Climate Mayors Announces New Membership & Communication Manager to Support Communication Around City-Led Climate Initiatives

Rachel Paris Joins Climate Mayors as Membership & Communication Manager to provide research and communications insight to empower city-level climate action.

October 13, 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 appointment of Rachel Paris as its new Membership & Communication Manager.

Paris joins Climate Mayors from Climate Action Campaign (CAC), where she spearheaded communications projects to support grassroots climate action initiatives. Prior to her position at CAC, Rachel held several research and strategic communications roles across the federal policy and advocacy space at American Bridge 21st Century (AB21). Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Yale University.

“After several years of advocacy work at the federal level, I am so excited for the opportunity to work with our Climate Mayors to show we can govern with the urgency the climate crisis requires, ” said Paris. “I’m especially thrilled to work with local leaders, as cities will play a critical role in delivering the full potential of the recently passed climate and infrastructure bills.”

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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

Climate Mayors Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act Celebration Ceremony

After Climate Mayors gathered at the White House to celebrate the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, Climate Mayors Chair Sylvester Turner and Co-Chair Kate Gallego issued the following statement:

“It was great to hear from fellow mayors, President Biden, Vice President Harris and others how the Inflation Reduction Act can help us achieve our climate targets and become a model for cities around the country,” said Mayor of Houston, TX and Climate Mayors Chair Sylvester Turner “Climate Mayors and respective cities alike face unique challenges presented by the climate crisis. At last we have the federal resources to confront these threats head on and shape a sustainable, safe and equitable future for our communities.”

Phoenix Mayor and Climate Mayors Co-Chair Kate Gallego adds, “cities have been on the frontlines of the climate crisis for decades, so the passage of this historic legislation could not have come soon enough. Climate Mayors thanks President Biden and Senator Schumer for bringing this bill to pass, and we look forward to the bright future of climate solutions, lower energy bills, and job creation to come. As the celebration concludes, the work starts now.”

Climate Mayors Statement on the Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act

In response to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Climate Mayors Chair and Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner issued the following statement:

“The Inflation Reduction Act is the biggest investment by Congress to address and accelerate climate action in U.S history, and a massive victory for cities and towns around the country. At last, local leaders will be granted the influx of tools and resources needed to combat the climate crisis, create jobs, and address environmental injustice in our communities.

Mayors have long been at the frontlines of the climate crisis, doing what we can to move our communities and country closer to the Paris Agreement goals. This bill will be an incredible boost to those efforts. The funding outlined in this bill will allow cities around the country to bolster their clean energy capacity, restore manufacturing jobs, lower energy costs, and address pollution in marginalized communities.

This legislation comes not a moment too soon as our cities grapple with extreme heat and an impending hurricane season that grows more devastating with each passing year. Thank you to President Biden, Senator Schumer, and leaders in the Senate and House for working tirelessly to get this bill across the finish line. There’s more to do, but help is finally on the way, and we look forward to shaping the clean energy economy of the future.”

Open Letter from Climate Mayors Leadership on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer,

We, the leadership of Climate Mayors, a network of more than 500 U.S. mayors across the country committed to climate leadership and progress in cities, write urging you to act swiftly to pass the Inflation Reduction Act and deliver critical climate and clean energy investments to communities around the country.

While we await bold federal climate action, our cities, frontline communities, and other overburdened communities have had their lives, livelihoods, and homes threatened by the impacts of the climate crisis. This landmark piece of legislation will finally provide local leaders with the resources and tools to implement cleaner, more sustainable, and more equitable climate solutions. Cities have made tremendous climate progress in recent years but we can only go so far – this legislation will ensure our country delivers on our climate commitments to the American people and the world.

Passing legislation in Congress remains the surest and most durable path to giving local communities the necessary support to reduce pollution, create jobs, and build clean, affordable infrastructure.

Any delay in the passage of the IRA will only exacerbate the problems our cities face because of the climate crisis. We cannot let this opportunity for tangible climate action pass us by.

Signed,

Sylvester Turner

Mayor, City of Houston

Kate Gallego

Mayor, City of Phoenix

Satya Rhodes-Conway

Mayor, City of Madison

Climate Mayors Network Announces New Steering Committee Members to Strengthen City Climate Action

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

Climate Mayors Statement on the Proposed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

In response to the announcement of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Climate Mayors Chair and Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner issued the following statement:

“The proposed Inflation Reduction Act 2022 is a historic advancement for climate and clean energy in the United States. For years, mayors, governors, activists, businesses, and the scientific community have sounded the alarm for bold climate legislation at the federal level. At last, that day has arrived.

“This bill will provide the necessary funding to advance clean energy projects around the country, clean up communities impacted by decades of pollution, help everyday consumers save on their energy expenses, and create millions of jobs. Federal investments in climate and clean energy will finally provide local leaders with the resources and tools to implement their vision for cleaner, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. Cities have made tremendous climate progress in recent years but we can only go so far – this legislation will help ensure our country delivers on our climate commitments to the world.

“Congress must not delay in passing this landmark investment in our clean energy and economic future. The Senate and House must take this bill up swiftly – we cannot wait any longer.”

Statement from Climate Mayors on Biden Administration’s Executive Climate Actions

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.

Statements From Climate Mayors Co-Chairs in Response to Supreme Court Ruling on West Virginia v. EPA

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

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

Climate Mayors Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision in West Virginia v. EPA

(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

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

Climate Mayors Gather in Reno for Leadership Forum on Local Climate Action

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