Yet the vast majority of the energy used by both the city and the state comes from dirty energy sources like coal, which pollutes our air, threatens community health, and fuels global warming.
In the week leading up to the vote, over 850 Philadelphians signed a petition in support of making Philadelphia a solar leader by committing to the goal of 20,000 solar roofs by the year 2025.
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“As the mother of a 17-year old daughter, I see public policy through the prism of her future,” said Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, the resolution's sponsor and Chair of the City Council Committee on the Environment.
“To the best of our ability, we must leave a cleaner, more sustainable planet for future generations. That requires setting ambitious goals, like producing enough solar energy to power 20,000 homes by 2025, and committing to do the necessary follow through. I look forward to working with a diverse group of stakeholders to make this goal a reality.”
Philadelphia City Councilman James Kenney, who cosponsored the resolution, stated that “increasing use of solar energy is not only important for our environment, but it can be a tremendous source of job creation right here in Philadelphia.”
Philadelphia has already laid a foundation for solar energy. In 2008 the U.S. Department of Energy designated Philadelphia as a Solar America City, and has partnered with the Mayor’s office of Sustainability to form the “Solar City Partnership,” designed to facilitate the development of solar energy within the city.
Philadelphia’s efforts are part of a broader national trend, where more solar has been installed in the past 18 months than in the 30 years prior.
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