Resolution 250786

..Title Recognizing September 21, 2025 as "Sun Day" in the City of Philadelphia, and recognizing the Philadelphia Solar Energy Association and Third Act PA for their advocacy for a solar-powered Southeastern Pennsylvania. ..Body WHEREAS, Solar energy and the batteries to store its power, is the least expensive and fastest growing source of energy in the world; and WHEREAS, Solar energy is now the cheapest way to produce power on planet earth, offering a path to lower utility bills, energy independence, greater resiliency, and long-term affordability for residents and businesses alike; and WHEREAS, America is the birthplace of solar photovoltaic technology, having seen the invention of the solar cell in 1954 at Bell Labs; and WHEREAS, Solar is a key component of a reliable grid, especially in times of high demand, power outages, and other stress on utilities; and WHEREAS, The transition to clean energy creates high-quality jobs with some of the most rapid growth in the US economy, employs more than 3.5 million Americans, supports local economies, improves public health by reducing air and water pollution, and helps build a more just and resilient future for all; and WHEREAS, The climate crisis is an urgent threat to the health, safety, and economic well-being of Philadelphia and communities across the country and the world; and WHEREAS, A national network of organizations has declared September 21, 2025 as "Sun Day," a celebration and call to action to increase solar energy; and WHEREAS, Towns and cities, faith communities, grassroots groups, clean energy experts, solar industry and worker organizations, schools, affordable housing advocates, farmers, and creative partners will gather on Sun Day to celebrate the power of renewable energy, activate others to support a clean energy future, and support a transition away from fossil fuels; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia is committed to doing everything in its power to support the growth and adoption of clean energy, including through city/state policy, public education, and community partnerships; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia will take all prudent actions to speed the approval process for, and otherwise encourage, residential and commercial solar, wind, and battery storage projects; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That September 21, 2025 shall be recognized as "Sun Day" in the City of Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, Philadelphia Solar Energy Association and Third Act PA be recognized for their advocacy for a solar-powered Southeastern Pennsylvania. FINALLY RESOLVED, That the City encourages its agencies and departments, residents, community organizations, schools, and businesses to join in the events planned for that day, to celebrate clean energy, and to work together to build a sustainable future powered by the sun. ..End