Taking action on climate change is an Islamic obligation, and the global harm caused by human activity is at a critical point. Although climate change appears like a faraway problem, the United Nations reports that cities cause 75% of the emissions that are causing the climate crisis.
In light of these realities, Board Chairman Azeem Syed spoke on behalf of the Shura Council in support of several critical climate policies that were considered at the December 14 Irvine City Council meeting. Syed pointed out that emissions created in Irvine affect every inch of the planet and that by choosing 100% renewable energy, the council could provide a strong example and inspire other Orange County cities to take similar action.
The council voted 5-0 to make 70% renewable electricity the default for all Irvine energy users, with plans to revisit the decision on January 25 when customer rate information is available. The increase in renewables is possible through the OC Power Authority, which plans to launch service for all Irvine, Huntington Beach, Buena Park and Fullerton commercial and industrial electricity users in April and residential electricity users in October. OCPA plans to offer three electricity options – 100% renewable, 70% renewable, and 38.5% renewable, which is comparable to what SoCal Edison and SDG&E offer.
Participating cities can choose a default energy product that customers will automatically opt into. The council also voted to begin researching and drafting ordinances regarding all-electric, zero emission buildings and all-electric lawn equipment.
There is much more work to be done on all these items, but these votes were important steps in the right direction. For info on how to get involved in local climate action, contact ayn@climateactioncampaign.org. |
