Spokane ‘on the bright side of history’ with 100% Renewable Energy Goal

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Environment Washington Applauds Council Leadership

Environment Washington

Spokane, WA – Last night, the Spokane City Council overrode Mayor Condon’s veto of the city’s action in August to set a goal of 100% renewable energy for the city. Following is the statement of Environment Washington Director Bruce Speight:

“Spokane is on the bright side of history, creating healthier communities today and a more livable future with this important vote.

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. The City of Spokane, with this action, is showing the way and taking action for a clean energy future in Washington State. We want to thank Councilmembers Ben Stuckart, Kate Burke and Breann Beggs in particular for their continued leadership in moving this veto forward.

Spokane is the fourth local government in Washington State to set a goal of 100% renewable energy; the others include Edmonds, Whatcom County and Bellingham. With this action, the broad-based movement for clean, renewable energy in Washington continues to grow.

We are excited to see utilities like Avista and a broad coalition of community leaders and organizations in Spokane and across Washington get on board with the goal of 100% renewable energy and recognize that we can and must transition to a 100% renewable energy future.”

Earlier this year, Environment Washington helped to launch the Spokane 100% campaign, signing on 22 local businesses and elected leaders and 159 grassroots activists to a 100% clean energy community pledge, hosted a press conference with community leaders, and held a community meeting in April to bring together allies and supporters with council members.

The Spokane action comes as a growing number of cities, states, corporations and institutions across the country consider commitments to 100 percent renewable energy. Currently over 70 cities have committed to 100 percent renewable energy. Nearly 100 major companies have made a 100 percent renewable commitment, including Starbucks and Microsoft. California and Hawaii have committed to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045. And, bills have been introduced in state legislatures in various states, including Washington, and in both houses of Congress.

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Environment Washington is a statewide, membership-based environmental advocacy organization. www.environmentwashington.org.