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

By Steve Kraske,

Published August 22, 2022 at 5:00 PM CDT

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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" — 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.

Robin Ganahl, chair of Climate Protection Steering Committee
Andy Savastino, chief environmental officer, Kansas City, Missouri
Steve Mills, general manger, Spire in Kansas City

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Up To Date Podcast Climate Change Kansas City kcmo global warming natural gas Energy green energy sustainable energy

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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Elizabeth Ruiz

As a producer for Up To Date, my goal is to inform our audience by curating interesting and important conversations with reliable sources and individuals directly affected by a topic or issue. I strive for our program to be a place that hosts impactful conversations, providing our audience with greater knowledge, intrigue, compassion and entertainment. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.

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