The St. Petersburg City Council unanimously passed a plan late last night to fulfill the city’s commitment to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. St. Pete now joins Orlando in establishing both a goal and clear path to reaching 100 percent renewable energy citywide.
In order to hit the 100 percent renewable energy goal, which the Council passed in 2015, the Integrated Sustainability Action Plan includes improving energy efficiency citywide, ramping up use of solar and other renewable energy sources and reducing global warming emissions from transportation.
“Our city is already seeing the impacts of a changing climate,” said St. Petersburg City Councilmember Darden Rice. “This plan helps ensure our city is a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live for all St. Pete residents well into the future.”
Jennifer Rubiello, state director of Environment Florida, issued the following statement:
“To address the enormous challenge that is climate change, we need bold solutions here in Florida and across the country. By aiming high with a commitment and action plan to reach 100 percent renewable energy citywide, St. Pete is doing just that, and positioning itself to lead the way forward.
“St. Pete has not only established a goal for transitioning to clean, renewable energy, but the city has also provided a clear vision for achieving that target that will involve residents, local business and our electric utility from start to finish. This is exactly the kind of leadership that we need from governments and institutions throughout the state in order to transform the way we produce and consume energy and stave off the worst impacts of climate change.
“Environment Florida will continue to work with the city’s Office of Sustainability and Resiliency as this plan is put into action. Through our Go Solar and 100% Renewable campaigns, we are challenging leaders in city halls, on college and university campuses and in the Florida House and Senate to make bold commitments to shift towards clean and renewable energy, and use smart policies to act swiftly on those commitments.
“As a St. Petersburg resident myself, I am proud to see my city serving as an example to cities throughout the Sunshine state and across the country. This plan goes to show that our communities are ready and able to make the transition to clean, renewable energy. We still have a long way to go in St. Pete and Florida as a whole, but this is an important step that will help us reach our full potential.”
Environment Florida is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.
