In a new letter, over 450 organizations, local officials, academics, civic leaders and businesses have urged members of the U.S. Congress to support a national 100% renewable energy goal. The letter comes shortly after Sens. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced a Senate resolution calling for a 100% target; Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., previously introduced a similar resolution in the House of Representatives.
“As leaders in our communities concerned about the environmental impacts and economic consequences of our current energy practices, we urge you to back a rapid and steady transition to an economy powered by clean, renewable resources,” the letter says. Specifically, the letter asks lawmakers to co-sponsor the Senate and House resolutions.
“Renewable energy is virtually unlimited and pollution-free, protecting our communities from global warming and other harmful pollution while revitalizing our local economies,” says Rob Sargent, energy program director for Environment America, one of the letter’s signers. “America needs a rapid transition to clean, renewable energy, and our leaders need to get on board.”
“Modern-day Edisons have invented a new technology that that harnesses an endless, renewable supply of free fuel,” adds S. David Freeman, former chairman and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority. “History will condemn a Congress that fails to overcome the resistance of the fossil fuel and nuclear power interests to making this pollution-free, cheaper form of energy available to the American people.”
The full letter, including a list of the signers, is available here.
