Sierra Club Says More Is Needed From Mayor Walsh’s Renewable Energy Announcement

BOSTON, MA --At today’s International Mayors Climate Summit, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced he will be working with mayors from around the country on a bulk purchase of renewable energy.

The Climate Summit is taking place during the US Conference of Mayors’ annual meeting, a gathering of more than 250 mayors to discuss and adopt policy resolutions.

In response, Massachusetts Sierra Club Chapter Chair Deb Pasternak and Chapter Director Emily Norton issued these statements:

“While we welcome any and all new ideas from Mayor Walsh when it comes to addressing climate change, we are still waiting on the Mayor to take action on the ideas already on the table, such as Community Choice Energy (CCE), which was approved unanimously by the Boston City Council but the Mayor is lagging on implementing,” said Norton. “CCE would boost the amount of renewable energy being used by Boston residents and businesses, keeping energy dollars here in our region, and expanding the growth of local, good-paying jobs.”

“Mere months ago Boston suffered record breaking flooding and storm surges,” noted Pasternak. “While this new announcement is promising, the Walsh Administration is still approving millions of square feet of new development without mandating climate mitigation or resiliency, and approving massive new fracked gas infrastructure to luxury apartment buildings.  We need to see Boston do more and truly lead when it comes to protecting Boston residents and communities from climate change.”