Leon County First County to Sign Sierra Club’s Clean Energy Initiative

Leon County First County to Sign Sierra Club’s Clean Energy Initiative

Recently, Leon County furthered its commitment to clean energy and sustainability by signing the Mayors For 100% Clean Energy endorsement. Previously only available to cities, Leon County is the first county in the nation to sign this endorsement.

Launched by the Sierra Club in 2017, the Mayors For 100% Clean Energy endorsement has been signed by 196 cities across the United States. The endorsement declares support for transitioning to 100% renewable energy in the community and pledges the County to work with community partners and citizens to realize the goal.

“As local leaders, our Board is committed to supporting a vision of a healthier, stronger future that includes 100% clean, renewable energy for all,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox. “We know firsthand that taking steps to reduce carbon emissions will lead to clean air, strengthen the economy, and improve our quality of life.”

The endorsement builds on Leon County’s long-term commitment to sustainability, resource conservation, and renewable energy. For more than a decade, Leon County has demonstrated it’s commitment to clean energy through multiple initiatives: retrofitting one of the first Net Zero government buildings in the nation, performing energy upgrades to buildings that save more than $1 million in utility costs annually, and expanding solar energy on several County facilities.

“Leon County’s recent endorsement of the Sierra Club’s clean energy initiative highlights our long-term commitment to being a responsible steward of the community’s natural resources,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “From our sustainable building practices to our water quality projects and daily efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, we work to preserve Leon County’s natural beauty for future generations.”

The Sierra Club states that transitioning to 100% clean and renewable energy, like energy efficiency, wind, solar and electrified transportation, will protect children and families from pollution, create new jobs and local economic opportunities, and ensure that all people have access to affordable energy solutions.

For more information about the Mayors For 100% Clean Energy initiative, visit: https://www.sierraclub.org/ready-for-100/mayors-for-clean-energy.

For more information, contact Maggie Theriot, Leon County Office of Resource Stewardship, at (850) 606-5000 / TheriotM@LeonCountyFL.gov or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / cmr@LeonCountyFL.gov. 

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