Net Zero by 2040, LES Board Approves Decarbonization Goal
After participating in a year-long educational series on establishing a new carbon reduction goal and soliciting public opinion at the beginning of November, the LES (www.les.com) Administrative Board adopted a 100% net decarbonization goal by 2040 during its November 20 meeting. LES acknowledges that the emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel-fired power generating plants contribute to increased concentration levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which in turn contributes to climate change. The Board adopted this goal in response to the risks associated with climate change.
In 2019, the mayor of Lincoln began developing a new Climate Action Plan for the community. The Board recognized its role in helping to achieve a community goal while also maintaining high levels of electric system reliability and affordable retail electric rates to every customer in the area.
In October, the City released a draft of its Climate Action Plan, in which a citywide goal to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050, relative to 2011 levels, was announced. At its November meeting, the LES Administrative Board committed to striving to mitigate its reliance on fossil fuels by establishing a goal to achieve net zero carbon dioxide production from its generation portfolio by 2040.
Moving forward, LES staff will continue its ongoing process of technological and financial evaluations to make prudent resource planning decisions. To learn more and view the LES Resolution 2020-16 and replays of the virtual public meetings, go to LES.com/decarb.