Statement: Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Applaud the Climate and Health Benefits for Cities from the EPA’s Final Power Plant Rule

April 25, 2024 – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a final rule that sets limits on carbon emissions from existing coal-fired and new gas-fired power plants. These standards will reduce carbon pollution and other harmful pollutants, which will help to protect public health and address the disproportionate impact of pollution on historically underserved communities.

The EPA’s final rule will help the United States achieve its goal of reducing national carbon emissions by 50-52% by 2030. As the second largest source of carbon dioxide pollution nationally, limiting emissions from the electric power generation sector is critical to address climate change and reach our national targets. The new standards for power plants will reduce harmful pollution such as nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5), while strengthening the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants and reducing hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions. This will not only address climate impacts but will improve public health, avoiding more than 360,000 cases of asthma symptoms in 2035 alone.

Local governments and their community partners have been leading the effort to set ambitious emissions reduction targets and address the existence of harmful pollutants. In 2023, Climate Mayors and C40 Cities called on the EPA to adopt ambitious standards. Cities such as Madison, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Cleveland have created climate action plans to control carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy solutions. Our members are also committed to addressing the disproportionate impact of carbon pollution and pollutants on historically underserved and overburdened communities. The EPA’s latest emissions limits will help cities achieve their climate goals and ensure cleaner air for all communities.

“Today’s rule from the EPA is a much-needed measure to tackle air pollution in our communities and improve the health and safety of our residents,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “With stronger pollution limits, our country will shift away from dangerous fossil fuels to clean energy solutions that are better for our economy and health. We welcome the EPA’s rules, which will undoubtedly strengthen the existing efforts of mayors and local leaders to create cleaner, healthier, and more thriving cities across the U.S. Climate Mayors remains committed to working with the EPA to continue reducing planet-warming emissions while addressing the impacts of air pollution on our communities.”

“Too often, lower income and communities of color bear the brunt of pollution, and suffer the most devastating impacts of extreme weather exacerbated by carbon emissions,” said Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs for C40 Cities. “The EPA’s final rule on power plant emissions is a major step forward in our shared work to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for millions of Americans.. Along with leading mayors across the country, C40 Cities looks forward to building on this rule to ensure clean air for all.”

Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Shine a Light on EPA’s $7B Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Announcement for Expansion of Local Solar Investment

April 22, 2023 – On this Earth Day, Climate Mayors and C40 Cities celebrate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) award of another $7 billion from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). The funding adds to the recent announcement of $20 billion for clean energy projects. This final tranche of funding from the Solar For All program has been granted to 60 state, territory, Tribal government, municipality, and nonprofit awardees to help enable over 900,000 low-income households to access affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy.

The unprecedented program specifically directs funding for states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits to support low-income and disadvantaged communities to invest in residential solar power. As cities account for nearly 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, providing access to affordable clean energy is critical to both local and global emissions reductions goals.

There is no climate progress without climate justice. Low-income and disadvantaged communities have disproportionately higher energy burdens than the national median. The EPA’s work to support communities and their clean energy transition is vital in securing an equitable and healthy future for all. We look forward to seeing localities activate billions of dollars to deploy community solar projects and close the gap for accessing solar energy.

“Clean energy is a key component to addressing climate change and increasing community resilience. The new Solar For All funding will support historically overburdened communities with clean, affordable, and reliable energy to power a healthier and more sustainable future for American families,” said Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors. “We are excited to support our mayors to meet this moment and put this unprecedented funding into action.”

“Funding from the EPA’s Solar For All program will transform lives in cities across America.” said Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities. “Projects funded by this program will help alleviate the burden of high utility bills for lower income households and create good jobs – all while slashing climate pollution. We look forward to working with mayors to implement clean energy projects and build a stronger, more inclusive future for all.”

Climate Mayors Board of Directors Welcomes Three New Members and Thanks Outgoing Member Roger Kim

Climate Mayors wishes to express gratitude to our outgoing board member Roger Kim who served on the board from 2017-2023. His leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our organization, and their impact will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. Roger Kim was the former Senior Advisor to the Mayor of San Francisco where he was responsible for issues related to climate change, energy, and the environment, and also served on the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the Climate + Clean Energy Equity Fund. His valuable insights and commitment to our mission have been instrumental in guiding Climate Mayors, and we are grateful for the time and energy he dedicated to our cause.

As we extend our sincere appreciation for the passion and expertise Roger Kim brought to the table, we also look ahead with excitement and optimism. We are thrilled to welcome new members to our executive board. Their diverse perspectives and wealth of experience will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization.

The Climate Mayors Board of Directors welcomes the following board members:

Kizzy Charles-Guzman: Kizzy Charles-Guzman is the Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Environmental Health. Her team protects people from toxic chemicals by working with communities, consumers, workers, government, and the private sector to demand and support business practices that are safe for public health and the environment. Kizzy has dedicated over 18 years of her career to deliver policy work at the intersection of environmental sustainability, public health, and racial equity on behalf of New Yorkers.

Previously, Kizzy has advised three New York City Mayors in her career; successfully securing over $4 billion dollars in investments to uplift historically underserved and marginalized neighborhoods. She received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Quality Award and a Champion of Change Award from the U.S. White House under President Obama, in recognition of her policy achievements, her contributions to society, her focus on justice, and her dedication to her community. She is a graduate of Carleton College and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

Jeff Hébert: A former senior city official and current global thought leader in economic revitalization and climate policy, Jeff Hébert is the CEO of HR&A Advisors, overseeing the company’s strategic direction and operations across its six offices.

Jeff has spent his career developing strategies that adapt and respond to changing economies and environments. Over the past twenty years, he has advised corporations, governments, non-profits, and philanthropies on issues of public policy, economic development, and climate resilience.

Since joining the firm in 2019, Jeff has served on the firm’s Management Committee and since 2020 as HR&A’s President, where he was critical to the historic growth of the company’s business and number of employees. He has also been a leader in the firm’s economic development and climate resilience practices with recent projects in New York City, Newark, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Dallas, Tulsa, and Washington, DC.

Before joining HR&A, Jeff served Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the City of New Orleans in many capacities including as the First Deputy Mayor & Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Resilience Officer, and as Executive Director of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority in the years following Hurricane Katrina.

Rachel Isacoff: Rachel Isacoff is a Director at The Rockefeller Foundation where she leads the Foundation’s domestic climate solutions work and specializes in bridging economic opportunity and climate equity in the U.S. Outside of RF, she is a council member of the Climigration Network and is a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Pratt Institute’s Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment.

Previously, she collaborated with private, nonprofit, and public partners across sectors to develop tools and equity initiatives that support communities on the frontlines of climate change. Most notably she worked on climate adaptation and 100 Resilient Cities strategies at HR&A Advisors, key climate justice and equitable relocation projects at the White House Council on Environmental Quality under President Obama’s administration, and energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions at HUD.

They will join Board Chair Matt Petersen and Board Members Katherine Gajewski, Kelly Shultz, and Laura Spanjian. We extend a warm welcome to our incoming board members and we are confident their insights and leadership will further elevate our organization and propel us towards new heights. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Thank you to Roger Kim for your outstanding service, and a warm welcome to our new leaders. With your support, we look forward to achieving even greater milestones in the coming years.

Climate Mayors Team

Climate Mayors, C40 Cities and Urban Sustainability Directors Network Applaud EPA’s $20B Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Announcement and Urge Local Government Partnership

Climate Mayors, C40 Cities and Urban Sustainability Directors Network Applaud EPA’s $20B Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Announcement and Urge Local Government Partnership

April 4, 2023 – Today, Climate Mayors, C40 Cities and Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) celebrated the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) award of the initial $20 billion from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) to deploy green capital into clean energy projects that will cut pollution,create good-paying jobs, and deliver benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities. The GGRF – made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – will be granting $14 billion through the National Clean Investment Fund and $6 billion through the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator to national clean financing institutions and non-profit organizations, respectively.

Local governments play a vital role in the development and implementation of clean energy projects. The unique roles cities play, detailed in the report Maximizing the Impact of US Federal Climate Investments, makes them essential partners to GGRF recipients in mobilizing capital to protect community health and tackle the climate crisis. Climate Mayors, C40 Cities and USDN encourage GGRF recipients to work with cities to develop investments into equitable housing, transportation, and clean energy technologies. This funding provides cities newfound financial leverage in standing up projects that will improve the quality of life for residents while also mitigating the worst impacts of climate change.

As we know, there’s no climate progress without climate justice. The National Clean Investment Fund requires 40% of projects to benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities, while the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator requires 100% of the projects to take place in and benefit low income and disadvantaged communities. City governments are a key ingredient in achieving the full potential of GGRF funds on the ground – giving way to meaningful and equitable partnerships that can catapult cities into their sustainable and equitable futures. Climate Mayors, C40 Cities, and USDN celebrate the EPA’s dedication to serving communities that have been historically underinvested in.

We look forward to the future announcement of recipients of the $7 billion Solar For All competition. Solar For All is dedicated to expanding the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for residential solar investment. Climate Mayors, C40 and USDN have previously encouraged coordination and partnership with the GGRF program that impacts local communities – we hope to continue working together to make a lasting impact.

“Equitable access to clean and affordable energy is foundational to a sustainable future for cities,” said Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors. “This unique fund will allow cities to fully leverage community and private sector partnerships to make historic strides in creating green jobs, reducing air pollution and lowering energy bills for residents. We thank the Biden Administration for making that a possibility, and providing an additional tool to help our Mayors continue to lead the way towards a brighter future.”

“The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a historic opportunity to invest in communities and create a cleaner and more just energy system for all,” said Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities. “Cities are uniquely positioned to ensure that the projects funded by GGRF recipients deliver the maximum benefit to people on the ground – cleaner air, good paying jobs, and lower energy bills. C40 applauds the EPA’s action, and encourages all GGRF recipients to partner with mayors to advance transformative, community-driven projects that will improve people’s lives.”

“Sustainability, climate resilience, and equity are the pillars of a future where every community can thrive,” said Deneine Powell, Executive Director of the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. “Through the EPA’s greenhouse gas reduction grant competitions, we are leveling the playing field and ensuring that support and energy equity reach those most vulnerable to climate change. This announcement marks a critical step towards empowering communities nationwide, fostering partnerships that drive innovation in green technology, and securing a healthier, more sustainable environment for all.”

Statement: Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Renew Commitment to Electrifying Transportation in Cities as the EPA Passes Final Emissions Rule for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

March 29, 2024 – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a final rule for the GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 rule (HDV rule). The new standards will allow cities to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles, eliminate harmful greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and cut fuel and maintenance costs.

The final rule will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles – such as trucks and buses – in model year 2027 and apply new and more stringent standards for model years 2028 through 2032. The EPA’s final standards for vehicles are critical for reducing CO2 emissions and are expected to reduce approximately 1 billion metric tons from 2027 through 2055 and deliver climate benefits at $13 billion per year through the rule.

This heavy-duty vehicle rule complements the EPA’s action to control air pollution from vehicles under its “National Freight Strategic Plan,” which will support the transition to electrify our nation’s heavy-duty fleets and reduce harmful pollution. By implementing this final rule, the EPA is driving the transition to zero emission fleets of delivery trucks, school buses, and more in cities.

Mayors are committed to cutting emissions from the transportation sector and increasing the deployment of zero-emission vehicles. Transportation emissions account for nearly 30% of total U.S. carbon emissions with heavy-duty vehicles accounting for nearly 23% of transportation emissions. And while medium-and heavy-duty vehicles only account for a small portion of vehicles on U.S. roads, they generate the majority of harmful emissions. This rule will further bolster the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which support progress in zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing, consumer adoption, and expansion of charging infrastructure.

By electrifying our vehicle fleets, we can impactfully deliver cleaner air and improved health outcomes in our cities – especially for disadvantaged communities who are disproportionately impacted by harmful pollution from heavy-duty trucks and buses.

“The EPA standards for heavy-duty vehicles will allow our cities to take critical action to decarbonize the transportation sector, provide cleaner air, and improve public health,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “Our mayors will continue to strive to reach net zero goals as soon as possible in their cities and towns in order to tackle air pollution in our communities and reduce the rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. With these new standards, cities can continue to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and meet our climate goals.”

“Across the US, mayors are taking action to cut pollution from trucks in their cities to improve air quality, support economic development, and meet their climate goals,” said Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities. “The EPA’s final rules for heavy duty vehicles will help cities transition to cleaner vehicles, while delivering important health benefits to environmental justice communities by reducing air pollution along trucking routes. The sooner this transition happens, the better. Along with the powerful actions included in the IRA, BIL, and recent EPA rules on light duty vehicle emissions, the federal government is giving cities the tools to create a healthier, safer, and cleaner future for all.”

Statement: Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Support Another Step Forward in Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector with the Finalization of EPA’s Light-Duty Vehicle Standards

March 20, 2024 – Today, on the road to a zero-emission transportation future, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a final rule for Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles (LDV). We thank the EPA and the Biden Administration for this final rule and continuing to cut pollution from the transportation sector. Climate Mayors and C40 Cities look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to push for ambitious carbon reductions from transportation in cities while also providing low-cost mobility options and ensuring strong labor and job markets for residents.

The transportation sector accounts for 29% of GHG emissions nationally. This makes the transition to clean, zero emission vehicles critical to achieving our climate and air quality goals —particularly for the wellbeing of low-income communities and communities of color who historically bear a disproportionate burden from harmful air pollution. EPA’s final standards will strengthen federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars, reducing air pollutants, helping residents save on fuel and maintenance costs, and improving public health.

Local leaders have long been at the center of delivering innovative solutions to lower transportation emissions in their cities. Last year, 66 U.S. mayors and other local officials sent a letter to EPA Administrator Regan urging more stringent standards for both Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Vehicles. While these final LDV standards are vital to cutting pollution and cleaning up our air, more will need to be done to achieve our shared climate goals.

As we await a strong final rule on GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles that many of our members called for in February, we are excited to see the final LDV standards and know cities will continue to lead on implementing smart and equitable climate solutions.

“The EPA standards are a step in the right direction toward achieving progress in the green transition and improving air quality in communities,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “Many cities are taking ambitious steps toward decarbonizing our transportation systems, and with support from the Biden Administration, we can continue to build on crucial local momentum and deliver for generations to come.”

“Mayors across the United States are implementing exciting projects to cut transportation pollution, create jobs, and protect the health and safety of their residents,” said Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities. “The EPA’s new rule will accelerate the transition to clean, zero-emissions vehicles in every city, and provide critical national support for the local action that will create stronger and healthier communities for all.”

Statement: Climate Mayors Supports Final White House Guidance on Elective Pay for Clean Energy Tax Credits in the Inflation Reduction Act

March 5, 2024 – Today, President Biden released final guidance on elective pay (also known as “direct pay”) for clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. With billions of dollars in provisions available, the Inflation Reduction Act will supercharge progress toward an equitable, clean energy economy in cities across the country. Elective pay will enable tax exempt entities including state, local and Tribal governments, public utilities, rural electric cooperatives and non profit organizations to gain access to transformative clean energy tax credits—for the first time ever.

Climate Mayors is dedicated to ensuring that cities have access to the necessary support to actualize ambitious decarbonization plans, build out clean energy infrastructure, lower energy costs for consumers, and promote an equitable and resilient future. From electric vehicle charging infrastructure to solar power to building community wealth through renewable energy, these funds will be highly transformative for the speed and efficacy of the green transition. Now, with the final guidance, local leaders can leverage historic investments to their fullest potential, and take climate action further, faster.

We thank the Biden administration for once again showing unwavering support for city governments and taking into consideration our call for clear elective pay guidelines. Importantly, this final guidance resolves the concerns of many local leaders over the Fiscal Year hangover, by clarifying that any eligible entity who has never filed a tax return can declare the taxable year as the calendar year. With this update, local governments will be able to take full advantage of tax credits towards eligible clean energy projects. With support from the Biden Administration, we look forward to continuing to deploy critical clean energy programs across the nation.

“We’re glad to see the Biden Administration’s steadfast commitment to supporting local leaders in meeting and exceeding our nation’s climate goals,” said Climate Mayors Executive Director, Kate Wright. “Thanks to this final guidance on elective pay, our mayors are empowered to meet this historic moment, leverage tax benefits to support community needs, and bolster cleaner, greener, and more resilient communities for generations to come.”

About Climate Mayors:

Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on X and LinkedIn. For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com.

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

75 Mayors Urge President Biden to Finalize the Strongest Possible EPA Heavy Duty Vehicle Rules

As members of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 350 Mayors committed to climate action and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our cities, we write to urge this Administration to finalize the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strongest proposed rule for the GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 rule (HDV rule).

Our coalition believes that finalizing the EPA’s HDV rule will protect public health, address the climate crisis, and align with the heavy-duty vehicle industry’s commitment to transition to zero-emission vehicles. We know that transitioning from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to Electric Vehicles (EVs) results in cleaner air and positive public health benefits from improved air quality, reduced carbon emissions, and financial savings in terms of fuel and maintenance costs. Additionally, the EPA forecasts that depending on the vehicle type, their proposed rule would lead to 25-50% of new sales of HD vehicles being zero-emission in 2032. We must meet the moment and accelerate our efforts to pave the way for sustainable and systemic change.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Mayor Justin M. Bibb
Climate Mayors Chair
City of Cleveland, OH

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway
Climate Mayors Chair Emeritus
City of Madison, WI

Mayor Lauren McLean
Climate Mayors Vice-Chair
City of Boise, ID

PRESS RELEASE: Climate Mayors Urge Biden Administration to Finalize the Strongest Possible Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Reduce Pollution and Improve Air Quality for Cities

75 members of the Climate Mayors organization and Electrification Coalition urge President Biden to protect public health, address the climate crisis, and align with the heavy-duty vehicle industry’s commitment to transition to zero-emission vehicles

February 6, 2024 – Today, 75 members of Climate Mayors sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to finalize the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strongest proposed rule for the GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 rule (HDV rule). Climate Mayors across the US are already making innovative strides to decarbonize the transportation sector through the EV Purchasing Collaborative – a Partnership between Climate Mayors and the Electrification Coalition. Mayors are ready to support a strong final EPA rule that provides public health and climate benefits for their communities.

The proposed rule would accelerate the transition from larger Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to Electric Vehicles (EVs) – like trucks and buses – reducing carbon pollution, improving air quality, and cutting fuel and maintenance costs. The EPA forecasts, depending on the vehicle type, that their proposed rule would lead to 25-50% of new zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle sales by 2032. Additionally, electrification of heavy-duty vehicles is especially vital for the public health of low-income communities and communities of color, who are overburdened by the harmful pollution of heavy-duty trucks and buses..

Hundreds of communities and school districts are prepared to electrify transit and school buses, and many Climate Mayors cities across the country are already transitioning medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Simultaneously, business leaders and manufacturers are making unprecedented commitments to supply zero-emission trucks. With the transportation sector accounting for 29% of GHG emissions nationally, this transition is mission critical to meeting our national climate ambitions. Luckily, electrifying the dirtiest trucks and buses is possible in the very near term.

As the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) continue to support progress in zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing, consumer adoption, expansion of charging and fueling infrastructure, and more, the Biden Administration has the crucial opportunity now to align its deployments of IRA funds to support electric truck manufacturing and infrastructure expansion. The signatories of the letter emphasize that the time is now to accelerate the adoption of heavy-duty EVs and support the strongest proposed GHG standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3.

“The technology to transition medium and heavy-duty fleets is already here, and our cities are standing by, ready and eager to deliver the necessary infrastructure to fast track progress toward a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future for generations to come,” said Cleveland Mayor and Climate Mayors Chair, Justin M. Bibb. “It is essential that the Biden Administration finalize the strongest possible EPA rule for heavy-duty vehicles. A strong rule would mean cutting down on smog, soot, and carbon emissions in our cities and reducing air pollution that disproportionately impacts the health and well-being of communities of color.”

“Local leaders continue to be on the forefront of ensuring a climate ready future for our kids and grandkids and we need continued federal support,” said Boise Mayor and Climate Mayors Vice-Chair, Lauren McLean. “The proposed rule would help catalyze crucial progress toward that future, and we ask the Biden Administration to join us now in building the momentum to make it possible.”

“We have a historic opportunity to accelerate progress towards decarbonizing our transportation sector by supporting the strongest proposed emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles yet,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “We thank the Biden administration for considering our request to help support the heavy-duty vehicle industry in meeting its zero-emissions commitment.”

“Decarbonizing heavy-duty vehicles helps clean our air, improve public health, and save money. Madison has moved aggressively to reduce climate pollution from heavy duty vehicles in our fleet, but we need support from the federal government,” said Madison, WI Mayor and Climate Mayors Chair Emeritus, Satya Rhodes-Conway. “We hope that the Biden Administration will meet the moment with us, and help bring about a healthier, greener and more prosperous future in cities across the country.”

“Heavy-duty trucks create a disproportionate amount of emissions, particularly in our most marginalized communities, so we must enact the strongest possible emissions standards,” said Electrification Coalition Executive Director Ben Prochazka. “In doing so, we can accelerate freight electrification and finally end oil’s monopoly on freight vehicles. As the world shifts to electric transportation, we cannot fall behind other countries. The time is now to set strong standards, protect public health, and reduce our dependence on oil.”

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

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About Climate Mayors:

Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the climate mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on X and LinkedIn. For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com.

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

About Electrification Coalition:

About the Electrification Coalition: The Electrification Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes policies and actions to facilitate the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) on a mass scale to overcome the economic, public health and national security challenges that stem from America’s dependence on oil. ElectrificationCoalition.org

Media Contact: noah@electrification.org

Climate Mayors Takes COP28: Local Leaders on the Global Stage

Climate Mayors attended COP28 in Dubai, UAE, a crucial meeting of the minds to address the most pressing challenge of our time.

Our mayors’ participation in COP28 reflects a commitment to fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange to accelerate climate action. By engaging with the global community, we showcased successful strategies, learned from our counterparts, and advocated for increased support and resources to make urban areas more sustainable and equitable.

Subnational governments have proven to be key in achieving national and global climate goals. Our presence at COP28 allowed us to highlight the unique opportunities and challenges in American cities, showcasing the need for tailored solutions and funding to address climate change across different urban environments. By fostering international partnerships and demonstrating the power of local leadership, U.S. mayors contribute to the broader narrative of collective, bottom-up efforts to combat the climate crisis.

We’re proud to have participated in several engaging events across the conference – lending the mayoral perspective to transformative conversations:

In the Blue Zone, several member mayors spoke on the ‘Subnational Leaders Supercharging Climate Action Across America’ and ‘Bold Investment for a Brighter Future: States, Cities, and Businesses Delivering on the Promise of the Inflation Reduction Act’ panels. Alongside longtime climate leaders John Podesta and Gina McCarthy, Mayors Frank Cownie, Satya Rhodes-Conway, Andrew Ginther, and LaToya Cantrell discussed how they are progressing climate action in their communities, how they are collaborating with each other and other levels of government to get the work done and what else needs to happen to accelerate the work.
Over the weekend, we convened member mayors alongside C40, America Is All In and Bloomberg Philanthropies for a working breakfast to promote cross-regional learning and local climate action.
Climate Mayors was also present at dozens of bilateral meetings throughout the weeks. Participating in high level convenings on topics such as multilevel action, subnational leadership, urbanization, international solutions, women in energy, LEED building certification, and transportation policy helped deepen relationships with key stakeholders and thought leaders, broaden our knowledge on multi-sectoral issues, and advocate for the role of cities in the climate fight.
During the Bloomberg Philanthropies and COP28 Presidency Local Climate Action Summit (LCAS), leaders engaged in substantive conversations about concrete actions and strategies to enhance multi-level partnerships to accelerate global climate progress.
At LCAS, Climate Mayors and other subnational leaders celebrated the launch of the Coalition for High Ambition Multi-Level Partnerships (CHAMP) created by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the COP28 Presidency to empower local and regional leaders in the creation and execution of ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) currently endorsed by 66 governments.

By aligning local, state, and national strategies, the U.S. mayors aim to create a more holistic and integrated approach to climate action, ultimately contributing to the global effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a sustainable future for all. We look forward to carrying our learnings and this electrifying energy from the conference into our 2024 course of action.

Signed,

Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison, WI and Climate Mayors Chair

Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors