This week, the El Paso City Council approved a new climate plan to tackle extreme heat, dust, and drought. This makes El Paso part of a growing number of U.S. cities addressing climate change head-on.
The **plan** features over 50 policies aimed at increasing energy efficiency in buildings, boosting rooftop solar power on public structures, planting trees, and improving air quality. The plan will be flexible, evolving based on community feedback and city officials’ input. District 5 representative Ivan Niño emphasized that this isn’t a one-time policy—it’s a guideline for future decisions.
The council approved the plan with a 4-0 vote. Notably, representatives Alejandra Chavez, Deanna Maldonado-Rocha, Cynthia Boyar Trejo, and Art Fierro were absent. This approval follows nearly three years of work by city staff, fueled by community meetings and surveys. The process kicked off after a successful ballot proposition in November 2022, which allocated $5 million to fund the climate office. However, a separate proposition regarding a climate charter was rejected earlier this year.
The urgency of this climate plan stems from El Paso’s recent challenges, including higher average temperatures and persistent drought. This year, temperatures are nearly five degrees above the 30-year average, and 2023-2025 are projected to be the hottest years on record for the city. Local air quality has also suffered due to severe dust storms, which have been worse than the past 30 years of data collection. Between 2023 and 2024, El Paso saw just about 9 inches of rain—the driest period since the Dust Bowl era.
Funding remains a key concern. The city received a $1 million grant from the EPA for the planning process and is using part of the $5 million set aside from the 2022 bond. Future funding efforts include grants from institutions like Texas A&M and philanthropic organizations such as Bloomberg. This effort faces challenges, as past grant opportunities have fallen through due to changes in federal administration policies.
Some exciting initiatives in the plan include a “cool roof” program for low-income households, which will help lower utility costs by reflecting sunlight and improving energy efficiency. The city also plans to roll out solar panel systems for nonprofit organizations through a partnership with Solar United Neighborhoods. Jerry Kurtyka from the Community First Coalition noted that the plan caters to various community needs, from public EV charging stations to enhanced air quality monitoring.
Furthermore, tree planting is a significant focus, with research being carried out in collaboration with UTEP to determine optimal locations for shade-enhancing trees. This effort is critical given that El Paso’s tree cover has declined over the years.
Despite the climate plan’s progress, there are concerns regarding private industry actions impacting emissions. El Paso Electric has proposed building a new natural gas-fired power station to supply energy for a data center being developed by Meta Platforms. This project could increase nitrogen oxide emissions substantially, causing potential health risks associated with air quality. It’s a complex balancing act, as city officials navigate these developments while aiming to reduce the regional greenhouse gas emissions based on 2019 levels.
As the Public Utility Commission of Texas deliberates over the power plant’s construction, the city continues to develop its climate strategy. Engaging the community remains a top priority for the city, with officials focused on receiving feedback and adjusting the plan as needed to meet the public’s concerns and ensure economic viability.
In summary, El Paso’s climate plan is not just a response to immediate challenges; it’s a comprehensive strategy aimed at building a sustainable future. As the city adapts and evolves this plan, it seeks to create a thriving environment for all its residents. For more in-depth information, you can view the complete city plan [here](https://elpasotexas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15306844&GUID=95F7015F-82C5-4EC8-8F38-B1ED0CDA7C95).
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