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

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

Climate Mayors, C40, and Urban Sustainability Directors Network Release New Paper Detailing How Partnership and Collaboration Can Maximize the Impact of Federal Climate Investments

Today, we’re excited to announce the release of the new Climate Mayors, C40, and Urban Sustainability Directors Network paper: Maximizing the Impact of Federal Climate Investments: The Unique Role of Cities. City governments are uniquely positioned to drive progress on climate action because they are the most directly connected to residents, and are nimble enough to innovate and test solutions that can scale. This new paper details how cities are key to meeting climate targets and the additional support needed to optimize the unprecedented opportunity provided through federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.

There is a unique opportunity for local governments to collaborate on implementation, but there are considerable challenges to realizing the potential of BIL and IRA funding. However, other actors – the federal government, states and state agencies, the philanthropic community, and climate advocates – have the chance to take action to empower cities to unleash the full potential of federal funding. 

The paper was developed by C40 Cities, Climate Mayors, and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network as part of their partnership to support cities to access and implement funding made available through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in order to advance ambitious climate action. Together, we will ensure that cities are ready to meet the moment.

Read the paper in its entirety HERE.

City-Climate Coalition Appropriations Letter

As members of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 350 mayors committed to climate action; the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), a coalition of local government sustainability practitioners representing more than 280 communities; C40 cities, a network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities, including 14 cities in the United States; the U.S. Conference of Mayors, representing over 1,400 cities with populations of 30,000 or more; and the National League of Cities, representing 19,000 cities, towns and villages nationwide, we urge Congressional leaders to move forward with final passage of a clean FY24 spending bill with zero cuts to the investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that are already working to support local economies and creating good jobs.

Cities across America have long demonstrated that economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand – and now, our federal government can show the world that investments in a just and clean energy economy are investments in the future of our workforce, the well-being of generations, and the resilience of our infrastructure and public spaces. This moment demands that we accelerate our efforts to drive ambitious, systemic change.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Kate Wright
Executive Director
Climate Mayors

Cynthia McCoy
Director, Federal Engagement
Urban Sustainability Directors Network

Clarence E. Anthony
CEO & Executive Director
National League of Cities

Laura Jay
Regional Director, North America
C40 Cities

Tom Cochran
CEO & Executive Director
The U.S. Conference of Mayors

Climate Mayors Elective Pay Feedback Letter

We thank the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (together, Treasury) for providing this opportunity to comment on Treasury’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR or proposed rule)¹ providing additional guidance on the Elective Payment of Applicable Credits established under Section 6417 of the Internal Revenue Code, as added by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. The undersigned Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 350 Mayors, believe the intentions of elective pay will be truly transformative for cities and appreciate Treasury considering integrating these recommendations into the final guidance.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein here.

Signed,

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

Mayor Kate Gallego
City of Phoenix, AZ
Climate Mayors Vice Chair

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

 

Steering Committee Members

Mayor Michael P Cahill
City of Beverly, MA

Mayor LaToya Cantrell
City of New Orleans, LA

Mayor Jane Castor
City of Tampa, FL

Mayor Andre Dickens
City of Atlanta, GA

Mayor Jacob Frey
City of Minneapolis, MN

Mayor Craig Greenberg
City of Louisville, KY

Mayor James Hovland
City of Edina, MN

Mayor Lioneld Jordan
City of Fayetteville, AR

Mayor Indya Kincannon
City of Knoxville, TN

Mayor Lauren McLean
City of Boise, ID

Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr.
City of Dayton, OH

Mayor Ron Nirenberg
City of San Antonio, TX

Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann
City of Columbia, SC

Mayor Regina Romero
City of Tucson, AZ

Mayor Lucy Vinis
City of Eugene, OR

Mayor Michelle Wu
City of Boston, MA

 

Climate Mayors Membership

Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
City of Alameda, CA

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird
City of Lincoln, NE

Mayor Lisa Batey
Milwaukie, OR

Mayor Angela Birney
City of Redmond, WA 

Mayor Daniel Biss
City of Evanston, IL

Mayor Rick Blangiardi
City and County of Honolulu, HI

Mayor Noam Bramson
City of New Rochelle, NY

Mayor Paul Brodeur
City of Melrose, MA

Mayor Barbara Buffaloe
City of Columbia, MO

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
Miami-Dade County, FL

Mayor Paige G. Cognetti
Scranton, PA

Mayor Chance Cutrano
Town of Fairfax, CA

Mayor Gleam Davis
City of Santa Monica, CA

Mayor John Giles
City of Mesa, AZ

Mayor Bruce Harrell
City of Seattle, WA

Mayor Jordan Hess
City of Missoula, MT

Mayor Brandon Johnson
Chicago, IL 

Mayor Cavalier Johnson
City of Milwaukee, WI

Mayor Emily Larson
City of Duluth, MN

Mayor Heidi Leub
City of Tigard, OR

Mayor Matt Mahan
City of San Jose, CA

Mayor Steve Noble
City of Kingston, NY

Mayor John Ortega
Village of Questa, NM

Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard
City of Mount Vernon, NY

Mayor Mary Lou Pauly
City of Issaquah, WA

President Senta Plunkett
Village of Wilmette, IL

Mayor Thomas M. Roach
City of White Plains, NY

Mayor Talisha Searcy
City of Takoma Park, MD

Mayor Damon Seils
Town of Carrboro, NC

Mayor Gamal Sherif
Borough of Rutledge, PA

Mayor Christopher Taylor
City of Ann Arbor, MI

Mayor Alan Webber
City of Santa Fe, NM

Mayor Miro Weinberger
City of Burlington, VT

 

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Statement: Climate Mayors Celebrates the One-Year Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and Looks Ahead to Elevated Climate Action in Cities Across America

One year ago today, President Biden signed the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law delivering billions of dollars in grants, incentives, and tax breaks to help make cities more sustainable and equitable. We’re celebrating this year of climate progress by highlighting the hundreds of millions of dollars already won by member cities since the passage of the IRA as well as from other climate investments included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and (BIL) and American Rescue Plan (ARPA). 

These historic investments in climate action will increase energy security through clean power generation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs for families, and support inclusive career training programs and new green jobs that will help workers put food on the table and care for their families. 

With more federal funding available than ever, Climate Mayors is excited by the promise of accelerated climate progress in cities across America and ready to get to work on implementing these ambitious programs. Together, with local leaders lighting the path forward, the future of public health, safety, and sustainability is bright. We know that cities are uniquely positioned and skilled to deliver the benefits of the IRA, and we’re excited to support them along the way.

“Today we celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act and President Biden’s commitment to advancing climate action. For a decade Climate Mayors have been leading the way on climate ambition. Now, fueled by federal investments, cities are turbocharging their climate initiatives and catalyzing collective progress towards meeting U.S. climate goals. As an organization we are supporting mayors in meeting this unprecedented moment and delivering on the promise of a more equitable and sustainable future. ” – Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director

“The Inflation Reduction Act is helping to take climate action in Madison to new heights. Our community will be benefiting from cleaner electric vehicles and renewable energy, and both homeowners and renters will see expanded access to home energy efficiency and the utility bill savings that it generates. All while helping grow the green workforce in Wisconsin. The IRA makes impactful climate solutions accessible. We’re pleased to recognize the one year anniversary of this historic legislation and look ahead to the many successes to come.” – Mayor Rhodes-Conway of Madison, Climate Mayors Chair 

“Phoenix is addressing the impacts of climate change head on, from advancing heat mitigation strategies to pioneering new solutions to protect our water resources. This milestone investment will help us raise the bar like never before. Known as the “electric valley” and for our spirit of innovation, we’re embracing the opportunities provided by this federal support to modernize our infrastructure and capitalize on job creation potential. The issues faced by communities across the country demand alignment from all levels of government, and the Inflation Reduction Act provides Phoenix with renewed ability to meet the moment with urgency and creativity.” – Mayor Gallego of Phoenix, Climate Mayors Vice-Chair

“Cities cannot fight climate change alone. Green transportation-oriented development through the use of bike lanes and ramping up neighborhood accessibility to public transit are among the goals we intend to achieve thanks to the funding released through the Inflation Reduction Act. Further, we’re implementing solar power on the roofs of low-income housing to make energy both accessible and affordable. We celebrate the one year anniversary of the IRA and look forward to continuing to harness its potential in order to uplift communities and empower them to take full advantage of the sustainable provisions and incentives on the table for them.” – Mayor Bibb of Cleveland, Climate Mayors Vice-Chair

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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.

Statement from Climate Mayors Supporting New White House Guidance on Direct Pay for Tax Credits in the Historic Inflation Reduction Act

June 14, 2023 – Today, President Biden released initial guidance on direct pay for tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. The historic bill includes billions of dollars in provisions that help address the climate crisis and move the country towards a clean energy economy. Direct pay is a critical mechanism for tax exempt entities like non profit organizations, state, local and Tribal governments, public utilities, and rural electric cooperatives to gain access to clean energy tax credits for the first time. 

With transformative incentives such as tax credits now being made available through the bill, Climate Mayors is keen on ensuring cities have access to as much support as possible to continue decarbonizing, electrifying and adapting in the face of climate change.

Our member cities are thrilled to receive this guidance as they have ambitious plans for using the credits to support various programs and projects to lower energy costs for consumers, advance renewable energy deployment, and advance environmental justice. From electric vehicle charging infrastructure to solar power to widespread building electrification, these funds will be highly transformative for the speed and efficacy of the green transition at large. With this support and guidance from the White House, clean energy financing can be transformed and accelerated for cities across the country. Our Mayors aim to use direct pay to take climate action plans further and faster than ever.

Climate Mayors thanks the Biden administration for providing useful guidance on direct pay for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and continuing to factor in public and stakeholder needs when creating guidance. This attention to accessibility ensures that cities and municipalities will be able to utilize and amplify investments to their fullest potential. Together, we will raise the bar on clean energy advancement across the nation.

“Once again, the Biden Administration has reinforced its commitment to meeting our nation’s climate goals,” said Madison Mayor and Climate Mayors Chair, Satya Rhodes-Conway. “With this new guidance, Climate Mayors members are prepared to meet the moment and deliver a greener, cleaner future. In Madison and across the country, local leaders are switching to renewable energy, investing in clean transportation, and creating good, green jobs in the process. We are grateful to the administration for its continued support in ensuring that cities can take full advantage of this historic climate funding.”

“The guidance shared today from the White House demonstrates that the Biden Administration continues to deliver to meet local needs,” said Phoenix Mayor and Climate Mayors Vice-Chair, Kate Gallego. “It is imperative for governments to incentivize the clean energy transition to ensure climate targets are met, and this administration has prioritized accessibility to maximize impact.”

“The Biden Administration and Inflation Reduction Act continue to break down barriers for local leaders to implement critical climate forward infrastructure,” said Cleveland Mayor and Climate Mayors Vice-Chair, Justin Bibb. “The direct pay guidance further uplifts Cleveland’s – and the nation’s – efforts in growing our clean energy economy by opening the doors to folks previously under the radar. A true good faith investment in equitable access across the board.”

“The guidance and support provided by the Biden Administration today is a crucial step in our continued progress toward a clean-powered, resilient future for Americans,” said Houston Mayor and Climate Mayors Chair Emeritus, Sylvester Turner. “Through direct pay, local leaders can supercharge clean energy projects in our communities to make impactful strides toward climate and clean energy goals.”

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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 Twitter and LinkedIn. For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

 

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.”