This is a guest post written by Emily Gorman.

Guest Blog | June 19, 2017 | Energy Policy

Eugene Flinn signed his with a flimsy pen, under the dark-paneled wood ceiling of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Buddy Dyer signed his on camera, surrounded by proud staff.  Cary Glickstein signed his quickly and electronically, saying yes before organizers even had a chance to ask him.

These mayors, of Palmetto Bay, Orlando and Delray Beach, are among the 100 mayors who have joined Sierra Club’s Mayors for 100% Clean Energy. The initiative recognizes and celebrates mayors who support working towards a 100% clean and renewable energy supply. By signing the Mayors for 100% Clean Energy endorsement letter, mayors proclaim their support for a community-wide transition to 100% clean and renewable energy.

On June 23, hundreds of mayors will flock to Miami Beach for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, where they will consider a resolution on 100% Clean Energy for American Cities. Introduced by Mayor Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina, the resolution establishes a commitment and formal support for 100% clean, renewable energy for all U.S. cities.  Past measures at the U.S. Conference of Mayors have been instrumental in setting standards and providing resources to cities. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, for example, was the result of efforts at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. For the first time in U.S. history, the EECBG program made it possible for cities, counties and states to receive grants specifically to fund energy-efficiency projects.

Shifting from dirty fossil fuels to clean sources of energy like wind and solar strengthens communities by spurring economic growth, addressing climate change, and reducing pollution. These leaders recognize the importance of lower energy costs, improved public health, and stable, local jobs in protecting the physical and financial well-being of their residents.

In support of the 100% Clean Energy for American Cities resolution, Sierra Club has teamed up with Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Women’s March Florida, League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County, Sustainable Miami, Urban Impact Lab, Resilient Miami, FL SUN Miami-Dade, 350 South Florida and the CLEO Institute to hold Sunrise for Solar.   Sunrise for Solar is an aerial art action and community rally that aims to celebrate mayors who support 100% clean energy, and encourage the U.S. Conference of Mayors to adopt the resolution.

Help is needed to spread the message that the time for clean energy leadership is now.  At 7AM on June 23, dozens of South Florida residents will come together at the Four Points Sheraton on Miami Beach to create human art and rally in support of 100% clean and renewable energy for all.  Featuring renowned aerial artist John Quigly, attendees will pose together to form a message on the sand.  Local leaders will speak on clean energy and breakfast will be provided. RSVP and find out more here.  A new age is dawning for clean energy in Florida, and across the U.S.  Join us on June 23 to show the world that the sun is rising on solar and we are #Readyfor100 percent clean energy now!