Ricky Junquera, ricky.junquera@sierraclub.org
JACKSONVILLE, FL - This month, The Sierra Club released the second version of their Dirty Truth Report. A year and a half ago, the organization analyzed the plans of 77 utilities owned by the 50 companies most invested in fossil fuel generation and found that while the majority of the utilities had stated goals of significant carbon reduction over the next few decades, there was a colossal gap between their ongoing practices and the steps they need to take to avert climate disaster.
In the second version of the report, Sierra Club investigated what progress, if any, has been made since the last utility report card to retire coal plants, stop building new gas plants, and build clean energy in the next, crucial decade. The results are disappointing but not surprising.
While utilities have focused on generating massive profits and maintaining the status quo over the year and a half since the last report, calls for a transition to clean energy have only grown at the federal level, in states, in the financial sector, and across the public.
“JEA’s improved rating score and grade in the 2022 Dirty Truth Report reflects the elimination of one of its coal-fired generating units and its plans to add some clean energy sources," said Logan Cross, Chair of the Sierra Club Northeast Florida. "Though improved, the score remains low and the D grade is unacceptable. This is especially true given the increasing availability of clean, affordable energy alternatives and the many financial incentives for transitioning to renewable energy sources.
“JEA has an opportunity to improve its grade next year by including in its upcoming Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) a commitment to retiring coal, avoiding new gas, and ramping up renewable energy investments. The Inflation Reduction Act provides unprecedented funding for municipal utilities such as JEA to make a clean energy transition while also saving customers money.”
Last month, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. Last year, President Biden announced his vision for the country to produce 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of 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.