Shifting position on the Fayette Power Project, Austin Energy has recommended retiring, rather than selling, its share of the controversial coal-burning plant. The recommendation calls for the city to establish a shut-down date of 2025, nearly a decade later than environmentalists are seeking. The additional time would help avoid potentially difficult legal, regulatory and […]
Environment
Posted inEnvironment, Local Government
Dripping Springs plans to discharge wastewater in Onion Creek
A plan by Dripping Springs officials to apply for a discharge permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that could send treated wastewater into Onion Creek is meeting with some concern from at least two Austin-regional entities. Dripping Springs Deputy City Administrator Ginger Faught told the Austin Monitor that the city is at […]
Posted inResources, Uncategorized
Austin Energy willing to consider changes in solar incentive program
Austin Energy officials Tuesday told members of the Austin City Council’s Emerging Technology and Telecommunications Committee that they are willing to explore changes in the city’s solar incentive program that could allow utility solar customers to roll over credits for surplus energy generation from year-to-year. Under the current policy any credits that solar unit owners have […]
Posted inDevelopment, Resources
Zoning and Planning Commission OKs water treatment plant variances
A proposed water treatment plant for Travis County Water Control and Improvement District 17 continues to clear city hurdles, despite staff’s concerns. This past Tuesday, the Zoning and Platting Commission voted to approve variances that will allow increased impervious cover, reduced natural area and more building height. Commissioners voted 5-1 in favor of the […]
Posted inResources, Uncategorized
Memo cites major legal hurdles for city to get out of coal plant
The City of Austin faces formidable legal hurdles and potentially significant costs if the City Council decides to sell or shut down the city’s share of the coal-fired Fayette Power Project, according to a new city Law Department memo. Potential problems arise from the city’s participation agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority on […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Resources
Morrison calls Austin Energy governance debate top 2013 issue
Though, in her estimation, it “wasn’t so much an event as it was a long, drawn out conversation,” Council Member Laura Morrison puts the Austin Energy governance discussions toward the top of her list of major 2013 events. She says the discussion between the Council and the community about the utility’s oversight was important, […]
Posted inDevelopment, Elections, Local Politics, Resources, Transportation
Looking back at 2013
No doubt one of the most significant events over the past year was the drawing of Austin’s first geographically-based single-member City Council districts. In November 2012, Austin voters approved a charter amendment to create 10 single-member districts in the city. Those Council members will be elected this upcoming November and, as of last November, we […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment
Environmental Board worries about subdivision above Barton Springs
The Environmental Board has taken the unusual step of weighing in on a case not formally before them, letting the city know exactly what its members think about a subdivision planned to sit on Little Zilker Creek. The board, though not officially included in the process, was so concerned about a proposed subdivision on Robert […]
Posted inResources
EUC rejects bid to join battle over reduced value of solar rate
While solar advocates continue to be upset over Austin Energy’s decision to reduce a rate used to compensate residential customers for the value of electricity generated by their solar units, the Electric Utility Commission has decided against joining the fight. The advisory commission this week rejected a resolution urging the City Council to keep […]
Posted inResources, Uncategorized
EUC backs plan to shift all franchise fees to suburban customers
For months, consumer watchdog Paul Robbins has been pushing a proposal to have suburban customers of Austin Energy pay the total cost of franchise fees that the utility pays to six suburban municipalities for use of public rights-of-way in those communities. Robbins received a modest measure of support in his quest this week thanks […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment, Local Government, Local Politics
City buys Hays County land to block development over aquifer
Austin City Council members Thursday unanimously approved the $18 million acquisition of land in Hays County that might otherwise have been developed as the Jeremiah Ventures project. With the move, Council members eliminated a long-running fight over grandfathering rules, environmental protections, and the regulatory reach of city government. Though this specific issue appears settled, […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment
Board of Adjustment seeks guidance on new Lake Austin rules
New Lake Austin rules hit members of the Board of Adjustment at their November meeting, causing general befuddlement. After expressing confusion about why they were hearing the case, the board decided on a postponement until Jan. 13 for the variance for existing backfill behind a bulkhead at 3600, 3602 and 3604 Rivercrest Drive. “We’re getting […]