On May 9, Hanover residents will vote on a commitment to 100 percent renewable energy — meeting the goal of an all-renewable electricity grid by 2030 and all-renewable heating and transportation by 2050.
As residents of Hanover, Norwich, Hartford and Lebanon — we’re hoping that Hanover will become a leader in the Upper Valley, and that other towns will follow by setting their own goals of 100 percent renewable energy.
Twenty-five cities across the country have already committed to 100 percent renewable energy. This number will continue to increase rapidly as cities embrace the opportunity to transition to a cleaner and healthier energy future.
Research shows that a transition to 100 percent renewable energy is technologically and economically feasible. Mark Z. Jacobson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University, provides one example of a model for how every state in the U.S. can reach 100 percent renewable energy. This study, “100% Clean and Renewable Wind, Water, and Sunlight All-Sector Energy Roadmaps for the 50 United States,” was published in Energy & Environmental Science. This research was also used to create The Solutions Project (thesolutionsproject.org).
Meeting the goals is voluntary. However, by passing this resolution, the town of Hanover will further define its renewable energy goals and create the infrastructure that will help residents adopt more renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies. This commitment will serve as a compass for future decision making in Hanover. The town will be tasked with balancing energy innovation with fiscal responsibility.
We’re ready for Hanover to be the first town in New Hampshire to set this goal! Hanover residents: Be sure to attend the evening town meeting and vote for 100 percent renewable energy at 7 p.m. on May 9. You must attend the evening town meeting to vote on this.
Ariel Arwen
Lebanon
Barbara and Alan Callaway
Hanover
Laura Simon
Hartford
Devinder Sodhi
Norwich
Sarah Young
Hanover