This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Al Gore says Los Angeles's plan to go 'coal free' makes it one of top 5 cities fighting global warming
Former Vice President Al Gore congratulated Los Angeles on its initiative to rid itself of reliance on coal as a power source during a press conference outside the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's John Ferraro Building, March 22.
(
Christopher Okula/KPCC
)
Former Vice President Al Gore congratulated Los Angeles on its initiative to rid itself of reliance on coal as a power source during a press conference outside the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's John Ferraro Building, March 22. The decision by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to eliminate Los Angeles' reliance on coal by 2025 grew out of an initiative by the Sierra Club, an environmental organization.
(
Christopher Okula/KPCC
)
On March 22, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa describes his motives for committing Los Angeles to the Kyoto Protocol and eliminating coal as a source of the city's power by 2025. The decision by Villaraigosa was lauded by Former Vice President Al Gore, who was also in attendance.
(
Christopher Okula/KPCC
)
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa poses with Beyond Coal supporters after a press conference outside the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's John Ferraro Building, March 22.
(
Christopher Okula/KPCC
)
A Beyond Coal button on the lapel of a Sierra Club supporter. Beyond Coal is a promotional campaign organized by the Sierra Club.
(
Christopher Okula/KPCC
)
Former Vice President Al Gore joined Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at the L.A. Department of Water and Power Friday to celebrate LA's plan to go “coal free” within the next 12 years.
“What you have done, Mr. Mayor, and what your team and the people of Los Angeles have done, is to not only take a dramatic and inspiring step to help solve the climate crisis," Gore said. "You’re also inspiring hope that democracy works in America, and that with leadership we can do great things.”
RELATED: City of LA to quit coal at Utah's Intermountain Power Plant by 2025
Gore said the goal is a “big deal” because it’s something few cities have taken on.
“Let me tell you what they are: London, Toronto, Copenhagen and Berlin. Los Angeles joins that list of the five greatest cities in the world where combating global warming is concerned,” he said.
The LADWP currently gets 40 percent of its energy from coal-fired plants in Utah and Arizona. The utility voted on Tuesday to amend its contract with Intermountain Power Project in Utah to use its natural gas plant instead.
The city council still has to approve the plan.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
