BCC adopts resolution setting 100% clean energy goals
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 9, adopted a resolution setting clean energy targets as a part of Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign. The resolution sets goals to transition to renewable, zero-emission, clean energy consumption as follows:
- 50 percent of electricity for County government operations by 2030
- 100 percent of electricity for County government operations by 2040
- 100 percent countywide by 2050
County departments are directed to incorporate the clean energy targets into their policies and planning processes. Pinellas County joins nine states, 14 counties and 180 cities in the Ready for 100 movement, including Dunedin, Largo, Safety Harbor and St. Petersburg.
Sustainability and Resiliency Program Coordinator Hank Hodde said the resolution further solidifies the County’s commitment to a sustainable future.
“Climate change poses a great risk to our low-lying and densely populated county,” Hodde said. “This commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions will help lower that risk and help ensure a brighter future for our communities.”
Pinellas County’s new clean energy targets will be incorporated into the County’s Sustainability and Resiliency Action Plan, which is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2022. The County is already enrolled in Duke Energy Florida’s Clean Energy Connection Program, which will allow the County to offset its energy consumption through solar power generation starting in 2022. By 2024, the program will offset 40 percent of the County’s energy usage.