City Of Cleveland Hopes To Be 100% Renewable By 2050

The newest draft of Cleveland’s Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to 25 percent renewable energy throughout Cleveland by 2030, with a tentative goal of 100 percent electricity from renewables by 2050.

It’s a commitment that puts the city ahead of most others in the state, and a goal that the Sierra Club’s Jocelyn Travis has been working towards for two years.

“We’re really hoping that this Climate Action Plan is going to be just what we need to get everybody on board and to provide full commitment,” said Travis. “We’re thrilled that it’s in writing, and we’re nearing the end of the battle.”

Travis is part of the Sierra Club’s national campaign to get cities to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. So far, 74 cities have signed on.

The Sierra Club’s Stephanie Steinbrecher says Cleveland’s plan is more in-depth than other cities, but has a longer timeline.

Cincinnati has pledged to 100 percent renewables by 2035.

Steinbrecher would like to see Cleveland come up with “tangible next steps about how it plans to go about reaching its goal.”

The city declined a request for comment.

In the draft plan, the city says it’s “currently evaluating the feasibility” of 100 percent renewables for its energy needs. Objectives listed in the plan include generating more solar energy locally and supporting clean energy policy.

In addition to clean energy, the plan includes goals outlined to make Cleveland more energy efficient and reduce waste.

The public can comment on the city’s draft until August 5.

“The main thing we have to do is make sure everyone is engaged and involved,” said Travis. “We’re trying to do everything we can to make sure the people have an opportunity to review the draft of the Climate Action Plan.”