Subject:
Title
Resolution to join the Ready for 100 Program and establish clean energy targets.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the resolution to join the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign and establish clean energy targets.
• Resolution directs the County to meet certain clean energy targets and utilize renewable, zero-emission, clean energy consumption by the following years: 50% for County operations by 2030; 100% for county operations by 2040; and, 100% countywide by 2050.
• County Departments are directed to incorporate the clean energy targets into their planning processes, take policy and practice measures to reach the goals, including forming and maintaining partnerships.
• The clean energy targets will be incorporated into the Sustainability and Resiliency Action Plan, and progress will be reported to the Board every two years.
• Nine states, fourteen counties, and 180 cities, including Dunedin, Largo, Safety Harbor, and St. Petersburg have joined Ready for 100.
• The Sustainability and Resiliency Program will oversee administration of this initiative.
Authorize the Clerk of the Circuit Court to record this Resolution in the public records of Pinellas County.
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.1 Implement green technologies and practices where possible
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
3.5 Foster a sustainable and resilient community that is prepared for sea level rise and a changing climate
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
Summary:
Summary
The Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign advocates for an equitable and affordable energy system powered by 100% clean, renewable energy by 2050. More than 180 communities in the U.S. have committed to the campaign and are transitioning to renewable sources of energy, such as, but not limited to, solar, wind, and geothermal energy. This resolution will commit the County to join the campaign and establish clean, renewable energy targets for the years 2030, 2040, and 2050. The initiative will be incorporated into the Sustainability and Resiliency Action Plan, and progress will be reported on every two years.
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Background Information:
The Ready for 100 percent renewable energy campaign, sponsored by the Sierra Club, recognizes a local government’s role in establishing goals and transitioning the community to a 100% clean, renewable energy to help ensure a sustainable future where its residents and natural environment can thrive. Commitment to Ready for 100 allows Pinellas County to join nearly 200 other communities across the country that have pledged, including several local communities, such as Dunedin, Largo, Safety Harbor, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. Powering the community with clean and renewable energy can create jobs, provide for a resilient power grid, and ensure residents have access to clean, affordable power.
Pinellas County will incorporate the 100% renewable energy goals into the Sustainability and Resiliency Action Plan including actionable steps and financial strategies to meet the new clean energy targets. Additionally, the targets will be incorporated within departmental strategic and master plans, and staff are directed to update any policies and/or practices necessary to meet the new targets.
This initiative builds on previous Pinellas County actions, including adopting the Pinellas County BOCC Sustainability Resolution (06-206), establishing Administrative Directive 6-11 (Energy and Water Conservation), setting Comprehensive Plan goals related to sustainability and resiliency, and subscribing to Duke Energy Florida’s Clean Energy Connection Program.
Fiscal Impact:
A staff analysis will be conducted to identify future applications and investments in energy efficiency and/or renewable energy technologies that maximize cost reductions and provide a return on investment.
Staff Member Responsible:
Hank Hodde, Sustainability and Resiliency Program Coordinator, County Administration
Partners:
Suncoast Sierra Club
Attachments:
Proposed Resolution 21-