Local leadership on clean energy is more important than ever. With this being said we cannot overlook the significance of three Mayors in the Metro East taking bold steps playing a powerful role in making 100% Clean Energy a reality and using their voices and influence to help spread the message.
On August 11, Granite City Mayor, Ed Hagnauer, became the first downstate mayor to sign the Sierra Club’s Mayor’s for 100% Clean Energy Endorsement — an initiative calling on all mayors — regardless of political party, from big cities and small towns – to support a vision of 100% clean and renewable energy in their cities, towns, and communities, and across the country..
Mayor Hagnauer has worked closely with the Granite City Cool Cities Committee to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in municipal operations since 2012. Many of the initiatives the City has undertaken such as replacing an aging municipal fleet with fuel efficient hybrid models have been significant steps towards reaching these reductions. Mayor Hagnauer commented that “it has always been our goal to be as energy efficient as possible, transitioning to 100% renewable energy, like wind and solar will protect our community from pollution, create new jobs and local economic opportunities.”
To date, Edwardsville’s Mayor Hal Patton and Alton Mayor Brant Walker have also signed on. Mayor Walker commented that “In light of increased flooding events the City of Alton has endured during my administration our resolve is strengthened to a build a more resilient community and transitioning to 100% renewable energy is a logical step in achieving this.”
We are witness to disasters happening all across the country and the globe that threaten lives, our energy security and public health.Local action to mitigate these threats is the foundation on which the transition to 100% clean energy is built upon. We commend the Mayors of the Metro East region for their leadership towards this goal.
Illinois Sierra Club Blog 