Pro Tem De León Joins Hundreds of U.S. State and Local Lawmakers to Support 50 Percent Clean Energy Nationwide
Citing Congress’ refusal to take action on climate change, California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León has joined more than 300 state and local lawmakers from across the nation who have signed a letter to President Obama supporting the goal of drawing 50 percent of the nation’s energy from renewable sources by 2030.
The 50 percent goal echoes California’s recently enacted law that mandates half the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
At a press conference in Paris on Tuesday, Senator De León (D-Los Angeles) applauded the efforts of subnational governments to reduce and adapt to the risks posed by climate change but stressed the dire need for aggressive action by the federal government.
“California’s example shows that climate action can be an engine for broadly shared economic prosperity,” said Senator De León. “By promoting the development of clean energy resources, we are simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and creating jobs that can lift families out of poverty. With SB 350 now enacted into law, we’re on track to reach 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 and we’re not looking back. If Congress won’t act, it’s incumbent on state and local leaders to do the job for them.”
Joining Senator De León to discuss successes made at the local and state level to reduce carbon emissions were Mayor Jeri Muoio of West Palm Beach, Florida and Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines, Iowa. “Our region used to be coal country, and now is powered by 40 percent wind. That's the future that cities and states are creating,” said Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie. “Cities and states and on the front lines of climate change. As sea levels rise, our city is in danger. To protect our future and lead by example, we have made a commitment to power all our city vehicles without fossil fuels,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio.
Senator De León is leading a delegation of California Senators in Paris for the United Nations climate summit where leaders from more than 150 countries have gathered in hopes of reaching an international agreement to slow global warming.
A new website launched for the Paris COP21 talks contains blog posts, photos and video news from the Senate delegation. Senators Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), and Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) are also in Paris. Follow their trip here: http://focus.senate.ca.gov/paris
###