Clarke: City Will Stand Strong to Protect Low-Income & Communities of Color Most Hurt by Climate Change
Philadelphia, June 2, 2017 – City Council and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) this week reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement following the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw the United States federal government from the historic 2016 global accord.
Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District), Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown (At-Large), and PEA Board Chair Christopher A. Lewis joined Mayor Jim Kenney, 83 other cities across the country, and more than 190 nations around the world in pledging to honor and uphold Paris Agreement commitments to voluntarily reduce emissions and pursue new technologies in order to stop global warming and climate change.
“Once again, the Trump Administration is choosing ideology and greed over the American people. Once again, the damage inflicted by their foolishness will impact our most vulnerable people the most,” Council President Clarke said. “I am committed to making sure Philadelphia continues to lead on green jobs initiatives and sustainability. Every child, no matter the circumstances into which they were born, deserves clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and healthy, affordable produce to eat.
“As municipal leaders, we have an obligation to protect people and to double down when the Trump Administration abdicates on the federal government’s most basic responsibilities to people here and around the world.”
“The impact of the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement hinders the environmental development of our nation. Philadelphia must continue to strive to be a leader in environment and sustainability initiatives that will contribute to a healthier and efficient climate,” Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Chair of the Committee on the Environment, added. “What is more important to our survival as human beings than the air we breathe and the water we drink? One day, we are going to hand over the keys to the planet to the most vulnerable among us, our children and grandchildren. They will inherit the work we shape today. It is necessary that we lead the transition to a clean energy economy and empower citizens to build sustainable communities.”
“The Energy Authority is more resolved than ever to advance Philadelphia’s clean energy economy and fight climate change,” said PEA Chair Lewis. “We will continue to drive energy efficiency and renewable energy development in our city because it is vital to the health and well-being of our citizens.”
In 2016, City Council and the PEA announced the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, a 10-year, $1 billion public-private investment to expand sustainable energy and create 10,000 jobs in the energy retrofit and clean energy sectors. In March 2017, the Energy Campaign began its work with the School District of Philadelphia to help address a deferred maintenance project backlog and reduce energy costs. In April 2017, City Council and the PEA announced the Solarize Philly initiative, which will add 500 solar roofs in Philadelphia by the end of 2018.
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Photo: Used under Creative Commons license.
