Louisville Metro Government’s push to run on 100% clean electricity by 2030 has sparked debate over how to get there. City officials want to acquire renewable energy certificates (RECs) from a solar farm that will be built in western Kentucky in the future. Supporters say this is a smart move, while detractors term it “greenwashing.”
The plan would cost up to $700,000 a year for 10 years and let Louisville say it gets sustainable energy, even though the electricity wouldn’t go directly to city buildings.
“This is like the crypto of energy,” said Republican Council Member Khalil Batshon to Louisville Public Media (LPM), opposing the plan.
Supporters say that RECs can help pay for additional solar projects and keep the city on track.
“If a contract in western Kentucky leads to solar panels being built, that is a net gain to society,” said Louisville Climate Action Network’s Sarah Lynn Cunningham to LPM.
The Greenberg administration admits that RECs aren’t perfect, but they believe there aren’t many alternative options. Many local facilities can’t host rooftop solar, and state restrictions prohibit large-scale projects. On Thursday, the Metro Council will vote.
This article appears in Aug 1-31, 2025.