U.S. Conference of Mayors passes 100 percent renewable resolution

The U.S. Conference of Mayors, a bipartisan group representing 1,400 mayors across the country, just adopted a resolution to encourage cities to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035.

The move follows big 100 percent renewable announcements in recent months from cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Portland, Ore., and Salt Lake City. Many smaller municipalities, like Georgetown, Texas and Aspen, Colo. have already hit their 100 percent renewable goals. Overall, 36 cities have made 100 percent renewable pledges, and 118 mayors have signed on to that vision, with more to come.

Here’s what people are saying about the news:

• “Everybody cares about the environment, and everybody wants clean air and clean water.” —Elizabeth B. Kautz, a Republican and the longtime mayor of Burnsville, Minn.
• “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.” —Columbia, S.C., Mayor Steve Benjamin
• “Mayors are ready for 100 percent clean and renewable energy. 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.” –Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski
• “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.” Mayor Kevin Faulconer of San Diego
• “We can show America what leadership really looks like,” said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, the incoming president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors

Greg Alvarez

aweablog.org