Denver Mayor Commits City To 100% Clean Electricity By 2030
DENVER (CBS4) – Denver Mayor Michael Hancock unveiled plans to transition Denver to 100 percent clean, renewable electricity by 2030. It's called the 80x50 Climate Action Plan.
"Climate change threatens our people directly, putting our health, environment and economy – our very way of life – at risk," said Hancock, who announced the commitment during his State of the City address on Monday.
Other goals of the 80x50 Climate Action Plan include:
- Reduce total community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent by 2025, a more aggressive goal than the Paris climate accords
- Make all new buildings net-zero by 2035
- Achieve 100 percent renewable electricity in municipal facilities by 2025 and community-wide by 2030
- Increase electric vehicle registrations in Denver to 30 percent by 2030
"Cities like Denver will continue to push forward on clean energy," Mayor Hancock said. "We have a responsibility to do everything we can to ensure clean air and a stable climate for our children. Cities generate more than 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and we are a crucial part of the climate solution."
Officials said the plan is supported by Xcel Energy and a varied coalition of over 50 nonprofits and businesses.
"This is a huge victory for Colorado. We are currently witnessing the catastrophic effects of climate change, illustrated by statewide droughts that are drying our rivers and sparking massive wildfires. With a commitment to 100 percent clean energy, our capital city is demonstrating that it is taking serious action on these issues," said Jim Alexee, Director of the Sierra Club's Colorado Chapter.
"Denver's plan for a clean energy transition, while critical to defending our climate, is also necessary to protect our health. As a local respiratory doctor, I've seen first-hand the damaging health effects of pollution from the production, transportation, and burning of dirty fossil fuels can have on our families. By transitioning Denver to 100 percent clean and renewable electricity, we'll be ensuring a healthier community for generations to come," said Denver Respiratory Doctor Jason McCarl.
According to officials, Denver is the 73rd city in the United States to commit to 100 percent clean energy. Nine other Colorado communities have also adopted a 100 percent clean energy goal.
