In February, a 100% Clean Energy Resolution was passed by Louisville Metro Council and
endorsed by the Mayor. The Resolution sets a timeline of 100% renewable electricity for Metro
government operations by 2030, 100% clean energy for Metro government operations by 2035,
and 100% clean energy community-wide by 2040. Louisville was the 160th U.S. city to commit
to 100% clean energy by 2050.
This bold timeline for transitioning the city fully away from fossil fuels -- when Louisville gets
99% of its energy from fossil fuels (coal and natural gas) -- is based on the report of the
2019 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. That report provides overwhelming
scientific evidence that there is no way to retain a livable climate without stopping the use of all
carbon-emitting fossil fuels. It also says that humans have twelve years to act or face climate
catastrophe. To delay longer means that costs will rise exponentially and local climate change
impacts will increase (i.e., flooding, heat waves, crop damage, ecosystem loss, and health
impairment).
The 100% Clean Energy Resolution was drafted and lobbied for by a group of citizens now called
100% Renewable Energy Alliance of Louisville (100% REAL). At Green Drinks, Nancy Givens and
Sam Avery of this group will give a history of the Resolution, speak to the urgency of its goals,
outline possible implementation plans for achieving those goals, and suggest ways citizens can
become involved in the effort.