South Lake Tahoe featured in national report on 100% renewable energy commitments

Today, the Sierra Club released a new report showcasing 10 U.S. cities that have made ambitious commitments to be powered with 100 percent clean, renewable energy like wind and solar. View the report: https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/blog/RF100-CaseStudies_2017.pdf

This is the second annual case studies report from Ready For 100, a Sierra Club campaign launched in 2016 working in cities across the United States, including South Lake Tahoe, to accelerate a just and equitable transition to 100 percent clean energy.

47 U.S. cities have now committed to transition to 100 percent clean energy, including big cities like Atlanta and small towns such as Abita Springs, Louisiana. At least five U.S. cities have already achieved 100 percent clean energy and are powered today with entirely renewable sources.

“The time for 100 percent clean energy has come and cities are leading the way,” said Jodie Van Horn, Director of the Sierra Club’s Ready For 100 campaign. “Local leaders know first-hand the harmful effects that pollution and the high cost of dirty energy has on people and families. That’s why nearly 50 communities, from big cities to small towns, have stepped up to break away from dirty fuels and committed to go to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.”

Among the cities highlighted in today’s report are Atlanta, Georgia, the largest city in the South to commit to clean energy; Hanover, New Hampshire, the first city to have committed to 100 percent clean energy by popular vote; and Pueblo, Colorado, where high energy costs from gas power sparked a movement for clean energy.

This report details South Lake Tahoe’s commitment to 100 percent clean energy and the champions that are leading this renewable transition. Their campaign documents what is possible when local leaders bring about all sectors of the economy, stakeholders and the community to bring about positive change. South Lake Tahoe’s work has not stopped with the City. Recently the local school district also signed a 100% renewable resolution aligning with the City as they work toward a more renewable and sustainable future.

The movement for 100 percent clean energy continues to grow across the country. In June, the U.S. Conference of Mayors approved a historic resolution that establishes support from the nation’s mayors for the goal of moving to 100 percent clean and renewable energy in cities nationwide. Multnomah County, Oregon, also recently became the first county in the United States to commit to transition entirely to renewable energy, and since then Orange County, North Carolina followed suit.

“Those that want to take the step toward starting a 100% renewable movement in their communities can be stopped by the fear that you don’t know what you are doing, that you won’t be successful and a lack of resources," said Nick Exline, South Lake Tahoe 100% Renewable Committee Chairman. "In South Lake Tahoe we were confronted with all of these challenges and more. As testament to our success I promise you, you can do this. There are resources available and I would encourage you to push forward because you have a community willing to help. We are all in this together.”

View the report here: sc.org/10-case-studies