Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-19 CorrespondenceItem Number: 8.a. April 19, 2022 AT TAC HM E NT S : Description Competitive Quotation Memo c Oictij 0 /A- IOWACITY cc ryi‘t CoA'Ll April 19, 2022 To the Mayor and City Council: As community organizations representing diverse interests and people, we support a transition to 100% clean energy to benefit all of Iowa City. We can't wait on Washington — cities are now Leading on climate action and Iowa City must do its part. We call for a City Council resolution and continued action to reach 24/7 carbon-free electricity, community-wide for Iowa City by 2030. Achieving this goal will provide Iowa City residents with benefits incLuding improved air quality and public health, increased resiliency, a thriving local economy, and a renewed commitment to environmental justice. To date, over 180 cities nationwide have committed to being powered by 100% clean energy. The Des Moines City Council passed a resolution in January 2021 to reach community-wide 24/7 carbon-free electricity. We believe Iowa City should be the next leader to make this type of forward-Looking and necessary pledge in Iowa. Our City Council has already declared a climate crisis, recognizing the consequences of continued fossil fuel dependence and emissions, but we need a new commitment to meet and exceed existing carbon reduction goals. A 24/7 carbon-free target would guarantee that power is coming from clean energy sources around-the-clock. Relying on Iowa's growing clean energy resources and transitioning away from fossil fuels would make our community more resilient while making energy more affordable. Particularly, this move would lift low-income communities and people of color who are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, higher energy costs, and the climate crisis. We urge you to support a 100% clean energy resolution and continued action to ensure a better Iowa City for all of us and future generations. Signed: 100 Grannies for a Livable Future 100% Iowa Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa Common Good Iowa Dream City Global Food Project of Iowa City Great Plains Action Society Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Iowa City Bicycle Library Iowa City Environmental Advocates Iowa City Green Drinks Iowa Environmental Council Iowa Interfaith Power & Light Physicians for Social Responsibility Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter University of Iowa Environmental Coalition 100 % IOWA CITY April 19, 2022 To the Mayor and City Council: As business leaders of Iowa City, we support a community-wide transition to 100% carbon-free electricity. We strive for affordability and reliability in our operations and want to see a commitment by the City Council to make Iowa City one of Iowa's most sustainable places to do business. Wind and solar power now offer the lowest cost electricity and can be a competitive advantage for our businesses. Though a growing amount of the electricity provided today comes from clean energy sources, fossil fuels still make up too much of the mix. We want a clean energy future for Iowa City, where the electricity for all buildings and homes comes from carbon-free sources, around- the-clock. We support a City Council resolution to reach 24/7 carbon-free electricity by the year 2030. By sourcing low-cost, carbon-free electricity from our utility provider while also prioritizing local actions, Iowa City can attract and retain climate- conscious businesses and customers. The transition would support local clean energy jobs, spur economic activity across our city, and allow our businesses to run completely on power from non-polluting sources. Our city would not be alone, in January 2021, the Des Moines City Council pledged to reach 24/7 carbon-free electricity for the entire community. More cities committing to a clean energy future will accelerate an equitable transition for Iowa City and all Iowans. Iowa City can be an innovative leader on climate and energy. We urge you to support a 24/7 carbon-free electricity goal to put the city on a necessary path. Astig Planning A&W Sustainable Planning & Outreach C -Wise Design and Consulting LLC Dotf'izhi Geoff's Bike and Ski Green State Solutions Integrated Power Corporation Neumann Monson Architects Pani Clean, Inc. Public Space One RAYGUN