100 Percent Renewable Energy Proposal Passes In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood City Council unanimously passed a resolution establishing a goal to use only 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2035 on Monday. Lakewood is only the third Ohio city to make this commitment, joining Cleveland and Cincinnati.

The resolution states that all Lakewood municipal buildings will be powered by only renewable energy starting in 2025, and mandates a community-wide shift by 2035. The legislation directs officials to work with the community to develop an action plan.

Councilpersons Tom Bullock and Tristan Rader introduced the resolution. "There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for these efforts to make Lakewood a more sustainable place. We have a great community here of people who care about protecting our planet. We take climate change seriously and we will do our part to make our community and our planet a more sustainable place. It's our responsibility," Rader said in a statement prior to the resolution's passing.

Development of the clean energy plan would take place in 2020 and community input on the plan would be sought, according to the proposed resolution. The legislation also binds council to seeking out the lowest cost measures to meet energy needs in pursuit of frugal use of taxpayer dollar.

The Sierra Club celebrated Lakewood's resolution. Chad Stephens, conservation program coordinator of the Ohio Sierra Club, issued the following statement on the legislation.

“When it comes to using fossil fuels, Ohio communities have had enough business as usual. While legislators at the state level continue to advocate for regressive policies that hurt families and workers, cities like Lakewood are advocating for a different future: one that promotes clean air and water, healthy communities, and affordable electricity for all. Lakewood’s leadership in pursuing 100% clean, renewable power for the entire community shows that a just and equitable transition in Ohio will be local. Building on Cleveland’s adoption of the 100% goal in 2018, Cuyahoga County can lead the way for climate and clean energy progress for the state. As more cities continue to take a stand for environmental and economic justice, the sum effect of Ohio communities’ progress will prove to be our greatest strength.”