Philadelphia Commits to 100% Clean, Renewable Energy

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Today, leaders from Ready for 100, The Climate Mobilization -- Philadelphia, Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania, and Clean Air Council spoke to the city’s environmental committee in the context of new bills related to energy efficiency, a ban on heavy oils, and environmental justice, calling for city-wide participation in implementation of its commitment to 100% clean energy. 

Last week, the Philadelphia City Council passed Resolution 190728 establishing a goal of 100% clean, renewable energy by 2050 or sooner. 

Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth largest in the country. City Council’s adoption of the clean energy goal follows pressure from grassroots activists and 20 suburban boroughs and townships that have passed resolutions of their own, including Upper Merion and West Chester. Philadelphia is also the 139th city in the US to commit to 100% renewable energy community-wide.

The resolution commits to a fair and equitable transition to 100% clean renewable electricity in municipal operations by 2030, for electricity city-wide by 2035 or sooner, and for all energy (including heat and transportation city-wide) by 2050 or sooner.

The resolution was introduced by Councilmembers Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Blondell Reynolds Brown. The policy models resolutions passed in the city’s suburbs, but sets a vision for “a fair and equitable transition” in Philadelphia. It was co-sponsored by 9 other councilmembers and passed unanimously upon final vote.

Philadelphia has many communities who are directly impacted by the health effects of fossil fuels and the climate crisis. In South Philadelphia, for example, City Council recently approved the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant on city land. Philadelphia environmental activists have been fighting against large fossil fuel projects in the city, including the new natural gas plant in South Philadelphia and the PES oil refinery, which they intend to keep permanently shut down after a major explosion this past summer. Philadelphians have been advocating for replacing the shuttered refinery with clean, renewable energy sources. In light of the recent climate strike on September 20th at Philadelphia City Hall, which turned out about 3,000 people (including hundreds of youth across the city), this resolution is one step in the right direction. 

The Ready for 100 Philadelphia team and its allies acknowledge that this is only the beginning of work to come. A key next step will be for the city to work alongside stakeholders to plan how it intends to achieve this ambitious goal and to include community voices in the planning process.

In response, Pratima Agrawal, volunteer with Ready for 100 Philadelphia, issued the following statement:

“Dirty fuels hurt people and the planet. This city experienced a dangerous fossil fuel disaster just this summer when the PES oil refinery exploded, exposing Philadelphians to dangerous toxins. -- And this all while the climate crisis looms at our doorsteps. The stakes couldn’t be higher: we don’t have time to waste. While a commitment to clean energy is an important step, making good on that goal is essential. Getting our city completely off of fossil fuels will require bold and swift action in all sectors of the city and will need to be done equitably and in collaboration with the community. Moving forward, the Philadelphia Ready for 100 team hopes to work with all stakeholders in Philadelphia, such as communities of color, labor unions, city officials, PECO, and businesses, to do the continued planning and action that will be required to achieve this vision.”

Philadelphia Council Member Maria Quinones-Sanchez stated:

“Young people around the world are demanding bolder strategies and action to address the ever growing crisis of climate change. We have a responsibility to make the transition to renewable energy. As we ask business and industry to evolve, the City should lead the way, and I am proud to work with the Mayor and my colleagues to take action at this critical moment.”

David Masur, PennEnvironment Executive Director, issued the following:

“The science is clear: if we're going to take the steps necessary to tackle climate change and leave a livable planet for our children and future generations, we must transition to 100 percent renewable energy as quickly as possible. We're glad that Philadelphia is making that commitment today, and we hope that other local, state, and federal officials follow their lead in making similar pledges."

Tammy Murphy, Medical Advocacy Director at Physicians for Social Responsibility - Pennsylvania said:

"Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania is glad to see Philadelphia commit to 100% clean, renewable energy in step with many of the municipalities in the surrounding counties also transitioning away from fossil fuels by 2050. 

"We encourage all involved to recognize that fossil fuels, and in particular here in Pennsylvania, all aspects of the unconventional gas development industry cannot be included as part of a plan for clean, renewable energy. 

“This commitment is a chance to break ties with the fossil fuel economy that has not only been making us sick and greatly accelerating climate change but has also entrenched patterns of injustice. This commitment allows us an opportunity to reject the dangers of both fossil fuel toxicity and our unjust structures and instead to share the prosperity of a healthy, just, and equitable society."

Christine Knapp, Director of the Office of Sustainability with the City of Philadelphia, said:

“Mayor Kenney’s already committed to Mayors for 100 resolution & the 80x50 goal. We’re proud of the progress made towards renewable energy, including our recent large solar power purchase agreement.  We know we have more work to do and look forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve our goals of 100% renewable energy as soon as possible.”