Your policy and FUNDING questions answered:
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
who is running the climate charter campaign
We are a group of El Pasoans concerned about the future of our City. Among us are born and raised El Pasoans, fronterizos, Juarenses, UTEP students and alumni, EPCC students and alumni; from first generation immigrants and Americans, to fourth generation El Pasoans. In 2019, we formed Sunrise El Paso to stop the sale of our public utility to big banks from out of town. Sunrise El Paso is now collaborating with allies from Ground Game Texas and Sunrise National to continue our work with the Climate Charter.
WHO IS FUNDING YOU?
We are receiving funds from El Pasoans and others giving small dollar donations, and we are also receiving grant funding.
How did you get the Climate Charter on the ballot?
As per state law requirements to amend a city charter, we surpassed the necessary 20,000 signatures and gathered 40,000 valid signatures from registered voters who believe in this policy and wanted the opportunity to vote for it
Why did the El Paso Chamber of Commerce publish a report saying that the El Paso Climate Charter is harmful?
NOTE: The study in question has been entirely debunked by Texan scholars and non-profits. Read the Prop K Feasibility Study here.
The people who run the El Paso Chamber of Commerce make a lot of money by ensuring that your wages are low, your electricity rates are high, and pollution is deregulated. They hired private consultants to stifle the voices of the community and ensure that their private profits are not threatened by increased democracy. They also have a lot of influence over the media and elected officials to whom they donate. This millionaire-funded report is baseless speculation and a deliberate misinterpretation of policy - its sole purpose is to fearmonger.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
Click here to phonebank, click here to knock on doors, and click here for instructions on how to join our coalition!
ABOUT THE policy
How much will the Climate Charter cost? Do taxpayers have to pay extra for it?
The Climate Charter requires the allocation of a few thousand tax dollars to create a Climate Department and fulfill its duties–not millions, like other City services. The Climate Department is the ONLY expense that the Charter requires and costs less than 1% of the city budget. Any other spending must be approved by the City Council first. These discretionary costs would be financed by new grant funding and Prop K’s creation of a positive revenue stream. Learn More.
Will I have to switch my gas stove to an electric one?
No. There are no restrictions being implemented, suggested, or required by the Climate Charter related to appliances.
WILL I HAVE TO TRANSITION TO AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?
No. The Climate Charter policy does not state, or even remotely suggest, a transition to Electric Vehicles in any capacity.
Will the Climate Charter cause job losses?
No. Section 9.7 of the Climate Charter codifies job creation and worker protection. The policy also ensures that workers will not be harmed because the guiding principle of ‘climate justice’ protects workers (especially those in the oil and gas sector!)
Will small businesses be hurt by the El Paso Climate Charter?
The El Paso Climate Charter supports small businesses, because the policy directs the City to protect historically underserved entities rather than big corporations. It also ensures that no fees, fines, or financial burdens are imposed on businesses that want cheaper electricity and it creates new economic opportunities for entrepreneurs by increasing access to climate-friendly funding.
Will this policy force us to transition to renewable energy?
The Climate Charter sets renewable energy GOALS, not renewable energy requirements. The City cannot overreach its legal and political power to achieve these goals.
I have been told that purchasing El Paso Electric costs a lot of money. Will taxpayers be hurt because municipalizING El Paso Electric is a requirement of the Climate Charter?
The Climate Charter will NOT force the City to purchase El Paso Electric if it is financially unfeasible. Section 9.10 merely states that every year, the City will evaluate what steps can be taken to shift control of El Paso Electric from its corporate non-local owners to El Paso taxpayers.
How does the Climate Charter protect our water?
Section 9.12 makes it so that El Paso Water legally cannot send water to places like the Permian Basin for the purposes of fracking.