Jeff Shaw or jeff.shaw@sierraclub.org
Oakland, CA -- Today, Michael Bloomberg unveiled his Beyond Carbon initiative, building upon the successful and ongoing Beyond Coal partnership between Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Sierra Club, which has retired more than half of America’s coal plants, including more than 50 plants announcing retirement since Donald Trump was elected. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Beyond Carbon initiative includes support for several climate movement groups and environmental justice and frontline advocates, expanding efforts to block the gas rush and advance the transition to an equitable 100% clean energy economy.
The Sierra Club and Bloomberg Philanthropies began their joint efforts to protect the environment and public health in 2011.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"The partnership between Mike Bloomberg, the Sierra Club, and our allies has helped achieve monumental victories for public health, clean energy, and climate action in spite of White House obstruction. Together, we’ve secured the retirement of over half of U.S. coal plants and counting, and helped usher in the clean energy era. We are thrilled to continue to build upon this foundation as part of the Beyond Carbon initiative to move our country and our economy off of dirty, deadly, and out-dated fossil fuels to 100 percent clean energy.
“The task before us is clear: we must phase out coal by 2030, stop the fracked gas rush, and move toward 100% clean energy with no delay. With the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and partners like the environmental justice allies that are a part of this announcement, we’ll help achieve this goal and support communities and workers in the transition to clean energy. With Beyond Carbon, we have the opportunity to build a clean energy economy filled with family-sustaining union jobs. The Sierra Club is excited to continue our work toward this vital goal and eager to get started on the next steps."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.