Proposition 412 does not provide the progressive climate plan that Tucson requires. It is a missed opportunity that would lock the city into a business-as-usual scenario with TEP for the next 25 years. As a result, it is crucial to…
Proposition 412, a 25-year franchise agreement between Tucson Electric Power and the City of Tucson, will appear on the ballot in a special election on May 16. The agreement would permit TEP to use the city’s rights of way and impose a 0.75% “Community Resilience Fee” on the monthly electric bills of TEP customers in the city. The fee would generate approximately $5 million annually, 90% for undergrounding a new transmission line and 10% supporting the city’s Climate Action Plan.
Firstly, the franchise agreement lacks transparency and adequate public input. The current franchise agreement doesn’t expire until April 2026 and does not account for Tucson’s urgent need to address climate change. Rushing into a 25-year contract with TEP could limit the city’s ability to influence TEP’s future actions. Instead, the City should negotiate a better deal with stronger commitments to renewable energy and climate change.
Thirdly, the franchise agreement neglects the need for an uninterruptible water supply, which is essential for Tucson’s sustainability and resilience. The city is well-prepared for normal outages, but a whole flock of climate “black swans,” such as aridification, mega-droughts, forest fires, and heatwaves, could result in power outages that could last for many days.
next 25 years. As a result, it is crucial to vote no on Proposition 412 and re-open a community-TEP-UA conversation to support the Tucson Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The city can, and must, do better to prepare for the future and combat climate change.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Local Opinion: As an Undergrounding Advocate, I Vote No on Poorly Drafted 412Do not let TEP fool you into thinking above ground is always cheaper. It is not. Private property damage claims are guaranteed to happen. Do you know who will pay for those claims? You. Ratepayers. Therefore, we must include a…
Read more »
14 charts that show jobs, unemployment and workforce data for Tucson and ArizonaIs our employment picture getting better or worse? See recent changes in local jobs, unemployment, earnings and more in these regularly updated charts and maps.
Read more »
Photos: A look at what life was like in Tucson in the 1980sBig hair, packed rock concerts and muscle cars were just some of the sights you could see in Tucson during the '80s. For more retro photos of Tucson delivered to your inbox every week, sign up for the Star's Tucson…
Read more »
Agave Heritage Festival celebrates culinary arts and culture in TucsonAgave plants have been harvested and enjoyed in our region for hundreds of years — and this is the week to celebrate that as the Agave Heritage Festival returns to Tucson for its 15th year.
Read more »
Tucson's Angel Charity kicks up dust in first-ever country concertAngel Charity for Children might have found a new niche after hosting country singer Elle King in their 'Rock the Fox' concert in Tucson.
Read more »