By Andrea Strout, Volunteer, Community Advocates for Clean Energy of Greater Philadelphia, and Michael D’Adamo Member, SEP Clean and Dirty Energy Teams; Member, Chapter Advocacy Team
The Ready for 100 (RF100) campaign was started by the Sierra Club in 2016. In the nine years since, the campaign has helped hundreds of local, county, and state governments across the country set goals to transition to 100% clean, renewable energy in the electricity sector by 2035, and in all sectors, including transportation and heating, by 2050.
In Pennsylvania, 47 municipalities to date have agreed to those goals by adopting resolutions. Most of the resolutions were initiated by their Environmental Advisory Councils (EACs).
In addition to the target goals of 2035 and 2050, the resolution includes a statement of equity and inclusion, pledging that all stakeholders will be included in the transition planning process. The resolution also sets a goal for the municipality to draft an energy transition plan within a year of adoption. Municipalities can customize those goals to suit their needs and pass non-binding resolutions to ensure everyone remains focused. The main thing is to have a workable plan.
Several of the RF100 municipalities in southeastern PA have published their energy transition or climate action plans. Many others have participated in PA’s Department of Environmental Protection Local Climate Action Plan (LCAP) program. Any of these Energy Transition and Climate Action plans can be used as templates by municipalities seeking to create their own plans. By collaborating, communities can learn from and help each other reach their 100% clean, renewable energy targets.
Different structure, enduring goals
In 2022, Sierra Club National moved RF100 staff to other priorities—in particular, educating the public about newly available clean energy incentives. In southeastern PA, RF100 came under the umbrella of Community Advocates for Clean Energy of Greater Philadelphia. These structural changes notwithstanding, local teams continue to promote RF100 through EACs and word of mouth.
We’re here for you. RF100 volunteers can help municipalities start their transition plans and guide them through completion. Our website rfl100.org/t2, is filled with valuable information, including resources for developing a clean energy resolution and an easy-to-use template for an energy transition plan.
Meanwhile, the goal of educating the public about clean energy incentives is more urgent than ever. Federal tax incentives, grants, and rebates end on December 31, 2025 for residential investment; for non-profit, faith-based, school, municipal, and commercial entities, projects must start by July 4, 2026. It’s important to act before these financial benefits disappear. For example, if an on-site solar project is being considered, make sure that decision makers are aware of these fast-approaching deadlines.
Need assistance putting together a clean energy resolution or plan? Looking for someone to make an RF100 presentation to your EAC or municipal leaders? Please contact us here to get the ball rolling.
This blog was included as part of the September 2025 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!