From:
To: Jones, Justin; Rick Cole; Hampton, Tyron; Lyon, Jason Cc: cityclerk
Subject: Comments MSC Meeting March 11, 2025 re: Item 2 - Optimized Strategic Plan Update Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 10:36:57 AM
[ ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DoIT portal.
------------------------
TO: Municipal Services Committee
E3’S first version of this progress report, originally scheduled for the cancelled February 25th MSC Meeting, included two options to replace the current use of natural gas to generate electricity at Glenarm:
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) “up to 100% Carbon Neutral” with a Larger Fuel Price Premium, No Infrastructure Upgrades, and Moderate Risk”;
OR
Hydrogen “up to 100% Carbon Free with a Smaller Fuel Price Premium, Required Infrastructure Upgrades, and High Risk”.
E3’s Slide 15 from the February 25th version of the progress report also stated that “Renewable Natural Gas may be an effective short-term substitute for natural gas while longer-term options for replacement or conversion remain uncertain.”
Regardless of its source, burning Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) produces carbon emissions and is NOT a “carbon-free” alternative to produce clean energy as required by Resolution 9977.
After nearly a year
of “study”, it was disingenuous for E3 to propose this as an alternative for Glenarm.
Pasadena has two decades of experience with use of Renewable Natural Gas (“biogas”) to generate electricity.
In response to California’s
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) of SB1078 and greenhouse gas Emission Performance Standards (EPS) of SB1368 as well as the City’s more aggressive goals, PWP entered into long-term contracts.
The 2023
Power Content Label for City of Pasadena reports that 8.4% of PWP’s Power Mix comes from Biomass & Biowaste (e.g. Renewable Natural
Gas).
20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Ameresco for energy output of the Skunk Creek Landfill Gas Project located in Phoenix, AZ (City Council Agenda Report October 13, 2008).
10-year Contract with EDF Trading North America, LLC for purchase of biogas (e.g. “renewable natural gas”) from the Dos Rios Water Recycling Center, San Antonio, TX (City Council Agenda Report May 16, 2010).
14-year Power Sales Agreement for Purchase of Renewable Energy from the existing Puente Hills Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project in unincorporated Los Angeles County near Whittier, CA (City Council Agenda Report June 23, 2014).
Use of “
Renewable Natural Gas” as part of the Optimized Strategic Plan to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity in 2030 would send Pasadena back to the past rather than provide a plan to achieve a carbon-free future.
Where is the discussion of Demand Response
and Smart Meters
(Advanced Metering Devices) as outlined in “Next Steps” of the December 10, 2024 progress report?
Where are recommendations for increased use of solar generation on municipal and private properties within the City of Pasadena as well as battery storage to maximize the potential of local solar generation?
E3 acknowledges that dramatically increased local solar energy production and battery storage are critical to success in de- carbonizing the City’s electric generation but offers no plan to achieve this goal.
City Council can no longer rely on third party contractors who are not committed to achieving Pasadena’s stated goals. Working with PWP, the Planning Department, and Public Works, City Council can reduce and remove barriers to private solar investment, develop an aggressive plan to place solar panels on municipal properties and provide battery storage to optimize solar output.
Genette Foster,
Council District 2