NEDERLAND, Colo. – Today, the Nederland City Council unanimously voted to power Nederland with 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2025. This makes Nederland the fourth city in Colorado and the 42nd city in the United States to make this commitment.
Nederland joins the Colorado communities of Pueblo, Boulder, and Aspen that have also adopted a 100 percent clean and renewable goal.
Transitioning to clean energy is critical for Rocky Mountain towns like Nederland that are already facing the effects of climate change with an increase of extreme weather including drought and forest fires.
In response, local activists and community leaders issued the following statements:
“The transition to 100 percent clean and renewable energy will protect our climate, communities, and families. As local leaders recognize the health, economic, and environmental benefits like clean air and water, we will move closer to powering Colorado with 100 percent clean energy. We invite communities and leaders across the state to join this incredible movement. -- Jim Alexee, Colorado Sierra Club
“We’ve come to a point in time when there are few options. If we don't switch to clean energy, if we don't stop burning fossil fuels, we get a future no one wants to live in. I love Nederland, it's a community like no other. The beauty and unique character of both the people who live here and the mountains which surround us have inspired me to take a stand for Nederland's future. And I hope our community can further inspire others down the path to their own, and our global, renewable energy future.” -- Jennifer Morse, Climate Together Nederland and Nederland Sustainability Advisory Board
“While this is not the first attempt our community has made to move to clean energy like solar, the stars now are aligned for Nederland to realize this vision. Today, we have the time community support, the political will and the infrastructure opportunities to transition to 100 percent clean and renewable energy.” -- Lester Karplus, Climate Together Nederland
“It is astounding that in 2017 we have to convince our country's leaders that climate change is real. Now it is up to grassroots communities, neighborhoods, private citizens to rise up and take a stand by moving our community to 100 percent clean, renewable energy. I am so proud of our community and our Nederland Board of Trustees for taking the stand of our lifetime by establishing this goal.” -- Jill Dreves, founder of Climate Together Nederland and owner of the local non-profit education center, Wild Bear