Austin needs to continue to strive for high environmental and energy conversation standards in all new and redevelopment projects. Increases in impervious cover and climate change have resulted in serious flood events over the last 3 years. We must demand that flood mitigation be taken seriously. Having to buy out homes is expensive and terribly disruptive to families that are displaced. The 500-year flood plain standard should be adopted on all new construction, attention to open space and tree canopies are vital. Zoning variances that negatively impact the environment should not be granted.