The city of Los Angeles' current goal is to transition completely to renewable energy by the year 2050. However, community organizers stood outside L.A. City Hall today because they argue that is not soon enough, demanding a 100 percent transition by the year 2030.
Among the organizers was Councilman Mike Bonin, who gave a short speech in recognition of Mayor Eric Garcetti's commitment to stop investing in fossil fuels, as well as his plan to shut down three natural gas plants.
While organizers agreed that the Mayor's decisions are a step in the right direction, many said there is still work that needs to be done.
A future that Granada Hills resident Jane Fowler is looking forward to. Fowler joined the grassroots movement after the Aliso Canyon gas leak. It was the largest gas leak in U.S. history that forced her and thousands of other residents to move from their homes for several months.
“My husband, he almost died from the gas leak, and my beloved dog Missy, she passed.”
In a press release, the L.A. Dept. of Water and Powerʻs president said, “it’s time to reimagine it and reconfigure so that, while we maintain reliability and affordability, we transition away from reliance on natural gas as quickly as possible.”
Fowler hopes the department can stick to that promise.
A beginning to at least a decade of work ahead.