Santa Barbara, California has recently become the 30th city in the nation to commit itself to 100% renewable and clean energy.
Santa Barbara is the first city on the Central Coast of the United States, to commit itself to pursuing 100% renewable energy. The city has the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030, also aiming to have all municipal operations and structures running on 50% clean energy by 2020.
Santa Barbara Mayor Helen Schneider says she is proud Santa Barbara is joining the growing collection of cities dedicating themselves to honoring the Paris Climate Accord.
“President Trump may be withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, but cities are stepping up and re-committing to adopt, honor and uphold the Paris climate goals. I’m proud that Santa Barbara just adopted a 100% renewable energy goal and is joining other cities across the nation leading the way on clean energy at the local level,” said Schneider.
Meanwhile, Katie Davis the chair of the Sierra Club’s Santa Barbara Group, emphasized how renewable energy technologies are now cost competitive with fossil fuels, making them the smart choice in the long run.
“Renewable energy costs have decreased dramatically and are now cost competitive with fossil fuels, and Santa Barbara County already has eight times more jobs in clean energy and energy efficiency than in the oil industry. The transition to 100 percent clean energy represents a better and more prosperous path forward for our community,” said Davis.
Across the nation, various politicians, companies, cities, and groups are pledging themselves to keeping the Paris accord standards. Mayors of 30 cities such as Los Angeles and Atlanta, a handful of state governors, more than 80 university presidents and over 100 companies like Hewlett-Packard and Mars have also pledged to pursue the goals of the Paris accord.
