The consequences of burning fossil fuels are immense. Cities are major emitters and our local government can tackle climate change and lead the needed transition to clean energy. The City of Des Moines currently has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 28% by 2025 – but we need to go further to prevent the climate crisis from worsening.
While a clean energy transition for our City will benefit all residents, a resolution will increase environmental justice and equity by lifting Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who most often suffer the health effects of poor air quality. Research shows that BIPOC people experience worse health outcomes from environmental contaminants and Black Americans are three times more likely to die from air pollution compared to their white counterparts.
While MidAmerican Energy has made recent investments in renewable energy, the utility still owns and/or operates five coal plants within the state, with no plans to retire them. Footnote These uneconomical plants continue to pollute our air and water, despite electricity from clean energy being more cost-effective. The continued operation of these plants means that MidAmerican Energy’s pledge is no more than a marketing ploy – a 24/7 carbon-free resolution would call for these plants to retire.
Collectively, Des Moines is a very large utility customer and the City Council can accelerate our utility’s switch to 100% clean electricity. The City Council can use its franchise agreement negotiations with MidAmerican Energy to move the utility to truly live up to its 100% pledge.
The City can also speed the clean energy transition with direct investments in clean energy resources. Des Moines should seek solar energy systems on government buildings through Power Purchase Agreements, develop public electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and phase in electric city-owned vehicles and public transportation.
The transition to clean energy is bringing jobs and economic growth. We know that low-cost, clean energy draws major businesses to our state. When the city achieves 100% clean energy, Des Moines can attract and retain major employers committed to a more sustainable workplace.
The switch to clean power brings prosperity: cleaner air, better health, environmental justice, energy resilience, and economic growth. The City Council has the opportunity and the ability to step up and make Des Moines the statewide leader in the clean energy transition.