Shane Levy - shane.levy@sierraclub.org, 201-679-9507
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Mayor Philip Levine issued a new proclamation on Wednesday endorsing a goal of powering Miami Beach entirely with clean and renewable energy.
Miami Beach is among the cities in the United States most endangered by the threats of climate change like rising sea levels, and the measure builds on Mayor Levine’s record of leadership on climate and clean energy in South Florida.
Mayor Levine is a national co-chair of the new Mayors for 100% Clean Energy initiative along with Mayor Jackie Biskupski of Salt Lake City, Mayor Kevin Faulconer of San Diego, and Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina. Mayors for 100% Clean Energy is a new effort to engage and recruit mayors to endorse a goal of transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy in cities across the country.
Ahead of the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting in Miami Beach in June, Mayor Levine’s proclamation in the conference’s host city serves to inspire action from mayors and city leaders across the country in support of 100 percent renewable energy.
“As mayor of Miami Beach, I am proud to support a vision of 100 percent clean energy for my community. Our vibrant, historic city will be a model for other communities around the world on the importance of addressing the threat of climate change. We have already taken steps to expand renewable energy and we will continue to improve our infrastructure and innovate clean energy solutions for a stronger Miami Beach,” said Mayor Philip Levine.
The City of Miami Beach is also considering adopting a goal of transitioning all municipal property to 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. Introduced by Vice-Mayor Kristen Rosen Gonzalez at the City Commission meeting yesterday, the measure was referred to the Finance & Citywide Projects and Sustainability & Resilience Committees for further discussion.
“Cities can help lead the transition away from dirty fuels to renewable energy, but it will require boldness and ambition to get it done.The Sierra Club applauds Mayor Levine for supporting a vision of powering Miami Beach with 100 percent clean, renewable energy. This is an important step forward for Miami Beach and Mayor Levine’s proclamation builds on the city’s strong track record of leadership,” said Frank Jackalone, Sierra Club Florida Chapter Director.
Florida created more than 1,700 new jobs in the state’s growing solar industry last year, according to a report released earlier this year by The Solar Foundation. Florida is now home to 8,260 solar jobs—an increase of 26 percent from 2015 figures. According to the Solar Foundation, the Miami metropolitan area gained 811 solar jobs from 2015 to 2016, representing a 31 percent increase.