December 6, 2018
Boise, ID -- The Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign has announced that 100 cities nationwide have committed to transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy. Last night, the City of Cincinnati passed a resolution committing to 100 percent clean energy by 2035.
The full list of 100 percent clean energy commitments can be found here.
In Idaho, the City of Boise announced its own commitment to 100 percent clean energy for municipal operations by 2030 earlier this year. This month Boise is hosting a series of open houses about setting an equally ambitious goal for citywide electricity. At the first open house held at the Hillcrest Library on Tuesday night, the city asked for feedback on the proposed 100 percent clean energy goal for citywide electricity by 2040 and received overwhelming support from the communities members in attendance. With this proposed goal and public support, it is looking more likely that Boise could be joining the 100 cities committed to 100 percent clean energy.
The list of cities and towns committing to 100 percent clean energy is incredibly diverse -- it includes huge cities like San Diego and Atlanta, small towns like Abita Springs, LA and Hanover, NH, and stretches across time zones from mountain range to mountain range, coast to coast. Fifteen percent of the US population now lives in places committed to being powered entirely by renewable energy. Clean, renewable energy is more affordable and accessible than dirty fuels all over the country, it is a proven climate solution, and huge majorities of the public prefer it. More than 1,400 candidates across the country backed 100 percent clean energy as a vital part of their platform in this year’s midterm elections.
Across the country and in Boise, community groups, businesses, faith leaders, educators, and local leaders are taking action to create resilient communities and strong local economies powered by renewable energy. The effect city leaders from Cincinnati and 99 other cities are having by acting on their commitments to a just and equitable transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy is profound. Boise’s progress towards setting ambitious goals with an eye on local implementation catered to our community needs demonstrates their passion and commitment to working to provide access to clean energy for all.
“Local communities are leading the transition to 100 percent clean energy. One hundred cities with this goal marks a major milestone for the Ready for 100 campaign, for the 100 percent clean energy movement, and for climate and justice advocates across the country. Being powered entirely by renewables will mean cleaner air, healthier communities, affordable electricity bills, and an energy system that works for everyone. The momentum is unstoppable -- now, we need to make sure that implementation of these goals is equitable and benefits the communities most impacted by climate change,” said Jodie Van Horn, Director of the Sierra Club’s Ready For 100 campaign.
This milestone comes on the heels of more exciting 100% news. Eleven governors now publicly support 100% clean energy. Many of the new members headed to Congress support the goal too. And Xcel Energy, which provides electricity to millions of Americans, announced this week that it will move to 100% carbon-free energy by 2050, citing demand from its customers, like the Ready for 100 cities of Denver, Breckenridge, Boulder, Minneapolis, and others. As energy reporter David Roberts put it, "Remember that, because it’s important in an age of no federal climate policy: Cities can move utilities, and utilities can move the energy industry."
“The momentum for clean energy across the country is undeniable and cities have proven to be ripe grounds for inspiring passionate climate action. That is no different here in Boise where we have seen thousands engage with our city leadership to make the ask for 100 percent clean energy for all. Since the 2015 Livability Report, the City of Boise has had their eye on increasing renewable energy in our community and has put in the work to make sure that we have a clear path for implementing their bold vision for Boise. We are so thankful for the leadership they have show and ready to dig in as we move towards finalizing a citywide commitment for clean electricity,” said Casey Mattoon, Conservation Program Manager for the Idaho Chapter Sierra Club.
Ready For 100 is a Sierra Club campaign launched in 2016 working in cities across the United States -- including Boise -- to accelerate a just and equitable transition to 100 percent clean energy.
The City of Boise has an overview of their energy work and the schedule of open houses up on their website.
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