City joins five
others across Florida with the goal, adding to the growing,
unstoppable national momentum for a 100% clean energy future for all.
DUNEDIN, FL -- Last Thursday, December 6, 2018, the Dunedin City
Commission unanimously approved a resolution
establishing a goal of powering municipal operations entirely with renewable
sources of energy by 2035, and community-wide by 2050. This action establishes
Dunedin as the 101st city in the
nation to commit to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.
Additionally, 26 local businesses and organizations signed
a letter
of support for Dunedin’s goal. Dunedin joins five other cities in Florida -- Largo and St.
Petersburg also in Pinellas County, as well as Orlando, Gainesville,
and Sarasota --
in establishing a goal of being powered by 100 percent renewable sources. Four
cities in Florida served by Duke Energy have now committed to 100 percent clean
energy.
Dunedin is known for its world-class beaches -- Honeymoon
Island and Caladesi Island State Parks, walkability, and lively celebrations of its proud Scottish heritage. A coastal city,
Dunedin is especially vulnerable to effects of climate change like sea level
rise and destructive storms. As recent studies like the Fourth
National Climate Assessment and International
Panel on Climate Change report show, climate change is a major threat
to communities -- and a transition away from polluting dirty fuels to
renewables is imperative to avoid the worst effects of climate disruption. By
committing to 100 percent renewable energy, Dunedin joins other Florida cities
in taking climate action by moving toward a stronger, more resilient energy
system for everyone.
“The City couldn’t be more excited to take this next step in
making the world a better place. We signed on to the Mayors
for 100% Clean Energy and now we are taking our commitment to the next
level. Our Commission and our Citizen Committee on Environmental Quality
believes strongly in setting the example for our residents future,” said Dunedin
Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski.
“Congratulations to Dunedin for joining the movement towards
100 percent clean energy. There’s strength in numbers -- and by working
together to change our shared energy system, more Pinellas County residents
will enjoy the benefits of healthy and affordable energy,” said St.
Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman.
Supporters stand with the City Commission after the unanimous vote at 10:45pm. Mayor Bujalski gives a thumbs up as she stands directly in front of the U.S. flag. (photo by Marcia Biggs) |
“Lately we’ve heard a lot about the risks and dangers posed
by climate change. Today, Dunedin's leadership is telling a new story -- one of
optimism and opportunity. Communities who step up to build a clean energy
future today will have a competitive economic edge tomorrow. This commitment,
combined with those of St. Petersburg and Largo, means that approximately 40
percent of residents in Pinellas County -- Florida's most densely populated
county -- live in a place committed to 100 percent clean energy. We're
approaching a very positive tipping point,” said James Scott, Executive
Committee Chair of the Sierra Club Suncoast Group.
What you can do right now to grow a clean energy future: The Ready for 100 national team has created a new tool kit to help you and your community join in the celebration of this collective accomplishment -- and we need your help! This moment can also help support your campaign's advocacy for 100% clean energy locally. Please share this tool kit with your local volunteers and allies and help spread the good news via letters to the editor, op-eds and social media.
As this kit was released in recognition of Cincinnati's 100th commitment the night before Dunedin's, please add a note that America is rapidly moving past Cincinnati's 100th commitment into our 2nd set of 100 cities. We'd love for cities numbered 1-- to include your Florida cities or counties. Spreading the news that this is happening will get lots of folks intrigued and dreaming over the holidays, not just of a white Christmas, but of a clean energy future where we still have snow somewhere!
Phil Compton, Senior Organizing Representative
Sierra Club's FL Healthy Air & Ready for 100 Campaigns:
Clean Energy & Clean Transportation for All
1990 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(o) 727-824-8813, ext. 303 (c) 813-841-3601