Cleveland commits to 100% renewable electricity by 2050

On Sept. 20, the City of Cleveland committed to powering itself with 100% clean and renewable electricity.

At Mayor Frank Jackson’s 10th Annual Sustainable Cleveland Summit, the city’s Office of Sustainability released the 2018 Climate Action Plan, which contains a goal of “100% of electricity demand from clean, renewable energy by 2050.”

At the summit, Mayor Jackson presented the city’s new Climate Action Plan while gathering with community leaders to discuss the city’s sustainability future. In committing to move away from dirty fossil fuels towards an equitable energy system powered by renewable sources like wind and solar, city leaders acknowledged the importance of continuing to work with residents, businesses, and community groups to establish what Mayor Jackson calls “a green city on a blue lake.”

“This 100% commitment is an important springboard for building an energy economy in Cleveland that works for everyone,’” said Jocelyn Travis, campaign coordinator for the Cleveland Ready for 100 campaign. “The Ready for 100 campaign looks forward to continuing to work with the City to ensure a transition to 100% renewable energy can benefit everyone in our city. The need for clean air, new family-sustaining jobs, and affordable energy bills has never been greater. Cleveland should lead the state and the Midwest in accelerating a just and equitable transition. We look forward to continuing to partner with the City to realize our collective vision.”

“We congratulate the City of Cleveland in establishing a goal of powering our communities with 100% renewable electricity,” said Yvonka Hall, Executive Director of Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition. “By making this commitment, the city is also committing to improving public health, with increased energy access and prosperity for all. This is just the beginning of a more sustainable future for all Clevelanders.”

“This is an exciting milestone in the effort to transition Ohio communities to 100% renewable energy. My congratulations to the team led by Jocelyn Travis and the individuals and community groups in Cleveland who made this a reality,” said Guy Marentette, Chapter Chair of the Ohio Sierra Club. “Ohio is already a leaderacross the Midwest for clean energy jobs; as utilities and more cities and towns adopt renewable solutions, we have the opportunity to develop an energy economy that is equitable and just, all while cleaning our air and water.”

“We can’t wait to act on climate change. I’m proud of my city for being a leader,” said David Beach, former Director of the GreenCityBlueLake Institute.

The Climate Action Plan was informed by a 90-person Climate Action Advisory Committee consisting of leaders from community groups, including Cleveland Ready for 100. This helped the Office of Sustainability focus on “equity-driven sustainability and climate action.”

In addition to establishing a 100% goal, the Climate Action Plan also sets other important objectives to build a healthier, safer, more equitable Cleveland, including:

• A goal to reduce residential and commercial energy use 50% by 2030
• Expanding low-income housing programs to include healthy homes, lead, and weatherization programs
• Building solar energy installations planned for vacant and contaminated land
• Developing a strategy to create an offshore wind industry in Northeast Ohio, including the Icebreaker Wind Project

Cleveland joins 82 other cities across the nation committed to transitioning to 100% clean, renewable energy.

News item from the Sierra Club. Corrected on Sept. 24 to reflect that Cleveland wasn’t the first city in Ohio to make this commitment.