Third Ohio city commits to 100% renewable energy

The city council representing the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood, Ohio, passed a resolution establishing a goal of 100% clean, renewable energy. Lakewood joins Cleveland and Cincinnati as the third Ohio city, and the first suburb, to make this commitment. The resolution states Lakewood will achieve 100% clean energy for city facilities by 2025 and community-wide by 2035. The legislation also directs the city to develop a plan for achieving this goal in consultation with the community in 2020. City Councilmembers and resolution sponsors Tom Bullock and Tristan Rader led efforts to draft and pass this resolution. Recent polling from Yale Climate Communications shows that 76% of Ohio voters believe a state requirement of 100% renewable electricity will have a positive impact on the state’s environment, and majorities also believe this policy will improve Ohioans’ health and economy. After the passage of coal and nuclear power bailout bill HB 6 at the state level earlier this year, cities like Lakewood, Cleveland and Cincinnati demonstrate that Ohio communities are leading the way toward a just and equitable local clean energy transition.