Kristiana Faddoul, kristiana.faddoul@sierraclub.org
Jessica Gable, jgable@fwwatch.org
Los Angeles, CA — After years of anticipation, Los Angeles City Council approved two motions today to move the city to 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2035 and to ensure good jobs that build and maintain a robust and resilient clean energy economy. The move puts LA on a faster, more equitable track to a clean grid that both serves its constituents and provides economic opportunities. However, the path forward still remains uncertain. How LA will get to 100% and how our communities can give input into the long term plan remains open.
“Today marks a landmark achievement for our fight for climate justice and a better Los Angeles,” said Francis Yang, Senior Organizer for Sierra Club’s My Generation Campaign. Through years of advocacy and collaboration from communities to our city leaders, Los Angeles has officially kick-started our path to 100% clean energy. Although the ambitious goal of 2035 or earlier is now solidified, our path forward is only beginning. Angelenos must stay engaged to determine how we get to 100% through strategic and inclusive planning, a just transition for current fossil-fuel workers, local hiring from disadvantaged communities, and caution against dangerous fuels disguised as sustainable solutions.
“Los Angeles is on its way to lead California on the road to renewable energy,” said Food & Water Watch Senior Organizer Jasmin Vargas. “The vote by the City Council to mandate a scenario from LADWP for completely renewable energy by 2035 is nothing short of groundbreaking. As the largest public owned utility in the country, the next move by LADWP will be critical. By leading with community driven solutions, Los Angeles can be an example for the rest of California.”
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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.