Houston needs to redouble climate action efforts

Last month, our intern Monica Orozco, a student at the University of Southern California (also my alma mater – Fight on!) and a Houston resident, testified before a budget hearing of the Houston City Council. Here is her testimony. 

Good afternoon to you all. My name is Monica Orozco and I am a student leader with Environment Texas. We’re a nonprofit advocate for clean air and water, parks and wildlife, and a livable climate. 

I am here today because  I am committed to leaving a clean and green Earth for the generations that follow.  And for myself, because I plan to be here for a while (smile).

I grew up here in Houston, unaware of the impact my actions have on the environment. However, in high school I learned the importance of caring for our planet and began a compost drop off pilot program in the Houston Heights, as you know, Chairwoman Alcorn as I commend your commitment to expand composting for all of our good.

This project ignited my desire to fully immerse myself in sustainable habits while educating those around me and advocating for sustainability.

I’m here today to urge the city council to adopt a budget that ensures the city is on pace to hit our climate goals. While we’ve made some progress since the plan was adopted in 2020, such as getting 100% of power for the city government from renewable energy, it’s clear we are not on track to hit many of the other goals or to meet the Paris Climate Agreement goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. In some ways, such as reducing vehicle miles traveled, we may be going backwards as bike lanes, side walks, and transit lines are cut. 

I recognize the city is a very challenging fiscal situation, so some creativity may be necessary to make sure we stay on pace.

• the city should aggressively seek out federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce building energy use through energy efficiency, solar and other cost saving measures
• You should Save the city money by cutting funding for programs which increase carbon emissions, such as the chemical recycling scheme in the so-called Houston Recycling Collaboration
• You can Raise money by adopting a garbage fee. Such pay as you throw fees are proven to reduce waste – a win-win for the city. 
• And finally you can partner with third parties, such as Texas Power Switch, to market 100% renewable energy plans to Houston residents at no cost to the city. 

Thank you.