Jim Wylie, jim.wylie@verizon.net
Stephanie Steinbrecher, stephanie.steinbrecher@sierraclub.org
KENNETT TOWNSHIP, PA - On May 2, 2018, Kennett Township, Pennsylvania adopted a resolution to transition to 100 percent clean and renewable energy. Kennett Township becomes the first township and fourth municipality in the state to make this commitment.
The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors approved a resolution introduced by Supervisor Richard Leff that establishes a goal of transitioning to 100 percent clean and renewable energy community-wide. The resolution states the township will completely transition to clean renewable electricity by 2035, and heat and transportation by 2050. The full resolution can be found here.
All four commitments to transition entirely to clean energy in Pennsylvania are in Chester County. Kennett Township joins Phoenixville, West Chester, and Downingtown to commit to a future powered entirely by renewable sources like solar and wind.
“Chester County municipal leaders are collaborating on ideas to do effective energy planning and purchasing of clean energy that has the potential to stimulate the local clean energy industry and stay within the framework of our current communities energy budgets,” said Jim Wylie, local Ready For 100 volunteer leader.
“Moving to sustainable energy sources will reduce global heating, and open doors to a good future for our children,” said Owen Owens, Kennett Township resident, who also gave testimony at the supervisors meeting.
“Kennett Township Supervisors are committed to doing their share in becoming 100 percent clean and utilizing renewable energy for the future!” said Richard Leff, Kennett Township Supervisor.
The resolution also establishes that the Board of Supervisors will provide guidance for an energy transition plan to achieve these goals by the next Earth Day, April 22, 2019. This plan will include interim milestones, financial impacts, equity metrics, potential financing mechanisms, and establish a percentage of clean energy that is locally produced.
Across the United States, 67 cities have committed to 100 percent clean energy. Other communities across the U.S. are looking to make this commitment, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Find further details about renewable energy advocacy in Chester County, PA at www.ReadyFor100.org/chescopa.
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.