Clean Energy Scores Big Wins on Election Day

State and local voters picked a side on Tuesday: clean, renewable energy.

2 minute read

November 6, 2020, 8:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Solar Houses

Vsevolod33 / Shutterstock

Energy is less prone to partisan politics, according to an article by Catherine Morehouse, who analyzes the batch of clean energy laws approved by voters this week, among so many other issues of direct relation to the work of planners and urban designers.

"Two state-level ballots on clean energy have passed. One in Nevada reinforces a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) passed in the recent wave of state clean energy commitments," reports Morehouse. "Another in New Mexico will upend the state's regulatory body that previously sought to undermine the state's clean energy law, in the eyes of its governor, the legislature and clean energy advocates."

"Meanwhile, cities are continuing their push to pursue aggressive clean energy goals. Columbus, OH established a community choice aggregation program that will have American Electric Power (AEP) provide the city with net-100% renewable energy by 2023. Denver voters have affirmed an increased sales tax that will fund emissions-reducing projects," adds Morehouse.

One area where Morehouse says the cause of clean energy did not score a clear victory was Measure 2C in Boulder, Colorado. Instead of setting up a municipal energy utility, Boulder will now be forced to pressure Excel Energy to meet the city's renewable energy goals—a cause which Morehouse reports Boulder has a track record of success.

More details on Nevada Question 6, New Mexico Amendment 1, Columbus Issue 1, Denver Question 2A, and Boulder Question 2C are included in the source article.

Thursday, November 5, 2020 in Smart Cities Dive

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

5 hours ago - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A cluster of wind turbines beneath a stormy sky, above a forest where the leaves are beginning to change colors.

5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project

Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

People boarding a bus on Maryland's Orange Route.

Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project

The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.

2 hours ago - Mass Transit

A brick building with a circular sign with the Airbnb logo hanging off of it.

Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin

The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.

3 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.