The climate crisis is in full swing. Record heat waves continue, glaciers are melting at record pace and the loss of life and property from climate disasters continues. That’s why the Austin City Council recently passed a resolution declaring a climate emergency.

But the proposed budget for the city of Austin reduces funds for solar energy by $2 million — a 26% cut from last year’s budget of $7.5 million.

We need to increase funding for climate solutions — including solar energy. The solar budget is just a tiny piece of Austin Energy’s budget, but it makes a big difference by making it easier for Austin residents and businesses to lower their bills by installing solar on homes and businesses. And supporting local solar has been hugely successful in creating local solar jobs too. Over 1,500 people are working in solar in Travis County.

Now is the time to expand the use of solar energy by creating - and funding - new programs for renters, lower-income residents and those who live in multifamily housing.