Philadelphia Council President Announces 10-Year Energy Efficiency & Jobs Campaign

Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke Monday announced a private-public sustainable energy initiative that he said would save taxpayers millions of dollars and create more than 10,000 jobs.

The Philadelphia Energy Campaign will leverage $1 billion in public and private investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects over 10 years in neighborhoods across the City.

The result will be greater energy efficiency in facilities including: all City buildings, including police and fire stations and public libraries; all School District of Philadelphia buildings; 25,000 low-income residences, particularly among aging housing stock and Philadelphia Housing Authority homes; and 2,500 small businesses, with a particular focus on neighborhood corner stores and restaurants.

Over the course of implementation, more than 10,000 new jobs will be created in the growing energy retrofit and clean energy sectors; in skilled trades; and as a result of economic growth due to energy savings.

The campaign will be overseen and coordinated by the Philadelphia Energy Authority, an independent municipal authority established in 2010 following passage of legislation sponsored by Council President Clarke.

“City Council proposed creation of the Philadelphia Energy Authority to coordinate and support efforts to reduce energy consumption and deliver cost savings to homeowners, businesses, and taxpayers. Today’s launch of the Philadelphia Energy Campaign is the culmination of methodical research and coalition-building,” Council President Clarke said.

Joining Council President Clarke for the Philadelphia Energy Campaign announcement were Mayor Jim F. Kenney, Office of Sustainability Director Christine Knapp, PEA Chair Chris Lewis, PEA Vice Chair Emily Schapira, PEA Executive Director Jill Kowalski, Philadelphia Housing Authority President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah, PECO President and CEO Craig Adams, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan, and Philadelphia Gas Works President and CEO Craig White.

“I would like to thank the Council President for inviting me to hear his first major policy proposal under my term,” said Mayor Kenney. “I am happy today to reaffirm my commitment to managing energy efficiency in City buildings and to encouraging our friends in the private sector to do the same.”

A copy of the Philadelphia Energy Campaign is available online.

NewsClip:

Philly Council President Offers Comprehensive Energy Strategy