Last week, two cities and two counties signed community-wide commitments to transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy. These commitments bring the total number of Ready for 100 municipalities to 52, with now six counties committed nationwide as well.
Last week’s commitments stretch from coast to coast: from Buncombe County, North Carolina and Goleta, California on Tuesday to Downingtown, Pennsylvania and Whatcom County, Washington on Wednesday, local communities far and wide are going all in on 100% clean energy.
“Buncombe County residents who are overburdened with high energy costs will save money on their bill for more important things, like taking care of family,” Olufemi Lewis, organizer with the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Campaign in Asheville, said about the Buncombe County Commission’s vote to commit to transition to 100% clean and renewable energy. “This is just the start on the path to energy equity for Buncombe County, but it shows an important commitment to fair and affordable energy prices for all.”
Last week’s four commitments follow Truckee, California’s commitment to 100 percent clean, renewable energy last week -- the 50th Ready for 100 commitment milestone.
Four mayors also signaled their support for a just, equitable energy transition last week by signing onto Mayors For 100% Clean Energy.
With the addition of Mayors Michael Ignasiak of Edgewater, Florida, William Hall of South Daytona, Florida, John Heilman of West Hollywood, California, and Donald Terry of Rancho Cordova, California, 185 mayors nationwide have now pledged to transition their communities to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2035.Â
Additionally, on Tuesday Mayor Brian Bagley of Longmont, Colorado issued a proclamation in support of moving Longmont towards 100% clean and renewable energy by 2030.
This was a big week for Ready for 100 campaigns and communities -- and the year isn’t over yet.Â