Everett Commits to 100% Renewable Energy, Urges Investment in Electric Vehicles

City becomes the 6th local government in WA to commit to 100% Renewable Energy

Environment Washington

Everett, WA – On Wednesday, April 3rd, the Everett City Council passed a resolution directing the Everett Planning Commission to prepare a Climate Action Plan, which will include a target to run on 100% renewable energy by 2045. The Climate Action Plan will also, at a minimum, address electric vehicles and charging infrastructure and building efficiency among other policy objectives.

With the passage of this resolution, Everett is the sixth local government in Washington State to commit to 100% renewable energy, following Edmonds, Whatcom County, Bellingham, Spokane, and Snohomish County.

Following is the statement of Environment Washington 100% Renewable Energy Organizer Chris Connolly:

“This action is evidence that communities across Washington are ready for 100% clean, renewable energy. Now, state leaders need to act by passing Washington’s 100% Clean Electricity bill (SB 5116), the Clean Building Bill (HB 1257) and the Appliance Efficiency Bill (HB 1444).

Environment Washington applauds the Everett City Council for their leadership on clean energy. In particular, we thank Councilmember Paul Roberts for leading this effort and bringing the resolution forward.

Every day, we see more evidence that an economy powered by renewable energy is within our reach. But, to get there, we need local, state and federal leadership. Everett, with this action, is showing the way and taking action for a clean energy future in Washington State.”

The action comes as a growing number of cities, states, corporations and institutions across the country consider commitments to 100 percent renewable energy. Over 100 cities have committed to 100 percent renewable energy, and 165 major companies have made a 100 percent renewable commitment, including Starbucks and Microsoft. Hawaii, California, and New Mexico have committed to 100 percent clean electricity by 2045. And, bills have been introduced in state legislatures in various states and in both houses of Congress.

Since 2008, Washington has increased wind production nearly four-fold and solar energy production 228 times, according to a new report released in December 2018 by Environment Washington Research & Policy Center.

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Environment Washington is a statewide, membership-based environmental advocacy organization that works for clean air, clean water and open spaces. www.environmentwashington.org.