Twelve Colorado Mayors join national coalition to call for a solar energy future
Group of 300 elected officials from every state sign on to “Mayors for Solar Energy” letter
Environment Colorado Research and Policy Center
Colorado mayors representing twelve cities across our state have joined a list of 300 across the U.S. in signing on to a letter calling for a future powered by more clean renewable solar power, released today by Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center. The group of “Mayors for Solar Energy” committed to this cause is bipartisan and represents cities of all sizes spanning all 50 states.
Mayors from Colorado who signed onto the letter include Fort Collins, Pueblo, Breckenridge, and Manitou Springs.
“Solar energy is charging forward at a pace we once thought to be impossible, and America’s cities are at the forefront of spurring that progress,” said Eric Timlin, field organizer with Environment Colorado Research and Policy Center. “Local officials are unlocking the power of the sun by taking advantage of millions of available rooftops and broad public support to bring cleaner, greener and more resilient energy to their communities.”
Mayors involved in this effort are not only signing on to this letter, but are also speaking publicly about the importance of solar power.
“Fort Collins has long been a leader in climate action and environmental stewardship. We are an innovative community, home to researchers, entrepreneurs and everyday community members who are committed to protecting our natural resources for future generations,” said Mayor Troxell, who has been in office since April 2015. ”Investing in solar energy is just one way we’re moving the needle on our climate goals while also supporting continued innovation in the clean energy sector, which will ultimately help us reach our goal of operating a 100% renewable electric system by 2030.“
The mayors here in Colorado also recognize the wide array of benefits beyond environmental protection. Locally sourcing solar power is not only a win for the health of their constituents, but it’s also smart governance.
“Breckenridge, CO is a small town, but we have a big impact. The visible actions we take to promote solar energy locally is shared by the thousands of visitors who are guests in our community,” said the Mayor of Breckenridge, Eric Mamula. “We have made a commitment to be powered by 100% renewable electricity community-wide by 2035 and we’re helping our residents, homeowners, and businesses get there too.”
The Mayors for Solar Energy project goes beyond the letter itself, including resources such as the Ten Ways Your Community Can Go Solar policy toolkit and webinar trainings to help cities in Colorado adopt more renewable energy.
“In 2014, Manitou Springs was proud to become the first city in the nation to have all of our facilities powered by a solar garden. We continue to encourage individual solar installations as well as joining the new Colorado Springs Utilities solar share program,” said the Mayor of Manitou Springs, Ken Jaray. “Having recently lost my solar panels in a hail storm, I was delighted to be able to secure 100% of my home utility use through the CSU solar program”
“Mayors for Solar Energy is proof that regardless of geography, demographics or political affiliation, local leaders understand how beneficial solar can be for a wide array of communities,” Eric Timlin said. “The future of energy will be clean and close to home, and these mayors represent the first wave of leaders who will bring the benefits of solar to communities coast-to-coast.”
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Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help the public make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives.