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Recognizing October 2017 as Energy Action Month in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, During Energy Action Month, the United States rededicates itself to securing a more prosperous and energy-independent future; and
WHEREAS, As climate change continues to threaten our planet, Energy Action Month reminds citizens to join together to reduce carbon emissions, to protect the environment, and leave behind a cleaner and more resilient world for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Efforts to control climate change and ensure energy security will bolster a transition to clean energy sources that increase economic competitiveness and strengthen growing industries while supporting hundreds of thousands of new jobs; and
WHEREAS, Investments in clean energy and efficiency produce economic opportunity for all citizens. In January 2017, the United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) reported that 800,000 workers were employed in low carbon emission generation technologies, including renewables. Just under 374,000 individuals work for solar firms. There are an additional 102,000 workers employed at wind firms across the nation. The solar workforce increased by 25% in 2016, while wind employment increased by 32%. The DOE also reported that 2.2 million Americans are employed in the design, installation, and manufacture of energy efficient products and services; and
WHEREAS, During Energy Action Month, the nation is looking to the federal government to provide leadership in energy management and sustainability. The Federal Management Program (“FEMP”) helps agencies meet federal energy efficient and renewable laws and requirements; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia continues to strive to be a leader in environment and sustainability initiatives that will contribute to an energy efficient environment; and
WHEREAS, The Kenney Administration has made energy efficiency a key part in its approach in developing Philadelphia through its “Greenworks” initiative that envisions a sustainable City where all Philadelphians: will have access to affordable, efficient clean energy, are prepared for climate change, and reduce carbon pollution; and
WHEREAS, On September 26, 2017, the Kenney Administration announced the City’s first Municipal Energy Master Plan. The report provides a roadmap of how Philadelphia’s government will work toward reducing the causes of climate change in its facilities by reducing energy use and costs, making operations more efficient, investing in renewable energy, and advancing environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, the Philadelphia City Council passed the Energy Benchmarking Ordinance that established a system of benchmarking and reporting of energy and water usage data for non-residential buildings with 25,000 square feet or more; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, Philadelphia buildings emitted 9.8 million metric tons of carbon pollution. To reduce energy costs and carbon pollution, the City of Philadelphia is working with PECO to explore a citywide LED streetlight conversion; and
WHEREAS, In May 2017, SEPTA’s board unanimously authorized the installation of solar photovoltaic systems at four bus and rail shops across the City of Philadelphia. The project is SEPTA’s biggest solar initiative, and when finished, will represent one of the largest solar installations in the City; and
WHEREAS, In 2016, City Council and the Philadelphia Energy Authority announced the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, a 10-year, $1 billion public-private investment to expand sustainable energy and create 10,000 jobs in the energy retrofit and clean energy sectors; and
WHEREAS, In April 2017, City Council and the Philadelphia Energy Authority announced the Solarize Philly Initiative, a citywide project designed to jump start the residential solar market by making it easy and affordable to go solar at home. Solarize Philly will add at least 500 solar roofs in Philadelphia by the end of 2018; and
WHEREAS, Clean energy plays a significant role in addressing energy needs by replacing foreign energy imports with clean and reliable home-grown electricity with the bonus of fantastic local economic opportunities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize October 2017 as Energy Action Month in the City of Philadelphia.
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