Supporting the future of Solar Energy in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Solar power is a clean source of energy that can power Philadelphia's homes, businesses and cars to achieve better air quality and reduce carbon pollution; and

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently emits 120 million metric tons of carbon pollution annually to produce electricity; and

WHEREAS every megawatt of solar energy installed is projected to create 20 manufacturing jobs and 13 installation or maintenance jobs and each megawatt hour of solar energy displaces more than 1,000 pounds of carbon pollution; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest City in the country and has a history of national leadership in pursuit of solar power as a Solar America City; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia recognizes the above assets of solar power and desires to renew its commitment to this important clean energy solution; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia stands ready to take full advantage of a new 21st Century energy economy driven by clean, homegrown solar power; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia can set its own goal of producing enough solar energy to power 20,000 homes by 2025; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia City Council will aggressively pursue strategies designed to meet this goal. These strategies can include supporting solar on new construction, increasing solar power on school and other municipal buildings, streamlining the permitting process for solar, facilitating investment in solar energy, and a City-wide solar rebate program, among others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council extends its support for the future of Solar Energy in the City of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council stands in support of City efforts and grant opportunities aimed at ensuring that lower income families are able to take advantage of greening and sustainability initiatives.

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