180 U.S. Mayors Call for Use of Solar Power

Environment New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM – A bipartisan group of 180 U.S. mayors, representing 42 states including New Mexico, are speaking out in support of solar energy. In a letter released today by Environment New Mexico, the mayors resolve to make solar power a key element of their communities’ energy plans and call on others to embrace clean energy from the sun.

The City of Santa Fe currently gets about 25 percent of its electricity from solar energy. In 2016, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously committed to get 25 percent of its electricity from solar energy by 2025. On April 2nd, the City of Las Cruces will vote to get 25 percent of its electricity from solar energy.

“Fortunately, cities across New Mexico are taking steps to switch to solar energy,” said Sanders Moore, director of Environment New Mexico. “By tapping into the power of the sun, cities can benefit from cleaner air and improved public health, while simultaneously tackling climate change.”

Included in the letter are Mayors Alan Webber of Santa Fe, Tim Keller of Albuquerque, and Ken Miyagishima of Las Cruces.

“Building on our history of environmental quality and respect for nature, our goal is to make Santa Fe the most sustainable city in the country,” stated Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber. “Santa Fe has more than 300 days of sun and a community-wide, historic commitment to fighting climate change that puts us in prime position to lead the nation. With jobs in renewable energy growing twelve times faster than other sectors last year, we should all act decisively to embrace – and create – the sustainable future we want.”

At a time when federal support of clean energy seems unlikely, local governments have an important role in transitioning the United States toward renewable energy for the future. Earlier this month, Environment America released a new guide for local officials: Ten Ways Your City Can Go Solar.