The U.S. Conference of Mayors approved a historic resolution that establishes support from the nation’s mayors for the goal of moving to 100% clean and renewable energy in cities nationwide.
Introduced by the Co-Chairs of Mayors for 100% Clean Energy, the “100% Renewable Energy in American Cities” resolution could pave the way for cities across the country to adopt full-fledged renewable targets within their cities and communities.
“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% clean, renewable energy,” said Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin.
According to new Sierra Club analysis, if cities belonging to the U.S. Conference of Mayors were to transition to 100% clean and renewable electricity, it would reduce electric sector carbon emissions by more than that of the five worst carbon polluting U.S. states combined.
If the 100% energy targets were achieved by 2025, the total electric sector carbon pollution reductions would fill anywhere from 87 to 110% of the remaining reductions the United States would need to achieve in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
“Mayors are ready for 100% clean and renewable energy,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski. “Salt Lake City has set the ambitious but achievable goals of generating 100% of the community’s electricity supply from renewable energy by 2032, followed by an 80% reduction in community greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”
“We are taking action to achieve these goals and I am honored to join mayors from across our nation to lead the transition to clean, renewable energy,” added Biskupski.
To date, 36 cities across the U.S. have now committed to transition to 100% renewable energy, and 118 mayors have signed onto this vision in their community as part of the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy initiative Co-Chaired by Mayor Philip Levine of Miami Beach, Mayor Jackie Biskupski of Salt Lake City, Mayor Kevin Faulconer of San Diego, and Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina.
“Climate change may be the challenge of our generation, but it is also the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Mayor Philip Levine of Miami Beach, Florida. “This landmark resolution reinforces our collective resolve to combat the threats of climate change like rising seas by advancing bold and innovative solutions that reflect the best of our nation’s ideals.”
“What better way to kick off Donald Trump’s energy week than with a message from our nation’s mayors that cities are ready for 100% clean and renewable energy,” said Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune. “Cities don’t need to wait for Washington, D.C. to act in order to move the ball forward on clean energy. While Donald Trump props up corporate polluters that are threatening the health of people across our country, mayors are showing that local leaders can and will lead our nation toward a healthier, stronger and more prosperous future powered with 100% clean, renewable energy.”
Filed Under: News, Policy
