Dunedin Commits to 100 Percent Clean, Renewable Energy

DUNEDIN, FL -- Today, the Dunedin City Commission unanimously approved a resolution establishing a goal of powering municipal operations entirely with renewable sources of energy by 2035, and community-wide by 2050. This action establishes Dunedin as the 101st city in the nation to commit to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.

Additionally, 26 local businesses and organizations signed a letter of support for Dunedin’s goal.

Dunedin joins five other cities in Florida -- Largo and St. Petersburg also in Pinellas County, as well as Orlando, Gainesville, and Sarasota -- in establishing a goal of being powered by 100 percent renewable sources. Four cities in Florida served by Duke have now  committed to 100 percent clean energy.

Dunedin is known for its world-class beaches -- Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks -- and walkability. A coastal city, Dunedin is especially vulnerable to effects of climate change like sea level rise and destructive storms. As recent studies like the Fourth National Climate Assessment and International Panel on Climate Change report show, climate change is a major threat to communities -- and a transition away from polluting dirty fuels to renewables is imperative to avoid the worst effects of climate disruption. By committing to 100 percent renewable energy, Dunedin joins other Florida cities in taking climate action by moving toward a stronger, more resilient energy system for everyone.

“The City couldn’t be more excited to take this next step in making the world a better place. We signed on to the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy and now we are taking our commitment to the next level. Our Commission and our Citizen Committee on Environmental Quality believes strongly in setting the example for our residents future,” said Dunedin Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski.

“Congratulations to Dunedin for joining the movement towards 100 percent clean energy. There’s strength in numbers -- and by working together to change our shared energy system, more Pinellas County residents will enjoy the benefits of healthy and affordable energy,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman.

“Lately we’ve heard a lot about the risks and dangers posed by climate change. Today, Dunedin's leadership is telling a new story -- one of optimism and opportunity. Communities who step up to build a clean energy future today will have a competitive economic edge tomorrow. This commitment, combined with those of St. Petersburg and Largo, means that approximately 40 percent of residents in Pinellas County -- Florida's most densely populated county -- live in a place committed to 100 percent clean energy. We're approaching a very positive tipping point,” said James Scott, Executive Committee Chair of the Sierra Club Suncoast Group.

“Providing access to 100 percent clean and affordable energy aligns with our vision, values, and mission as a company. It translates directly to clean air and water, and is a commitment to sustainable farming, protecting our food supply and our quality of life. It is not only a commitment to each other, but the planet as a whole,”  said Mike Henkel, of Nature’s Food Patch, a long time locally owned and operated business in Clearwater and now Dunedin. Nature’s Food Patch is one of 26 Dunedin businesses and non-profit organizations that signed on to support the 100 percent clean energy initiative.

The full list of 101 cities across the United States committed to being powered by 100 percent renewable energy can be viewed here.