(Independence, MO) City Council Votes 4-3 to Enter Negotiations for New Fracked-Gas Turbines Despite Community Concern

On February 28, the Independence City Council voted to enter negotiations to discuss possibly buying two large gas-powered turbines to replace existing gas infrastructure. The fossil fuel investment would be one of the largest purchases by the city ever, leading to continued air pollution and likely increases in utility bills for residents. The vote came during a meeting that was scheduled just days before it was set to take place. Thanks to friends at Indy Energy, Sierra Club and allies were able to spread the word about the meeting, and several residents spoke at the meeting encouraging the Council to reject this initial proposal to move forward. 

Indy Energy hosted a forum days before the council meeting where energy experts shared ways the city could move forward in a way that protects residents’ health and well-being, honors its goal to be one of the nation’s “greenest” cities, and does not lock Independence into decades of more fossil fuel dependence. A recording of the forum is available on Indy Energy’s website. 

This is a preliminary step in approving the new gas infrastructure and was a much closer vote than many expected. Thanks to advocacy by Independence residents, including many Sierra Club members and allies, council members are reconsidering if more gas is a good decision, and some are calling for a city-wide referendum. This presents an important opportunity for residents to ensure the council puts its residents first, but only if more engage. Independence is in a position to chart a new path away from fossil fuels and fulfill its goal of becoming one of “the greenest cities in America.” Learn more at the links above, and consider plugging into the effort to stop fossil fuels in Independence by reaching out to Billy Davies at william.davies@sierraclub.org.