Peralta Trustees Pass Resolution to Divest From Fossil Fuel Companies

OAKLAND, Calif., January 31, 2014 – The Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution in 2013 to divest from fossil fuel companies in order to reduce carbon emissions and continue Peralta’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
 
The resolution by the Trustees makes clear that Peralta’s environmental sustainability goals are critically important to the Peralta Community College District, the State of California and the nation.
 
The resolution underscores how the District, which educates 30,000 students each semester, is committed to stewardship of the environment and to reducing Peralta’s dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
 
Board President Abel Guillén said of the District’s commitment, “This action by the Trustees sends a clear message that the Peralta Colleges are fully committed to environmental stability and a reduction in carbon emissions.”
 
“As Board President, I am proud that we have taken the lead on this vital issue and that we are doing something to help reduce these dangerous pollutants and to safeguard the future for our students, our community and our planet,” he added.

The Peralta Community College District, following the Board’s leadership, has adopted progressive investment policies and committed itself to sustainable environmental and progressive social and corporate governance practices. In 2007, the Board adopted the District’s Policy on Environmental Sustainability that mandated dramatic reductions in its carbon footprint.

Peralta Colleges Chancellor, Dr. José M. Ortiz, said, “The Trustees’ resolution to divest from fossil fuel holdings within five years strengthens Peralta’s commitment to a sustainable environment and future for our students.”

“At our four colleges – Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College and Merritt College – we are working everyday to reduce our carbon footprint through an array of new technologies,” the Chancellor added.

Filed under: Announcements, Board of Trustees, Peralta News. Tagged: Abel Guillén, Fossil Fuel, José M. Ortiz

You can: see previous post, see next post, or see all posts.