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Why transition to 100% Clean Energy?

     In 2018, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that we must transition off of fossil fuels in the next 12-years to prevent catastrophic climate change all over the world. This threat endangers the livelihood of every community in Utah, particularly the futures of young generations and the generations to come. Utah is seeing decreased snowpack, less water, and warmer temperatures that will continue to increase.           Everything is at stake: our health, our infrastructure, and our environment. 

     We believe Granite School District can be a clean energy leader within our broader community and, by committing to 100% clean energy, can improve the health of our students, save money that can be invested into students and classrooms, and do our part to tackle climate change.  We can also build safer and more resilient facilities to support our community amid the COVID-19 crisis.

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In Granite School District, the case to transition to 100% Renewable Energy can be grouped into several connecting arguments:

 

1. The Salt Lake City area ranked 7th for worst particle pollution in the nation, and 11th for worst ozone pollution. At least 85 percent of the harmful emissions come from fossil fuels, with impacts that are felt disproportionately and affect students' health & learning. Immediate action is needed to reduce emissions to ensure a healthy, safe, and equitable future for all Utahns.

 

2. Renewable energy is now cheaper than conventional energy and the District owes fiscal discipline to its taxpayers to move forward with the most viable sources of energy. Renewable energy significantly reduces pollution, improves student health, and therefore will improve student learning (and equity). By signing a 100% Clean Energy Resolution, the District commits to successfully integrating environmentally, socially, and fiscally sustainable practices. The Resolution establishes a framework to work with all elements within the district to ensure energy efficiency and conservation measures are prioritized wherever feasible, including capital replacement, retrofits, and conservation behaviors.

 

3. Granite School District serves more than 67,000 students and provides more than 7,500 full and part-time jobs, making its potential impact great. The district has an influence on community decisions and plays a large role in the structure and resiliency of our society. Granite School District, as a teaching institution, must be a leader on these issues and model a growth mindset, open-mindedness and ability to adopt best practices that benefit all.

 

By committing to 100% Renewable Energy, the school district aligns itself with communities throughout the state and acts as a catalyst to ensure a more just and equitable future for Utahns.

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