. When,
and if, the Franchise is renewed, the City deserves to receive the most cost-effective,
fossil fuel free energy. The City must now work with Xcel to plan for the future changes
which will be the most “cost effective” for the City. Of course, when we say “cost
effective” we conventionally neglect to include the costs of climate change nor the
subsidies for fossil fuels; if considered, these externalities would have moved us to a
fossil fuel free future far more quickly than the timeframe we now face.
Our goal, Mayor Hancock, is for the City to begin negotiations with Xcel Energy
now to eliminate as many greenhouse gas emissions as possible through the accelerated
Contact:
deployment of cost-effective renewable energy. We recommend that the city and Xcel
Jeff Neuman-Lee
complete negotiations, including goals and benchmarks, by 2016.
303 945 5632
2338 Franklin,
We recommend that you issue a proclamation that states the goal of eliminating
Denver 80205
fossil
fuels
to the fullest possible extent by 2026.
jeffneumanleepop@ gmail.com
We also propose that resources be specifically allocated toward creating the
city’s negotiating position, entering into negotiations with Xcel Energy and working with
all pertinent entities to see the accomplishment of your goals.
Thank you for your leadership.
Jeff Neuman-Lee,
chair of the steering committee of FossilFuelFreeDenver.org .