City of Santa Barbara Joins Other Southern California Cities in Switching to Green Power
Ocean Community Takes Important Action on Eve of Earth Day
SANTA BARBARA, CA — April 20, 2000 — The Santa Barbara City Council voted to switch over 80% of city facilities to green power — electricity generated by renewable sources such as solar, geothermal and wind. The purchase will make Santa Barbara one of the largest direct purchasers of green power in the world.
"We commend Santa Barbara for their leadership on this issue," said Matt Petersen, Executive Director of Global Green USA. "This is a great action for Earth Day. It sets an example. We can all take responsibility for our actions which currently harm the environment, and instead use our political and economic activities to help restore and renew our natural heritage."
Santa Barbara joins a growing list of California cities which have voted to switch their electricity demands to a green power company. The cities of Santa Monica and Chula Vista previously voted to switch to green power and over fifty city and public agencies purchase green power in the Bay Area and San Diego County through joint power authorities. Preferred Energy Services, Inc., also known as Cleen 'n Green Energy, will provide Santa Barbara's green power, which will be worth approximately $1.6-1.8 million annually.
It's exciting to think we can power city facilities using energy from the sun and wind," said Councilmember Harold "Rusty" Fairly. "It is the responsibility for every city to look at how we can help create an energy policy that can be sustainable and environment friendly."
Electricity generation is the single greatest source of air pollution and climate change gases in the United States. The majority of electricity in the United States is generated by burning coal, the dirtiest fuel. In California, well over a third of electricity generation comes from coal and toxic waste producing nuclear power.
Global Green USA works in cooperation with individuals, industry, and governments to create a global value shift toward sustainable development.
Global Green USA contact: Matt Petersen (310) 394-7700
|
