Dear Durham County Commissioners,

As climate change fuels frequent and severe environmental disasters that directly impact our community, there is a lack of leadership on the climate crisis at the state and federal levels. It is up to us to take action to transition rapidly to renewable energy and to prepare for climate disasters. Our community is already facing the impacts of the climate crisis. For example, the heatwaves we have experienced and the flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal.

Durham County Board of Commissioners previously approved a resolution to transition from fossil fuel-powered operations to 80% clean, renewable energy by 2030. Similarly, Durham Public Schools Board passed a resolution “Supporting a Transition to Renewable Energy in Durham Public Schools”. The resolution states that DPS “will establish an action plan to reduce our non-renewable based Energy Use Intensity by 80% by 2035.” However, to make these plans a reality, action is still very much needed.

To meet and exceed our prior climate commitments in a manner that is just and centers the needs of our community, we urge you to issue a solar bond referendum. The bond would authorize Durham County to borrow money to fund the installation of solar panels to power public buildings wherever possible, such as schools, libraries, EMS stations, and county government buildings. This would offset electricity operating costs; the money saved from this effort, after paying off the bond, should be allocated to improving public services and increasing pay for public service workers.

For example, Lyons Farm Elementary School’s rooftop solar array is proving that significant savings can be achieved from solar power. A solar bond would make it possible for the county to complete the large-scale solar projects we need to meaningfully address the climate crisis and save the County millions of dollars in energy costs.

A solar bond referendum will help to prioritize the transition away from fueling the ongoing climate crisis towards a cleaner and more cost effective future. The residents of Durham deserve to be heard in this important decision, just as we deserve clean air, clean water, and affordable electricity.

We don't want empty promises, we want a solar bond on the ballot.

Signed, Residents of Durham County.