Fayetteville highlighted in report on transition to 100% renewable energy

Environmental organization The Sierra Club has released a report on 10 U.S. cities, including Fayetteville, that have committed to be powered with 100% clean, renewable energy such as wind and solar.

The report, which was released before the Global Climate Action Summit in September, includes the progress the cities have made toward the commitment. More than 75 U.S. cities have committed to be powered with 100% clean, renewable energy, from big cities such as Atlanta to small towns like Abita Springs, La. At least six U.S. cities have already achieved 100% clean energy and are powered entirely with renewable sources.

“As leaders from around the world gather in San Francisco this week for the Global Climate Action Summit, one need only look at America’s cities to see how local leadership is having a global impact,” said Jodie Van Horn, director of the Sierra Club’s Ready For 100 campaign. “Cities are taking meaningful steps to realize a vision for healthy, vibrant and more equitable communities powered with 100% clean energy. A transition to 100% clean energy is within reach, and together we can create a new energy economy that transforms not only how we power our country but also who has power to decide what’s best for our communities.”

This is the third annual report from Ready For 100, a Sierra Club campaign launched in 2016 to accelerate a just and equitable transition to 100% clean energy. Along with Fayetteville, other cities in the report include Columbia, S.C.; Concord, N.H.; Denton, Texas; Denver; Minneapolis; Norman, Okla.; Orlando, Fla.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; and St. Louis.

In January, Fayetteville was the first city in Arkansas to commit to 100% clean energy.

“Arkansas is embracing clean energy, and the city of Fayetteville is helping to lead the way,” said Glen Hooks, director of the Arkansas Sierra Club. “Mayor Lioneld Jordan and the Fayetteville City Council envision a city that is a sustainable, clean and healthy place for families who want a high quality of life. I’m proud that the Sierra Club has an outstanding partner in the city of Fayetteville. It’s a great place to live, and Mayor Jordan’s leadership on clean energy has a lot to do with that.”