COUNCIL PRESIDENT CLARKE ANNOUNCES 10-YEAR ENERGY EFFICIENCY & JOBS CAMPAIGN

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Cross-Sector Investment in Sustainable Energy Will Create Millions in Cost Savings & More Than 10,000 New Jobs

Philadelphia, Feb. 8, 2016 – City Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) on Monday announced an unprecedented private-public sustainable energy initiative that would save taxpayers millions of dollars and create more than 10,000 jobs.

The Philadelphia Energy Campaign will leverage $1 billion in public and private investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects over 10 years in neighborhoods across the City. The result will be greater energy efficiency in facilities including: all City buildings, including police and fire stations and public libraries; all School District of Philadelphia buildings; 25,000 low-income residences, particularly among aging housing stock and Philadelphia Housing Authority homes; and 2,500 small businesses, with a particular focus on neighborhood corner stores and restaurants.

PEA-SmallBanner-020316Over the course of implementation, more than 10,000 new jobs will be created in the growing energy retrofit and clean energy sectors; in skilled trades; and as a result of economic growth due to energy savings. The campaign will be overseen and coordinated by the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), an independent municipal authority established in 2010 following passage of legislation sponsored by Council President Clarke.

“City Council proposed creation of the Philadelphia Energy Authority to coordinate and support efforts to reduce energy consumption and deliver cost savings to homeowners, businesses, and taxpayers. Today’s launch of the Philadelphia Energy Campaign is the culmination of methodical research and coalition-building,” Council President Clarke said.

“By retrofitting aging buildings and homes and investing in sustainable energy across our City, we can increase affordability, create more than 10,000 new jobs, and fully realize City Council’s goal of making every neighborhood in Philadelphia a community of choice.”

Joining Council President Clarke for the Philadelphia Energy Campaign announcement were Mayor Jim F. Kenney, Office of Sustainability Director Christine Knapp, PEA Chair Chris Lewis, PEA Vice Chair Emily Schapira, PEA Executive Director Jill Kowalski, Philadelphia Housing Authority President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah, PECO President and CEO Craig Adams, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan, and Philadelphia Gas Works President and CEO Craig White.

“I would like to thank the Council President for inviting me to hear his first major policy proposal under my term,” said Mayor Kenney. “I am happy today to reaffirm my commitment to managing energy efficiency in City buildings and to encouraging our friends in the private sector to do the same.”

PEA Chair Lewis said: “The Philadelphia Energy Authority is grateful for the leadership of Philadelphia City Council, led by Council President Clarke, and for Mayor Kenney’s ongoing support for sustainability. The Philadelphia Energy Campaign will impact thousands of lives, create over 10,000 new jobs, and support safe, healthy, affordable and stable homes, small businesses, schools and workplaces. Philadelphia is making an unprecedented commitment to energy efficiency, clean energy and our neighborhoods.”

The Philadelphia Energy Campaign’s jobs projections were calculated using modeling formulated by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a national leader in energy efficiency research and policy. ACEEE staff members also were consulted by PEA staff.

Links:

Philadelphia Energy Campaign Overview.

Philadelphia Energy Campaign Report.

ACEE Fact Sheet – Job Creation.

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Council President Darrell L. Clarke is serving his second term as the President of Philadelphia City Council. He represents Philadelphia’s 5th Council District. More information at phlcouncil.com/DarrellClarke

More on this announcement:

From KYW Newsradio/CBS Philly.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer.

From Philadelphia Magazine.

From Newsworks/WHYY.

From the Philadelphia Business Journal.

From the Philadelphia Tribune.

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