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Energy companies want to make Kansas City carbon neutral but question city's climate plan

A group of five young people hold a yellow fabric banner saying "climate justice now." In the background are more people holding signs as part of a march. Other signs have slogans such as "There is no Planet B" and "Green jobs and a livable future"
Charlie Riedel
/
AP
Climate protesters march on the Plaza in 2019.

By focusing on six core climate-related issues, the Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan aims to make Kansas City carbon neutral by 2040. However, energy companies say the plan limits consumer choice.

Advocates say Kansas City's efforts to pass the Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan are urgent, as experts predict temperatures in the metro could soar as high as 125 degrees over the course of the next 30 years.

The city's plan focuses on mobility; energy supply; natural systems; homes and buildings; food; and waste and materials in an effort to make Kansas City carbon neutral by 2040.

Steve Mills, general manger of Spire in Kansas City, said the energy company supports most of the plan. However, he has concerns about limitations the plan could put on the future availability of natural gas and consumer choice.

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