Total Of 25 US Cities Have Now Committed To 100% Renewables
With the addition of Madison, Wisconsin and Abita Springs, Louisiana, the number of US cities which have committed to going 100% renewable energy is up to 25, according to Climate Action.
The United Nations Environment Programme, in partnership with Climate Action, in a story written last week, announced that Madison, Wisconsin, and Abita Springs, Louisiana, were the two newest US cities to commit to transitioning to 100% renewable energy, bringing the total number of US states committing to 100% renewables up to 25.
Both Madison and Abita Springs represent the first cities in their states to make the commitment. They join big-name cities such as San Diego and Salt Lake City, as well as smaller cities including Georgetown, Texas, and Greensburg, Kansas. Earlier this year, Pueblo, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, became the 22nd and 23rd cities to commit to transitioning to 100% renewables.
Madison’s Common Council voted unanimously to allocate $250,000 to developing a plan by 18 January, 2018, which will include target dates, interim milestones, budget estimates, and estimated financial impacts. This also makes Madison the largest city in the Midwest to establish a 100% renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions target.
“Madison’s historic commitment to 100 per cent clean energy shows that we are determined to lead the way in moving beyond fossil fuels that threaten our health and environment,” said Madison Common Council Alder Zach Wood. “The benefits of a transition to 100 per cent clean energy are many. These goals will drive a clean energy economy that creates local jobs, provides affordable and sustainable electricity, and results in cleaner air and water. I am proud to be a part of this council that has made the historic commitment that will lead our community to a more sustainable future.”
Abita Springs also voted unanimously to commit to a 100% renewable energy transition, with a target date of 31 December, 2030.
“Transitioning to 100 per cent renewable energy is a practical decision we’re making for our environment, our economy and for what our constituents want in Abita Springs,” said Greg Lemons, Abita Springs’ Republican Mayor. “Politics has nothing to do with it for me. Clean energy just makes good economic sense.”
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