Title
Permanently recognizing the third week in August as Solar Week in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Since 2019, the Philadelphia Energy Authority has organized the third week of August as Solar Week in Philadelphia, a week filled with learning, training, and outreach as well as innovation on the topic of solar energy solutions led by Solarize Philly, the largest program of its kind in the nation; and
WHEREAS, The generating of energy which produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces air pollution is necessary to Philadelphia in order to provide the citizens Constitutional guarantee of a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment; and
WHEREAS, Climate change, as a result of burning fossil fuels for energy, is responsible for the denigration of public health, which disproportionately affects low-income communities, communities of color, and urban communities who most often have to deal directly with the consequences of polluting power plants and the health risks that accompany living within close proximity to these non-renewable energy sources; and
WHEREAS, Solar energy is a smart investment. The savings from solar typically pay for the upfront cost in roughly 10 years, after which a resident will save significantly on the cost of their electricity bill; and
WHEREAS, Residential solar development is labor-intensive, leaving the opportunity open to create hundreds of local jobs. Solar creates nearly 15 jobs for every 100 households that participate. These are good-paying, livable wage careers that do not require a college degree; and
WHEREAS; Solar Energy reduces the need for dirtier, non-renewable energy, and supports cleaner air and reduced rates of asthma, as well cutting carbon emissions, helping Philadelphia meet its carbon reduction and clean energy goals; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is already a leader in solar innovation and has made...
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