Historical February–March 2018 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
St. Louis has become the 47th city in the U.S. to commit to clean energy with a resolution to reach 100% by 2035.
I was the first one to co-sponsor Resolution 124, introduced by President Reed, and it passed unanimously.
It calls specifically for “wind and solar and energy efficiency measures” and a plan to be developed by December 2018 to get us there.
While backed by environmental groups, this effort will only be successful if it is led by a diverse group that incorporates social justice, economic development, and public health.
The resolution lists participation by labor, frontline communities, academic institutions, housing, business, low income advocates, and any relevant groups.
While the City of St. Louis does not have jurisdiction over our utility companies, there are many ways for the city to be proactive in its energy usage.
The city, for example, approves building codes. One study of the potential of upgrading our city building codes to modern energy efficiency standards shows that future homeowners would save $438 per year, all while reducing dependence on polluting fossil fuels.
A greenhouse gas inventory revealed that in 2015, 97% of greenhouse gases came from the built environment.
The stakeholder process could develop a commitment on behalf of various sectors to reduce energy usage.
It could identify roof space on city buildings suitable for solar panels and funding mechanisms to invest in more solar power.
The resolution is intentionally open-ended so that a diverse stakeholder group can determine the best pathway forward.
A diverse stakeholder group is important to ensure that the measures proposed benefit all St. Louisans. Through job creation, lower energy bills, and cleaner air we can turn clean energy into a win-win.
The latest Solar Jobs Census shows that Missouri had 2,380 jobs in this growing field in 2016, up 28% over the previous year.
The City of St. Louis could be working to increase that growth in the city, especially in communities that lack opportunities. Personally, I am excited that St. Louis has made a bold statement supporting a transition to clean energy. Because of this resolution I, as an elected official, have the city’s support to work with stakeholders to develop ideas that will reduce energy consumption, promote renewable sources of energy, save money, and benefit public health.
It adds momentum to a movement that is building across the country and tells prospective businesses and investors that St. Louis is part of the clean energy revolution. Although some will downplay the significance of this measure, it can be a catalyst for engaging more people in making St. Louis a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient city. St. Louis is a city with many challenges.
If we do this right, the clean energy resolution can create opportunities for job growth, improve public health, and save citizens and the city money.
I look forward to making the most of Resolution 124. Our city depends on it.
To be involved in this effort please email me at navarroh@stlouis-mo.gov.
Original photograph caption
Maria Navarro and Mom and Alderwoman Heather Navarro enjoyed the Loop Ice Carnival.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2018.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2018_02.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 6; PDF page(s) 1, 6.
