The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners voted to become the first town in North Carolina to commit to 100 percent clean energy by 2050.
This gradual transition will work towards powering the city with different types of clean energy such as wind and solar. After considering Hillsborough's limited capabilities as a small town, the board plans to create a task force of citizens, many of whom have backgrounds in energy efficiency, to help plan the path for the town.
After the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, political leaders across the country pledged to follow the pact. Over ten states have pledged to uphold the agreement, not including North Carolina.
Hillsborough Commissioner Jenn Weaver said complete energy efficiency is not an easy task, and it will take community engagement to meet their goal. She said this dedication to counter climate change will hopefully push other towns to follow in Hillsborough’s footsteps.
“It feels like we are in a very urgent time where we are experiencing ill effects of climate change and feels very important for local governments to act,” she said.