Mayoral Candidates Discuss Clean Energy and Other Environmental Issues

All five mayoral candidates gathered at the Athens-Clarke County Library on Apr. 27 for a forum on energy and the environment. The event was moderated by Coalition of Athens Scientists’ Olivia Asher and cohosted by 10 local scientific organizations. Candidates were asked about climate resilience, the Clean and Renewable Energy Plan, clean water access, reducing car miles driven and data centers in Athens.

Zuniga opened by saying, “Latin Americans, we value natural resources,” and that her Spanish fluency will allow her to communicate about environmental topics across communities. Further, she said she lives on a farm and runs an asbestos abatement company with her husband Marcos, giving her practical environmental experience. Fisher referenced his record of starting programs on climate control, energy efficiency and recycling. He said his work with UGA and the Clarke County school system gave him experience in establishing sustainability initiatives. 

Miller asserted her platform of policy, polity and partnership to create positive change for all citizens in Athens. 

Gantt emphasized growing up in a now-redeveloped Athens neighborhood, stating that the gap must be bridged to connect communities with environmental goals, including the establishment of green spaces. 

Lastly, Denson stated his mission of “an Athens for everyone,” with combatting climate change being crucial for future generations to thrive. He referenced attending past environmental forums and helping pass the 100% Clean and Renewable Energy Plan while on the commission.

Climate resilience: Fisher suggested a climate task force, infrastructure stress tests, data driven efforts and an Emergency Management Department. He said, “We were fortunate last year [with Hurricane Helene]… I want to make sure that we, as a community, if that happened in Athens-Clarke County, that we’re prepared, and we know what resources that we need to get to.” 

Miller cited infrastructure systems being prepared and in place, as well as working with the director of sustainability and related departments to maintain resilience. 

Gantt focused on educating and updating the community. She emphasized bridging the gap between people and policy, while providing updates on progress and accomplishments. 

Denson affirmed the disproportionate impact of natural disasters on low-income communities, and he suggested using more climate resilient infrastructure when paving roads to prevent flooding and disasters later. He also referenced the heat island effect, stressing the importance of maintaining ACC’s dense tree canopy to reduce warming. 

Zuniga expressed frustration that the government and school system did not take action in Athens after Hurricane Helene. She suggested protecting environmental fixtures, reevaluating zoning codes to prevent damage, and a community plan for natural disasters.

Clean and Renewable Energy Plan: Candidates were asked for concrete actions that would advance ACC’s 100% Clean and Renewable Energy Plan and how community members could see and track that progress. Miller said she would view measurable outcomes, work with the city manager, and put an assessment of progress on the agenda. 

Gantt emphasized working with CCSD to create a curriculum that prepares students to enter green careers. 

Denson referenced his proposal for an inclusionary parking ordinance, which would lower parking requirements for builders who contribute to a multimodal transportation fund that improves infrastructure, while lowering flood risks. 

Zuniga cited financial constraints despite respecting the plan’s goals, saying, “It would be disingenuous to make promises that you’re going to do all these things when you don’t even know if you will have the resources available to do them.” She said she would first prioritize housing, disaster preparedness, clean water and infrastructure maintenance. 

Fisher reasserted his commitment to infrastructure and smart growth, suggesting a dashboard tracker for citizens to see progress on environmental goals. He agreed with Gantt’s stance on investing in education for green jobs and industries.

Clean water: When asked about ensuring all ACC residents—especially in the Pinewoods and Pittard Road communities—have clean water, and rebuilding community trust after delayed responses, all candidates supported providing water service across Athens. 

Gantt emphasized addressing environmental injustices and creating equity, while overcoming “cultural mistrust” between communities and the government.

Denson agreed on prioritizing water access for all ACC residents, while rebuilding trust by meeting people where they are, and holding regular town hall meetings across the county to increase engagement. 

Zuniga affirmed keeping promises made about water access saying, “water is a core responsibility of the local government, whether it’s on private or public systems.” She suggested a hotline for citizens to call and get environmental issues addressed immediately. Fisher emphasized public and private cooperation to increase clean water access for underserved communities and replacing aging infrastructure, while conducting community outreach and creating action rather than press conferences. 

Miller aimed to secure funds from grants to address water standards, while using her clergy background to build trust with vulnerable communities and cooperating with departments to meet their needs.

Reducing driving: With gas-powered cars being the most common transportation mode in Athens despite causing pollution and potential crashes, candidates were asked if they support reducing car miles in favor of walking, buses and bikes. 

Denson emphasized the bus system, but Zuniga disagreed with the current fare-free system. Fisher said he is in talks with the University of Georgia to prevent freshmen students from bringing cars to campus, while Miller focused on increasing green spaces and biking infrastructure through grants. Gantt emphasized quality over quantity with infrastructure by improving bus stops before expanding the system.

Data centers: When asked about data centers and their position on development, all candidates agreed that they did not belong in Athens. 

Zuniga said one of the first data centers in Athens was built in her area, and she emphasized accurate information and statistics being shared with the public. While she expressed frustration that officials did not inform the community about construction, Fisher explained that it was “built by right” by Georgia Power, meaning the local government did not have to be notified. He suggested an advisory committee, while collaborating with UGA and Athens Technical College for real-time environmental reporting. 

Miller and Gantt both spoke against data centers, emphasizing safeguarding Athens through community involvement and bridging the gap. 

Denson pointed out the dangers of data centers near Athens also impacting ACC’s water utility and electrical grid, advocating for cooperation across communities against them. He also referenced his connection with Public Service Commissioner Peter Hubbard and record of environmental advocacy. 

Solar energy: An audience question asked candidates how ACC will overcome the discontinuance of subsidies and incentives for residential and commercial solar energy. While candidates supported them generally, most disagreed with requiring solar power. Fisher called it, “the power of the future,” but supported incentivizing the structures rather than requiring them. Miller agreed, citing how expensive the initiatives are but saying she cautiously supports them. Gantt emphasized bridging the gaps so community members understand the benefits of solar energy and weatherization, while highlighting grants and increasing the urgency of the green transition. Denson spoke against a solar requirement during a housing crisis, instead supporting panel incentivization on public buildings. He shared that he has solar panels on his home and supports cutting red tape for residential implementation. Zuniga echoed the costliness but supported their energy efficiency.

Green spaces: The final audience question asked if green space and affordable housing are mutually exclusive. Miller said she would balance the two, while Gantt agreed they must coexist. Gantt warned that overly focusing on increasing density for student housing negatively impacts the likelihood of nearby neighborhoods being able to have green spaces. Denson said green space is nonnegotiable to combat climate change, and supported density to create affordable housing for everyone in Athens. Zuniga and Fisher agreed on utilizing Athens’ academic community to create solutions that allow green spaces and affordable housing to coexist in new ways.

Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.