(USA)
Politicians gathered in Florida over the weekend – for the U.S. Conference of Mayors – passed a historic resolution in favour of renewable energy.
On the eve of the 85th annual meeting, Philadelphia Mayor, Jim Kenney, became the 100th to join the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy project supported by the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign.
And at the conference itself, a vote was held – and passed – on a resolution to make it a key priority of the next decade to support the transitions to 100% clean, renewable energy.
“By approving this historic measure, we are showing the world that cities and mayors can and will lead the transition away from fossil fuels to 100 percent clean, renewable energy,” said Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. “There is more work to be done to realize this vision for our nation, but this vote represents an important first step towards cleaner air and water for our families, more good-paying jobs in clean energy, and stronger cities across the country.”
A study done by the Sierra Club suggests that if targets were met by 20205 ‘the total electric sector carbon pollution reductions would fill anywhere from 87 percent to 110 percent of the remaining reductions the United States would need to achieve in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement’.
San Diego Mayor, Kevin Faulconer added: “Clean energy isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. We’re going green in San Diego not only because it supports clean air and water, but because it supports our 21st century economy. It makes sense for mayors across the country to work together because when we talk about the future of our planet, we’re talking about the future of our communities.”
