The El Paso Times reports that City Council today agreed to a $37 million electric rate-hike settlement with the El Paso Electric Company. Simply put, your rates are going up and, of course, EPEC CEO, Mary Kipp, is happy. There won't be a separate solar rate class but solar rate customers will now pay an $11/month fee. That's up from no rate fee before. Eco-El Paso board member, Shelby Ruff, wrote on Facebook: "$11/month for a solar customer means that their first kilowatt of solar is basically being stolen by the Utility for their own profits. Oh, they forgot to mention they already tax each solar panel during the permit process, so now it's a double tax! FAIL EL PASO!"
Only Rep. Svarzbein voted against the agreement.
Bottom line: we, the ratepayers, are now feeding a business dinosaur more; and, henceforth, we should buy as few electrons as we can from EPEC.
Senator Rodriguez issued the following statement about the City Council vote to authorize its legal counsel to settle the EPEC rate case according to terms outlined by counsel:
I commend the City of El Paso for diligently advancing settlement terms in El Paso Electric's current rate case that are advantageous to all ratepayers.
Unfortunately, I still have concerns about proposals to increase fees on residential customers who chose to install solar panels on their homes. I acknowledge that eliminating El Paso Electric's original proposal to move solar customers into a new rate category is a positive step. For reasons I articulated to Council* and the Public Utility Commission of Texas,** I believe that proposal would have systematically overcharged solar customers.
Nevertheless, I fear the remaining settlement terms may still disincentivize solar growth in El Paso. As I understood those terms, solar customers would pay an additional $11 charge on their electric bill that can decline based on how much electricity the customer buys from El Paso Electric. It is my understanding that most solar customers' average monthly savings is less than $10 a month, so I am concerned this new charge will still eliminate customers' financial incentive to use solar.
Moreover, I understood the proposed settlement terms would only grandfather in customers who installed solar previous to El Paso Electric's rate case filing in August. The number of new solar customers has nearly doubled since then. These new customers may have invested substantial money installing solar, expecting to recoup that investment in monthly energy savings. Now, their financial calculation is no longer valid. This is unfair. A better result would be to at least extend grandfathering provisions to the date when the PUC finally approves El Paso Electric's new rate regime.
I understand that not all of the solar interveners in the rate case agree with this proposed settlement. I look forward to seeing how the PUC will ultimately decide these remaining issues. I would again urge the PUC to seriously consider the positive contributions residential solar brings to El Paso.
* Letter to City Council, November 18, 2015, http://interchange.puc.state.tx.us/WebApp/Interchange/Documents/44941_303_873542.PDF
** Letter to PUC, January 22, 2016, http://interchange.puc.state.tx.us/WebApp/Interchange/Documents/44941_629_879918.PDF
Here is Attorney Norman Gordon's presentation to City Council:
Intervenor, Eco-El Paso, has not responded to an elpasonaturally inquiry whether they will agree to the settlement or continue pursuing the case with the PUC.
Showing posts with label Senator Jose Rodriguez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Senator Jose Rodriguez. Show all posts
Monday, February 29, 2016
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Stop El Paso Electric Limiting Our Ability to Go Solar
Senator Rodriguez's office issued this press release:
Stop EPE from limiting our ability to go solar
WHAT: Solar advocates and concerned Texans will rally in front of El Paso City Hall as they provide public comment in opposition of El Paso Electric (EPE) anti-solar proposal. The special El Paso City Council meeting on December 2nd is being held in response to public pressure against EPE’s proposed rate increases and discriminatory tax on solar customers. The El Paso City Council will take public testimony beginning at 9 a.m. on December 2. The Council is expected to weigh in on the rate case at their December 8th meeting.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 2nd
Rally: 8:30 am
Public Hearing: 9:00 am
WHERE: El Paso City Hall
300 N. Campbell St, El Paso, TX 79901
Background: EPE’s proposal will impede the ability of its customers to go solar and exercise energy choice. The high demand charges, part of three charges included in the proposal would undermine the investments of middle class Texas families, churches and schools that desire to control ever increasing utility charges.
Also be sure to check out ecoelpaso.org for more information and to take action.
Stop EPE from limiting our ability to go solar
WHAT: Solar advocates and concerned Texans will rally in front of El Paso City Hall as they provide public comment in opposition of El Paso Electric (EPE) anti-solar proposal. The special El Paso City Council meeting on December 2nd is being held in response to public pressure against EPE’s proposed rate increases and discriminatory tax on solar customers. The El Paso City Council will take public testimony beginning at 9 a.m. on December 2. The Council is expected to weigh in on the rate case at their December 8th meeting.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 2nd
Rally: 8:30 am
Public Hearing: 9:00 am
WHERE: El Paso City Hall
300 N. Campbell St, El Paso, TX 79901
Background: EPE’s proposal will impede the ability of its customers to go solar and exercise energy choice. The high demand charges, part of three charges included in the proposal would undermine the investments of middle class Texas families, churches and schools that desire to control ever increasing utility charges.
Also be sure to check out ecoelpaso.org for more information and to take action.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Rodriguez Says "No" to El Paso Electric
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| Who will EPEC hurt? Not the rich but young, struggling families such as the Villalreals |
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| Senator José Rodriguez addresses the press |
Several salient points were made:
Solar is clean energy.
Solar reduces the use of our scarcest resource - water.
The rates will penalize the poorest El Pasoan.
Solar adds not subtracts to the electric grid.
Solar technology is 21st Century technology. El Paso Electric Company is operating on 20th Century technology and business model.
Most powerfully - solar is about jobs and not just for installers but for electricians, plumbers, roofers, construction workers and more.
In fact the solar industry nationwide employs more workers than the oil and gas industries combined.
With El Paso's unemployment rate going up, solar should be encouraged.
Students see the potential for jobs and careers in solar.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Rodriguez Press Conference on Solar This Monday
Senator José Rodríguez, solar advocates
to have news conference on EPE solar proposal
El Paso - State Sen. José Rodríguez and advocates for solar – who includes consumers and homeowners, solar companies and employees, and others involved in economic development and renewable energy – will have a news conference to discuss a proposal by El Paso Electric (EPE) that would create a new fee for customers who have solar panels installed on their homes as well as increase their rates by 24 percent. Rodríguez will be joined by multiple experts, customers, workers, and others with expertise or experience with solar energy at the home of an electric customer who has installed a solar device.
What: News Conference to discuss El Paso Electric's proposal on solar rates
When: 11 a.m. Monday (Nov. 23), 2015
Where: 3208 Tularosa, El Paso TX, 79903
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Rodriguez Opposed to EPEC's Attempt to Destroy Solar
[Below is a press release from Senator Rodriguez's office issued earlier today. I have been told to expect more details about "a news conference Monday where multiple experts, customers, workers and others with expertise or experience with solar energy will be available to discuss the issue further."]
Sen. Rodríguez: Solar energy benefits El Paso, EPE proposal does not
El Paso - State Sen. José Rodríguez today announced his opposition to a proposal by El Paso Electric (EPE) that would create a new fee for customers who have solar panels installed on their homes as well as increase their rates by 24 percent. He urged the El Paso City Council to reject the proposal. [See attached letter.]
"I have long been an advocate for advancing public policy that incentivizes the growth of renewable sources of energy in Texas, including solar. To that end, I passed legislation in 2011 (S.B. 1910) that established solar net metering in EPE's Texas service area," Rodríguez said. "Consistent with that history, I cannot now remain silent when the utility's current proposal may well undo the deliberate progress El Paso has made in truly realizing its potential as the 'Sun City,' a leader in solar energy for the rest of Texas."
Solar energy is a growing field in El Paso, with nearly 300 customers added since August alone, bringing the number of households with rooftop power generation to nearly 800. Additionally, some builders in the area have begun to add solar panels as standard equipment on new affordable housing. This helps reduce a homeowner's electric bill while also reducing the power load on the grid, which benefits everyone. It also promotes economic development with high-paying jobs.
The Senator outlined his opposition to the proposed increase in a letter to City Council; the Council will review EPE's proposal targeting solar customers in early December. The proposal is part of a rate case in which the company seeks to raise overall residential rates by about 12 percent. It is based on the assertion that customers with rooftop solar energy generation burden the power grid because they require service from EPE during times when the sun is not as strong—in winter, or on cloudy days, for example. However, rooftop solar customers also lessen demand on the grid because they produce energy during the hottest times of year—in the summer, when the sun is shining during periods of peak demand.
"To be clear, I would not oppose charging solar customers in a different manner, provided that manner fairly and accurately accounted for a customer's actual cost to EPE while also taking into account the value these customers add," Rodríguez said. "However, at present, I do not think it's appropriate to apply a steep demand charge, usually reserved for commercial actors, to a neighborhood home. This effectively punishes that customer for choosing to invest in solar."
Sen. Rodríguez: Solar energy benefits El Paso, EPE proposal does not
El Paso - State Sen. José Rodríguez today announced his opposition to a proposal by El Paso Electric (EPE) that would create a new fee for customers who have solar panels installed on their homes as well as increase their rates by 24 percent. He urged the El Paso City Council to reject the proposal. [See attached letter.]
"I have long been an advocate for advancing public policy that incentivizes the growth of renewable sources of energy in Texas, including solar. To that end, I passed legislation in 2011 (S.B. 1910) that established solar net metering in EPE's Texas service area," Rodríguez said. "Consistent with that history, I cannot now remain silent when the utility's current proposal may well undo the deliberate progress El Paso has made in truly realizing its potential as the 'Sun City,' a leader in solar energy for the rest of Texas."
Solar energy is a growing field in El Paso, with nearly 300 customers added since August alone, bringing the number of households with rooftop power generation to nearly 800. Additionally, some builders in the area have begun to add solar panels as standard equipment on new affordable housing. This helps reduce a homeowner's electric bill while also reducing the power load on the grid, which benefits everyone. It also promotes economic development with high-paying jobs.
The Senator outlined his opposition to the proposed increase in a letter to City Council; the Council will review EPE's proposal targeting solar customers in early December. The proposal is part of a rate case in which the company seeks to raise overall residential rates by about 12 percent. It is based on the assertion that customers with rooftop solar energy generation burden the power grid because they require service from EPE during times when the sun is not as strong—in winter, or on cloudy days, for example. However, rooftop solar customers also lessen demand on the grid because they produce energy during the hottest times of year—in the summer, when the sun is shining during periods of peak demand.
"To be clear, I would not oppose charging solar customers in a different manner, provided that manner fairly and accurately accounted for a customer's actual cost to EPE while also taking into account the value these customers add," Rodríguez said. "However, at present, I do not think it's appropriate to apply a steep demand charge, usually reserved for commercial actors, to a neighborhood home. This effectively punishes that customer for choosing to invest in solar."
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Senator Rodriguez to Oppose EPEC Rate Hike Proposal
Word on the street is that State Senator José Rodriguez will hold a press conference this coming Monday, November 23rd. He will be speaking out against the rate hike proposals by El Paso Electric. He has apparently chosen the home of a young Hispanic family as the venue for his conference. The family installed a solar panel and the EPEC hike will hammer them.
El Paso Electric has been falsely claiming in their advertisements that solar users are taking money from all the rest of us and especially from lower-income rate payers. The truth is that solar customers help all customers in the system and EPEC customers shouldn't have to pay for EPEC's outdated business model that builds and minimally uses power generators but still wants everyone to pay more for these dinosaurs. Senator Rodriguez's choice for a venue will demonstrate that it isn't solar users hurting struggling rate payers. No. It is EPEC that is hurting them.
Eco El Paso, which has intervened in the rate case, makes these points:
El Paso Electric has been falsely claiming in their advertisements that solar users are taking money from all the rest of us and especially from lower-income rate payers. The truth is that solar customers help all customers in the system and EPEC customers shouldn't have to pay for EPEC's outdated business model that builds and minimally uses power generators but still wants everyone to pay more for these dinosaurs. Senator Rodriguez's choice for a venue will demonstrate that it isn't solar users hurting struggling rate payers. No. It is EPEC that is hurting them.
Eco El Paso, which has intervened in the rate case, makes these points:
- Solar energy is either immediately used by the homeowner or El Paso Electric immediately sells it to its other ratepayers.
- Solar homeowners pay full retail price for the energy received from the grid and pay all fees and taxes just like every other homeowner. Solar is just an efficient appliance that saves money just like an energy efficient refrigerator or AC unit.
- Electricity from solar homeowners reduces Transmission & Distribution costs on the Utility.
- Solar creates clean solar energy and reduces pollution and fossil fuel dependence.
- Solar reduces peak demand and is as cost effective as natural gas.
- The Sun City has some of the best solar radiation in the country that we can harvest to create jobs and clean energy.
- Solar saves ratepayers money!
- Solar creates jobs and economic development!
- Solar subsidizes the utility!
Visit ecoelpaso.org for more information.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Texas History Begins in El Paso
. . . but you wouldn't know that to read the El Paso Times.
This past Wednesday a joint conference of Visit El Paso (Convention and Visitor's Bureau), El Paso Heritage Alliance, Texas Senator Jose Rodriguez's office, the El Paso County Historical Commission and El Paso History Radio Show announced the upcoming Heritage Summit on Saturday, March 22. Bryan Crowe, the new head of the Visit El Paso (formerly CVB), Senator Rodriguez, Bernie Sargent and Jackson Polk each gave reasons why El Paso history is so rich and why heritage tourism will be a big economic boom for El Paso. Yet, the El Paso Times decided to run a poll decidedly biased against heritage tourism.
The Times asks whether "heritage tourism" could work in bringing more tourist dollars to El Paso. It suggests reading the story which says little about the historic treasures of our city as mentioned by the speakers nor about the reasons why heritage tourism will indeed be successful. (Do read Senator Rodriguez's remarks below wherein he enumerates our historic treasures.)
The Times offers three answers to choose from: "Yes, it's a great idea." "Maybe, but we would need more development at historic sites to make it happen." "No, I don't think there is much of a market for it."
The last answer should include in parentheses: "(And I have never thought El Paso has much to offer. We are a poor city any way and I haven't been outside of my neighborhood in years.)
Currently the responses (488 votes in all) are 19.46% yes; 36.27% maybe; 44.26% no.
I can just see the Jerry Rubin's of the city calling their friends and telling their workers to vote NO so they can continue their destruction of downtown historic treasures to build their parking lots and ticky-tacky buildings for national franchises. And, of course, all of these developers who hate history (and the natural outdoors also), never, ever advertise with the El Paso Times. Oh no, no.
The "maybe's" certainly should come to the Summit on March 22nd to learn about all of our historic sites or the fact that El Paso just by itself is historic in the words of documentary film producer, Jackson Polk.
Do four things:
Make plans now to come to the Summit and bring family and friends.
Visit the Times story online and vote.
See this short 18 minute video so you can see and hear what really happened at the press conference:
Read the text of the Senator's remarks (redacted):
The Heritage Tourism Summit coming up on March 22 promises to be a unique and important event for El Paso.
Heritage tourism is a sector that merits investment.
It is about developing a community-based enterprise that stimulates our regional economy, builds local pride, creates powerful educational experiences, preserves traditional crafts and skills, and creates jobs through spending by arts and culture organizations and their audiences.
Some figures to help illustrate that point include:
The Texas Historical Commission reported that, in 2011, over 200 million people traveled to experience heritage resources in Texas. They spent $6.3 billion in the process.
A study by the City of El Paso in 2007 provides the closest estimates we have regarding the impact of our local arts and culture industry. Although these figures don't relate exclusively to heritage tourism, they affirm our conviction that investments like this training summit aren't frivolous--they reap dividends.
Here's what the City found: a total economic impact of $91million, comprising: 2500 jobs, $5 million in transportation revenue, $6 million to our hotels, $25 million for our restaurants and bars, and over $4 million in local government revenue.
As you see, heritage tourism is serious business.
This Summit is the product of a commitment among stakeholders to convert competition to collaboration and capitalize on the creativity and business savvy of our heritage tourism stakeholders.
My office has directed resources to support the District 29 Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee since 2011, and I want to acknowledge the Committee for its consistent commitment to our mission.
Our monthly convenings enabled stakeholders from all over the County, including the sponsors of this important event, to advance our mission of: preserving and advocating for our collective heritage; and, building a heritage tourism sector.
I also want to congratulate the Visit El Paso (formerly the Convention & Visitors Bureau) for embracing the efforts of our committee members, specifically, the El Paso Heritage Alliance, Jackson Polk, and the El Paso County Historical Society.
When the El Paso Heritage Alliance first proposed the concept of collaborating on a groundbreaking training event, they incorporated the advice of their fellow Advisory Committee members. City Representative Lily Limon then brought our groups together with the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and their subsequent brainstorming resulted in the Heritage Tourism Summit.
We know that the Texas mystique is a powerful magnet that draws visitors from all over the world. Well, El Paso plays a huge role in that story. Through this collaboration, we have taken a giant leap forward on capitalizing on our rich heritage.
History lovers know that we have a profound cache of cultures and stories in our region:
Our citizens have recognized the merit of our cultural treasures and have made the investment, through bond projects like the Digital Wall, the Hispanic Cultural Center, Children's Museum, to strengthen the sites and cultural attractions that contribute to livability and build awareness for our residents and tourists about our great city.
Through mechanisms that combine the wisdom and values of our citizens with public agency skillsets and resources, I believe El Paso can emerge as a leader in citizen-driven initiatives that are inclusive, inspiring and which will continue to set us apart as a city of vision and entrepreneurship.
This past Wednesday a joint conference of Visit El Paso (Convention and Visitor's Bureau), El Paso Heritage Alliance, Texas Senator Jose Rodriguez's office, the El Paso County Historical Commission and El Paso History Radio Show announced the upcoming Heritage Summit on Saturday, March 22. Bryan Crowe, the new head of the Visit El Paso (formerly CVB), Senator Rodriguez, Bernie Sargent and Jackson Polk each gave reasons why El Paso history is so rich and why heritage tourism will be a big economic boom for El Paso. Yet, the El Paso Times decided to run a poll decidedly biased against heritage tourism.
The Times asks whether "heritage tourism" could work in bringing more tourist dollars to El Paso. It suggests reading the story which says little about the historic treasures of our city as mentioned by the speakers nor about the reasons why heritage tourism will indeed be successful. (Do read Senator Rodriguez's remarks below wherein he enumerates our historic treasures.)
The Times offers three answers to choose from: "Yes, it's a great idea." "Maybe, but we would need more development at historic sites to make it happen." "No, I don't think there is much of a market for it."
The last answer should include in parentheses: "(And I have never thought El Paso has much to offer. We are a poor city any way and I haven't been outside of my neighborhood in years.)
Currently the responses (488 votes in all) are 19.46% yes; 36.27% maybe; 44.26% no.
I can just see the Jerry Rubin's of the city calling their friends and telling their workers to vote NO so they can continue their destruction of downtown historic treasures to build their parking lots and ticky-tacky buildings for national franchises. And, of course, all of these developers who hate history (and the natural outdoors also), never, ever advertise with the El Paso Times. Oh no, no.
The "maybe's" certainly should come to the Summit on March 22nd to learn about all of our historic sites or the fact that El Paso just by itself is historic in the words of documentary film producer, Jackson Polk.
Do four things:
Make plans now to come to the Summit and bring family and friends.
Visit the Times story online and vote.
See this short 18 minute video so you can see and hear what really happened at the press conference:
Read the text of the Senator's remarks (redacted):
The Heritage Tourism Summit coming up on March 22 promises to be a unique and important event for El Paso.
Heritage tourism is a sector that merits investment.
It is about developing a community-based enterprise that stimulates our regional economy, builds local pride, creates powerful educational experiences, preserves traditional crafts and skills, and creates jobs through spending by arts and culture organizations and their audiences.
Some figures to help illustrate that point include:
The Texas Historical Commission reported that, in 2011, over 200 million people traveled to experience heritage resources in Texas. They spent $6.3 billion in the process.
A study by the City of El Paso in 2007 provides the closest estimates we have regarding the impact of our local arts and culture industry. Although these figures don't relate exclusively to heritage tourism, they affirm our conviction that investments like this training summit aren't frivolous--they reap dividends.
Here's what the City found: a total economic impact of $91million, comprising: 2500 jobs, $5 million in transportation revenue, $6 million to our hotels, $25 million for our restaurants and bars, and over $4 million in local government revenue.
As you see, heritage tourism is serious business.
This Summit is the product of a commitment among stakeholders to convert competition to collaboration and capitalize on the creativity and business savvy of our heritage tourism stakeholders.
My office has directed resources to support the District 29 Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee since 2011, and I want to acknowledge the Committee for its consistent commitment to our mission.
Our monthly convenings enabled stakeholders from all over the County, including the sponsors of this important event, to advance our mission of: preserving and advocating for our collective heritage; and, building a heritage tourism sector.
I also want to congratulate the Visit El Paso (formerly the Convention & Visitors Bureau) for embracing the efforts of our committee members, specifically, the El Paso Heritage Alliance, Jackson Polk, and the El Paso County Historical Society.
When the El Paso Heritage Alliance first proposed the concept of collaborating on a groundbreaking training event, they incorporated the advice of their fellow Advisory Committee members. City Representative Lily Limon then brought our groups together with the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and their subsequent brainstorming resulted in the Heritage Tourism Summit.
We know that the Texas mystique is a powerful magnet that draws visitors from all over the world. Well, El Paso plays a huge role in that story. Through this collaboration, we have taken a giant leap forward on capitalizing on our rich heritage.
History lovers know that we have a profound cache of cultures and stories in our region:
- indigenous people,
- Hueco Tanks,
- the earliest trails in the Southwest,
- the place where North America begins,
- the Camino Real,
- our important Mission Valley communities,
- railroad history,
- hundreds of years of military history,
- renowned architecture,
- our heroic patriots,
- the Mexican Revolution,
- international migration and Segundo Barrio,
- the history and impact of our five international bridges, and
- the beginnings of the movimiento for social justice in our state.
Our citizens have recognized the merit of our cultural treasures and have made the investment, through bond projects like the Digital Wall, the Hispanic Cultural Center, Children's Museum, to strengthen the sites and cultural attractions that contribute to livability and build awareness for our residents and tourists about our great city.
Through mechanisms that combine the wisdom and values of our citizens with public agency skillsets and resources, I believe El Paso can emerge as a leader in citizen-driven initiatives that are inclusive, inspiring and which will continue to set us apart as a city of vision and entrepreneurship.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Heritage Tourism: It's All Good
A very good thing happened yesterday. Senator José Rodriguez' Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee gave a presentation to District 7 Representative Lily Limón. Rep. Limón listened attentively and enthusiastically. At the end of the meeting she summarized what was said and told the group her next steps including asking them to keep her informed.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Chuy Reyes Is Silent about Voting Rights Denial on Water
"A megadrought would present a major risk to water resources in the American West, which are distributed through a complex series of local, state and regional water-sharing agreements and laws. Virtually every drop of water flowing in the American West is legally claimed, sometimes by several users and the demand is expected to increase as population grows."
Senator José Rodriguez' egregious mistake in working with El Paso County Water Improvement District's Chuy Reyes to deny voting rights to citizen on water issues will cost us - probably for a generation or more.
Read NY Times opinion piece, Hundred-Year Forecast: Drought, by scientists, Christopher R. Schwalm, Christopher A. Williams and Kevin Schaefer.
In May I asked the Water Improvement District for copies of the following records:
- 2008 List of Eligible
Voters: provide name, address, owner number of each eligible voter at
EPWID in 2008;
- 2012 List of Eligible
Voters: provide name, address, owner number of each eligible voter at
EPWID as of April 2012.
- 2012 Registered Voters:
provide name, address, voter number and owner number of registered voters
at EPWID as of May 1, 2012;
- Letters, Instructions,
Certificates to Eligible, Registered Voters: please provide a copy of all
letters, instructions, certificates or other information that EPWID has
mailed to eligible or registered voters in 2012.
- Lobbyists, Attorneys
Fees: please send a copy of all lobbyists and attorney fees statements
together with amounts paid by EPWID to lobbyists or attorneys from January
2010 to present.
Instructions for voting also made voting very difficult. With looming megadrought, who controls the water from the river? Not El Pasoans but a select few elite, privileged voters.
Subsequent questions by email to Chuy Reyes (July 8 and August 2) have gone unanswered although Mr. Reyes acknowledged by email receiving the questions in an email dated July 8, 2012.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Environmental Committee Invites Archuleta
I previously reported that PSB Chairman, Ed Escudero, will be meeting tomorrow (Thursday, August 9) with Senator José Rodriguez's Environmental Committee. That meeting will take place at 2 p.m. at 100 N. Ochoa. Members of the Committee voted unanimously to invite PSB/EPWU CEO Ed Archuleta as well. The vote was held after Mr. Escudero urged the Committee to include Mr. Archuleta. The Environmental Committee wishes to be updated about the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee and attempts to speed-up the process of selling City land managed by the PSB for development. (See post.)
Environmental Committee Chairman Richard Teschner has said that, although he will not go along with the Committee recommending any particular land management plan, he will allow the forum. According to Teschner, ". . . while as chair of the committee I will not go along with our supporting or opposing a particular committee-structure plan, I nonetheless see no harm in our providing a private forum for discussing these vital, water-related concerns."
Unfortunately, he seems to be limiting the forum to the membership of the Committee while attempting not to publicize the event to the general public even though he admits his committee is the only "envirocentric" committee currently meeting to discuss this topic.
This meeting is a good opportunity to encourage the PSB/EPWU to declare land as "inexpedient" to water/stormwater/sewage needs in order to preserve that land in perpetuity as natural open space as part of a water management strategy in light of drought, global warming and water shortage. Removing more acreage from development will only make the market value of developable land more expensive and, thus, more profitable for the water utility and City.
Meetings such as the Senator's Enviromental Community are by law open to the public.
Environmental Committee Chairman Richard Teschner has said that, although he will not go along with the Committee recommending any particular land management plan, he will allow the forum. According to Teschner, ". . . while as chair of the committee I will not go along with our supporting or opposing a particular committee-structure plan, I nonetheless see no harm in our providing a private forum for discussing these vital, water-related concerns."
Unfortunately, he seems to be limiting the forum to the membership of the Committee while attempting not to publicize the event to the general public even though he admits his committee is the only "envirocentric" committee currently meeting to discuss this topic.
This meeting is a good opportunity to encourage the PSB/EPWU to declare land as "inexpedient" to water/stormwater/sewage needs in order to preserve that land in perpetuity as natural open space as part of a water management strategy in light of drought, global warming and water shortage. Removing more acreage from development will only make the market value of developable land more expensive and, thus, more profitable for the water utility and City.
Meetings such as the Senator's Enviromental Community are by law open to the public.
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