In 2014, I visited the Emerald Coast and drove from Pensacola to Tallahassee along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Check out photos and details from my Florida clean energy tour last year. This post is a an exciting update for folks that followed that journey.

The Emerald Coast, Florida is moving beyond coal and towards clean solar energy!

“Gulf Power, operating under Southern Company, announced its plans to cease burning coal at the 357 MW Lansing Smith coal-fired plant by March 2016, marking a huge victory for Florida residents.” The Lansing Smith plant is located on the North Bay near Panama City and 30a.

“Last month, the Sierra Club applauded Gulf Power for its announcement to install three new solar plants at naval and air force bases in Northwest Florida. Sites at Eglin Air Force Base, Holly Field in Navarre and Sautly Field in Pensacola are slated for solar power projects totaling 120 megawatts, or enough power to keep the lights on at 18,000 homes each year. Combined, these projects increase in the state’s solar generation by 60% which currently stands at 218 megawatts. With these clean energy solutions, Gulf Power is taking beneficial steps towards promoting a healthy community and environment.”

Read my guest column in the Northwest Florida Daily News: Florida can do better in the race for clean energy.

Many congratulations to the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign and community members across the Gulf Coast. With this announcement,185 coal-fired power plants across the country have been slated for retirement.