I respond to Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Columbus City Council’s interest in putting community choice aggregation on the November 2020 ballot in order to prioritize 100% renewable energy sources while negotiating competitive rates for all Columbus residents (“Columbus late to energy aggregation opportunities for lower prices, green sources,” Dispatch article, Feb. 14).

I am encouraged by Columbus’ intention to demand more renewable energy while lowering utility rates through municipal aggregation. This is a smart decision that addresses the climate crisis and opens the door to clean-energy job creation in our region.

Building local renewable projects is a critical next step. This year, the nation’s largest solar array will be built in Highland County, Ohio, supported by Cincinnati’s own aggregation program. This will both create jobs and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. Columbus can follow suit, but this won’t happen automatically.

Many cities provide residents with 100% green electricity by using renewable energy certificates, which benefit the clean energy economy on a national level, but do not create new regional jobs or projects in the sector.

I am grateful that Columbus’ leadership is endorsing 100% renewable energy by way of community choice aggregation. This should be included in Columbus’ forthcoming climate action plan.

Rachel Wagner, Columbus