Emily Gedeon, Emily.Gedeon@sierraclub.org, 720-308-6055
FRISCO, Colo. - On Tuesday, May 14, the Frisco Town Council unanimously voted to approve a resolution committing the community to shift away from fossil fuels and transition to 100 percent clean, renewable electricity by 2035. The resolution can be found here.
With the support of engaged citizens, the Town of Frisco is following through on its commitment to the High Country Conservation Center’s Climate Action Plan by moving to 100 percent renewable energy.
“Frisco’s future depends on a clean, livable climate,” said Tiernan Spencer, leader of Frisco’s 100 Percent Renewable Energy Campaign. “We applaud the Town of Frisco for its leadership in tackling climate change.”
Frisco joins the City of Golden as the second Xcel Energy-powered community to commit to 100 percent renewable energy in 2019. Eleven total Colorado cities, including Denver, Ft. Collins, and Pueblo, plus Pueblo and Summit Counties, have made 100 percent renewable commitments since 2017.
“The town of Frisco and other Summit County communities are leading the way as Colorado moves to 100 percent clean energy,” said Kent Abernethy, Chair of the Colorado Sierra Club’s Headwaters Group. “The leadership of communities like Frisco has helped pave the way for statewide leadership in clean energy.”
Xcel Energy, the utility that provides power to the Town of Frisco, earned approval last year to replace some of its coal generation with clean energy after finding that solar and wind power are significantly cheaper than any other form of new electricity in Colorado. The utility has also committed to move to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050, citing community demand as a primary motivator. Cities with clean energy commitments in Xcel territory, like Nederland, Breckenridge, and Denver, are urging the utility to provide 100 percent renewable power from sources like wind, solar, and storage specifically.
“Frisco made a smart commitment to its future by committing to 100 percent clean energy,” said Fran Long, renewable energy expert and Frisco resident. “This commitment will help us save money and protect Colorado for future generations.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.