REAL emerged from the September 8, 2018, “Rise for Climate, Jobs, and Justice” National Day of Action, organized by a coalition including 350 Louisville (part of the 350.org environmental effort), Greater Louisville Sierra Club, and others. Inspired by Atlanta’s renewable energy resolution, the Louisville team drafted a local version, read aloud on the steps of Metro Hall and accepted by Metro Council President David James.

Following the event, REAL activists began speaking at every Metro Council meeting to raise awareness of the climate crisis—an effort that continues today. REAL members also lobbied council members one-on-one, attended Parks and Sustainability Committee meetings, and revised the resolution based on feedback. A letter was sent to the mayor urging fossil fuel divestment, and REAL began participating in community events to promote the resolution.

The group formally named itself the Renewable Energy Alliance of Louisville (REAL) and remained an affinity group, meeting monthly ever since. Yard signs and billboards proclaiming “Climate Crisis is 100% REAL” helped amplify the message citywide.

On February 6, 2020, after persistent advocacy, the Metro Council passed REAL’s 100% Renewable Energy Resolution by a vote of 14 to 5. Since then, REAL has focused on public education and implementation. Members have worked with the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to advance the resolution’s goals. REAL created detailed documents outlining the benefits of renewable energy, the drawbacks of fossil fuels, and the challenges posed by LG&E’s monopoly.

In 2022, REAL launched “REAL Good News: Local Action for Climate Care,” a quarterly virtual series highlighting local climate efforts. That same year, REAL collaborated with the first Metro Energy Manager to assess solar potential on city buildings. After years of advocacy, solar construction was finally included in the city budget.

REAL also supported updates to the National Electric Code to promote energy efficiency and backed initiatives like Solarize Louisville. The group continues to evaluate which Metro buildings are best suited for solar installation.

Through grassroots persistence, strategic advocacy, and community engagement, REAL has become a driving force for renewable energy in Louisville—proving that local action can spark lasting change.