HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-agenda Item - Public CommentFrom:Ethan DeJesus
To:CouncilMeeting Comments
Cc:Jensen Fiskin
Subject:Sustainability in the Community
Date:Thursday, February 24, 2022 11:56:29 AM
Hi my name is Ethan De Jesus. I am a student at PDHS. The premise of my message today is that I am very
concerned about the lack of action at the Palm Desert city level regarding climate disruption. I have
reviewed the video of several city council and sustainability committee meetings,
(and yes I know that this committee has a new name). I see almost no interest or
resources focused by the city on this climate crisis. “Developing a 5-year plan of Environmental Initiatives including
the consideration of the following or similar items” doesn’t sound like giving the climate crisis the sense of urgency
it is deserved of. Just because others at the state and federal level are lackluster does not give us the excuse to be as
well. I believe we can do better. Take our neighbor Palm Springs for example. They have made “environmental
stewardship” one of their top priorities for 2022. They have specific goals like implementing S.B. 1383, completing
GHG analysis so they can meet goals outlined in 2016, helping DCE with things such as delinquency rates (which if
PD enrolled would help with as well), and create commercial renewable standards amongst other things. We can
Adopt a strong Climate Action Plan with a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030. In aims of teaching this goal
we can start by decarbonizing buildings and transportation. Examples include passing “Reach Codes” that require
all-electric new building construction, as well as the replacement of gas home appliances at the end of their useful
life with electric equivalents, setting an end date for natural gas use in the city, etc. That’s not even to mention DCE,
which has a stronger financial outlook after new lease agreements on fixed rates, which I believe PD should give its
citizens the chance to opt in to. We can also reduce our reliance on unnecessary plastics and therefore fossil fuels by
implementing programs similar to those of Palm Springs that addresses the sale of single use plastics and
specifically polystyrene, as well as the distribution of certified compostable plastics in their place where necessary.
These are all “low-hanging fruit” policies that can really help accelerate PD forward as a sustainable leader. There is
no other time than now, and together our city can inspire others to do the same. For the sake of our environment and
our collective legacy, let’s push for real change, and not wait on Federal or State action. I truly think we can do
better.
Thank you so much for your time.
Ethan De Jesus.