Important Announcements

CURRENT INFORMATION: go to our Facebook group "Waco Friends of the Climate." 1) Beginning Jan. 2025, our focus has been on resistance to Donald Trump, since his policies are our greatest threat to the climate. Thus, we are not having monthly meetings at this time. We hope to hold monthly meetings in the future. Visit our Facebook group for current activities, Waco Friends of the Climate. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1330231820335851 2) Our role in the resistance includes a weekly protest at the pedestrian bridge in Waco, Valley Mills Dr. & Bagby Avenue, each Sunday, 1:00pm-2:30pm. We began the protest in March 2025 and it has been carried on weekly for over one year. We provide huge, highly visible banners. Please join us. RESISTING FASCISM, ONE SUNDAY AT A TIME. 3) Because of the sad passing of our webmaster, Harrison Ward, we have not been able to keep the website up to date. For the most current information, please visit our Facebook group, Waco Friends of the Climate : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1330231820335851 4) To join our email list and be informed of actions, activities, and campaigns, email our Director Alan Northcutt at anorthc@aol.com 5)Free "climate crisis is here" yard signs may be obtained by emailing anorthc@aol.com. Delivery of signs is available. Help raise awareness of the climate crisis, deeply needed in Waco. 6) Winners of the "Sixth Annual Climate Crisis Art Exhibit" may be found in the Archives, April 2023. Some incredible climate art may be viewed.

Waco Tribune-Herald Article About February 7th SRPAB Meeting


Sustainability board stops short of call for renewable commitment, to continue talks




After months of debating whether to call on the Waco City Council to commit to using 100 percent renewable energy sources for municipal purposes in the coming years, a city advisory board unanimously approved a letter Thursday that stops short of that goal.

The letter, assembled by City Manager Wily Stem III, who sits on the board, urges the city to consider 100 percent renewables in upcoming contract negotiations for its energy purchase contract. It also recommends that Stem’s office designate city staffers to work with the Sustainable Resources Practices Advisory Board to evaluate building energy audits, new construction requirements, power purchase agreements, transportation and more.

“We have a place to start,” board Chairwoman Janet Wallace said.

Alan Northcutt, a local physician and environmental advocate, said he is disappointed by the letter. It does not go far enough toward a commitment to renewable energy and has “no teeth,” Northcutt said.

Northcutt and board member Sarah Brockhaus kicked off the board’s consideration of renewable energy when they presented a proposal in December to urge the city to commit to renewable sources.

“Our main point is that this recommendation should be based on the science,” he said during Thursday’s meeting. “What needs to be done is for the city ultimately to go 100 percent renewable. We cannot continue to use fossil fuels indefinitely.”

Brockhaus, who represents Baylor University on the board, said she reluctantly supported the letter that was adopted. A timeline for the city’s objectives should have been included, she said.

Brockhaus also pushed for continued discussion on the original proposal, which includes a draft resolution on renewable energy for the council.

Other board members said they agree the letter should only be the first step toward a resolution for the council to consider. The board will meet again in April.

During a city council meeting Tuesday, Councilman Jim Holmes requested city staff prepare a presentation on the viability of renewable energy sources. Councilman John Kinnaird, who serves as the council’s liaison to the sustainability board, supported Holmes’ request and also asked for a summary of all of the city’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

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