Rachel Boyer, rachel.boyer@sierraclub.org
Los Angeles, Calif. -- Today, the City of LA released the long-awaited LA100 study, which lays out four detailed paths for the City to achieve 100% clean energy as soon as 2035 (and 98% by 2030). Back in 2016, when the City Council directed the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to study the equitable transition away from fossil fuels, LA was one of only 17 cities in the country that had committed to achieving clean energy. Now the number of US cities committed to 100% clean energy is above 170, and LA is the first to take this next important step toward following through on their commitment.
“This is a great step toward LA’s goal of 100% clean energy,” said David Haake, Chair of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter’s Clean Break Committee. “Angelenos deserve an energy future that benefits everyone, especially communities that are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and fossil fuel consumption. The Sierra Club and its allies have led the call for LA to end its dependence on fossil fuels, and we are more than ready to be part of the solution as LADWP works to build a 100% renewable grid that is reliable, affordable, and resilient. LA’s unprecedented investment in renewables will slash local air pollution and create good paying, high-quality, local jobs for a more reliable fossil fuel-free grid as soon as 2035.”
Of the four scenarios laid out in the LA100 study, three achieve 100% clean energy by 2045 and only one reaches the goal by 2035. We are in a climate emergency and settling for 2045 is too late to avoid the severe impacts of the climate crisis.
“LA is leading the state and the country by showing us that a 100% renewable energy future is doable and necessary,” said Luis Amezcua, Senior Campaign Representative for the My Generation Campaign. “We applaud LA for setting the precedent and achieving this critical milestone that other utilities will look to as they set their own path toward achieving a 100% renewable energy future. The Sierra Club looks forward to continuing its support of LA’s leadership in building a clean energy future that is just, equitable, and inclusive, and eliminating polluting gas plants to create a more livable and healthier future for all Angelenos.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.