Question: How will you ensure Denton meets its sustainability goals, including clean energy initiatives and water conservation? What role should the city play in addressing climate change?
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Karen DeVINNEY
Denton paid for a perfectly good Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2023, which went from 86 pages to 12 before it was adopted by city council in August 2024. It was simplified and lost its teeth. I would go back to that CAP and implement it as intended, especially its emphasis on energy reduction.
The original plan also included suggestions for increasing green space in order to recapture more carbon, and that needs to be added back as a priority.
Suzi RuMOHR
Cities play a huge role in the climate. City regulations can prohibit or allow environmentally-friendly transportation options, development patterns, and personal choices.
People should have choices in life. Environmentally-friendly options should be easy and attractive to choose. If conservation is the goal, the city should make it easier for households to consume less energy, less water, less pavement, and less land.
In most cases, city policies and initiatives that support environmental sustainability also lower household costs for housing, transportation, energy, water, and medical expenses. They also support the city’s financial sustainability by making more efficient use of existing infrastructure, which also reduces the tax burden for both residents and local businesses.
As a member of Denton City Council, I would support and prioritize sustainability initiatives that make it easier for households, businesses, and the city to save money through more efficient use of energy, water, transportation, housing, land, and existing infrastructure.
Margie ELLIS
First would be to ensure our Climate Action Plan (CAP) is being supported and followed. The City of Denton established Science-Based Targets (SBTs) to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately reach net-zero emissions by 2050 (via ordinance 22-746, April 19, 2022). This was the catalyst for the CAP. Public outreach is embedded in each and every action outlined in the CAP. This document is comprehensive and detailed.
One related concern I have and have called out in my time on Planning & Zoning, and while on the Development Review Committee, is being mindful of data centers in our community. We have them currently, with one recently expanding. These developments use an absorbent amount of energy. They are needed for the future of AI, which seems to only be growing. Which means the industry will be growing. Which means more applications will be forthcoming to the city.
I want to be mindful of the impact this use has on our environment. And be certain it does not go against our clean energy goals.