Cities around the country are shifting to clean energy from solar, wind and hydropower. Juneau has a huge head start because we’ve had fish-friendly hydropower for over 100 years. But did you know that electricity provides only 20 percent of the energy we use here? Juneau residents still spend $140 million each year importing fossil fuels for heating and transportation.
On Monday, Jan. 29, the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly will be reviewing the Juneau Renewable Energy Strategy. The Energy Strategy sets a goal of getting 80 percent of Juneau’s total energy from renewable sources by 2045. This can be accomplished over the next 30 years by improving the efficiency of buildings and heating systems; supporting the adoption of electric vehicles; smart community growth; and encouraging the use of heat pumps.
More than 100 Juneau businesses and organizations have already signed on to support the strategy. They see it as vital to our economy, our quality of life and our future.
Not only will it take the next step in fulfilling the CBJ’s climate action goals, but from an economic standpoint, the strategy will save money for taxpayers and households alike, reduce vulnerability to spikes in energy prices, and keep more money circulating in our local economy.
Add your voice. Write Assembly members at BoroughAssembly@juneau.org. Tell them you want a clean energy future and ask them to adopt the Juneau Renewable Energy Strategy. For more information, go to renewablejuneau.org.
Danielle Redmond,
Juneau