California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) has joined more than 300 state and local lawmakers from throughout the nation signing a letter to President Obama that supports the goal of drawing 50 percent of the nation’s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The 50 percent goal echoes California’s recently enacted law that mandates half the state’s electricity must come from renewable sources. At a press conference in Paris on Dec. 9, de León applauded the efforts of governments to reduce and adapt to the risks posed by climate change. He also stressed the dire need for aggressive action by the federal government.

“California’s example shows that climate action can be an engine for broadly shared economic prosperity,” de León said. “By promoting the development of clean energy resources, we are simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and creating jobs that can lift families out of poverty. With SB 350 now law, we’re on track to reach 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 and we’re not looking back. If Congress won’t act, it’s incumbent on state and local leaders to do the job for them.”

Joining de León to discuss successes made at the local and state levels to reduce carbon emissions were Mayor Jeri Muoio, of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Mayor Frank Cownie, of Des Moines, Iowa.

“Our region used to be coal country and now is powered by 40 percent wind. That’s the future that cities and states are creating,” Cownie said.

“Cities and states are on the front lines of climate change. As sea levels rise, our city is in danger. To protect our future and lead by example, we have made a commitment to power all our city vehicles without fossil fuels,” Muoio added.

De León was leading a delegation of California senators in Paris for the United Nations climate summit, where leaders from more than 150 countries gathered to discuss how to slow global warming.

For information, visit www.focus.senate.ca.gov/paris.