100% Renewable Energy Faculty Support Letter
Board of Regents, University of California
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Burning oil, gas and coal has polluted our air, water and land for decades. Now it's changing our climate even faster than scientists feared it would.
We know we can have healthier communities right now and a livable future for ourselves and generations to come. But to get there, we must transform the way we produce and consume energy. That's got to start with a commitment to 100% clean, renewable energy.
That's why we are working to urge the University of California to commit to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. As the nation's top public university system, getting a strong commitment to clean energy will set an example for the rest of the country. Let's end our dependence on dirty fossil fuels today and start powering our lives with clean, renewable energy.
Sponsored by
To:
Board of Regents, University of California
From:
[Your Name]
As faculty, staff, and student organization leaders representing UC students, we want to express our strong support for shifting to 100 percent renewable energy. We applaud your current guidance to meet climate goals and look forward to your continued leadership to ensure that we transition away from dirty and dangerous fossil fuels to a 100 percent clean and renewable energy future no later than 2050.
We know that burning oil, gas and coal has polluted our air, water and land for decades. Now it’s changing our climate even faster than scientists feared it would. We can have healthier communities right now and a livable future for generations to come. But to get there, we need to transform the way we produce and consume energy. That must start with a commitment to 100 percent renewable energy.
Renewable energy has incredible potential. We could power the nation 10 times over with available wind resources, and existing solar potential provides more than 100 times our current energy needs.
And, it’s already happening. Major corporations including Google, Facebook and General Motors have committed to powering their operations entirely with renewable energy. Cities such as Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, Aspen Colorado and Georgetown, Texas all agree that the future is 100 percent renewable power. America’s institutions of higher education can, and should, lead as well.
Colleges and universities are significant users of energy and often, they are influential institutions in their community. Action on college and university campuses can provide real life examples of clean energy feasibility in hundreds of communities across America.
Many institutions of higher education have already been leaders on climate. This February, campus presidents, sustainability representatives, faculty and staff are gathering to reflect on bold climate leadership and discuss the path ahead.
In order to build on the progress that has been made and ensure that we transition to a clean and renewable future, we call on your Administration to:
• Make a clear commitment to achieve 100 percent renewable energy for all operations no later than 2050.
• Set a benchmark of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity no later than 2030.
We thank you for your support and leadership to date and stand ready to work with you to achieve 100 percent renewable energy and put America on a path to a truly clean energy future.