Integrating Equity into City Clean Energy Initiatives: Considerations and Resources for U.S. Local Governments

January 19, 2022 / Dan Slanger

This report offers an approach and considerations for integrating equity into city clean energy initiatives. It provides an overview of developing equitable clean energy initiatives, relevant definitions, and example goals, targets,
and indicators that can be used for consistent and comprehensive planning and implementation. The report explores seven common types of clean energy initiatives pursued or supported by city governments, with high-level observations based on equity-focused case study reviews. The report also includes additional equity-focused resources from experts nationwide.

A companion piece to this report—”Selected Examples of Leading Equitable Clean Energy Initiatives”—presents case studies from leading cities and states. Download it from the Tools & Resources library.

Cities Climate Law: A Legal Framework for Local Action in the U.S.

November 29, 2021 / Dan Slanger

This report provides a comprehensive guide for local law- and policy-makers in developing climate programs that consider and comport with federal and state law. It explores and explicates legal issues that might inhibit or enable policy adoption and implementation across a range of municipal carbon mitigation policy areas: Equity, Buildings, Transportation, Energy, and Waste.

The Future of Landfills is Bright

November 29, 2021 / Dan Slanger

This report examines the enormous potential for cities, counties, and states to scale up landfill solar to advance clean energy generation throughout the United States. The report outlines the multiple co-benefits of landfill solar and provides guidance on policies and best practices state and local governments can use to accelerate adoption.

Procuring Large-Scale Renewables through Aggregation: A Guide for Local Governments

October 26, 2021 / Dan Slanger

This guide outlines how local governments can pursue buyer-led aggregated PPAs for utility-scale renewable projects. It includes the benefits of aggregation, off-site procurement options available to aggregation groups, and case studies of five successful aggregated renewables procurements. The guide also presents a seven-step process to guide local governments to pursue an aggregated procurement.

Solar Energy in Utility Integrated Resource Plans: Factors That Can Impact Customer Clean Energy Goals

October 21, 2021 / Dan Slanger

This report focuses on key issues that influence the amount of solar energy incorporated in integrated resource plans, and how these plans can impact customer clean energy goals.

The Power of Collaboration: How U.S. Cities and Corporations Can Work Together to Advance Renewable Energy

October 21, 2021 / Dan Slanger

This report details how collaboration between cities and companies can help remove technical, policy, and market barriers to clean energy and advance renewable electricity generation and use across the United States.

Federal Funding Opportunities for Local Decarbonization (FFOLD)

August 31, 2021 / Dan Slanger

Many federal funding opportunities exist for advancing local decarbonization efforts. Navigating those opportunities and making strategic decisions on how to best utilize the funds available can be challenging. This tool helps local governments prioritize and leverage existing federal funding to advance system-wide energy transition goals—from block grants and technical assistance to competitive grants, loans, and revolving loan funds.

Note: For the tool to function effectively, users must “Enable Macros” upon opening the file.

A companion piece to this tool—”Equity Design Considerations for Federal Funding”—presents resources to help tool users and broader audiences understand energy equity. Download it from the Tools & Resources library.

Last updated: June 21, 2022

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Charlotte and Duke Energy Carolinas to Establish a Low Carbon, Smart City Collaboration

August 24, 2021 / Dan Slanger

This Clean Energy Collaboration is a formal agreement that outlines various overarching values, goals, and shared principles to foster a Low Carbon, Smart City Collaboration for all Charlotteans. It outlines a strategy for cooperation and achievement of a shared vision through broad collaboration, focusing on innovation, low carbon energy, economic development opportunities, customer choice programs, and technology.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of St. Petersburg and Duke Energy Florida, LLC for Clean Energy Collaboration

August 24, 2021 / Dan Slanger

This Clean Energy Collaboration is a formal agreement that outlines a shared commitment to a cleaner, greener future. The MOU states that the two parties will meet at least quarterly to identify and move forward priority projects on transparency and data access, transparency of stakeholder engagement, energy efficiency, renewable energy/community solar, resilience, smart technology, and mobility electrification.

Aggregated Off-Site Renewables Power Purchase Agreement – Request for Proposal (RFP) Template

June 23, 2021 / Dan Slanger

The goal of this document is to provide local governments with an easily modifiable template, including a suggested structure and example language, to use when developing their own aggregated off-site renewable RFP. For procurement groups/leads required to use their jurisdiction’s RFP template, the material in this document should be easily transferable to your own template.