The Metro Council passed a Resolution to reach 100 percent renewable energy on February 6th. The gathered climate advocates gave the Council sustained, strong applause when, after vigorous debate, they passed the resolution by a 15-4 vote.

The resolution specifically urges Louisville to transition city operations to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030, to 100 percent clean energy by 2035 — including both electricity and natural gas — and to attain 100 percent clean energy throughout the community by 2040.

The resolution also says the council will support public participation in climate decision making, and support energy efficiency standards. It cites expected public health benefits, and the potential for job creation from installing renewables and energy efficiency measures.

This is a major step forward for Louisville in addressing climate change. Louisville now joins more than 160 cities around the country that have committed to achieving 100 percent renewable energy.

The coalition which drafted and supported the resolution is the ‘Renewable Energy Alliance for Louisville,’ which often refers to themselves as 100% REAL. A number of TJUC members were involved in REAL and in the effort to persuade the Metro Council members that this is good policy for addressing the climate crisis.

The next steps on the horizon are for the Metro Council to fund an energy audit, to hire a specialist in energy management, and for the City administration to form a citizens’ advisory body to assist in formulating useful action steps.

Please feel free to encourage your Metro Council Members to support these steps and other forms of climate action in the forthcoming budget deliberations. And for a few weeks, we can cheer about achieving a major milestone in Louisville’s climate work.

Wallace McMullen

Green Sanctuary Member