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Dear Friends,

Summer is here! As record heat engulfs the eastern United States, those of us at C3 continue to be reminded of our rapidly changing planet and the need for robust climate action. Today I am writing to share an exciting engagement opportunity in Charlottesville, where you can help shape the future of Charlottesville’s energy sector. 

This July and August, Charlottesville Gas is asking for public feedback on the Charlottesville Gas Decarbonization Study and hosting multiple listening sessions to hear from community members directly. The Decarbonization Study, which kicked off in March 2023, aims to determine how the gas utility can be part of the solution in achieving and aligning itself with Charlottesville’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Session attendees will learn about Charlottesville’s climate goals, gain insights into the Charlottesville Gas Utility and its existing programs, understand the gas decarbonization study, and provide feedback to Utilities about community needs relevant to the study.

Further information and C3 resources on natural gas decarbonization can be found below!

C3 Resources on Natural Gas and Decarbonization:

C3 has produced a variety of publicly available resources on natural gas use in Charlottesville, its impacts on health and energy equity, and the need to decarbonize municipal utilities. 

In late 2023, C3 shared its Policy Recommendations for Decarbonizing Charlottesville Gas with the City of Charlotessville’s climate team. We called on the City and gas utility to take these actions, among others:

• Place a moratorium on new non-residential hookups, installations, and non-essential infrastructure projects;
• Remove the cost-free installation of new residential gas lines;
• Develop a just and equitable transition plan to a carbon-neutral community; and
• Redirect Charlottesville Gas’ carbon offsets toward reducing local GHG emissions.

In addition, C3 published a three-part blog series that examined Charlottesville Gas use and trends, the utility’s persistent number of leaks, and the need for change. Check them out below:

You can also check out our climate one-pager on Natural Gas and Climate Justice to learn about the negative effects of natural gas use on health and energy inequity. 

C3 encourages community members to sign up for a session and voice their concerns, advocating for a fossil-free future for Charlottesville and beyond. Transformative climate action takes all of us - we look forward to seeing you there!