Whatcom County Council Sets 100% Renewable Energy Goal
Media Contacts
Environment Washington
Bellingham, WA – Last night, the Whatcom County Council set a goal of 100% renewable energy for the county. Following is the statement of Environment Washington Director Bruce Speight:
“Environment Washington applauds the Whatcom County Council for their leadership on clean energy by setting a goal of 100% renewable energy. 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. Whatcom County, with this action, is showing the way and taking action for a clean energy future in Washington State.
Homegrown companies here in Washington State, including Microsoft and Starbucks, have already committed to going 100% renewable. Now cities and counties are starting to lead. This summer, Edmonds was the first city to commit to 100% renewable energy. With this action, Whatcom County is the first county to set a goal of 100% renewable energy in Washington.
The reality is inescapable: fossil fuels pollute our air, water and land, threatening our health and changing our climate even faster than scientists predicted. We need to seize the moment and lean into a future powered by clean, renewable energy.”
The action comes as a growing number of cities, states, corporations and institutions across the county consider commitments to 100 percent renewable energy. Currently 50 cities have committed to 100 percent renewable energy. Nearly 100 major companies have made a 100 percent renewable commitment, including Apple, Walmart and LEGO. Hawaii is committed to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045. And, bills have been introduced in state legislatures in various states and in both houses of Congress.
Since 2007, Washington State has seen a 17,588 percent increase in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun and a 330 percent increase in wind energy production, according to a new report released by Environment Washington Research and Policy Center in July.
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Environment Washington Research & Policy Center is a 501(c) (3) organization. We are dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help the public make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives. For more information, visit www.environmentwashingtoncenter.org.
