New members will support committee in continuing to catalyze local climate action among Climate Mayors’ 500+ network members

AUGUST 2, 2022 – Today, Climate Mayors, the network of more than 500 U.S. mayors across the country committed to climate leadership and progress in their cities, announced the addition of eight new Steering Committee members to serve as critical voices within the Climate Mayors network and across the country — highlighting urgent and essential climate leadership occuring in cities throughout the United States. The new members of the Steering Committee are: Justin Bibb, Cleveland, OH; Ed Gainey, Pittsburgh, PA; Indya Kincannon, Knoxville, TN; Lauren McLean, Boise, ID; Jeffrey Mims Jr., Dayton, OH; Daniel Rickenmann, Columbia, SC; and Michelle Wu, Boston, MA. 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.

These eight mayors join the Steering Committee with returning members: Tim Keller, Albuquerque, NM; Steve Adler, Austin, TX; Michael Cahill, Beverly, MA; Jim Brainard, Carmel, IN; Mary Casillas Salas, Chula Vista, CA; Eric Johnson, Dallas, TX; Frank Cownie, Des Moines, IA; Jim Hovland, Edina, MN; Lucy Vinis, Eugene, OR; Lioneld Jordan,  Fayetteville, AR; Sylvester Turner,  Houston, TX; Greg Fischer, Louisville, KY; Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles, CA; Satya Rhodes-Conway,  Madison, WI; Jacob Frey,  Minneapolis, MN; LaToya Cantrell,  New Orleans, LA; Buddy Dyer, Orlando, FL; Kate Gallego, Phoenix, AZ; Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio, TX; Jane Castor, Tampa, FL; and Regina Romero, Tucson, AZ.

The Steering Committee works alongside the Climate Mayors’ Chair, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Co-Chairs, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway to continue driving city-led climate action to create more sustainable, equitable, and healthy cities for all. With the addition of these new members, the Steering Committee will continue to catalyze membership and more deeply engage their regions, in addition to showcasing how Climate Mayors are addressing and preparing for climate impacts in cities across the US.

“Cities experience the impacts of climate change firsthand — and local leaders are central to supporting the solutions that will create more climate resilient and equitable communities for the future,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “While climate policy stalls at the federal level, cities know we cannot afford to waste time. We must take climate action into our own hands — and the Climate Mayors Steering Committee will lead us.”

“Mayors have long been at the frontline of bold climate and emissions reductions efforts — and our Steering Committee mayors are leading this effort both within our network and in their own communities. We are thrilled to have the support of these new members working towards a brighter future for all,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

“As mayors, we know from experience that climate impacts us all. Whether red or blue, big or small, all cities are facing these impacts,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “In the face of this challenge, our strength is derived from our diversity of experience. I look forward to working with these new members as we continue to tackle the greatest and most pressing challenge of our time.”

Following former President Donald Trump’s announcement of his plans to withdraw the U.S. from the landmark Paris Agreement in 2017, more than 300 mayors joined the Climate Mayors coalition and pledged to continue working toward meeting the goals of the Agreement within their cities. The bipartisan network has since grown to over 500 mayors, representing cities ranging in size and region — demonstrating the overwhelming support for climate action among the vast majority of Americans.

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About Climate Mayors

Representing over 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of over 500 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014 by 3 mayors, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in June 2017. Climate Mayors is committed to accelerating equitable climate action to help each member city achieve their climate goals, while working together city-to-city, with states, and the Biden administration to increase national climate ambition. For more information, please visit https://climatemayors.org/ and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

climatemayors@fgsglobal.com 

 

Washington, DC (July 20, 2022) – Today, following President Joe Biden’s announcement that his administration would be taking steps to address extreme heat and expand wind power, Climate Mayors’ Chair Mayor Sylvester Turner released the following statement: 

“We thank President Biden for his actions today — both to aid the communities most affected by extreme heat with immediate relief and financial support, as well as to expand our country’s renewable energy infrastructure and ensure affordable, reliable energy in the longer-term. 

“While the Senate delays critical federal climate legislation, frontline and other overburdened communities continue to have their lives, livelihoods, and homes threatened by climate impacts. As the responsibility to deliver results is once again passed to cities, states, businesses, and non-federal institutions, we know that is not enough – bold, federal action is essential to meet our climate targets and mitigate the worst climate impacts. We must act with a unified purpose to rein in emissions and rapidly scale-up clean energy to ensure a just transition for all.

“Today’s actions from the Biden Administration are a welcome step and we urge them to take any other feasible measures to reduce the burden of climate on our communities and build a more equitable, resilient future for all Americans.”

 

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About Climate Mayors

Representing over 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of 474 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014 by 3 mayors, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in June 2017. Climate Mayors is committed to accelerating equitable climate action to help each member city achieve their climate goals, while working together city-to-city, with states, and the Biden administration to increase national climate ambition. For more information, please visit WWW.CLIMATEMAYORS.ORG.

June 30, 2022: Today, the Co-Chairs of Climate Mayors released the following statements in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of West Virginia v. EPA:

Mayor of Houston, TX and Climate Mayors Chair Sylvester Turner:

“The Supreme Court’s decision is a significant blow to our nation’s ability to combat the climate crisis and protect the health of our most vulnerable communities. But as we have done time and again, local leaders will continue to step in to fill the void and cut emissions, prioritize public health, and ensure environmental justice for all. We urge Congress to support us and to act swiftly to protect community health and our collective climate.” 

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

“This is familiar territory for mayors. We have long been at the frontline of emissions reductions efforts and have no intention of slowing down. Meeting the scope and scale of the climate crisis will require actions at every level of government and we hope this decision inspires Congress to act swiftly to pass vital climate legislation.”

 Mayor of Phoenix, AZ and Climate Mayors Co-Chair Kate Gallego: 

“This disappointing decision is a clear signal that local leaders will need to lead the charge for meaningful action to cut emissions. We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our communities and environment and urge Congress to take the much-needed and long-delayed steps to get federal climate legislation over the finish line.”   

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About Climate Mayors

Representing over 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of 474 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014 by 3 mayors, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in June 2017. Climate Mayors is committed to accelerating equitable climate action to help each member city achieve their climate goals, while working together city-to-city, with states, and the Biden administration to increase national climate ambition. For more information, please visit WWW.CLIMATEMAYORS.ORG.

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

 

(June 30, 2022) Today, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director Kate Wright released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in West Virginia v. EPA:

“Today’s ruling from the Supreme Court is a major loss for the United States and our efforts to support climate-resilient and sustainable communities. Cities are on the front lines of the climate crisis and are often the first to feel the effects of dirtier air and unrestrained industries. Many cities like Houston, Phoenix, Madison, Boise, Augusta, Maui, Cleveland, and New Orleans are already taking action to meet ambitious goals to reduce emissions and promote cleaner, more equitable communities. But while mayors are taking bold measures to decrease pollution, their actions alone are not enough. Addressing climate impacts requires reducing emissions in every sector of our economy, across every segment of society—and robust legislative and policy support will be critical to reaching our climate goals and protecting city residents.”

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About Climate Mayors

Representing over 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of 474 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014 by 3 mayors, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in June 2017. Climate Mayors is committed to accelerating equitable climate action to help each member city achieve their climate goals, while working together city-to-city, with states, and the Biden administration to increase national climate ambition. For more information, please visit WWW.CLIMATEMAYORS.ORG.

 

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

 

Group released declaration affirming their support for local and state action to reduce emissions and pollution

(Reno, NV – June 6, 2022) Last week, Climate Mayors from cities and towns around the country gathered in Reno, NV for the Climate Mayors Leadership Forum. In partnership with C40 Cities, the forum brought together local leaders, Biden Administration officials, and policy experts to share ideas, demonstrate best practices, and celebrate advancements in local climate action and the Cities Race to Zero. At the close of the Forum, the mayors released a declaration of their collective commitment to expand electric vehicles in their cities.

“Cities are at the forefront of the climate crisis and mayors across the United States are coming together here to tell our stories, and learn from one another in investing in clean energy, greening our economies, and creating more sustainable and resilient communities,” said Houston, TX mayor and Climate Mayors Chair, Sylvester Turner. “I am looking forward to our continued partnership with C40 Cities and USCM for this meeting to prioritize the work we are doing.”

“It was a pleasure bringing together this group of local climate champions to exchange ideas and chart a path towards a clean, resilient and equitable future,” said Climate Mayors Executive Director, Kate Wright. “Mayors are on the ground confronting the everyday challenges posed by the climate crisis. With the support of the federal government, they are the ones best positioned to confront those challenges.”

“The Climate Mayors Leadership Forum was an exciting opportunity to hear from fellow mayors and officials from the Biden Administration,” said Phoenix, AZ mayor and Climate Mayors Co-Chair Kate Gallego. “Mayors represent a diverse array of communities— each with unique challenges and opportunities— but the lessons learned from each other are invaluable to keep our communities on track to meet our urgent climate goals in the race to a zero-carbon future.”

“I am thankful the Climate Mayors network was able to bring this tremendous group of leaders together to tackle one of the most significant challenges facing our communities and planet,” said Madison, WI mayor and Climate Mayors Co-Chair Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Local leaders know all too well that climate change is impacting lives right now. Fortunately, we have Mayors around the country stepping up to shape a sustainable future for generations to come.’

“C40 is honored to continue to be a partner with Climate Mayors on this critical event,” said Laura Jay, Regional Director for North America at C40 Cities. “The Climate Mayors Leadership Forums provides the opportunity for US mayors to discuss their climate challenges and share innovative solutions that are being deployed in cities. These past two years have shown us more than ever how important it is for mayors to learn from each other in the face of challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change. We’re happy to continue our work with Climate Mayors to help great healthier, sustainable, and equitable cities across the country.”

During the forum, mayors engaged in dialogue with administration officials to highlight city-level climate priorities and how funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can aid in those efforts. Mayors also held a discussion with Matt Petersen, President & CEO of Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and Climate Mayor Board Chair, and Nick DePorter, Sr. Lead Manager of Public Policy and Economic Graph at LinkedIn on generating green jobs in their communities. The forum concluded with Mayor Justin Bibb, of Cleveland Mayor LaToya Cantrell, of New Orleans, Mayor Lauren McLean, of Boise, Mayor Hardie Davis Jr., of Augusta, Mayor Steve Adler, of Austin, and Mayor Michael Victorino, of Maui sharing case studies from their cities to highlight building resilience, achieving carbon neutrality, and electrifying municipal vehicle fleets.

About Climate Mayors

Representing over 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of 474 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014 by 3 mayors, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in June 2017. Climate Mayors is committed to accelerating equitable climate action to help each member city achieve their climate goals, while working together city-to-city, with states, and the Biden administration to increase national climate ambition. For more information, please visit WWW.CLIMATEMAYORS.ORG.

 

Resolution follows Climate Mayors Leadership Forum in Reno where city leaders focused on sharing ambitious solutions at local level

June 6, 2022 — Today, Climate Mayors released a declaration supporting states’ rights to advance electrification through fuel economy standards after city leaders gathered in Reno for the Climate Mayors Leadership Forum last week. Climate Mayors asserted its unwavering support for the mayors of New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, and the 19 states that have taken legal action to support states’ rights to set stronger emission regulations. The declaration follows the challenge to California’s decision to set its own auto emission standards, which, if repealed, would increase greenhouse gas emissions and worsen air pollution. 

Climate Mayors is focused on addressing the largest sources of emissions and pollution in U.S. cities. Recognizing the transportation sector as the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, Climate Mayors launched their EV Purchasing Collaborative in 2018 to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. The Collaborative has helped cities convert municipal fleets by leveraging the collective buying power of cities to increase EV affordability and access across the country.

Specifically, the declaration states that Climate Mayors:

1. Agrees with member mayors in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC— along with the 19 states who all filed a motion to intervene— that California has the right to regulate auto emissions, and that is key to reducing emissions which impact disadvantaged communities the most while helping make EVs more accessible, affordable, and available for everyone.
2. Supports the renewal and expansion of federal tax credits for EVs, and urges Congress to act.
3. Supports state plans for EV corridor charging funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that includes: investments in disadvantaged and underserved communities first, EV charging stations designed as multi-modal hubs; Public charging infrastructure; and rewarding states, regions, and cities that pass policies and implement programs to improve affordability of EV ownership and access.

Full text of the declaration can be found below.

CLIMATE MAYORS EV DECLARATION

We, the Climate Mayors, are 485 mayors strong, both Democrats and Republicans from 48 states committed to equitable climate action. Given that the transportation sector represents the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and, in many of our communities, the largest source of air pollution— we are committed to accelerating transportation electrification.

Many Climate Mayors members have been advancing the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in municipal fleets, installing public EV charging, prioritizing shared mobility along with active and public transit. We are also working together to support the growth and development of the EV market.  In 2018, Climate Mayors launched an EV Purchasing Collaborative which has expanded from city governments to include county governments, transit agencies, port authorities, colleges and universities. Collectively, we have committed to purchasing over 4,000 EVs. The Collaborative is an unprecedented cooperation of Climate Mayors cities to leverage their collective buying power and accelerate the conversion of municipal fleets to electric—sending a powerful signal to the global car market and helping America to maintain its commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. 

Reducing urban transportation emissions and improving local air quality depends on local action, aligned state laws, and strong federal standards. 

Since 1968 when California was granted its first Clean Air Act waiver A lawsuit was filed recently in the U.S. Court of Appeals against California’s waiver which allows it to implement its own greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and light trucks that other states can also adopt and enforce., emissions have dropped significantly within the state and the seventeen states that have chosen to adopt its standards.The lawsuit filed against California’s waiver in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by Ohio and 16 other states would increase greenhouse gas emissions— contributing to climate change and inviting threats such as extreme heat, sea-level rise, and worsened air pollution— and increase criteria and toxic pollutants, leading to immediate and acute public health threats. 

As Climate Mayors, we:

1. Agree with our member mayors in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC— along with the 19 states who all filed a motion to intervene— that California has the right to regulate auto emissions, and that is key to reducing emissions which impact disadvantaged communities the most while helping make EVs more accessible, affordable, and available for everyone.
2. Support the renewal and expansion of federal tax credits for EVs, and urge Congress to act.
3. Support state plans for EV corridor charging funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that includes:

• • Investment in disadvantaged and underserved communities first in frontline and fenceline communities next to highways and near ports, airports, and other industrial sites linked to the nationwide highway network. 

• • EV charging stations designed as multi-modal hubs that are convenient, safe, and compatible with the movement of people across all modes of transportation, including public transit, sited in locations where the density and land use are consistent with multiple forms of activity and mobility.

• • Public charging infrastructure at city libraries or public parks offers access and convenience for city residents, as well as for city government employees driving fleet vehicles. Installing charging infrastructure within multi-unit dwellings and housing authority properties improves equity of access to electric mobility.

• • Rewarding states, regions, and cities that pass policies and implement programs to improve affordability of EV ownership and access. 

Climate Mayors will continue to take significant steps to advance equitable climate action in our cities and reduce emissions from cars— including electrifying transportation, increasing investments in public transit and active transportation, and expanding shared zero emissions mobility solutions. We will also advocate for state and federal policy to support cities— together in partnership we can improve the health and sustainability of our communities and address the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. 

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About Climate Mayors

Representing over 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of 474 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014 by 3 mayors, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in June 2017. Climate Mayors is committed to accelerating equitable climate action to help each member city achieve their climate goals, while working together city-to-city, with states, and the Biden administration to increase national climate ambition. For more information, please visit WWW.CLIMATEMAYORS.ORG.