|
|
|
Elm City Energizes for Environment
First CT city to commit to 'clean' energy purchases by 2010
|
Business New Haven
3/1/2004
By: BNH
|
New Haven Mayor John DeStefano announced February 17 that the city would commit to a 20-percent purchase of clean, renewable energy by the year 2010.
"This commitment means we are taking the lead in providing cleaner air, fighting asthma, and building sustainable communities," DeStefano said. "The leadership on this issue comes not from me, though I am proud to champion this commitment, but from activists like the ones who have fought for cleaner air in Fair Haven."
The announcement was the culmination of a yearlong effort between the city and the "20% by 2010" campaign. The latter is a collaboration of SmartPower, the Clean Water Fund, Environment Northeast and the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network to persuade Connecticut consumers, municipalities, institutions and businesses to commit to having 20 percent of their energy come from clean renewable sources by the year 2010.
New Haven is the first city in Connecticut to sign on to the initiative, following a resolution passed last summer by the Board of Aldermen that committed the city to the concept.
"This is an unprecedented event that constitutes one of the largest purchases of clean, renewable energy in Connecticut and the Northeast," said SmartPower Executive Director Brian F. Keane. "It signals that clean energy is here, it is available and it is strong enough to power a major city such as New Haven."
The city of New Haven is looking to purchase energy that comes from sources including wind, water, the sun and other renewable sources.
"This commitment is affordable," said DeStefano. "In its first year, it will cost less than one percent of the $4 million we are saving annually from energy conservation in New Haven - and it is too important to wait."
|
Go FirstGo PreviousGo
NextGo LastGo
to Index
|
|
