Climate Mayors Network Announces Steering Committee to Strengthen City Climate Action

Committee will serve to galvanize city climate leadership among Climate Mayors’ 400+ network members

City climate leadership increasingly important as federal government has taken a back seat in addressing the global climate crisis

DECEMBER 3, 2019 – Today, Climate Mayors, the network of 438 U.S. mayors across the country committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement, announced the launch of a new Steering Committee, led by twenty-four mayors who will serve as critical voices within the network and across the country to spotlight climate leadership exhibited in cities throughout the United States. The Climate Mayors’ Steering Committee makes clear that mayors across the country have and will continue to step up and lead on climate, regardless of the decisions made at the federal level.

The Steering Committee will work alongside the Climate Mayors’ Chair, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chairs, Mayors Madeline Rogero, Sylvester Turner, and Martin J. Walsh to highlight the importance of city-led climate action in creating healthier, cleaner, and more equitable and sustainable cities. The Steering Committee will also work to catalyze membership and more deeply engage their regions, as well as showcase the impactful work of existing Climate Mayors and how cities are helping meet the scope and the scale of the challenge posed by climate change.

After President Trump announced his initial plans to withdraw the U.S. from the landmark Paris Agreement in June 2017, more than 300 mayors joined the Climate Mayors coalition and pledged to continue working toward the goals of the Agreement in their cities. The network has since grown to over 400 mayors, both Democrat and Republican, who represent cities ranging in size and region and show the overwhelming support for climate action among the majority of Americans.

“Cities across our country and around the world see the impacts of climate change firsthand — and we stand front and center in the fight to address this crisis with every tool at our disposal,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “No matter what happens on the national level, cities know we cannot afford any more debates or delays, so we will continue to act to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, protect our most vulnerable residents, strengthen global health, and create a green economy that works for everyone.”

“Our Steering Committee mayors are climate action leaders, both within their communities and within our network. We appreciate their willingness to step up and support Climate Mayors in building greater political will for action at the federal and global level,” Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero said.  

“The strength and moral standing of Climate Mayors is derived from the broad and diverse population we represent,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Whether you are a big city or a small city, in a red state or a blue state, climate change affects us all. Mayors across the country are making a bold commitment to build stronger, more resilient cities and a more sustainable future. We are stronger together and I look forward to working with these mayors as we face this great challenge.”

“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and we need the support of all mayors to truly make a difference on this global issue,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “As a coastal city, Boston is at the frontlines of this crisis, and I look forward to joining my fellow mayors as we lead with plans, solutions and results.”

“The Climate Mayors network is more than four hundred strong, and counting,” said James Ritchotte, Director of Climate Mayors. “We’re excited to have these twenty-four mayors lead us in showcasing the important work of cities and maximizing the collective impact of Climate Mayors across the country who are fighting climate change in their communities.”

The following mayors are members of the Climate Mayors Steering Committee:

  1. Steve Adler (Austin, TX)
  2. Ethan Berkowitz (Anchorage, AK)
  3. Jim Brainard (Carmel, IN)
  4. Michael Cahill (Beverly, MA)
  5. Kirk Caldwell (Honolulu, HI)
  6. LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans, LA)
  7. Melvin Carter (Saint Paul, MN)
  8. Jane Castor (Tampa, FL)
  9. Frank Cownie (Des Moines, IA)
  10. Bill de Blasio (New York City)
  11. Mike Duggan (Detroit, MI)
  12. Buddy Dyer (Orlando, FL)
  13. Kevin Faulconer (San Diego, CA)
  14. Greg Fischer (Louisville, KY)
  15. Kate Gallego (Phoenix, AZ)
  16. Michael Hancock (Denver, CO)
  17. James Hovland (Edina, MN)
  18. Eric Johnson (Dallas, TX)
  19. Lioneld Jordan (Fayetteville, AR)
  20. Tim Keller (Albuquerque, NM)
  21. Ron Nirenberg (San Antonio, TX)
  22. Bill Peduto (Pittsburgh, PA)
  23. Satya Rhodes-Conway (Madison, WI)
  24. Lucy Vinis (Eugene, OR)

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Media Inquiries: Carey Hickox, chickox@bpimedia.com

About Climate Mayors

Climate Mayors, founded in 2014, is a diverse network of U.S. city leaders who have committed to fighting climate change. In response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the network’s ranks swelled to more than 400 U.S. mayors from across the country who have committed to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Madeline Rogero (Knoxville), Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Martin J. Walsh (Boston). For more information, please visit www.climatemayors.org.