Nine Organizations Receive Climate Leadership Awards at American Climate Leadership Summit 2019

Organizations have Publicly Committed to Move Toward 100% Clean Energy by 2030

Leaders from across the country convened on May 1-2 for the American Climate Leadership Summit (ACLS19), including several organizations who received Climate Leadership Awards ecoAmerica awarded nine organizations for their public commitments to move their operations toward 100% clean energy by 2030, including four health organizations, three faith denominations, and two community-based organizations.

The list of winners included the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church-Western Episcopal District, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Public Health Association, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Climate Resolve, National Environmental Health Association, Physicians for Social Responsibility, United Church of Christ, and a multi-stakeholder effort with Salt Lake City, Park City, Summit County, Utah Climate Action Network, and Utah Clean Energy.

Health, faith, and community award recipients had the following statements:

“As a faith leader, I am fully persuaded that connecting people with the life-changing love of God encompasses care for creation and our home called Earth. I appreciate a clean home with fresh air and beautiful skies not only for me, but also for posterity. I am glad that the Disciples, spearheaded by Green Chalice, are collaborating with Blessed Tomorrow/ecoAmerica partners in pursuit of healthy climate initiatives! — Rev. Sotello V. Long, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ

“I am so very proud that EcoAmerica has named the United Church of Christ as a recipient of their Climate Leadership Award. By identifying ‘Love of Creation’ as a pillar in our Three Great Loves initiative, we are leveraging the full capacity of our local churches to be change agents for climate justice. It is our hope and prayer that our ongoing commitment to rescue Mother Earth from climate disaster will bear good fruit and help restore our planet to full health.” —  John C. Dorhauer, United Church of Christ General Minister and President

“As stewards who are entrusted with and granted dominion over God’s magnificent and majestic creation, we are duty bound to be vigilant in our responsibility for its care and maintenance,” Bishop Staccato Powell, the Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. “We must take seriously this divine mandate and fulfill our obligation to respect, preserve, protect and provide for its sanctity and sacredness.”

“APHA is excited to join your efforts with health sector partners in moving toward 100% clean energy by the year 2030. 2030 is a special year for APHA. It is also the target year we’ve set to help the U.S. become the healthiest nation. Climate and health solutions like clean energy are a critical part of achieving this goal.”  Georges C. Benjamin, MD Executive Director American Public Health Association

We believe in the power and potential of positive deviance. Decoupling ourselves from fossil fuels serves to legitimize similar initiatives within our sphere of influence.”  — David Dyjack, DrPH, Executive Director of the National Environmental Health Association

“Clean, safe, renewable energy helps assure that we have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink.  Clean energy is also essential for protecting us from the health emergency posed by climate change. In other words, our energy choices really are health choices.”  — Barbara Gottlieb, Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility

“The Alliance has made a very strong commitment as an organization working with nurses in communities on the front lines of climate change to walk the walk and look at our own energy use. No matter the size of your organization – from the smallest to the largest – we can all be doing our part.” Katie Huffling, MS, RN, CNM, Executive Director of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments

“Salt Lake City is committed to lead on climate change and act in ways that bolster the long-term vitality of our community and the health of our planet.  Investing in renewable energy, clean transportation systems and sustainable food programs not only reduces carbon pollution, it also builds an identity for our city and hope for the future.” Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski

“Although climate change is a global phenomenon, climate impacts are experienced locally, in our neighborhoods and cities. Climate Resolve is helping Los Angeles, and surrounding cities, prepare for climate change as well as reduce our contribution to atmospheric pollution.” — Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director, Climate Resolve

“Utah Clean Energy is focused on making Utah a national leader that moves beyond partisanship and inaction on climate solutions and embraces a world that is safe for future generations. We’re inspired by the momentum we are seeing here in Utah to come together to meet the challenges posed by climate change.” Sarah Wright, Executive Director, Utah Clean Energy

“These nine organizations are showing their members — and all of the Americans they reach–that climate leadership can come in many shapes, sizes, and locations,” said Meighen Speiser, ecoAmerica Executive Director. “So many are stepping forward to publicly commit to 100% clean energy, and more are on the way. These awards symbolize a win for not only these organizations, but also for climate solutions and climate progress in America.”

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