9^ Outlook
Urgent Action Needed to Achieve Pasadena's 100% Carbon-Free Electricity Goal by 2030 From Suzanne York
Date Tue 7/28/20261:37PM
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July 28, 2026
Dear Members of the Municipal Services Committee,
I urge you to treat implementation of Pasadena Water and Power's Optimized Sti-ategic Plan (OSP) with the urgency that the climate crisis demands. The City Council made a bold commitment to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030, and I respectfiilly ask that every decision before the Committee be measured against that goal.
Around the world we are witnessing record-breaking heat, devastating wildfires, and worsening climate impacts. We cannot afford to drift toward 2045 when our City has already committed to 2030. The fastest and most effective way to reduce greeiihouse gas emissions is to replace fossil-fuel-generated electricity with carbon-free power, and Pasadena has already charted that course.
While I appreciate the work reflected in the Progress Report, it does not provide the information necessary for the Council or the public to evaluate whether Pasadena is actually on track. The report lacks clear metrics showing progress toward procuring the renewable generation, storage, demand response, managed EV charging, and local solar resources identified in the OSP. Without measurable progress toward those targets, it is impossible to determine whether we are moving fast enough to meet the City's commitment.
Several issues deserve immediate attention:
• Procurement of renewable power: The report provides little information about acquiring the additional renewable generation and storage identified in the OSP. Since imported renewable electricity will remain the largest source of Pasadena's power, this omission is significant. •Local solar: The OSP calls for 20 MW of municipal solar, yet current plans and funding fall far short. Most of the municipal solar projects remain unfunded in the Capital Improvement Program, despite being identified as a high priority. If this is truly a priority, funding should reflect that commitment.
Commercial and institutional partnerships: Pasadena should be aggressively pursuing partnerships with major property owners, mcluding PUSD, Pasadena City College, the Huntington, Huntington Hospital, Caltech, and other large institutions, to maximize local solar generation. We should not be limiting programs that could significantly expand local clean energy.
Residential solar and storage: The City's rebate and financing programs are promising but remain poorly publicized and slow to implement. Pasadena residents should be actively informed about the fmancial incentives available and the important role they can play in helping the City achieve its climate goals.
• Continued reliance on fossil fuels: The report is notably silent regarding Pasadena's dependence on electricity generated by the Magnolia gas plant. If we are serious about reaching 100% carbon- free electricity, we need a transparent strategy for reducing this dependence.
Finally, I am concerned that the municipal solar implementation schedule does not complete the full 20 MW by 2030. Delaying projects without clear justification undermines the City's adopted policy and sends the wrong message about our commitment to climate action.
The Council has already established the goal. The question before us is no longer whether Pasadena should achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030, but how quickly we are moving toward it. Every year of delay means additional greenhouse gas emissions, greater climate impacts, and lost opportunities to strengthen our local energy resilience.
I respectfally ask the Committee to require clearer performance metrics, fully fund the municipal solar program, accelerate renewable procurement, expand local solar opportunities, and hold PWP accountable for delivering the carbon-free future that Pasadena has ab-eady promised its residents.
Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to Pasadena's future.
Sincerely,
Suzanne York