Environment California Congratulates Mayor-elect Eric Garcetti and Calls on Him to Act on Rooftop Solar Endorsement

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Environment California

Los Angeles – Angelenos have elected Eric Garcetti to be the next mayor of Los Angeles. Michelle Kinman, clean energy advocate for Environment California, released the following statement:

“Environment California congratulates the next mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti. We look forward to working with him to turn Los Angeles into the solar power capitol of the country, providing cleaner air, creating jobs, and saving consumers significant dollars right here in L.A.

“As anyone who has flown into LAX knows, Los Angeles has a lot of rooftop space. During the day, Southern California’s famous sunshine bathes those rooftops in virtually endless amounts of pollution-free energy. Given Los Angeles’ solar potential, public health officials, businesses, teachers, environmental organizations and Mayor-elect Garcetti have called for Los Angeles to make a bold commitment to solar power: to meet 20 percent of our energy needs with rooftop solar by 2020. Such a goal would make Los Angeles a solar power leader unmatched anywhere in the country.

“According to a recent report by Environment California Research & Policy Center, Solar in the Southland, reaching this goal would prevent the annual emission of over 1.1 million metric tons of global warming pollution. That’s comparable to eliminating the tailpipe emissions of 230,000 passenger vehicles. In addition, installing this amount of solar power would prevent the emission of over 730,000 pounds of smog-forming pollution per year, protecting our health and preventing air pollution.

“It is high time Los Angeles lives up to its full potential when it comes to solar power. We can’t wait for Mayor-elect Garcetti to turn the 20 percent solar by 2020 goal into a reality, transforming our economy, generating jobs, protecting our health and preserving our environment for decades to come.”

An up-to-date list of individuals, businesses and organizations that have endorsed the 20 percent solar by 2020 goal can be found on Environment California’s website.

 

Environment California is a statewide, citizen-funded, environmental advocacy nonprofit, working to protect California’s air, water and open spaces. More information can be found at www.EnvironmentCalifornia.org