The Evanston City Council unanimously approved its new Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP), which includes a commitment to achieve 100% renewable electricity supply community-wide by 2030, along with other bold climate goals.
This historic commitment means that Evanston is the first municipality in Illinois, and the 102nd city nationwide, to establish a goal of transitioning to 100% clean and renewable electricity for all, according to the Sierra Club.
The Plan calls for 100% renewable electricity for municipal operations by 2020, 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050, in addition to other ambitious goals to address climate change. The plan was developed by a 17-member working group appointed by Mayor Stephen Hagerty, who is also signed on to the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy initiative.
“We thank Mayor Hagerty and the Evanston City Council for taking bold steps to address climate change and prioritize an equitable, just transition to 100 percent renewable clean electricity,” said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter. “As a fellow Evanstonian, I look forward to the Sierra Club’s continued work with the City as it implements the Climate Action and Resilience Plan and ensures that the transition to 100 percent clean, renewable electricity by 2030 benefits everyone in our city.”
CARP identifies critical actions that need to be taken in order for Evanston to play its part in avoiding cataclysmic climate change as well as key strategies to ensure that Evanson is prepared to deal with those climate hazards.
Evanston’s plan for moving to 100% clean, renewable electricity can serve as an example to other communities in the Prairie State looking to set their own renewable energy goals. A transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 means cleaner air, energy bill savings, local solar development and job creation, and a healthier community for all Evanstonians.
“From our residents, to our businesses, to our schools and hospitals, Evanston is united in its efforts to mitigate the far-reaching effects of climate change through bold and immediate action,” said Evanston Mayor Stephen Hagerty. “While Evanston will likely undergo many changes on the way to 2050, this plan ensures that our longstanding commitment to climate action will remain.”
The full list of 102 cities across the United States committed to being powered by 100 percent renewable energy can be viewed here.
Filed Under: News, Policy
