The city of Norman moved this week to become one relying on 100 percent clean and renewable energy.
The City Council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution which declared Norman will transition to use 100 percent clean energy like wind and solar for electricity by 2035. It also intends to be 100 percent reliable across all sectors including heat and transportation by 2050.
In doing so, Norman became the first city in Norman to make the commitment and it drew applause from Karen Blasier, volunteer with the Norman Ready for 100 campaign.
“Momentum is building for 100 percent clean energy across the U.S., and today Norman showed it is a leader in Oklahoma by being the first city in the state to commit to this goal,” she said. “Norman’s commitment to renewable energy is also a commitment to clean air, economic development, and a healthy future for our community. After a year of engagement from the community and City of Norman, this vote is a victory for everyone,”
City councilwoman Breea Clark was equally excited about the vote.
“My family and I are pleased that Norman is the first city in Oklahoma to commit to moving towards 100 percent renewable energy. The environmental impacts, job opportunities, and economic benefits of going renewable are clear, and I am hopeful other communities will follow Norman’s example and make the same commitment.”
Councilman Bill Hickman said he was proud to declare a vision for the future that includes renewable energy.By setting this goal, we are guiding our community on a path that will protect our environment and stimulate economic development,” said Hickman.
The move by the Norman city council also brought support from Johnson Bridgwater, Director of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Sierra Club who used it to attack the oil and gas industry.
““The State of Oklahoma has been run and controlled by oil and gas interests for decades. However, the reality on the ground is that renewable energy is not only now a reality in Oklahoma, it is becoming an economic giant and improving Oklahoma’s environment for generations to come,” he said. “Oklahoma is now second in the nation in wind energy production, and our state is positioned to become a national leader in solar energy too if cities like Norman, Oklahoma make the right choice for our future and back commitments like Ready for 100.
Norman joins cities like Minneapolis, San Diego, St. Louis, and Atlanta in committing to 100 percent clean and renewable energy. Six U.S. cities, including Georgetown, Texas and Greensburg, Kansas, are already powered entirely by clean energy, like solar and wind.