#ReadyFor100 challenges 100 U.S. cities to commit to 100% clean energy
San Francisco, CA –(ENEWSPF)–January 21, 2016. On the heels of the historic Paris Climate Agreement, the nation’s largest grassroots environmental group is throwing its weight behind clean energy with its new #ReadyFor100 campaign. With 2.4 million members and supporters, the Sierra Club will harness its massive grassroots power to urge mayors in cities across the country to follow the lead of cities like San Diego, Paris, Sydney and Vancouver that have committed to 100% clean energy.
The campaign made a surprise appearance at the U.S. Conference of Mayors last night in D.C. #ReadyFor100 took over the outside of the Capitol Hilton hotel, where nearly 300 U.S. mayors are convened, with a massive light projection on the side of the building showcasing the message “Welcome U.S. Mayors: Are you #ReadyFor100?” and images of 5-story-tall windmills. Video here.
In December, San Diego became the largest U.S. city to commit to 100% clean energy. Fourteen other U.S. cities, including San Francisco, CA, Burlington, VT and Aspen, CO, have made similar commitments, showing that the 100% clean energy is the new standard for climate leadership.
“Poll after poll show huge, bipartisan majorities are ready for clean energy,” said Michael Brune, the Sierra Club’s Executive Director. “Every market indicator shows our economy is ready. All over the country, clean, renewable energy is creating jobs, growing local economies, and safeguarding the health of our families from dangerous pollution. From coast to coast, American communities are ready for 100 percent clean energy, and this campaign will help realize our nation’s full potential to have a fair, just, and prosperous clean energy economy.”
Clean energy has hit its stride, with solar prices falling 80% in recent years, and the solar industry now employing over 200,000 people — nearly twice as many people as the coal mining industry. According to the recent Solar Jobs Census, the solar industry grew 12 times faster than the overall economy last year. Stanford scientists say the transition to 100% renewable energy will save the average American family $260 dollars per year in energy costs and another $1,500 per year in health care costs.
“We’re proud that Burlington was the first city in the U.S. to source our city’s power from 100% renewable energy, and we look forward to encouraging and supporting other cities as they make this important step towards a cleaner, healthier future.” – Mayor Miro Weinberger, Burlington VT.
“Last year Aspen hit its goal of 100% renewable energy, demonstrating that it is 100% possible. We plan to work with the Sierra Club to inspire more cities to commit to this essential way forward for the health of our communities, our country and the planet.” – Mayor Steve Skadron, Aspen CO.
Source: http://www.sierraclub.org
