Organizations, Businesses and Academics Ask Congress to Set 100 Percent Renewable Energy Goal

Environment America

Washington, D.C. – Today Environment America released a letter signed by organizations, local officials, academics, civic leaders and businesses asking members of Congress to support transitioning the nation to renewable energy. The letter asks members of Congress to sign on to H.R. 3314 introduced by Congressman Polis (D-CO) and S. 987 introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), two companion bills that call for a rapid and equitable transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

“Renewable energy is virtually unlimited and pollution-free, protecting our communities from global warming and other harmful pollution while revitalizing our local economies,” said Rob Sargent, Energy Program Director for Environment America. “America needs a rapid transition to clean, renewable energy and we’re asking our leaders to get on board.”

The letter stresses the urgent need to shift to renewable energy to improve the environment and our quality of life. The letter reads, in part: “We can have healthier, more vibrant communities and a livable future for kids growing up today, but to get there, we must transform the ways we produce and consume energy. That has to start with a commitment to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.”

Despite attempts from some leaders in Congress and the Trump Administration to slow down the progress of clean energy, it is more clear than ever before that community leaders, cities, college campuses and companies are ready to push forward to a renewable energy future. With costs declining, renewable energy has become the “go-to” option for many communities, in part because it is pollution-free, but also because it requires no fuel costs. As a result, numerous business leaders are committing to a shift to renewable energy, including Google, Unilever and Johnson & Johnson. And more and more local governments — including San Diego, Calif., Atlanta, Ga. and Georgetown, Texas — have plans to go 100 percent renewable.

Environment America is the national federation of statewide, citizen-based advocacy organizations working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.