Press Release

October 11, PHILADELPHIA – Today a dozen singing activists were at the PECO Building to invite Craig Adams, CEO of the utility company, to commit to supporting green jobs in Philadelphia.

PECO is required to buy an additional 0.1% of its energy from solar by May 2016, and the electrical utility can choose to buy that energy sparking an increase in local jobs. and the has the option to prioritize solar energy from Philadelphia, which could create jobs throughout city.

“We know that PECO is interested in discussing the matter further, and we are here today to show how thrilled we are for PECO to be a spark and join countless Philadelphians who are ready for a green energy economy to catch fire here in the city,” said Lina Blount a board member of Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), the group who coordinated the demonstration.

The group is asking PECO to start with North Philadelphia since despite decreasing unemployment rates nationally, North Philadelphia still has one of the highest unemployment rates. “The City just launched Green City, Clean Waters, an initiative that is projected to create 8,600 jobs,” said Matthew Armstead, staff coordinator for EQAT. “It’s great to see the city step up. And we also expect our utility companies to do their part in local job creation.”

During today’s demonstration, activists sang solar and labor themed songs and spoke with PECO customers, urging them to invite the utility to “be a spark” for local green jobs. The action comes only a month after the launch of the Earth Quaker Action Team’s Power Local Green Jobs campaign.

Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT) is a nonviolent direct action group dedicated to building a just and sustainable economy. After winning a successful campaign to have PNC stop financing mountaintop removal in Appalachia, EQAT has launched a new campaign pressuring PECO to Power Local Green Jobs. More information is available at: www.eqat.org.