Stephanie Steinbrecher, Sierra Club Ready for 100 Campaign, stephanie.steinbrecher@sierraclub.org
TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Today, the City of Tallahassee established a goal to transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy across the community by 2050, further demonstrating the Sunshine State’s leadership in moving toward renewable energy, like solar.
The Tallahassee City Commission unanimously approved a resolution establishing a goal of powering municipal operations entirely with renewable sources (like wind and solar) by 2035, and community-wide by 2050. Tallahassee becomes the seventh city in Florida, and the 108th city in the nation, to commit to powering itself with 100 percent clean, renewable energy.
In addition to committing to transform its energy system, the resolution also sets a goal of 100 percent clean transit and electrifying the city’s vehicle fleet by 2035.
As the owner of its own municipal utility -- and as Florida’s capital -- Tallahassee can serve as an example for the state with its vision for 100 percent clean, renewable energy.
“We commend the City for taking this step. The goals set forth in this resolution will take Tallahassee into the solar age, making Tallahassee truly the Capital of the Sunshine State. This goal would not only put the City as a leader in Florida, but put Tallahassee among the leaders in the nation in sustainability and conversion to 100 percent renewable energy,” said Grant Gelhardt, Chair of the local Sierra Club Big Bend Group.
“We’re excited to see this resolution passed! It has been a process of building consensus amongst several organizations and individuals who have come together out of concern for our community and our Earth. We are glad to have reached agreement on the resolution language with the city staff and commissioners. Climate change is here, and the actions we take today as a community will help mitigate the severe consequences that are predicted in the future. We look forward to continuing to build coalition and educate and engage all sectors of the community as the plan develops,” said Kim Ross, Executive Director of ReThink Florida and convener of the Tally35 coalition.
“Florida communities are ready to move away from dirty fuels toward a solar-powered future. We know firsthand that climate change won’t wait -- it’s time to take bold action now. Tallahassee’s 100 percent renewable energy commitment signals our entire state’s value for building an energy economy that works for everyone. The Sierra Club looks forward to working with the City Commission, power providers, and the entire community to ensure implementation of our goal lifts up all residents -- especially the most vulnerable members of our city,” said Phil Compton, Senior Organizing Representative with the Florida Sierra Club.
The six other cities across Florida aiming for 100 percent clean energy are Dunedin, Gainesville, Largo, Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.
Local organizations that have worked to achieve today’s milestone commitment by Florida’s capital city include the Sierra Club Big Bend Group, as well as members of the Tally35 coalition: ReThink Energy Florida, ReThink Energy Action Fund, Democratic Environmental Caucus of Leon County, Citizens for a Sustainable Future, St. Paul’s Creation Care, First Presbyterian Church, For Our Future Fund, Tallahassee Food Network.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.