Title
Environmental Commission Resolution in Support of a Phase 2 Feasibility Study of Municipalization
Memorandum
Environmental Commission Resolution in Support of a Phase 2 Feasibility Study of Municipalization
April 25, 2024
Whereas the Ann Arbor Environmental Commission is charged with developing comprehensive, integrated environmental policies for implementation by the City to protect and enhance our air, water, land, and public health in the city of Ann Arbor, and
Whereas in 2019 the City Council acknowledged the urgency of the climate emergency and adopted the A2Zero program supported by the Office of Sustainability and Innovation, and
Whereas the A2Zero program is about achieving a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030 and beyond for the City of Ann Arbor, and
Whereas in 2023, less than 19% of electricity for Ann Arbor rate-payers is sourced from clean, renewable energy, with the remaining 81% of electricity production resulting in significant pollution of air, land, and water; and attendant risk of compromise of public health, and
Whereas power outages resulting from extreme weather events due to the climate emergency have become more frequent and have extended over greater periods of time, affecting residents with loss of power for heating and cooling, for medical equipment and food storage; and with increased expenses for food, travel, and temporary housing, and
Whereas an initial feasibility study of both a Sustainable Electric Utility and a municipal utility has found both to be feasible under some scenarios, and
Whereas a Phase 2 study of municipalization would provide an appraisal of the system's value, which would be necessary to provide the public so they can make an informed decision about next steps regarding a condemnation proceeding and total takeover of DTE's assets.
Resolved, the Ann Arbor Environmental Commission advises that the Ann Arbor City Council pursue a Phase 2 study for the municipalization o...
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