Voices for 100% Renewable Energy

“Repowering our lives and cities with 100% renewable energy is not only practical, it's necessary. We have the technology and capacity to source energy from the sun and wind, power sources that don't pollute the air or harm our communities. When you take stock of the benefits and drawbacks of a renewable energy transition, it becomes clear that clean energy is the future. Cities across Texas are starting to catch on, making commitments to transition to 100% clean energy, and I believe Fort Worth is next.“

“The consequences of environmental degradation and climate change are disproportionately shouldered by marginalized communities, including African Americans, immigrants, and people on the lowest rungs of our economic ladder. For the sake of true environmental justice, we can’t afford not to embrace a rapid transition to clean, renewable energy. Existing technologies and emerging innovations are proving just how possible this vision of a better future can be.”

“100% renewable energy is not only an attainable goal, but a key component in achieving net-zero and building a livable future for our communities. In Austin, TX we are committed to creating a sustainable, safe, and healthy city for all residents. With advances in technology and increasing availability of renewable energy sources, I am confident that we can achieve 100% renewables reliably and affordably.”

“I have no doubt that shifting to 100% clean and renewable energy is feasible and necessary. It’s a matter of heart and persistence and focus - for me, the little ones in my family are all I need to remember that the world they will live in is the one we are creating today. At the end of the day - I believe that is what matters for all of us.”

“The need to immediately convert our world to 100% renewable energy sources, and continue to seek out new and more efficient ways to realize that end is, by-far, the most important challenge we face collectively. All indications show that unless we start the transition to renewable energy within the next decade, we will not only fail to meet our energy needs for the future, but irrevocably destroy our ability to live on this planet. No longer can we afford to view this issue from merely an energy-production or generational-legacy aspect. In the past, we simply asked the question “what type of world do we want to leave for our children and grandchildren” - as if we were merely negatively impacting their quality of life. Now we must start to view the delayed conversion for what it really is: the cause of an extinction-level event.”

“Houston has been defined by the oil and gas industry for long stretches of its history, a relationship that grew the city’s economy and gave it one of its most well-known monikers: the energy capital of America. With over 2,000 energy companies and more engineers than any other United States metropolitan region, Houston is primed to lead the transition to renewable energy.”

“Every passing day the impacts of climate change become more apparent than ever. Texans suffered immensely during Winter Storm Uri and our state continually faces deadly floods, hurricanes and droughts as a result of global climate change. Texas is a diverse state not only in its people, but also in its geography. I see an opportunity for our great state to be a model for diverse renewable energy sources including solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower. I support the expedient transition to renewable energy. We simply cannot afford to continue on our current path of fossil fuel consumption and environmental degradation.”

“Moving to 100% renewable energy is urgent, necessary, and the right thing to do. The transition to renewable energy will bring new jobs and a cleaner community for all to enjoy. Join me in protecting our neighbors from the worst impacts of climate change. Join me on the journey to 100% renewable energy.”

Check out a video that Tim and Graham Marema made called “A Conversation about Rural Solar” and an accompanying blog. 

As I meet other leaders locally and around the world, it’s clear that the momentum toward renewable energy is growing, and not a moment too soon. To accelerate our progress, it is vital that higher education institutions not only demonstrate that moving toward 100% renewable energy is possible and beneficial – generating major savings in energy costs each year -- but also that we create partnerships with industry, government and non-profits to create the innovations and build the workforce capabilities needed to help us reach this goal as a nation and beyond.”

“On behalf of Mayor Kenney, I'm proud to be supporting Philadelphia's efforts to move to 100% renewable energy as a way to create a healthier and more just city. Climate change is already harming our city, and communities of color and low-income communities are more likely to be impacted by heat waves and storms worsened by climate change. Expanding our use of clean energy is not only a cost-effective strategy for reducing carbon emissions in the fight against climate change, it also helps to reduce air pollution, makes energy bills more affordable, and creates economic opportunity for our residents. Between our municipal power purchase agreement for a 70MW solar facility and our Solarize Philly program, investments in solar energy are creating jobs and opening career opportunities for residents. We're committed to continuing the growth of renewable energy with a focus on ensuring that marginalized communities benefit from these efforts.”

"Somehow, we've gotten wrapped up in the politics that shifting away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy is a choice between economic prosperity or ecological survival. In reality, this is a false dichotomy, representing our need to simplify our decision making and frame decisions as yes or no, black or white, always or never. The shift to 100% renewables will take planning and time, as well as deliberate intention. It is as much an engineering problem as it is a discussion of our commitment to honor the gift of Creation and demonstrate our respect for the places we call home as well as our family, friends and neighbors. Transitioning to 100% renewable energy is also acknowledging the legacies of our ancestors while living up to our commitment to future generations to leave the world in better condition than we found it."

“Before becoming a County Commissioner I was a local elected official and also taught high school. In my Geography and Global Studies classes I always stressed the role climate change is playing in our lives and the importance of alternative energy for our future. Many years ago, as a local elected official I helped bring to our community one of the largest solar farms in the nation and introduced steps to make our local government more environmentally conscious. ‘Think globally, act locally’ has been a slogan of the environmental movement for decades. As local governments we have an obligation to take the actions necessary to move our communities and our nation to 100% renewable energy. That’s why Bucks County is actively pursuing ways to expand alternative energy usage throughout the County.”

This is why Natural Investments encourages all of its clients to have fossil fuel free investment portfolios. Better yet, putting a hard brake on the financial pipeline for fossil fuels and diverting those funds to clean energy technology will spur a new age of innovation and economic growth in its wake. It's an approach made more important in the economic losses resulting from the global pandemic.”

And as a board member of the American Solar Energy Society, I see that a transition to 100% clean energy is a true win-win-win - a win for our health and economy - a win for jobs and people - and a win for clean air and clean water.   I am committed to keep fighting to make that transition as fast, efficient, and equitable as possible. I'm optimistic that we are on the right track to do it.”

"It is both deeply gratifying and inspiring to witness the exponential growth in investment in renewable energy. We are honored to direct our clients' capital towards an increasing array of choices and they understand that investing in clean energy is not just the smart choice, it is imperative if we want to limit the effects of climate change on our world. Thank goodness we have new political leadership in the USA who is making addressing climate change a high priority."

"We can do this, and we must. 100% renewable energy is within our grasp, we just need to grab it and not let go until our hard work is done."