Suncoast Sierra Says 'Clean Energy for ALL' at St. Pete Dr. King Parade
Sierra Club today values equity, justice, and inclusion as core principles. The Suncoast Group of the Sierra Club walked the walk for justice in their community Monday as its members marched in St. Petersburg's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. Consistent with the parade's theme to "Dream Big," as Dr. King did, the Suncoast Group spread the message of "Clean Energy For All," as they marched two miles to greet 40,000 along Central Ave.
Last year, Suncoast Sierra dreamed big. Its Ready for 100 campaign succeeded in getting the City of St. Petersburg to commit to moving completely off all fossil fuels as the City adopted its Integrated Sustainability Action Plan that combines climate action with action for a resilient coastal city.
Suncoast Sierra demonstrated that clean energy means more than just solar panels and efficient buildings. Its parade contingent featured 4 Electric Vehicles (EVs): 2 Chevy Volts, a Tesla Model S, and a 2012 Nissan Leaf purchased used for less than $10,000 showing how everyone can end their own use of oil today.
After the parade, the Suncoast Sierra members explained the benefits and affordability of EVs at the Family Fun Day event on the Tampa Bay Rays' Tropicana Field lot. Suncoast Sierra leaders Lucinda & Howard Johnston raved about their new 2017 Volt.
Tom Krumreich of Sierra Club's FL Healthy Air Campaign explained how a used EV market has emerged in the past year allowing clean, quiet cars to be priced competitively with internal combustion cars and hybrids. Tom & the Johnstons were thrilled with the high level of interest and excitement in their EVs.
Suncoast Sierra has been reaching out to St. Petersburg's diverse community in recent years by marching in Pride parades and tabling at Pride street festivals. The FL Healthy Air Campaign rolled in its 4th parade with EVs drawing great interest from onlookers.
By sharing a positive, fossil-free view for the future, Suncoast Sierra and the FL Healthy Air Campaign are striving to include the entire community in the switch to Clean Energy for All.
Photos and coverage of the St. Pete MLK Parade