Co-benefits Analysis of Solar Energy Plans in Austin, Texas

As the City of Austin, Texas, continues to face climate change, it has adopted a goal to reach net-zero community emissions by 2040, and Austin Energy, the City's municipal electric utility, has set plans to increase renewable energy production and consumption in line with this net-zero goal.While these plans acknowledge that there are health and equity consequences to the continued use of fossil fuels for electricity production, this paper seeks to quantify benefits that are often unaccounted for when considering renewable energy plans, such as the economic contributions from green job creation and improved human health.Better understanding these benefits can help city leaders comprehend the value and importance of transitioning to renewable energy for a cleaner and more sustainable future.