Reversing course, this northern Utah city will invest in fossil fuels – Utah Public Radio

Logan City Council Revisits Decision on Fossil Fuel Contract

The Logan City Council recently revisited its decision to reject a contract committing the city to purchasing fossil fuels for decades. This decision was met with mixed emotions from the community, with some expressing pride in the democratic process and others feeling disappointed.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 13: Climate Action

Logan resident Jessica Murray, a strong advocate for sustainable development, urged the council to make the right choice in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She emphasized the need to reject a long-term investment in fossil fuels, even if it was a reduced commitment.

The council’s decision to reconsider the contract was driven by the impending closure of two coal-fired power plants that currently supply the city’s power. City officials have been searching for a reliable, around-the-clock power supply to fill the gap.

Public Opposition to Fossil Fuels

1. Over 30 members of the public spoke against the city’s plan to invest in fossil fuels.
2. Many criticized the city’s continued reliance on fossil fuels and called for greater investment in renewable energy sources.
3. Concerns were raised about the impact on future generations and the environment.

Murray was one of 24 individuals who spoke out against the city’s plan to invest in a natural gas plant in Power County, Idaho. The proposed investment was reduced to 15 megawatts, half of the initial 30 megawatts considered.

Despite the opposition, the council voted to move forward with the deal, citing the need for a stable power supply to support local businesses. Scott Nelson, a controller at Schreiber Foods, argued that renewables alone cannot meet the city’s energy needs and highlighted the financial impact of power shortages on businesses.

Baseload Power and Renewable Energy

Mark Montgomery, the city’s director of light and power, explained the concept of baseload power, which is the minimum amount of electricity needed at all times. He stated that renewable energy sources such as solar, batteries, and wind are not capable of providing baseload power consistently.

Montgomery emphasized the limited options available to Logan, with coal and natural gas being the only viable sources for baseload power. He mentioned unsuccessful attempts to explore geothermal power projects and the potential of nuclear power in the future.

Council’s Decision and Future Implications

The council voted to invest in only 15 megawatts of the project, despite the city needing 18 megawatts to replace the energy lost from the expected coal plant closures. The investment will be financed over 20 years and potentially available for the city to purchase for more than 30 years.

Council member Ernesto Lopez was the sole vote against the project, expressing a desire to explore alternative options. However, the majority of the council believed that waiting for a clean energy solution could have negative consequences for the community, particularly in terms of air quality.

Conclusion

The council’s decision sparked outcry from audience members, highlighting the urgency and importance of addressing climate change and transitioning to clean energy sources. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a framework for guiding cities like Logan towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the Logan City Council’s decision to invest in fossil fuels for its power supply, which is connected to the goal of achieving affordable and clean energy (SDG 7). The reliance on fossil fuels also has implications for climate change mitigation and adaptation (SDG 13). Additionally, the article mentions the impact on future generations and the need for greater investment in renewable energy sources, which aligns with the goal of protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests

The article highlights the need for greater investment in renewable energy sources, indicating a target under SDG 7.2. It also discusses the impact of the council’s decision on climate change mitigation and adaptation, which relates to the target under SDG 13.2. Furthermore, the article mentions the importance of considering sustainable management of forests, which aligns with the target under SDG 15.2.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of renewable energy in the city’s energy mix
• Integration of climate change measures in the city’s policies and planning
• Extent of sustainable management practices implemented in the city’s forests

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but progress towards the identified targets can be measured by tracking the percentage of renewable energy in the city’s energy mix, the extent to which climate change measures are integrated into the city’s policies and planning, and the implementation of sustainable management practices in the city’s forests.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: upr.org