In March of 2020, Austin Energy announced as part of its 'Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030', that it would "cease operation of Austin Energy's portion of the Fayette Power Project by year-end 2022," but has since stated in November of 2021 that it will not retire its stake in the plant next year, because Austin Energy has been unable to reach an agreement with its co-owners of the plant, the LCRA on ending operations.

The Environmental Integrity Project has documented toxic pollutants and carcinogens such as arsenic, boron, cobalt, and lithium in groundwater aquifers around Fayette coal and other coal-fired power plants across the state, pollutants linked to leakage from coal ash disposal by facilities of this type. These pollutants and environmental damage come in addition to the plant's unacceptable levels of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. 

The closure of the Fayette plant, which contributes 80% of Austin Energy's carbon emissions and which was recently ranked the 14th dirtiest in the nation by Find Energy LLC, is a key step in achieving net-zero carbon emissions, and was outlined in the goals set by Austin Energy itself.

Our Demands

1 The Austin City Council must direct Austin Energy to refuse approval of all budgets and capital expense requests for maintenance, enhancements, or investments that allow the Fayette Power Project to continue its operations. 

2 The Austin City Council must direct Austin Energy to conduct water-testing in the Fayette County Reservoir to monitor the effects of water contamination & coal ash in the community.

3 The Austin City Council must direct Austin Energy to immediately reopen negotiations with the LCRA and use every legal tactic available to compel the LCRA to allow for an equitable and just resolution.

4 The Austin City Council must work with Austin Energy and LCRA to connect employees of the Fayette Power Project with good green jobs in their community that reflect the demands of the Fayette community members, provide equal or greater pay and benefits, ensure an immediate just & equitable transition with no loss of income for these employees in the result of shutting down the plants' operations, in addition to the remediation of pollutants and rehabilitation of the Fayette coal site and its surrounding habitats.

Sign on to show your support and direct the Austin City Council to act!