New Sierra Club Report: Cities Are Ready for 100 Percent Clean Energy

* View the report *

BOSTON, Mass. -- Today, the Sierra Club released a new report showcasing 10 U.S. cities that have made ambitious commitments to be powered with 100 percent clean, renewable energy like wind and solar.

This is the second annual case studies report from Ready For 100, a Sierra Club campaign launched in 2016 working in cities across the United States -- including Boston -- to accelerate a just and equitable transition to 100 percent clean energy.

47 U.S. cities have now committed to transition to 100 percent clean energy, including big cities like Atlanta and small towns such as Abita Springs, Louisiana. At least five U.S. cities have already achieved 100 percent clean energy and are powered today with entirely renewable sources.

“The time for 100 percent clean energy has come and cities are leading the way,” said Jodie Van Horn, Director of the Sierra Club’s Ready For 100 campaign. “Local leaders know first-hand the harmful effects that pollution and the high cost of dirty energy has on people and families. That’s why nearly 50 communities, from big cities to small towns, have stepped up to break away from dirty fuels and committed to go to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.”

Among the cities highlighted in today’s report are Atlanta, Georgia, the largest city in the South to commit to clean energy; Hanover, New Hampshire, the first city to have committed to 100 percent clean energy by popular vote; and Pueblo, Colorado, where high energy costs from gas power sparked a movement for clean energy.

This report provides examples of specific strategies cities have taken to transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.  What these stories show is that there is no one way to embrace or achieve a 100% renewables goal. But making the commitment is the first step.

The movement for 100 percent clean energy continues to grow across the country. In June, the U.S. Conference of Mayors approved a historic resolution that establishes support from the nation’s mayors for the goal of moving to 100 percent clean and renewable energy in cities nationwide.

"Cities are economic centers, population centers, transit centers, and unfortunately pollution centers," said Emily Norton, Massachusetts Director for the Sierra Club. "It is critical that our mayors and local elected officials lead on the path to 100% renewable energy, ensuring at every step that the benefits of this transition are prioritized for those communities most overburdened and underserved by the current system."

View the report here: sc.org/10-case-studies