Georgia Mayors Join National Coalition to Call for a Solar Energy Future

Group of 300 elected officials from every state sign on to “Mayors for Solar Energy” letter

Environment Georgia

Decatur, Georgia – Georgia mayors representing 5 cities across our state have joined a list of over 300 cities across the U.S. in signing on to a letter calling for a future powered by more clean renewable solar power, released today by Environment Georgia Research & Policy Center. The group of “Mayors for Solar Energy” committed to this cause is bipartisan and represents cities of all sizes spanning all 50 states. 

Mayors from Georgia who signed onto the letter include Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr. of Augusta, Mayor Patti Garrett of Decatur, and Mayor Ted Terry of Clarkston. 

“Solar energy is charging forward at a pace we once thought to be impossible, and America’s cities are at the forefront of spurring that progress,” said Jennette Gayer, state director with Environment Georgia Research and Policy Center. “Local officials are unlocking the power of the sun by taking advantage of millions of available rooftops and broad public support to bring cleaner, greener and more resilient energy to their communities.” 

Mayors involved in this effort are not only signing on to this letter, but are also speaking publicly about the importance of solar power. 

“In Clarkston, we are committed to transitioning our city to a 100% clean energy future,” said Mayor Ted Terry. 

The mayors here in Georgia also recognize the wide array of benefits beyond environmental protection. Locally sourcing solar power is not only a win for the health of their constituents, but it’s also smart governance. 

Mayor Terry added, “Solar energy gives us the type of clean, renewable power that can free Georgia residents from dirty, polluting energy sources of the past and improve the resilience of our grid. It’s time we move our country towards a more responsible and sustainable future, and this means utilizing the endless power of the sun.” 

The Mayors for Solar Energy project goes beyond the letter itself, including resources such as the Ten Ways Your Community Can Go Solar policy toolkit and webinar trainings to help cities in Georgia adopt more renewable energy. 

“Mayors for Solar Energy is proof that regardless of geography, demographics or political affiliation, local leaders understand how beneficial solar can be for a wide array of communities,” said Channa Childs, Clean Energy Fellow with Environment Georgia. “The future of energy will be clean and close to home, and these mayors represent the first wave of leaders who will bring the benefits of solar to communities coast-to-coast.”