HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/3/2019 Item 18, Smigelski
Purrington, Teresa
From:John Smigelski <john.smigelski@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, August 30, 2019 1:24 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Support for the Reach Code
There is a saying that Science tells you what you can do; Economics tells you what you should do and Politics
says what you should do.
Science has provided many technological advancements that enable all electric buildings to be a feasible and
attractive alternative. Improvements in these technologies have made them the economic choice for new
construction when you do a complete analysis of the economics including avoided infrastructure costs. I
encourage you to realize the political need to lead on this issue and make the decision to move forward
providing safe, affordable healthy living spaces for our community. Continuing to follow the inertia of the past
to allow use of natural gas without considering the new and emerging economics of the all electric option is
the wrong decision.
On a federal level, the recent Trump administration relaxation of methane rules will mean more leakage of
methane during the production and transport of natural gas. This is despite the over 20 fold higher
greenhouse gas impact compared to CO2. As a result when you consider the life cycle greenhouse gas
impacts of natural gas, it can no longer be considered a “bridge to a renewable future fuel”. Instead, it is the
fuel source with potentially the greatest greenhouse gas impact exceeding even coal.
I urge you to follow the science and economics and have the political will to lead on this issue as our city and
the future of the planet requires nothing less.
Thank you
John Smigelski
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