LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Department of Water and Power is holding community information sessions this week and seeking feedback on its study on achieving 100% renewable energy in Los Angeles.
The LADWP is conducting the LA100 study at the direction of Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City Council to determine how the city can reach 100% renewable energy. California set a goal of having the state be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2045, and this study will look at that timeline as well as options for reaching the goal by 2030.
The utility is collaborating with local academic institutions, government officials, community interest groups, technical experts and commercial and industry customers to understand the best ways to modernize its electric system infrastructure.
“The LA100 study focuses on the types of investment and changes that will be needed to transition to 100% renewable energy ... the study also looks at implications for greenhouse gas production, air quality, health, jobs and costs,'' Joan Isaacson, senior facilitator for the study, said during the first information session Thursday.
Isaacson noted that researchers are close to finishing the study, which will be used to help policymakers choose steps on the path to renewable energy.
“We know that there are many ways that electricity is a part of our daily life, and this transition will have an effect on our lives and our communities, and so we really want to hear from community members about what matters to you most as L.A. continues to make strides towards being powered 100% by renewables,'' she said.
Jasmin Vargas of Food & Water Watch L.A., an advisory group member on the study, said it will likely be released in March and will provide several pathways for the city to reach its goals of using 100% renewable energy.
Another round of community meetings will then be held before the study is presented to the LADWP board, which will use it to come up with a Strategic Long-Term Resource Plan to be voted on by the City Council.
The council voted in September 2016 to have the DWP research how and when the city will be able to achieve the goal of 100% renewable energy.
“Los Angeles can lead the way and show cities around the country -- and around the world -- that clean energy is here and ready to power thriving economies,'' Councilman Mike Bonin said at the time. “This legislation will make sure that our transition to 100% clean energy happens as quickly and as strategically as possible and serves as a road map for other cities that want to join the clean energy future.''
Bonin also said the research team would “make sure we have an actual road map'' to get to the 100% goal, and to “identify all of the road blocks'' that will need to be removed along the way.
“It is important that this plan (keep) moving forward to meet the climate crisis and keep bills sustainable. We know we can get this done in a way that brings people together for real solutions,'' Vargas told City News Service Thursday.
Community information sessions will be open to the public from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight, on Friday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The sessions can be accessed at https://zoom.us/j/92757824560.
“The people of Los Angeles have a right to lead our public utility's clean energy transformation. The decisions we make today will determine L.A.'s climate legacy,'' Vargas said.
“It is on us to ensure LADWP's investment in clean energy benefits the Black, brown and low-income renters who make up the majority of its ratepayers,'' she added. “Empowering those communities as clean energy leaders will not only reduce emissions, it will also create green jobs, healthier air and climate, and provide the real solutions we need for a just recovery.''
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