Jocelyn Travis, jocelyn.travis@sierraclub.org, 216-926-6535
Stephanie Steinbrecher, stephanie.steinbrecher@sierraclub.org
CLEVELAND, OH -- Today, residents from across Cleveland joined local leaders on the steps of City Hall to demonstrate support for the goal to power the city with 100% clean, renewable energy by 2050.
Flanked by community supporters, a mix of residents, community leaders, public health experts, and clergy voiced their support for a just and equitable transition to 100% clean energy in Cleveland -- a goal that is currently included in latest draft of the Climate Action Plan prepared by Mayor Frank Jackson’s Office of Sustainability.
Two Cleveland residents -- Mr. Robert Lucas representing the Garden Valley Neighborhood House, a community center and food bank in the process of retrofitting its facilities in order to install solar panels, and 10-year old Makaylann Simpkins -- also delivered over 2,000 petitions to Mayor Jackson’s office demonstrating the community’s support of this goal. View footage from today’s event here.
“The words spoken by our leaders today, the broad support from residents, and the response from the City shows one thing is clear: Clevelanders don’t want dirty air or high energy bills -- we are ready for renewables. By increasing energy efficiency and looking at innovative new projects, like community solar and offshore wind, everyone stands to gain in a clean energy economy. By committing to this goal in the Climate Action Plan, the Mayor is showing that the City stands with the community,” said Jocelyn Travis, campaign coordinator for the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Cleveland campaign.
“We have the ability to truly create a sustainable community that will bring affordable electricity and new well paying jobs that can benefit our residents and strengthen our communities, all while delivering clean air and water. Let’s be a leader in providing cleaner jobs, improved public health, with increased energy access and prosperity for all,” said Yvonka Hall, Executive Director of Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition.
“As the City of Cleveland’s new draft of the Climate Action Plan notes, the effects of climate change disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. To move forward, we need a new, cleaner, more equitable face of innovation and leadership that benefits the many, not just the few,” said Kent Whitley, Co-Chair of Black Environmental Leaders and Chairman of the Cleveland NAACP Environmental Justice and Climate Committee.
“To stave off the worst effects of climate change in Cleveland, and to do our part as members of a global congregation, we need to keep pushing to reduce vehicle emissions, supporting our vulnerable communities, and investing in alternative energy solutions like 100% clean energy that will lift up everyone in our city,” said Rev. Doug Horner, Senior Pastor at St. Paul’s Community Church and Outreach Center.
The Office of Sustainability currently has a goal of in the City’s Climate Action Plan. Additional public comments on the Climate Action Plan will be accepted through Sunday, August 5 here.
Upon adoption of this goal, Cleveland will join 74 other U.S. cities that have committed to transition to 100% clean energy.
View photos of today's event here.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.