A new study released by Denver’s Department of Environmental Health shows that moving the city to 100% clean energy by 2030 or earlier is, in fact, an achievable strategy that Denver can pursue to meet its 80% by 2050 carbon-reduction goal.
As explained by the Sierra Club, transitioning Denver to 100% renewable energy is vital for the city to achieve its pollution-reduction goals. The long-awaited study, which was the result of a stakeholder process first announced last year by the department, now kicks off a 60-day public comment period to ensure the strategies outlined in the report are reflective of the entire community. All who live or work in Denver are encouraged to voice their thoughts on the plan, says the Sierra Club.
The new Climate Action Plan report comes just weeks after Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, during his State of the City address, issued a vision for powering all of Denver with renewable energy.
If Denver were to formally establish a goal of shifting to 100% renewable energy, the city would join other Colorado communities – including Pueblo, Boulder and Aspen – that have already made the commitment, the Sierra Club points out.
“For far too long, Denver has suffered some of the worst air quality in the nation, putting our neighborhoods and families at risk,” says Jim Alexee, director of the Colorado Sierra Club, in a statement. “Today’s report demonstrates that Denver is positioned to take the bold action necessary to improve our air quality, protect the health of residents and limit climate change. We thank Mayor Hancock for leading Denver towards a sustainable future. Thousands of Sierra Club members, supporters and allies across Denver look forward to working with residents and leaders to ensure that we have an equitable future powered by 100 percent clean, renewable energy.”
Josh Downey, president of the Denver Area Labor Federation, adds, “Reducing Denver’s greenhouse-gas emissions is not only the right thing to do for our environment and our public health, but this commitment also creates an opportunity to create good-paying jobs focused on energy efficiency and developing clean energy alternatives throughout the community. It is exciting to see Denver’s leaders pick up the slack at the federal level and focus on an equitable path toward reducing greenhouse-gas emissions that create new economic opportunities for working families.”
The report can be downloaded here.
