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Orlando City Commission Commits to 100% Renewable Energy by 2050

Published on 8/9/2017

 

Orlando City Commission Commits To 100% Renewable Energy by 2050

 

ORLANDO -- The Orlando City Commission unanimously approved a resolution today establishing a goal for 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, joining a growing movement of more than three dozen cities nationwide that have committed to a clean-energy future.

 

Council chambers were filled with elated members of the First 50 Coalition, a broad-based alliance led by the League of Women Voters of Orange County that is pushing for sustainability in Central Florida.

 

“Today, Orlando takes its place on the regional, state and national stage as a forward-thinking city committed to a healthier, sustainable future,” said LWVOC Co-President Carol Davis. “This is a first, important step, and we plan to continue to support and encourage the City to follow with concrete measures that solidify this commitment.”

 

Orlando is one of fewer than 50 cities in the country whose commissions have voted to set such ambitious clean-energy goals. Mayor Buddy Dyer has already championed multiple green energy initiatives, signing the Sierra Club Mayors for 100% Clean Energy commitment and the

Mayors National Climate Action Agenda in the past few months.

 

The local NAACP branch, a key member of the First 50 Coalition, praised the City Commission’s vote.

“We stand in support with the Orlando City Commission, in realizing the importance of renewable energy to it residents, by taking the necessary actions to begin the transformation,” said Beverlye Colson Neal, president of the NAACP’s local branch. “We look forward to working with the City to educate the residents of the importance and advantages of renewable energy as we move into the future.”

 

Sara Isaac, LWVOC’s Director of Partnerships, agreed.

 

“We applaud the City of Orlando for looking ahead to the future and seeing that a better tomorrow is possible if we take bold action today,” Isaac said. “Orlando is a young city that is just now beginning to fully realize its possibilities. This action showcases Orlando as a potential powerhouse player on the national stage.”

 

In a letter sent to commissioners urging their support, First 50 acknowledged that Orlando has already taken significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, praising in particular Green Works Orlando and Smart ORL, which boosted Orlando down a path of clean-energy and sustainability.

 

Orlando’s vote was applauded by Phil Compton, senior organizing representative with the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Campaign in Florida, and a member of the First 50 Coalition.


“All across our state and our nation, cities are committing to a future powered by 100 percent clean and renewable energy for all,” Compton said. “Today, Orlando joins this growing movement of cities that are ready for 100 percent clean, renewable energy.

 

First 50, which includes civic, environmental, industry and faith-based organizations, believes Orlando’s progress toward sustainability will encourage other communities to follow suit. The Coalition includes the League of Women Voters of Orange County, IDEAS For Us, Organize Florida, NAACP, FL SUN, Sierra Club’s Ready for 100, Central Florida Sierra Club, ESA Renewables, Orange Audubon Society, Climate Reality Orlando Chapter, Florida Citizens for Science, Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Florida Renewable Energy Association, Citizens' Climate Lobby - Orlando, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy