The City Council of Concord, New Hampshire has voted to establish a goal of transitioning the city to 100% clean and renewable energy. The state capital becomes the largest city in New Hampshire to make this commitment.
The resolution that passed on Monday establishes that the Concord Energy and Environment Committee will lead the development of a strategic plan within one year. This plan will lay out pathways for achieving the city’s 100% goal.
According to the Sierra Club, the resolution includes the use of 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2030, and for all sectors including heat and transportation by 2050. Concord is the 72nd city in the United States to commit to transition to full clean energy, and joins the other New Hampshire communities of Plainfield, Cornish, and Hanover in its commitment.
Together, these municipalities demonstrate the growing momentum for a clean energy future across the state. Hanover was the first in New Hampshire to adopt a goal to transition to 100% clean energy in 2017.
“Momentum is building for 100% clean energy across New Hampshire. Concord’s commitment to renewable energy is also a commitment to clean air, economic growth, and a healthy future for our community,” said Rich Maher, member of the Concord Energy and Environment Committee. “The city now needs to focus on creating its strategic plan for achieving this goal, which should ensure that 100% clean energy results in benefits such as affordable energy, new jobs, and clean air for everyone in Concord, especially low-income communities who suffer disproportionately from the current fossil fuel energy system.”
The resolution states that the Concord Energy and Environment Committee will collaborate with the city administration to create a “Stakeholder Committee” that will help shape Concord’s strategic plan to ensure the plan is reflective of input from the broader Concord community.
“I salute Mayor Bouley and my city council colleagues for demonstrating foresight and leadership in embracing a clean energy future for the city of Concord. We look forward to the work ahead, engaging the entire Concord community in this important effort,” said Rob Werner, city councilor and chair of the Energy and Environment Committee.
The new goal was endorsed by the editorial board of the Concord Monitor and organizations including Concord Hospital, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord, and the State Employees Association/SEIU Local 1984. The City Council unanimously voted in support of the resolution.
A copy of the resolution can be downloaded here.
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