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During my administration,
the City of Baltimore has become a national leader in promoting energy
conservation, energy education, and renewable energy installations.
In January 2016, the City
of Baltimore in partnership with the Baltimore Energy Challenge, Morgan State
University, The US Department of Energy and Congressman Sarbanes installed
solar panels on 30 low-income homes which have received weatherization in the
Morgan Mile and around Coppin State University.
I want to thank
Congressman John Sarbanes and Congressman Elijah Cummings for supporting our
sustainability and energy efforts in the City of Baltimore. Together, we are
making a positive impact on the lives and wellbeing our citizens.
Our Climate Action Plan
calls for a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. We know that we
won’t be able to reach that goal without local on-site renewable energy; and we
know that we want to create equal opportunities for access to renewable energy
to all of our residents.
This past Tuesday I had the
pleasure of announcing a new partnership which will help our low-income
residents gain access to solar energy.
The Baltimore Energy
Challenge, our City’s weatherization program, and Civic Works’ Energy Ready
program all have been working tirelessly to help residents, schools, and
businesses lower energy – all while providing necessary job training skills.
The newly announced
partnership will open doors for low-income residents to gain access to solar
energy for their homes. Working with the Maryland Clean Energy Center, and The
Department of Energy; the City of Baltimore will be creating a model of
financing, accessibility, and policy that can be used across the country.
This model, along with
increased access, will also open opportunities for additional job training for
our residents.
Solar installations is one
of the fastest growing job markets in the State, and we have partners like
Civic Works ready and able to train our residents most in need of these
well-paying, sustainable jobs.
I want to thank Alice
Kennedy, our former Sustainability Coordinator, and now Deputy Commissioner of
Housing, for pushing this issue of equitable access for solar energy. Her out
of the box, innovative thinking has helped create programs and partnerships
that positively impact our residents.
Today we are making a
commitment to not leave anyone behind – to open doors for those who need it
most and to help our residents save money, save energy, and earn a living wage.
This partnership continues
our efforts to grow a sustainable and resilient Baltimore. Follow this link to learn more.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor
City of Baltimore
P.S. Happy Pride Week!
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