OPPD still considering new environmental sustainability goals

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - OPPD is on its way to commit to new goals related to reducing emissions. It’s been five years since the board pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

At June’s month board meeting, environmental stewardship was not on the agenda, but it was a topic of conversation.

“I think there needs to be more investment in proven, lower emissions technology to reduce emissions on a faster timescale,” said one woman during public comment.

Thursday evening, many thanked OPPD for their consideration of public input.

6 News covered a community meeting earlier this month asking for interim goals to keep the power company accountable along its journey to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Thursday a few pushes for more language on environmental justice.

Board Chair Eric Williams said they’re working on it.

“Currently the policy doesn’t specify what pathway we might be on. So what we’re looking for in the policy now is to help determine where we are to where we’re going by 2050, how we’re going to get there, what specific goals we need to accomplish along the way,” Williams told 6 News.

In a presentation Tuesday, two main interim goals were proposed targeting an emissions reduction range by 2027 and 2040.

“That gives us some flexibility to figure out wait, we can be within that range,” said OPPD President and CEO Javier Fernandez during the meeting.

Some people oppose the net zero policy altogether.

“We need to consider and figure out, how much this is going to cost,” said David Begley.

6 News asked the board chair about that concern and what people can expect.

“The decarbonization study coupled with the resources plan that we approved last year did highlight the potential for rate increase in the future,” said Williams. “But we don’t have explicit numbers at his time. That’s a more detailed number when individualized projects come online.”

Given the unfinished conversations, the issue was sent back for further consideration.

“They want to take some more time to be really thoughtful as they work on proposed revisions before presenting it to the board and the public,” said OPPD spokesperson Jodi Baker.

There is no board meeting next month, so it’s now expected the draft be ready for public input in August.

Also at Thursday’s meeting, OPPD officials told 6 News that the board approved salary increases for the utility’s president and vice president. The president’s salary was bumped about $73,000 per year, while the ice president will see a pay raise of $20,000 per year.

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