Kansas City is on the verge of passing the Climate Plan our children deserve – now people need to speak up to ensure it passes! Next Wednesday, August 24, the Transportation, Infrastructure & Operations Committee meets to consider, whether to vote on the Plan as embraced in Resolution 220596 and advance it to the full Council.
A few highlights about the Plan:
- With goals of 100% clean electricity community-wide by 2030 and carbon neutral community-wide by 2040, the plan sets a new, higher bar for climate plans in our region and aligns with the Paris Agreement goals.
- The Plan lets Evergy and state regulators know the goal to close, by 2025, the Hawthorn coal plant, located next to neighborhoods in Historic Northeast Kansas City, and all remaining coal plants by 2030.
- The Plan will cut climate pollution from homes and buildings by raising awareness about new rebates available from the Inflation Reduction Act for climate-friendly, cost-saving home upgrades like heat pumps and induction stoves. The Plan does not require anyone to make changes to their homes or businesses, despite misinformation being spread by special interests.
- The Plan will increase funding for the Vision Zero plan, making it safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users.
Next Steps
- The Plan will be discussed at the 9 am Wednesday, August 24th Transportation Infrastructure & Operations Committee, meeting on the 26th floor of City Hall. The TIO Committee will decide to vote on the plan and advance it to the full Council for a vote the next day, or they can decide to hold it.
- The public can come to KCMO City Hall Wednesday, August 24th *OR* attend virtually. This will be the only opportunity for the public to speak directly to City Council about the Plan.
- KCMO residents may give a 1-minute statement of support for adopting the Plan without delays or weakening amendments. Supporters do not need to be an expert to speak, the Council needs to hear from their constituents about why it’s important to them and Council them to pass a strong CLIMATE PLAN. What matters is to share personal story about why the supporter cares.
- This can be done in person or virtually.
- For virtual participation at the hearing, look for the link when the agenda for Transportation, Infrastructure & Operations is posted by the City Clerk meeting posts on Tuesday, August 23rd here.
- The public can come to KCMO City Hall Wednesday, August 24th *OR* attend virtually. This will be the only opportunity for the public to speak directly to City Council about the Plan.
- Everyone, KC residents or not, may come to the Committee hearing and show support, because this Plan will serve as a model for other cities in the region to follow!
- Please email public comments to [email protected] by Tuesday, August 23rd urging Council to pass Resolution 220596 this week without any weakening amendments.
- Sign Sierra Club’s petition:
- Share this information with others who want KCMO to have a strong Climate Plan!
- With a favorable vote on Wednesday, the full City Council could vote to adopt the Plan during a Thursday August 25 legislative session (3pm). Although no public testimony is taken at this meeting, it is still a great opportunity to be present in the room to show support for the Plan.
By Mothers Out Front. August 21, 2022.
