strategic energy action plan

It's been five years since the Charlotte City Council set a goal of eliminating the use of fossil fuels in city vehicles and buildings by the end of this decade. The city is inching toward that, by adding electric vehicles and rooftop solar panels, improving energy efficiency and planning two solar farms. But officials acknowledge they won't make it, and local climate activists are pushing back.

The city of Charlotte is evaluating a developer's proposal to build one or two more solar farms to power city facilities. It's part of the city's drive to power all its buildings with carbon-free energy.

Electric vehicles and renewable energy have gotten most of the attention as the city of Charlotte works to fight climate change. Other tactics aren't so visible — like cool roofs and porous pavement, known as smart surfaces.

The city of Charlotte has a goal of switching to 100% renewable energy in city vehicles and facilities by 2030. Getting there is a project-by-project task. On Monday, the City Council approved two more projects that will help the city reduce its use of electricity generated by fossil fuels. Both passed without discussion.

The Charlotte City Council will vote Monday night on whether to lease city land for a solar farm that eventually will help the city meet its climate goals by cutting the use of fossil fuels for electricity.

As the start of construction nears for the city of Charlotte's first solar farm in Iredell County, the city is seeking a developer for a second solar project to help meet its climate goals.

The Charlotte Area Transit System is tapping the brakes on plans to convert to 100% electric buses by 2030. And the slowdown is raising concerns among council members and environmentalists that Charlotte might not be able to meet the city's climate goals.

Rising equipment costs at a proposed solar farm in Iredell County are threatening the city of Charlotte's goal to switch city buildings to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030.

Charlotte Area Transit System now has most of its 18 new electric buses on city roads as part of an 18-month trial. The head of CATS says he'll outline plans next week for replacing the entire fleet.

There's still a long way to go before the city of Charlotte meets its climate goals. City staff reported signs of progress this week, such as the debut of electric buses on city streets. But they also said the city may need to buy carbon offsets to hit its target of eliminating fossil fuel emissions in its buildings and vehicles.