Spokane, WA — Before a packed room of supporters, the Spokane City Council adopted an Ordinance establishing a Sustainability Action Committee to plan for climate resilience, achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions, and support the goal of 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Spokane now joins 77 other U.S. cities in its commitment to the goal of 100 percent renewable electricity, including power from wind, hydroelectric, and solar.
“Creating an electrical grid from 100% renewable energy is urgent, but requires collaboration across all sectors,” said Spokane Council Member Breean Beggs. “I was pleased that we were able to work so closely with Avista to create a pragmatic and cost effective approach to upgrading Spokane’s electrical grid.”
A score of faith communities, social justice organizations and environmental and climate groups, including 350 Spokane, Spokane NAACP, The Lands Council, Upper Columbia River Sierra Club, Pax Christi Spokane, St. Clare’s Ecumencial Catholic Community, Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, Westminster Congregational United Church, Spokane Independent Metro Business Association, Spokane Riverkeeper, The Center for Justice, Citizens Climate Lobby, and Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility supported the Fossil Free Spokane campaign advocating for 100% renewable electricity and a climate action plan to met that goal.
“The creation of this ordinance was a collaborative effort between elected leaders, utility representatives and concerned community members,” explains Rebecca MacMullan, Co-Chair of 350 Spokane. “By establishing a standing committee of volunteer community members and stakeholders, the City Council has ensured Spokane will find responsible local solutions to the challenge of climate change through an inclusive and democratic process.”
The new Sustainability Action Commission is charged with providing financial analysis of climate action plans it provides and the costs of failure to implement the plan. The 11 member commission shall include representatives of a local energy utility, low-income citizens, public health interests, local or regional companies, and environmental or climate advocacy groups, among others.
“Cities across the country are demanding clean energy not just because it’s the right thing to do for the environment and public health, but because it’s cheaper in the long run than fossil fuels,” said Jesse Piedfort, Chair of the Washington State Chapter of the Sierra Club. “Spokane’s leadership on this measure will help kickstart clean energy development in the Pacific Northwest and speed the transition to a cleaner, cheaper future.”
Contact: Dr. Brian G. Henning, Co-Chair, 350 Spokane, info@350Spokane.org, 509.270.7908