For Pinellas, financial obligations and environmental care are the goals of the alliance.

Recently, the Pinellas County Commission passed a resolution shifting focus from previous energy-related goals. The resolution states that the county will “prioritize a financially sound, scalable, measurable energy strategy.” That’s a goal that we can all fall behind. However, it is important to recognize that energy efficiency and clean energy solutions already meet these standards. In fact, they often provide the best returns to taxpayers.

There are already great examples across Pinellas County showing what is possible when investing in smart, clean energy and energy saving solutions. Not only are these efforts financially sound, they also help local governments and organizations save millions of dollars while reducing harmful pollution.

For example, take a look at Pinellas County School District. According to EnergyStar.gov, its energy saving program cuts energy use by 21% and costs evasion exceeds $8.3 million per year. That’s money to stay in our schools and communities, combined with pollution reduction worth 714 million miles driven by the average vehicle.

The City of Clearwater offers another encouraging example. According to its sustainability newsletter, the city has already saved more than $2.8 million through energy efficiency, with solar panels in five city buildings by the end of 2025, predicting to save another $3.7 million over 25 years.

Looking at the entire community, including homes, businesses and places of worship, Clearwater’s solar energy efforts are estimated to save $5.7 million each year. The environmental benefits are just as impressive, reducing the equivalent of burning 2.7 million gallons of gasoline.

Countywide cities that adopted the “100 Ready” goal have found similar success, including Largo, Dunedin, St. Petersburg and Safety Harbor. By taking a systematic approach to energy saving, these local governments keep costs down while continuing to provide important public services. This is the kind of advancement we should build together.

The county’s desire to invest in cost-effective and impactful strategies is perfectly in line with what the Clean Energy Program already offers across our region. Rather than retreating from these opportunities, we can move forward together with a common commitment to practical and proven solutions.

The opposite goal is not to frame financial responsibility and environmental management. In reality, they hold hands and go. Working together and focusing on opportunities ahead of us can help us build a stronger, more resilient Pinellas County. It is powered by clean energy and driven by systematic energy efficiency.

Brian Beckman lives in Clearwater and is chairman of the Suncoast Sierra’s executive committee.