Santa Monica Becomes First California City to Okay Green Power Purchase
City Council Approves Global Green USA-Endorsed Directive Requiring Purchase of Renewable Energy for City Hall and Other Facilities
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — July 15, 1998 — Santa Monica has become the first city in California to officially embrace the purchase of renewable energy.
The Santa Monica City Council last night unanimously agreed to direct city staff to requisition the purchase of green power for City Hall and other city facilities by the earliest possible date.
The precedent-setting directive was authored by City Councilman Michael Feinstein and endorsed by Global Green USA, the American affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by Mikhail Gorbachev. GG USA is a Los Angeles-based conservation organization active in promoting resource efficiency practices.
"The city of Santa Monica has showed tremendous leadership in the fight to end the nation's dependency on dirty power sources and stem climate change," said Matt Peterson, GG USA executive director.
"By switching city facilities to green power, Santa Monica has given confidence to the growing number of local residents and businesses interested in joining the city in choosing renewable energy. There are ample products and companies that can service the city's needs by providing clean, environmentally friendly power."
Santa Monica City Councilman Michael Feinstein said, "It is important the city play a leadership role in educating the public. Switching to green electricity is something simple both the city and residents can do to help the environment."
Led by local business people, GG USA is spearheading a Southern California effort called the "Green Power Campaign" to get business and residences to choose green power, a choice made possible by utility deregulation. The media and grassroots campaign is helping consumers realize their monthly utility bill can help protect the environment, stem climate change, and create a renewable energy industry.
Santa Monica Contact: Dwight Holing, (925) 253-8245
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