Community leaders want OPPD to take closer look at emissions goal

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - It’s anticipated that the Omaha Public Power District will update its goals on “Environmental Stewardship” this summer, according to OPPD Board of Directors Chair, Eric Williams.

Five years ago, the Board set a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but some community groups feel 2050 is too long to wait to see if the power company delivers.

“We just want to see emissions reductions. We want to ensure that they’re happening,” said Connor Nichols with Nebraska Conservation Voters. “And they want them sooner rather than later.”

Nichols is one of the people who organized a community event Thursday night to encourage people to call on OPPD to recommit to its net-zero goal.

This cause is especially important to North Omaha residents, who live near the coal-burning North Omaha Station power plant, built in 1954.

Studies show living near a coal-burning power plant is associated with adverse health effects and even death. It’s why some are demanding OPPD commit to short-term goals that make achieving a reduction in harmful pollutants possible.

“It adds a little accountability for OPPD. And that way there’s a clearer timeline for folks to look at,” said Nichols.

An ad hoc committee was formed to bring community concerns to OPPD. Both parties say they’ve had positive interactions about minimizing the company’s environmental impact.

OPPD’s spokesperson told 6 News: “OPPD has been engaged with the ad hoc committee, and we value these conversations. We welcome input from all of our customers and stakeholders, and we look forward to sharing more with them on this topic at our next monthly board meetings.”

David Begley, who lives nowhere near the North Omaha plant, is critical of OPPD’s net-zero policy.

“They have a statutory duty to provide low-cost and reliable power,” he said.

He’s worried OPPD’s net-zero goal will raise customer rates and provide unreliable power.

Williams, who attended the community event, said it’s anticipated OPPD will present a draft to the public of updated goals on environmental stewardship in two weeks. They’ll take community input and possibly reevaluate.

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