FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2018
Contact: Peter Nierengarten
Director
Sustainability Department
479.575.8272
pnierengarten@fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville Is One of Ten Cities Recognized in Sierra Club Report for Clean Energy Goals
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Fayetteville and nine other cities are recognized as cities with ambitious clean energy goals in Ready For 100, a report released today by the Sierra Club. The report provides examples on how leaders can power their cities with 100 percent clean, renewable energy. Fayetteville was the first city in Arkansas to commit to 100 percent clean energy.
Mayor Lioneld Jordan’s pledge to the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Clean Energy Campaign for Cities is that Fayetteville is committed to powering all government operations with 100% clean energy by 2030 and the entire community by 2050.
On Tuesday, Jan. 2, Fayetteville City Council voted 7-1 to adopt the Energy Action Plan. The Energy Action Plan (EAP) provides a framework for the City’s ongoing efforts to be a resource- and energy-efficient community. The plan addresses local effects of climate change, energy efficiency efforts, and clean energy production. The City’s Energy Action Plan can be viewed online at www.fayetteville-ar.gov/energyactionplan.
City staff, University of Arkansas staff, community leaders, expert stakeholders, utility company representatives, and City administration worked collaboratively to develop the plan. The EAP includes goals, strategies, and action items to improve Fayetteville’s economic, environmental, and social stability. Long-term goals of the plan include encouraging resilient local businesses, improving public health, promoting a culture of innovation, and leaving a legacy of stewardship for future Fayetteville residents.
“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,” said Jodie Van Horn, Director of the Sierra Club’s Ready For 100 campaign.
The cities profiled in this year’s report include: Columbia, South Carolina; Concord, New Hampshire; Denton, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Norman, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; Santa Barbara, California; St. Louis, Missouri.
###