WS Chronicle

On Monday, Nov. 16, members of the Winston-Salem City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution in support of a goal of 100% clean renewable energy by 2050 and creation of green jobs.

The resolution requires the city to commit to a 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, to utilize at least 50% clean and renewable energy resources for its buildings and fleets by 2030, and to a transition to 100% renewable energy for all city operations by 2050. 

The resolution also addresses environmental justice and promotes economic growth with provisions to assist vulnerable communities, promote green jobs, and set goals for renewable energy sector growth.

This resolution was drafted in response to advocacy efforts by local environmental groups calling for action on climate change. These efforts by Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA), Sierra Club Foothills Group, Citizens Climate Lobby, and The Climate Reality Project WS also helped pass a similar resolution at the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners in March 2020.

Member of the city’s Community Sustainability Program committee and vice chair of the PEA Board of Directors, Rajesh Kapileshwari, said that the resolution is “achievable, economically sound, just, and simply necessary to mitigate environmental issues we face.” He and other advocates echo the importance of this measure in light of crises resulting from racial injustices and the economic impacts of the pandemic.

Advocates are looking forward to these new changes that will help make Winston-Salem a more just, resilient, and environmentally sustainable city for all. 

Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA) educates and empowers, builds community, and inspires action to create a more just, resilient, and sustainable community. Based in Winston-Salem, PEA focus on environmental education, community events, and local advocacy to build the leadership to achieve increased environmental awareness and sustainability practice. For more information, go to www.peanc.org.