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Sunday's CicLAvia event was not just about taking back the streets for people (not cars), but it also for the environment and health. And that provided the perfect backdrop for a rally that urged Los Angeles to rid its dependence on coal and oil for electricity.
Currently about 44% of L.A.'s power is derived from the two energy sources that are blamed for pollution. In fact, "the out-of-state coal-fired power plants that power Los Angeles are two of the largest stationary sources of pollution in the country," according to the Sierra Club.
"We need to make sure the LADWP follows through on the Mayor's promise to make this a coal-free city by 2020" said Bill Corocan, Western Director of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign, at the rally.
The event was one of just 7,000 around the globe for the International Day of Climate Action and many are hoping Los Angeles will become a global leader when it comes to making change.
Actor Ellen Page used her celebrity to bring attention to the issue, but turned the tables with this thought: "We need to make our politicans heroes," she told the crowd.
Clad like in his bicycling clothes, L.A. City Council President cited out-of-state power, saying Los Angeles is "polluting their air so we can have what we call cheap energy." He also noted that Los Angeles was the original green city. "The founders of the Pueblo set it up at 45 degrees," northeast to southwest, for better wind, ventilation and warmth.
“We will get off coal. The short term costs of living cheap are very expensive in the long term,” he continued. “I pledge to all of you to make sure that with all of your help, if you keep up this fight with us, we will get off coal in Los Angeles.”
Previously
- Map: If L.A.'s Power is 44% Coal-Driven, Where are Those Coal Plants Located?
