For decades, we have had the power to harness clean, abundant energy from the sun and the wind. In 2021, it can be done more efficiently and cheaply than ever before. Yet we’re still producing, consuming and wasting energy in ways that do lasting damage to our environment and our health — fracking for gas near schools instead of putting solar panels on their roofs; drilling for oil near beaches instead of harnessing the winds that blow offshore; and burning coal, oil and gas instead of powering our homes, cars and lives with clean, renewable energy.
We’re promoting a bold and clear vision of a greener, healthier world powered solely by clean, renewable energy. We’re setting goals and advocating for solutions that match the scale of the challenges we face.
At the same time, our strategy takes into account the challenges of achieving such deep change. We are focused on moving the needle one step at a time, through incremental victories in a variety of forums -- states, cities, corporations, and college campuses.
By thinking globally and acting locally, we can make huge steps forward to clean up our energy supply. Mayors, governors, university superintendents and others can take the initiative on clean, renewable energy.
We are spearheading the effort to convince states to commit to 100 percent clean and renewable energy. In 2020, Environment Virginia helped Virginia become the seventh state to commit to reaching 100% renewable and zero-carbon electricity by 2045. This victory builds on progress secured by Environment California, Environment New Mexico, Environment Washington and Environment Maine to win approval of similar "100 Percent" bills in their states dating back to 2018. We’re campaigning for 100 percent clean or renewable commitments in fourteen more states: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Action at the municipal level can inspire states to make 100 percent renewable commitments. Our state and local advocates and organizers have already helped persuade Atlanta, Tempe, Arizona, Las Cruces, New Mexico, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee, Florida, and Spokane, Washington, to commit to a full transition to renewable energy.
Our researchers, advocates, members and activists have won significant progress on clean energy over the past few decades, including policies that have resulted in greater energy efficiency, more wind power and more solar power in 25 states.
Campuses are often early adopters of needed social change, thanks to student passion and power. To set an example for communities and make renewable energy a cultural norm, through our partnership with the Student PIRGs, students will be organizing around 100 percent renewable energy at 23 campuses in 2021, in support of campus or state action. To date, over 900 faculty members from across the country have supported us—many of whom will prove to be valuable allies when we ask local and state government leaders to consider taking similar action.
Robert F. Kennedy once said that each time we stand up for an ideal, we send forth a “tiny ripple of hope.”
Imagine ripples of energy emanating from each new campus or each new city or town that commits to 100 percent renewable power. Imagine these ripples converging into a great current that reaches every corner of our country and shines a beacon of hope to the rest of the world. That’s what this campaign is all about.
Want to get involved with our 100 percent campaign?
Add your voice and join our One Million for 100% Renewable Energy project. This growing community of changemakers demonstrates the vast support for a renewable energy future, giving them the resources they need to take coordinated action on the path to 100 percent.
