San Antonio may not count among the greenest U.S. cities, but it fares better than most of its Texas neighbors, according to a new analysis.
The Alamo City landed a not-so-impressive 48th in a WalletHub report ranking the nation’s 100 biggest cities on environmental friendliness. But our city was one of just three in Texas to crack the top half of the list. Austin ranked 20th and El Paso 40th.
Researchers for the financial site compared cities on 26 indicators of environmental friendliness and sustainability, ranging from greenhouse gas emissions and smart energy policies to green job opportunities.
San Diego took No. 1 on the list, and five other California cities landed in the top 10. Baton Rouge, La., placed last.
San Antonio’s energy utility has shifted to more renewable power sources, including solar, and the city’s spent heartily to improve its lack of green space. Even so, urban sprawl proved its undoing on the list.
Like other Texas cities, S.A. lagged in categories such as bike friendliness and the percentage of commuters who drive. Also pulling weak numbers were “lifestyle” factors including its number of farmer’s markets and community garden plots.
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This article appears in Oct 10-16, 2018.
