New toolkit provides Utah cities with ten ways to go solar

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Environment America

PARK CITY —  With local municipalities playing an increasingly important role in the clean energy revolution, Environment America Research and Policy Center just released a new toolkit to support cities and towns nationwide in capturing more clean renewable energy from the sun. Ten Ways Your Community Can Go Solar offers practical ways for local governments to encourage solar energy installations in their communities.

“Communities need solutions that match the scale of the environmental challenges we face,” said Bret Fanshaw, Director of Environment America’s Go Solar campaign. “Solar power can meet our energy needs without the pollution harming our climate and our health. Cities and their residents have much to gain by encouraging the use of solar energy.”

Park City has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions and ramp up solar and renewable energy. It recently received “gold” designation from The Solar Foundation’s national SolSmart program for the city’s commitment to advancing solar power.

“Park City is undertaking North America’s most ambitious climate goal: to be carbon neutral and powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2030,” said Park City Mayor Andy Beerman. “Solar, at all scales, will be critical for us to reach our goal. From changing our building code and incentivizing rooftop solar, to working with the utility to bring on utility-scale projects, Park City is leading the way for clean energy development. Solar provides good-paying jobs, raises property values, and speeds up our transition to the new energy economy.”

The new solar toolkit discusses how communities like Park City can move toward commitments to reduce carbon, as well as setting goals for solar use and expanding access to solar for all city residents.

“Cities can lead the way to make sure we capture much more clean energy from the sun,” said Fanshaw. “We applaud Park City for their leadership and encourage other Utah cities to follow their example.”  

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Environment America Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting air, water and open space by investigating problems, crafting solutions and educating the public.

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