Trustees debate electrification resolution after extensive public testimony; amendment fails

The Carlsbad Unified board heard extensive public testimony on a staff‑proposed resolution supporting electrification of district facilities during its May 15 meeting, but an amendment to add stronger, time‑bound commitments failed.

Staff outlined recent energy work, including solar installations at eight sites, LED lighting upgrades, HVAC replacements using heat‑pump technologies, and purchases of electric vehicles for the maintenance fleet. The resolution as drafted encouraged continued efforts to reduce fossil‑fuel use and to pursue energy efficiency and curriculum connections.

Environmental advocates urged clearer targets and deadlines. Serena Pela of Climate Action Campaign said the district should commit to electrifying new and existing infrastructure and to powering district operations with 100 percent renewable energy. Linda Daniels and other residents urged stronger action and use of state funding programs; speakers also suggested curriculum and green‑jobs pathways for students.

Trustee Rawlings moved a set of amendments that would have, among other points, commit the district to power all new buildings with 100 percent electric systems, replace gas‑fired equipment at end of useful life with electric alternatives starting in 2025, and pursue 100 percent clean energy through the Clean Energy Alliance by Dec. 31, 2025. The motion to adopt the resolution with those amendments failed on a 2‑3 vote.

Trustees expressed differing views: some highlighted the district’s ongoing capital investments in solar and heat‑pump retrofits and noted long‑term operational savings; others raised concerns about unclear costs, community appetite for full electrification and appropriate pace of implementation. No amended resolution was adopted that evening; the record shows the amendment failed and the board returned to other business.