President Trump may be quitting the Paris accord on climate change — but forcing the rest of the nation to go along with him is proving more of a challenge.
News and Updates
Climate Mayors Hosts Houston Mayor Turner, San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg, and Austin Mayor Steve Adler for Dialogue About a Sustainable and Just Economic Recovery
The livestream panel was the second in the Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery, an event series running through the fall with leaders in different regions across the U.S.
Watch the full discussion HERE.
September 2, 2020 – Today, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Austin Mayor Steve Adler, and San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg participated in a panel discussion as part of the Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery. The event convened like-minded institutions, partners, and policy makers for a discussion about successful climate initiatives in Texas and ways that the panelists have collaborated to advance climate action both locally and nationally. Today’s conversation was the second in a Climate Mayors event series advocating for national leadership to prioritize recovery policies that are environmentally sustainable and socially just in the time of COVID-19. It was moderated by journalist Evan Smith, CEO and co-founder of The Texas Tribune.
“Now more than ever, mayors across the country are prioritizing a transition to a more sustainable, equitable and resilient economy — it is time our federal government do the same,” said Climate Mayors Co-Chair Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Houston has seen firsthand how human-induced crises, like climate change and the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, can devastate communities and disproportionately harm our most vulnerable populations. With a sustainable recovery, we can confront environmental injustice, protect our communities, and pull our country out of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. For the future of Texas, we must meet this moment and invest in a sustainable future, and I’m proud to be in great company with my fellow Texan mayors who are doing just that.”
“Climate change is perhaps the defining challenge of our time. We must meet this challenge in ways that reflect the immediacy and extent of the crisis,” said Climate Mayors Steering Committee member Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “This is most true as it impacts our communities of color. They face disparities generally — and ones uniquely associated with climate change. We will use every tool we have to fight at the nexus of systemic inequities and climate change."
“As Mayor of the 7th largest city in the nation, I am committed to ensuring the health and well-being of our residents. Being proactive about climate change in Texas means that we consider how extreme heat and severe storms affect our economy, infrastructure, workforce, and the families who call San Antonio home,” said Climate Mayors Steering Committee member San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “This is particularly important now while we are faced with addressing COVID-19, a recession, and systemic racism, our recovery must support our efforts to address the unfolding climate crisis. At the local level, we are proactively implementing policies, programs, and projects and embracing new technology to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. We are focused on reducing energy and transportation consumption, advancing the circular economy, and promoting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. So that our residents feel empowered to participate in the conversation, we have established climate advisory committees and a Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for Climate Initiatives. Hearing all voices and perspectives is essential for a just, equitable and green recovery.”
Later events in the Climate Mayors series will highlight policies and initiatives undertaken by climate leaders in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions, as well as a nationally-focused discussion in October. Mayors and their partners will highlight how environmental initiatives can help stimulate local economies, create jobs, improve public health, and reduce carbon emissions in the wake of COVID-19. They will also discuss the ways that their sustainability policies prioritize frontline communities and communities of color, who are more likely to be affected by pollution and the negative impacts of climate change. “It’s become increasingly clear that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue — it is intrinsically tied to our public health, our economies, our national security, our housing, and our infrastructure,” said James Ritchotte, Director of Climate Mayors. “As seen by the recent wildfires in California and the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura in the Gulf, climate change is already here. In Texas and around the country, mayors are committed to climate-focused solutions that create good-paying jobs while prioritizing public health and racial justice. Houston, Austin and San Antonio have served as examples of climate leadership, and they’ll continue to lead the way in building an economy that is better than the one we leave behind.”
The first event in the series occurred July 23 and included Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin, and US Representative Kathy Castor, Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. Watch the first event in the series here.
For more Information on upcoming events in Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery, please visit www.climatemayors.org.
About Climate Mayors: Representing over 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of 464 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Climate Mayors commit to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Martin J. Walsh (Boston). For more information, visit www.climatemayors.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Media Contact: Melody Meyer, mmeyer@bpimedia.com; Grace Hemming, ghemming@bpimedia.com
Orlando Mayor Dyer, Miami Mayor Suarez, Columbia Mayor Benjamin and US Rep. Castor Speak About a Sustainable and Just Economic Recovery
The livestream panel was the first in the Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery, an event series running through the fall with leaders in different regions across the U.S.
Watch the full panel discussion.
July 23, 2020 – Today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin, and US Representative Kathy Castor participated in a panel discussion as part of the Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery. The event convened like-minded institutions, partners, and policy makers for a discussion about successful climate initiatives in the Southeastern U.S., and ways that the panelists have collaborated across different levels of government. Convened one day after Climate Mayors sent a letter to Congressional leaders, today’s conversation was the first in a Climate Mayors event series advocating for national leadership to prioritize recovery policies that are environmentally sustainable and socially just in the time of COVID-19. It was moderated by veteran journalist Tom O’Hara of The Invading Sea, a collaboration of 26 news organizations that cover climate change in Florida.
"There has never been a better time in history to re-imagine the transition towards an equitable, clean, and sustainable future," said Climate Mayors Steering Committee member Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "As we look to move forward, we have an opportunity to rebuild our economies by doubling-down on our climate action work, to enhance the energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality in our homes and workplaces, accelerate more renewable energy and catalyze clean transportation and mobility solutions, such as zero-emission electric buses and vehicles."
“No matter how large and global issues such as climate change may be, as Mayors we understand and can often see first-hand the impact they have at our local levels, and witness the detrimental effects on people we know in our communities,” said Climate Mayors member Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. “I am encouraged by the efforts of Climate Mayors who are developing the strategies to confront the climate-based threats, and pleased to join their ranks and seek the very real and actionable methods to adapt our local communities to overcoming those threats.”
“Today, we stand at the intersection of resiliency; a place where the many faces and forms of resilience converge and this panel should serve as a reminder for exactly that,” said Climate Mayors member Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. “Resiliency is never about just any one issue. Whether we’re establishing new clean-energy infrastructure or building up a food distribution system, genuine sustainability is a network and it makes me proud to be a member of an organization that tackles resilience from the root source.”
“Mayors and local leaders are taking crucial steps to make their communities more resilient, filling a leadership void left by a president who mocks science, ignores public health experts, and calls the climate crisis a hoax,” said Chair Kathy Castor of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. “Now more than ever, these local leaders deserve a strong federal partner to boost their local economies, protect the health and safety of families, and solve the climate crisis. We must work together on climate solutions for communities across America, as we prioritize environmental justice, unite behind the science, and ensure a robust economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Later events in the Climate Mayors series will highlight policies and initiatives undertaken by climate leaders in the Great Lakes region, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Mayors and their partners will highlight how environmental initiatives can help stimulate local economies, create jobs, improve public health, and reduce carbon emissions in the wake of COVID-19. They will also discuss the ways that their sustainability policies prioritize frontline communities and communities of color, who are more likely to be affected by pollution and the negative impacts of climate change.
“Mayors have long been on the frontlines of addressing critical issues in our communities, and in recent months they have responded to intersecting crises of COVID-19, climate change, racial inequity, and a rapid economic downturn,” said James Ritchotte, Director of Climate Mayors. “Climate Mayors are delivering results and leading important conversations about building a better tomorrow to ensure all communities are healthier, cleaner, and more resilient than before.”
For more information on upcoming events in Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery, please visit www.climatemayors.org.
About Climate Mayors Representing 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of 461 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Climate Mayors commit to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Martin J. Walsh (Boston). For more information, please visit www.climatemayors.org.
Media Contact: Melody Meyer, mmeyer@bpimedia.com; Grace Hemming, ghemming@bpimedia.com
Climate Mayors Urge Congressional Leadership to Advance a Green and Equitable Recovery
198 mayors deliver letter to leaders in D.C. advocating a zero-carbon green economy that creates good-paying jobs and prioritizes equity
Read the letter from Climate Mayors here.
JULY 22, 2020 — Climate Mayors today sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging bold action to protect our planet and build a more just economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Representing a network of 461 U.S. mayors across the country committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement, Climate Mayors called on Congress to invest in an economic recovery that injects more resilience, equity, and sustainability into our communities.“COVID-19 has laid bare the systemic inequities too often found at the heart of our communities – and when we start to emerge from this crisis, we must rebuild an economy that truly works for everyone,” said Climate Mayors co-founder and Chair, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Every member of the Climate Mayors network is putting health, fairness, and sustainability at the center of our local COVID-19 response and recovery plans, but we need national leadership to kick this work into overdrive and help us strengthen our economies and solve the climate crisis.”With the focus squarely on rebuilding the economy and country stronger than ever before, the mayors have advocated for a nationwide transition to a zero-carbon economy – a step already happening in cities across the country and a bold move that will create good-paying green jobs, lead to cleaner air and lower emissions, improve public health, support resilience, and lift up our most vulnerable residents.The global coronavirus pandemic has hit communities of color and low-income families particularly hard – the same families, workers, and neighborhoods who suffer most from the ill effects of climate change, including dangerous emissions, skyrocketing temperatures, intense wildfires, and extreme weather events like floods and hurricanes. Climate Mayors are determined to build a strong, green economy that ensures all Americans are prepared for future health, economic, and environmental shocks.“Equity is at the heart of all we do in Boston,” said Climate Mayors Co-Chair Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “As we work towards an equitable recovery from COVID-19, it’s key we come together to ensure we are strengthening our communities so they are healthy, resilient, and give every resident the same opportunities they deserve.”“Whether it is climate change or COVID-19, a city’s primary responsibility is to protect our most vulnerable,” said Climate Mayors Co-Chair Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “In cities like Houston, that means fighting a global pandemic in the middle of a heat wave and hurricane season. The connection between climate and community health has never been clearer or the need for strong, federal action more important. When we look to recovery, it is not enough to build back; we must build forward and create healthy cities and leaders in a global energy transition.”Recognizing the need to work together at every level of government to move beyond this devastating pandemic, Climate Mayors strongly urged federal legislators to work with state and city leadership to build new policies and amplify existing programs that have proven effective.In the letter, Climate Mayors lists several goals that Congress should prioritize as part of the recovery, including:
Build for a Better Future: Returning to the status quo is not sufficient in meeting the challenges of climate change and inequities in our communities. We must increase our resolve and ambition to reinvest in America’s communities.
Leading with Equity: Federal investments in our municipalities must prioritize those communities who have been left behind, and frontline communities and people of color who have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change and COVID-19.
Prioritizing Multiple Benefits: The best investments will create jobs, strengthen communities, and improve health outcomes in our cities and towns.
“For the past five months, Climate Mayors have been on the frontlines responding to the public health and economic crises caused by COVID-19, and to the calls for racial justice across the country,” said James Ritchotte, Director of Climate Mayors. “Amid these intersecting challenges, Climate Mayors remain committed to policies and initiatives that make their communities more just, sustainable, and resilient to future shocks. This work should not be on the shoulders of local leaders alone — cities need constructive partners in our federal government who will prioritize a green and equitable economic recovery.”The letter includes a sample of recommended policies and programs to advance a just, equitable, and resilient economic recovery that will put Americans back to work and create cleaner, healthier, more livable communities. The policy recommendations are accompanied by success stories from Climate Mayors member cities where similar policies have led to community benefit.Please find a full version of the letter here.On July 23, Climate Mayors will be kicking off its National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery, a virtual speaker series advocating for national leadership to prioritize recovery policies that are environmentally sustainable and socially just in the time of COVID-19. The first event will focus on the Southeast with a panel featuring Climate Mayors Steering Committee member Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Climate Mayors member Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Climate Mayors member Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin and U.S. Representative Kathy Castor from Florida’s 14th District and Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. For more information on the series, you can read the full release here. Register for the July 23 event here.
About Climate Mayors: Representing 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of 461 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Climate Mayors commit to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Martin J. Walsh (Boston). For more information, please visit www.climatemayors.org.
Media Inquiries: Melody Meyer, mmeyer@bpimedia.com; Grace Hemming, ghemming@bpimedia.com
Climate Mayors Urge Congressional Leadership to Advance a Green and Equitable Recovery
198 mayors deliver letter to leaders in D.C. advocating a zero-carbon green economy that creates good-paying jobs and prioritizes equity
Read the letter from Climate Mayors here.
JULY 22, 2020 — Climate Mayors today sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging bold action to protect our planet and build a more just economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Representing a network of 461 U.S. mayors across the country committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement, Climate Mayors called on Congress to invest in an economic recovery that injects more resilience, equity, and sustainability into our communities. “COVID-19 has laid bare the systemic inequities too often found at the heart of our communities – and when we start to emerge from this crisis, we must rebuild an economy that truly works for everyone,” said Climate Mayors co-founder and Chair, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Every member of the Climate Mayors network is putting health, fairness, and sustainability at the center of our local COVID-19 response and recovery plans, but we need national leadership to kick this work into overdrive and help us strengthen our economies and solve the climate crisis.”
With the focus squarely on rebuilding the economy and country stronger than ever before, the mayors have advocated for a nationwide transition to a zero-carbon economy – a step already happening in cities across the country and a bold move that will create good-paying green jobs, lead to cleaner air and lower emissions, improve public health, support resilience, and lift up our most vulnerable residents. The global coronavirus pandemic has hit communities of color and low-income families particularly hard – the same families, workers, and neighborhoods who suffer most from the ill effects of climate change, including dangerous emissions, skyrocketing temperatures, intense wildfires, and extreme weather events like floods and hurricanes. Climate Mayors are determined to build a strong, green economy that ensures all Americans are prepared for future health, economic, and environmental shocks.
“Equity is at the heart of all we do in Boston,” said Climate Mayors Co-Chair Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “As we work towards an equitable recovery from COVID-19, it’s key we come together to ensure we are strengthening our communities so they are healthy, resilient, and give every resident the same opportunities they deserve.”
“Whether it is climate change or COVID-19, a city’s primary responsibility is to protect our most vulnerable,” said Climate Mayors Co-Chair Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “In cities like Houston, that means fighting a global pandemic in the middle of a heat wave and hurricane season. The connection between climate and community health has never been clearer or the need for strong, federal action more important. When we look to recovery, it is not enough to build back; we must build forward and create healthy cities and leaders in a global energy transition.”
Recognizing the need to work together at every level of government to move beyond this devastating pandemic, Climate Mayors strongly urged federal legislators to work with state and city leadership to build new policies and amplify existing programs that have proven effective. In the letter, Climate Mayors lists several goals that Congress should prioritize as part of the recovery, including:
Build for a Better Future: Returning to the status quo is not sufficient in meeting the challenges of climate change and inequities in our communities. We must increase our resolve and ambition to reinvest in America’s communities.
Leading with Equity: Federal investments in our municipalities must prioritize those communities who have been left behind, and frontline communities and people of color who have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change and COVID-19.
Prioritizing Multiple Benefits: The best investments will create jobs, strengthen communities, and improve health outcomes in our cities and towns.
“For the past five months, Climate Mayors have been on the frontlines responding to the public health and economic crises caused by COVID-19, and to the calls for racial justice across the country,” said James Ritchotte, Director of Climate Mayors. “Amid these intersecting challenges, Climate Mayors remain committed to policies and initiatives that make their communities more just, sustainable, and resilient to future shocks. This work should not be on the shoulders of local leaders alone — cities need constructive partners in our federal government who will prioritize a green and equitable economic recovery.”
The letter includes a sample of recommended policies and programs to advance a just, equitable, and resilient economic recovery that will put Americans back to work and create cleaner, healthier, more livable communities. The policy recommendations are accompanied by success stories from Climate Mayors member cities where similar policies have led to community benefit.
Please find a full version of the letter here.
On July 23, Climate Mayors will be kicking off its National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery, a virtual speaker series advocating for national leadership to prioritize recovery policies that are environmentally sustainable and socially just in the time of COVID-19. The first event will focus on the Southeast with a panel featuring Climate Mayors Steering Committee member Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Climate Mayors member Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Climate Mayors member Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin and U.S. Representative Kathy Castor from Florida’s 14th District and Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. For more information on the series, you can read the full release here.
Register for the July 23 event here.
About Climate Mayors: Representing 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of 461 U.S. city mayors who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Climate Mayors commit to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Martin J. Walsh (Boston). For more information, please visit www.climatemayors.org.
Media Inquiries: Melody Meyer, mmeyer@bpimedia.com; Grace Hemming, ghemming@bpimedia.com
Climate Mayors Launch National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery
The leadership series will feature conversations in regions across the U.S., highlighting how environmental initiatives will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, improve public health, and reduce carbon emissions in the wake of COVID-19
Read the top takeaways from the series.
Watch the Ohio Valley event's full panel discussion.
Listen to the Great Lakes event's full panel discussion.
Watch the Texas event's full panel discussion.
Watch the Southeast event's full panel discussion.
JULY 14, 2020 – Today, Climate Mayors, the network of 453 U.S. mayors committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement, announced the Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery, a virtual speaker series advocating for national leadership to prioritize recovery policies that are environmentally sustainable and socially just in the time of COVID-19. Each livestream event will feature members of Climate Mayors and other leaders from a specific U.S. region, and convene like-minded institutions, partners, and policy makers for a discussion about successful local climate initiatives, and how to drive a just, equitable, and resilient economic recovery. Climate Mayors and partners will also discuss the ways that their sustainability policies prioritize frontline communities and communities of color, who are more likely to be affected by pollution and the negative impacts of climate change.
“When the COVID-19 crisis ends, we have to heed the lessons of this moment in our recovery –– placing communities hit hardest by this pandemic on the path to a more just, sustainable, and healthy future,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Chair and co-founder of Climate Mayors. “Hailing from every part of the country, Climate Mayors are leading the response today and stand ready to pave the road ahead with climate action that boosts jobs, spurs equitable growth, delivers cleaner air, and lowers emissions for frontline families.”
The Climate Mayors National Dialogue on Green and Equitable Recovery will kick off later this month in the Southeast with a panel featuring Climate Mayors Steering Committee member Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Climate Mayors member Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Climate Mayors member Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin, and US Representative Kathy Castor from Florida’s 14th District and Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, moderated by veteran journalist Tom O’Hara of The Invading Sea, a collaboration of 26 news organizations that cover climate change in Florida.
Watch the full panel discussion.
Events later in the summer and fall will feature Climate Mayors and partners from the Great Lakes region, Texas, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.
For more information on the upcoming Climate Mayors livestream panel discussions, including dates and times as they are announced, please visit www.climatemayors.org.
About Climate Mayors: Representing 72 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a diverse network of 453 U.S. city leaders who have committed to fighting climate change. Originally founded in 2014, the network’s ranks swelled to almost 400 mayors in response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Climate Mayors commit to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Martin J. Walsh (Boston). For more information, please visit www.climatemayors.org.
Media Contact: Melody Meyer, mmeyer@bpimedia.com; Grace Hemming, ghemming@bpimedia.com
Climate Mayors Network Announces Steering Committee to Strengthen City Climate Action
Committee will serve to galvanize city climate leadership among Climate Mayors’ 400+ network members city climate leadership increasingly important as federal government has taken a back seat in addressing the global climate crisis.
DECEMBER 3, 2019 – Today, Climate Mayors, the network of 438 U.S. mayors across the country committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement, announced the launch of a new Steering Committee, led by twenty-four mayors who will serve as critical voices within the network and across the country to spotlight climate leadership exhibited in cities throughout the United States. The Climate Mayors’ Steering Committee makes clear that mayors across the country have and will continue to step up and lead on climate, regardless of the decisions made at the federal level. The Steering Committee will work alongside the Climate Mayors’ Chair, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chairs, Mayors Madeline Rogero, Sylvester Turner, and Martin J. Walsh to highlight the importance of city-led climate action in creating healthier, cleaner, and more equitable and sustainable cities. The Steering Committee will also work to catalyze membership and more deeply engage their regions, as well as showcase the impactful work of existing Climate Mayors and how cities are helping meet the scope and the scale of the challenge posed by climate change. After President Trump announced his initial plans to withdraw the U.S. from the landmark Paris Agreement in June 2017, more than 300 mayors joined the Climate Mayors coalition and pledged to continue working toward the goals of the Agreement in their cities. The network has since grown to over 400 mayors, both Democrat and Republican, who represent cities ranging in size and region and show the overwhelming support for climate action among the majority of Americans.
“Cities across our country and around the world see the impacts of climate change firsthand — and we stand front and center in the fight to address this crisis with every tool at our disposal,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “No matter what happens on the national level, cities know we cannot afford any more debates or delays, so we will continue to act to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, protect our most vulnerable residents, strengthen global health, and create a green economy that works for everyone.”
“Our Steering Committee mayors are climate action leaders, both within their communities and within our network. We appreciate their willingness to step up and support Climate Mayors in building greater political will for action at the federal and global level,” Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero said.
“The strength and moral standing of Climate Mayors is derived from the broad and diverse population we represent,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Whether you are a big city or a small city, in a red state or a blue state, climate change affects us all. Mayors across the country are making a bold commitment to build stronger, more resilient cities and a more sustainable future. We are stronger together and I look forward to working with these mayors as we face this great challenge.”
“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and we need the support of all mayors to truly make a difference on this global issue,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “As a coastal city, Boston is at the frontlines of this crisis, and I look forward to joining my fellow mayors as we lead with plans, solutions and results.”
“The Climate Mayors network is more than four hundred strong, and counting,” said James Ritchotte, Director of Climate Mayors. “We’re excited to have these twenty-four mayors lead us in showcasing the important work of cities and maximizing the collective impact of Climate Mayors across the country who are fighting climate change in their communities.”
The following mayors are members of the Climate Mayors Steering Committee:
Steve Adler (Austin, TX)
Ethan Berkowitz (Anchorage, AK)
Jim Brainard (Carmel, IN)
Michael Cahill (Beverly, MA)
Kirk Caldwell (Honolulu, HI)
LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans, LA)
Melvin Carter (Saint Paul, MN)
Jane Castor (Tampa, FL)
Frank Cownie (Des Moines, IA)
Bill de Blasio (New York City)
Mike Duggan (Detroit, MI)
Buddy Dyer (Orlando, FL)
Kevin Faulconer (San Diego, CA)
Greg Fischer (Louisville, KY)
Kate Gallego (Phoenix, AZ)
Michael Hancock (Denver, CO)
James Hovland (Edina, MN)
Eric Johnson (Dallas, TX)
Lioneld Jordan (Fayetteville, AR)
Tim Keller (Albuquerque, NM)
Ron Nirenberg (San Antonio, TX)
Bill Peduto (Pittsburgh, PA)
Satya Rhodes-Conway (Madison, WI)
Lucy Vinis (Eugene, OR)
Media Inquiries: Carey Hickox, chickox@bpimedia.com
About Climate Mayors Climate Mayors, founded in 2014, is a diverse network of U.S. city leaders who have committed to fighting climate change. In response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the network’s ranks swelled to more than 400 U.S. mayors from across the country who have committed to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Madeline Rogero (Knoxville), Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Martin J. Walsh (Boston). For more information, please visit www.climatemayors.org.
Climate Mayors Network Announces Steering Committee to Strengthen City Climate Action
Committee will serve to galvanize city climate leadership among Climate Mayors’ 400+ network membersCity climate leadership increasingly important as federal government has taken a back seat in addressing the global climate crisis
DECEMBER 3, 2019 – Today, Climate Mayors, the network of 438 U.S. mayors across the country committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement, announced the launch of a new Steering Committee, led by twenty-four mayors who will serve as critical voices within the network and across the country to spotlight climate leadership exhibited in cities throughout the United States. The Climate Mayors’ Steering Committee makes clear that mayors across the country have and will continue to step up and lead on climate, regardless of the decisions made at the federal level.
The Steering Committee will work alongside the Climate Mayors’ Chair, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chairs, Mayors Madeline Rogero, Sylvester Turner, and Martin J. Walsh to highlight the importance of city-led climate action in creating healthier, cleaner, and more equitable and sustainable cities. The Steering Committee will also work to catalyze membership and more deeply engage their regions, as well as showcase the impactful work of existing Climate Mayors and how cities are helping meet the scope and the scale of the challenge posed by climate change.
After President Trump announced his initial plans to withdraw the U.S. from the landmark Paris Agreement in June 2017, more than 300 mayors joined the Climate Mayors coalition and pledged to continue working toward the goals of the Agreement in their cities. The network has since grown to over 400 mayors, both Democrat and Republican, who represent cities ranging in size and region and show the overwhelming support for climate action among the majority of Americans.
“Cities across our country and around the world see the impacts of climate change firsthand — and we stand front and center in the fight to address this crisis with every tool at our disposal,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “No matter what happens on the national level, cities know we cannot afford any more debates or delays, so we will continue to act to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, protect our most vulnerable residents, strengthen global health, and create a green economy that works for everyone.”
“Our Steering Committee mayors are climate action leaders, both within their communities and within our network. We appreciate their willingness to step up and support Climate Mayors in building greater political will for action at the federal and global level,” Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero said.
“The strength and moral standing of Climate Mayors is derived from the broad and diverse population we represent,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Whether you are a big city or a small city, in a red state or a blue state, climate change affects us all. Mayors across the country are making a bold commitment to build stronger, more resilient cities and a more sustainable future. We are stronger together and I look forward to working with these mayors as we face this great challenge.”
“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and we need the support of all mayors to truly make a difference on this global issue,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “As a coastal city, Boston is at the frontlines of this crisis, and I look forward to joining my fellow mayors as we lead with plans, solutions and results.”
“The Climate Mayors network is more than four hundred strong, and counting,” said James Ritchotte, Director of Climate Mayors. “We’re excited to have these twenty-four mayors lead us in showcasing the important work of cities and maximizing the collective impact of Climate Mayors across the country who are fighting climate change in their communities.”
The following mayors are members of the Climate Mayors Steering Committee:
Steve Adler (Austin, TX)
Ethan Berkowitz (Anchorage, AK)
Jim Brainard (Carmel, IN)
Michael Cahill (Beverly, MA)
Kirk Caldwell (Honolulu, HI)
LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans, LA)
Melvin Carter (Saint Paul, MN)
Jane Castor (Tampa, FL)
Frank Cownie (Des Moines, IA)
Bill de Blasio (New York City)
Mike Duggan (Detroit, MI)
Buddy Dyer (Orlando, FL)
Kevin Faulconer (San Diego, CA)
Greg Fischer (Louisville, KY)
Kate Gallego (Phoenix, AZ)
Michael Hancock (Denver, CO)
James Hovland (Edina, MN)
Eric Johnson (Dallas, TX)
Lioneld Jordan (Fayetteville, AR)
Tim Keller (Albuquerque, NM)
Ron Nirenberg (San Antonio, TX)
Bill Peduto (Pittsburgh, PA)
Satya Rhodes-Conway (Madison, WI)
Lucy Vinis (Eugene, OR)
Media Inquiries: Carey Hickox, chickox@bpimedia.com
About Climate Mayors: Climate Mayors, founded in 2014, is a diverse network of U.S. city leaders who have committed to fighting climate change. In response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the network’s ranks swelled to more than 400 U.S. mayors from across the country who have committed to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Madeline Rogero (Knoxville), Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Martin J. Walsh (Boston).
For more information, please visit www.climatemayors.org.
Climate Mayors Statement on the Trump Administration’s Announcement of Formal Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
NOVEMBER 4, 2019 — Today, the Climate Mayors, a non-partisan network of U.S. mayors working to combat climate change through meaningful actions in their communities, issued the following statement denouncing the Trump administration’s announcement that it will begin formal withdrawal proceedings from the Paris Agreement: “The Trump administration’s announcement reaffirms what we’ve already known: this administration is willing to ignore the realities of climate change and risk the physical and financial health of Americans. “From heavy flooding in the Midwestern plains to intense storms and sea level rise on the coasts, cities across the country are already feeling the impacts of the climate crisis. Despite misguided decisions from the White House, mayors are continuing to step up with innovative and impactful policies to curb emissions from the bottom-up, from deploying more electric vehicles to installing more renewable energy. “From the moment President Trump announced his withdrawal from Paris, our coalition has continued to grow. Now, we represent 435 mayors and over 71 million Americans from both red and blue states, all working together to demonstrate leadership on climate change. No matter what the White House throws our way, Climate Mayors will remain steadfast in upholding the commitments made under the Paris Agreement – and we’ll continue leading climate progress in cities across the country.”
Climate Mayors Statement on President Trump’s Revocation of California Clean Air Act Waiver
September 18, 2019 – Today, a spokesperson from Climate Mayors issued the following statement around the Trump administration’s revocation of California’s waiver under the Clean Air Act: “President Trump’s announcement today that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will rescind California’s authority to regulate pollution from automobiles runs in direct opposition to the EPA’s stated mission and the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), and will be harmful to our residents’ physical and financial health – impacts that we simply cannot afford in the face of a growing climate crisis. We need carmakers to harness their innovation and accelerate the nation’s progress toward a new, clean era of transportation. Instead, today’s decision will stall the progress we’ve already made in cleaning up our transportation sector, the highest-polluting sector in the United States. Under the CAA, California has the authority to adopt stronger pollution standards than those set by the federal government. Other states have not been granted similar authority but can opt to follow California’s motor vehicle emission regulations. Maintaining state authority to protect local communities from pollution has strong support from Climate Mayors across the country who want to take meaningful and ambitious action toward fighting climate change. The administration’s ironic assault on states’ rights will directly harm the more than 118 million people living in 14 states and the District of Columbia that have adopted more stringent vehicle pollution standards in order to protect the health of their communities. But whether or not the White House is on board, this much is clear: the automotive industry is already producing cleaner and, increasingly, more zero-emissions vehicles – not just because they’re good for the environment, but also because of the economic and public health benefits that follow. That’s why companies such as Honda, Ford, Volkswagen, and BMW have already expressed their commitment to maintaining strong emissions standards established in 2012 and currently under threat by the Trump administration. And it’s also why Climate Mayors across the country are making strides in deploying clean vehicles in their cities. The Climate Mayors Electric Vehicle Purchasing Collaborative is bringing cities to the table and deploying electric vehicles to streets from coast to coast – and no decision from the White House will stop our progress. As Climate Mayors representing over 71 million Americans in over 430 cities across the United States, we are committed to leading on climate action, no matter who occupies the Oval Office. We will continue our efforts to hasten the transition to more efficient and zero-emissions vehicles because we know it’s what’s best for our residents, our economy, and our environment.”
Climate Mayors’ EV Purchasing Collaborative Recruits 127 Cities to Purchase Over 2100 EVs by 2020
Collaborative platform announces plans for new national solicitation to add school buses, new purchases will cut annual gas usage by up to 1 million gallons
HONOLULU, HI – (June 27, 2019) –Today, at the second-annual Climate Mayors Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Climate Mayors Electric Vehicle Purchasing Collaborative (“the Collaborative”) announced that more than 127 cities and 15 counties from across 38 states including the District of Columbia have joined the Collaborative and committed to purchasing more than 2100 electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2020.
By transitioning to EVs, cities are leading by example: helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the planet, saving taxpayer money, improving public health, and reducing our nation’s dependency on oil. With 127 cities committing to the Collaborative, by the end of 2020 the EV commitments have the potential to:
Cut gas usage by up to 1 million gallons each year;
Transition to electric up to 25 million miles driven each year; and
Add more than $75 million in purchasing power to the electric vehicle market[1].
As part of Climate Mayors’ commitment to grow participation and offerings in the Collaborative, its procurement partner, Sourcewell, will be releasing a new national solicitation for electric school buses by the end of the year, enabling all electric school bus manufacturers to participate and become readily available for any public school system to access at competitive prices. The Collaborative will continue to expand in the future, including to transit buses and other vehicle types. With more than 470,000 school buses operating across the country, transitioning to electric school buses creates a big opportunity to make it easier for school children across the U.S. to travel on a zero-emission bus.
“Expanding the use of electric vehicles in cities and states is not just good for the environment – it’s good for local economies and the health of residents,” said Climate Mayors’ Founder and Co-Chair Eric Garcetti. “In Los Angeles, moving our fleet away from fossil-fuels to electric has led to lower costs for maintenance, operation, and fueling, all while improving air quality and public health. The continued growth of the Collaborative reflects the commitment and leadership of cities across the country to address climate change – but we can’t stop here. This initiave has to reach into every city across the country. I urge my fellow mayors to embrace the future and drive electric.”
“The electrification of Honolulu’s city and bus fleets will go a long way in making our island more sustainable and resilient in the face of the current climate crisis,” said Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “However, it will also improve the natural environment for our residents and visitors by eliminating smoky exhaust fumes and noise pollution from our communities. By coming together under one umbrella with this EV Collaborative, mayors across the country are increasing the purchasing power of taxpayers while also showing love for Mother Nature.”
“Cities across the country are demonstrating critical leadership by committing to transition their fleets to electrification - reducing our dependence on oil, while also improving our nation’s health, and our economic, and national security,” said Ben Prochazka, Vice President of the Electrication Coalition. “We hope other mayors around the country will see this as a call to action and plug their fleets into the Climate Mayors EV Purchasing Collaborative.”
In agreeing to purchase electric vehicles through the Collaborative, public agencies gain access to competitively solicited electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, as well as innovative leasing options that allow cities to reduce EV costs by accessing state and federal tax credits. The Collaborative also provides support with analysis and best practices for fleet electrification to cities as they consider switching to electric.
With support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Collaborative is working with the American Cities Climate Challenge, a group of 25 of the largest U.S. cities who are pursuing ambitious goals to cut emissions and fight climate change from the bottom-up. American Cities Climate Challenge cities represent about 700 vehicles of the commitment.
Launched in September 2018, the Collaborative is a partnership between Climate Mayors, the Electrification Coalition, and Sourcewell, a national transit fleet transition program that works with cities and other public agencies to accelerate the electrification of national ground transit fleets. The Collaborative provides technical expertise to purchasers and a program that reduces the costs and barriers to electrifying fleets.
Contacts:
Carey Hickox (Climate Mayors): chickox@bpimedia.com
Ben Prochazka (Electrification Coalition): bprochazka@electrificationcoalition.org
###
About Climate Mayors
Climate Mayors, founded in 2014, is a diverse network of U.S. city leaders who have committed to fighting climate change. In response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the network’s ranks swelled to more than 400 U.S. mayors from across the country who have committed to taking ambitious action to meet each of their cities’ current climate goals, while working together towards achieving our national Paris targets. Climate Mayors is founded and Chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Co-Chaired by Mayors Madeline Rogero (Knoxville), Sylvester Turner (Houston) and Marty Walsh (Boston).
About the Electrification Coalition
The Electrification Coalition (EC) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit group of business leaders committed to promoting policies and actions that facilitate the acceleration of electric vehicle adoption on a mass scale in order to combat the economic, environmental and national security dangers caused by our nation’s dependence on oil. The EC works through several approaches to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles including consumer education, fleet electrification, public-private partnerships, comprehensive EV accelerator communities, policy advocacy, and innovative program development. Since 2008, the EC has been developing leading best practices to help cities, states, and the private sector influence the adoption of EVs by consumers and fleets.
About Sourcewell
Sourcewell is a self-supporting government organization, partnering with education and government agencies throughout North America. They offer a cooperative purchasing program with over 300 awarded vendors on contract. On behalf of their 50,000 members, Sourcewell conducts competitive solicitations, awarding to the most responsive and responsible vendors. The result of this cooperative effort is a high-quality selection of nationally leveraged, competitively solicited contract solutions to help create efficiencies and meet the ever-challenging needs of current and future member agencies.
[1] https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric_emissions_sources.html
Climate Mayors Statement in Support of Strong Auto Efficiency Standards
Climate Mayors responds to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt’s April 2, 2018 announcement of proposed weakening of corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards:
As mayors representing 69 million Americans, across 47 states (and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), with millions of vehicles on our roads, we strongly support the current federal standards on vehicle fuel efficiency and oppose the Trump Administration’s efforts to roll back this important policy. Today’s announcement leaves the health of American families hanging in the balance while creating uncertainty in the automotive market. The standards adopted by the US EPA in 2011 are saving American drivers money at the gas pump, keeping the country competitive in a sector trending toward zero emissions innovation, and cleaning up the air we all breathe.
As mayors, we are bound by our common commitment to lead in the fight against climate change. Last year 30 Climate Mayors released a joint Electric Vehicle Request for Information (EV RFI) proving to car companies that if they build zero emissions vehicles, we will buy them. These first 30 cities put forward a combined 114,000 vehicles representing $10 billion in industry value. We want these vehicles because they save us money, offer new technologies and services, and protect local communities from harmful air pollution.
We will continue our efforts to hasten the transition to more efficient and zero emissions vehicles. We had long viewed the federal government as a partner on clean cars, but we won’t let it take us backwards.
Climate Mayors Submit Comments on Proposed Repeal of Clean Power Plan
244 U.S. Mayors from 48 states and territories, representing over 52 million Americans, strongly oppose EPA’s proposed repeal of Clean Power Plan
In a comment letter re-submitted today to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 244 mayors from 48 states and territories voice opposition to efforts by the Trump administration and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to dismantle the Clean Power Plan, as it would have devastating health and economic impacts on their communities, including exposing Americans to increased air pollution, worsening climate change, and more extreme weather events. This comment letter was originally submitted to US EPA on February 20, 2018, with 233 signatories. Additional mayors wishing to add their support to this comment letter should email: info@climate-mayors.org to be included.
March 27, 2018
By electronic mail (a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov) and first-class mail Administrator Scott Pruitt Environmental Protection Agency EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC) Mail Code 28221T Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-03551200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460 Administrator Pruitt: As mayors from 244 U.S. cities, we submit this letter of comment to oppose the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan, Repeal of Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units. Collectively, we represent over 52 million residents, in 48 states & territories across the country. We strongly oppose the proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan, which would put our citizens at risk and harm our efforts to address the urgent threat of climate change. Climate Change is Global but Impacts are Felt Locally Communities across the country are experiencing the effects of climate change today: sea level rise; hotter, longer, and more frequent heat waves; increased extreme weather; and many other harmful impacts. There is broad agreement that the future economic costs of climate change should not be overlooked. On our current path, the annual cost of coastal storm damage is expected to climb to as high as $35 billion by the 2030s; coastal property valued at $66 to $106 billion will likely be underwater by 2050. No one is insulated from the impacts of climate change – people in cities of all sizes, along with suburban and rural communities are all at risk. Residents of our communities have experienced harmful impacts of climate change such as dirtier air, increased heat-related illnesses and deaths, damaged and disappearing coastlines, longer droughts and other strains on water quantity and quality, and increasingly frequent and severe storms and wildfires. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to protect our citizens against the worst impacts of climate change. A peer-reviewed study conducted by EPA projected stark differences between a world in the year 2100 where global warming averages 2 degrees Celsius—a goal for which the Clean Power Plan is critical—and one in which global warming averages 4 degrees Celsius: 57,000 fewer domestic deaths per year due to poor air quality; 12,000 fewer domestic deaths per year from extreme heat and cold in 49 U.S. cities; up to $6.4 billion in avoided annual adaptation costs from severe precipitation in 50 U.S. cities; $3.1 billion in avoided annual damages and adaptation costs from sea level rise and storm surge on the coasts; and up to $2.5 billion in avoided damages from inland flooding. Repealing the Clean Power Plan Would Slow Local Efforts to Address Climate Change. Not only are climate change impacts felt locally — our communities are also where climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts are being implemented. Urban, suburban, and rural communities across the country are reducing their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions by investing in energy efficiency, committing to the use of clean energy resources, and reducing reliance on fossil-fueled energy sources—efforts that protect against climate change, and also support clean air and a vibrant clean energy economy. But the legal authority of cities and other municipalities generally extends only as far as their state governments and federal law allow, and as a result, our local efforts to address climate change are highly sensitive to national policies like the Clean Power Plan, which shape markets, steer state action, and have large direct impacts on nationwide emissions. We would benefit from the support and certainty that a federal framework for reducing the power sector’s greenhouse gas emissions could provide. The Clean Power Plan, by providing such a framework, would enhance ongoing local efforts and enable new local initiatives to improve public health, increase air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy innovation. We would like to reiterate a statement that more than 25 mayors delivered during the course of the Clean Power Plan development: “[W]e cannot act alone. We need the federal government to provide a path forward to making meaningful reductions in carbon pollution while preparing for the impacts of climate change.”As 244 mayors of communities across the U.S., representing over 52 million residents in 48 states & territories we strongly oppose the repeal of the Clean Power Plan, which would put our citizens at risk and undermine our efforts to prepare for and protect against the worst impacts of climate change.
Sincerely,
Mayor Peggy McQuaidAlbany, CAMayor Kathy SheehanAlbany, NYMayor Tim KellerAlbuquerque, NMMayor Ed PawlowskiAllentown PAMayor Gary GoosmanAmesville, OHMayor Sofia PereiraArcata, CAMayor Nancy KaboolianArdsley, NYMayor Esther ManheimerAsheville, NCMayor Steve SkadronAspen, COMayor Keisha Lance BottomsAtlanta, GAMayor Steve AdlerAustin, TXMayor Catherine E. PughBaltimore, MDMayor Kelli LinvilleBellingham, WAMayor Jesse ArreguinBerkeley, CAMayor Robert J. DonchezBethlehem, PAMayor Michael P. CahillBeverly, MAMayor Lili BosseBeverly Hills, CAMayor Randall WoodfinBirmingham, ALMayor Leslie Hager-SmithBlacksburg, VAMayor David H. BieterBoise, IDMayor Martin J. WalshBoston, MAMayor Suzanne JonesBoulder, COMayor Eric MamulaBreckenridge, COMayor Joseph P. GanimBridgeport, CTMayor W. Clarke ConwayBrisbane, CAMayor Brenda J. HessBuchanan, MIMayor Byron W. BrownBuffalo, NYMayor Miro WeinbergerBurlington, VTMayor Edwin García FelicianoCamuy, PRMayor Robert J. Moffatt, VMDCape May Point, NJMayor Jim BrainardCarmel, INMayor Lydia E. LavelleCarrboro, NCMayor Mike WebbCarver, MNMayor Pam HemmingerChapel Hill, NCMayor John TecklenburgCharleston, SCMayor Scott RogersCharles Town, WVMayor Andy BerkeChattanooga, TNMayor Chuck CahnCherry Hill, NJMayor Rahm EmanuelChicago, ILMayor Mary Casillas SalasChula Vista, CAMayor John CranleyCincinnati, OHMayor Ted TerryClarkston, GAMayor Frank G. JacksonCleveland, OHMayor Patrick WojahnCollege Park, MDMayor Brian TreeceColumbia, MOMayor Steve BenjaminColumbia, SCMayor Jeff KatzCooperstown, NYMayor Raul Valdes-FauliCoral Gables, FLMayor Carla CondonCorte Madera, CAMayor Brian TobinCortland, NYMayor Biff TraberCorvallis, ORMayor Mark LandmanCotati, CAMayor Roger W. FosterCrete, NEMayor Darcy PaulCupertino, CAMayor Mike RawlingsDallas, TXMayor Juslyn ManaloDaly City, CAMayor Robb DavisDavis, CAMayor Cary GlicksteinDelray Beach, FLMayor Michael B. HancockDenver, COMayor Josh MaxwellDowningtown, PAMayor David HaubertDublin, CAMayor Roy D. BuolDubuque, IAMayor Emily LarsonDuluth, MNMayor Stephen M. SchewelDurham, NCMayor Brad CohenEast Brunswick Township, NJMayor Mark S. MeadowsEast Lansing, MIMayor Nancy Tyra-LukensEden Prairie, MNMayor James HovlandEdina, MNMayor Dave EarlingEdmonds, WAMayor David KaptainElgin, ILMayor John J. BautersEmeryville, CAMayor Lucy VinisEugene, ORMayor Stephen H. HagertyEvanston, ILMayor Karl W. KasselFairbanks North Star Borough, AKMayor Ed MalloyFairfield, IAMayor Peter LindstromFalcon Heights, MNMayor David TarterFalls Church, VAMayor Colleen MahrFanwood, NJMayor Lioneld JordanFayetteville, ARMayor David CoulterFerndale, MIMayor Lindy PetersFort Bragg, CAMayor Wade TroxellFort Collins, CO
Mayor John P. “Jack” SeilerFort Lauderdale, FLMayor Thomas C. HenryFort Wayne, INMayor Bob ScottFranklin, NCMayor Lily MeiFremont, CAMayor Gary WilkinsonFrisco, COMayor Lauren B. PoeGainesville, FLMayor J Kachen KimmellGambier, OhioMayor Karen Freeman-WilsonGary, INMayor Tammy StempelGladstone, ORMayor Bruce J PackerGlen Rock, NJMayor Marjorie SloanGolden, COMayor Paula PerotteGoleta, CAMayor Rosalynn BlissGrand Rapids, MIMayor Emmett V. JordanGreenbelt, MDMayor Peter SwiderskiHastings-on-Hudson, NYMayor Harry KimCounty of Hawai’i, HIMayor Barbara HallidayHayward, CAMayor Nancy RoteringHighland Park, ILMayor Gayle Brill MittlerHighland Park, NJMayor Ravinder S. BhallaHoboken, NJMayor Josh LevyHollywood, FLMayor Alex MorseHolyoke, MAMayor Kirk CaldwellHonolulu, HIMayor Paul BlackburnHood River, ORMayor Sylvester TurnerHouston, TXMayor Candace B. HollingsworthHyattsville, MDMayor Serge DedinaImperial Beach, CAMayor Jim ThrogmortonIowa City, IAMayor Svante MyrickIthaca, NYMayor Pete MuldoonJackson, WYMayor Sly JamesKansas City, MOMayor Bernard P. Carvalho JrKauai, HIMayor John AntaramianKenosha, WIMayor Steve NobleKingston, NYMayor Madeline RogeroKnoxville, TNMayor Tim KabatLa Crosse, WIMayor Christine BergLafayette, COMayor Robert BlaisLake George Village, NYMayor Adam PaulLakewood, COMayor Danene SoraceLancaster, PAMayor William J SpragueLapeer, MIMayor Ken MiyagishimaLas Cruces NMMayor Craig A. MoeLaurel, MDMayor Stuart BoleyLawrence, KSMayor Theodore BeckerLewes, DEMayor Robert GarciaLong Beach, CAMayor Adam SchneiderLong Branch, NJMayor Eric GarcettiLos Angeles, CAMayor Greg FischerLouisville, KYMayor Paul SoglinMadison, WIMayor Joyce CraigManchester, NHMayor Amy HoworthManhattan Beach, CAMayor Barry J. GreenbergMaplewood, MOMayor Alan M. ArakawaMaui, HIMayor Stephanie M. BurkeMedford, MAMayor Jim StricklandMemphis, TNMayor Dan GelberMiami Beach, FLMayor Gurdip Brar, Ph.D.Middleton, WIMayor Daniel T. DrewMiddletown, CTMayor Sean StrubMilford, PAMayor Jeff SilvestriniMillcreek, UTMayor Tom BarrettMilwaukee, WIMayor Jacob FreyMinneapolis, MNMayor John EngenMissoula, MTMayor Mary O’ConnorMonona, WIMayor Jamie IronsMorro Bay, CAMayor Arlene BurnsMosier, ORMayor Lenny SiegelMountain View, CAMayor Frederick T. CourtrightMount Pocono, PAMayor Jill TechelNapa, CAMayor Megan BarryNashville, TNMayor Kristopher LarsenNederland, COMayor Jon MitchellNew Bedford, MAMayor Donna D. HoladayNewburyport, MAMayor Toni N. HarpNew Haven, CTMayor Mitchell J. LandrieuNew Orleans, LATown Supervisor Neil BettezNew Paltz, NYMayor Bill de BlasioNew York City, NYMayor Paul A. DysterNiagara Falls, NYMayor Lynne MillerNorman, OKMayor David J. NarkewiczNorthampton, MAMayor Smith Joseph D.O., Pharm.D.North Miami, FL
Mayor Don HammondNyack, New YorkMayor Libby SchaafOakland, CAMayor Johnny JohnstonOjai, CAMayor Cheryl SelbyOlympia, WAMayor Buddy DyerOrlando, FLMayor Victoria GearityOssining, NYMayor Andy BeermanPark City, UTMayor Donald R. GrebienPawtucket, RIMayor Frank C. OrtisPembroke Pines, FLMayor Jim KenneyPhiladelphia, PAMayor Cindy PerryPittsboro, NCMayor Jeremy JohnsonPittsburg, KSMayor William PedutoPittsburgh, PAMayor Kurt R. MetzgerPleasant Ridge, MIMayor Ethan StrimlingPortland, MEMayor Ted WheelerPortland, ORMayor Deborah StinsonPort Townsend, WAMayor Jorge O. ElorzaProvidence, RIMayor Paul KuhnsRehoboth Beach, DEMayor Hillary SchieveReno, NVMayor Tom ButtRichmond, CAMayor Levar M. StoneyRichmond, VAMayor Lovely WarrenRochester, NYMayor Darrell SteinbergSacramento, CAMayor Jacob DaySalisbury, MDMayor Jackie BiskupskiSalt Lake City, UT
Mayor Ron NirenbergSan Antonio, TXMayor Kevin FaulconerSan Diego, CAMayor Mark FarrellSan Francisco, CAMayor Sam LiccardoSan José, CAMayor Pauline Russo CutterSan Leandro, CAMayor Heidi HarmonSan Luis Obispo, CAMayor Rick BonillaSan Mateo, CAMayor David J. TerrazasSanta Cruz, CAMayor Javier M. GonzalesSanta Fe, NMMayor Ted WintererSanta Monica, CAMayor Shelli Freeland EddieSarasota, FLMayor Chris LainSavanna, ILMayor Jenny DurkanSeattle, WAMayor Michael GonnelliSecaucus, NJMayor George Van DusenSkokie, ILMayor Ken WraySleepy Hollow, NYMayor Scott SaundersSmithville, TXMayor Matthew R. LarsonSnoqualmie, WAMayor Jeffrey SlavinSomerset, MDMayor Dana S. HilliardSomersworth, NHMayor Joseph A. CurtatoneSomerville, MAMayor Pete ButtigiegSouth Bend, INMayor Philip StoddardSouth Miami, FLMayor Sheena C. CollumSouth Orange Village, NJMayor Domenic J. SarnoSpringfield, MAMayor David MartinStamford, CTMayor Donald M. HahnState College, PAMayor Lyda KrewsonSt. Louis, MOMayor Michael TubbsStockton, CAMayor Melvin CarterSt. Paul, MNMayor Glenn HendricksSunnyvale, CAMayor Daniel DietchSurfside, FLMayor Tim KearneySwarthmore, PAMayor Thomas FrommSwedesboro, NJMayor Kate StewartTakoma Park, MDMayor Drew FixellTarrytown, NYMayor Sean MurphyTelluride, COMayor Jim CarruthersTraverse City, MIMayor Jonathan RothschildTucson, AZMayor Brian P. StackUnion City, NJMayor Shelley WelschUniversity City, MOMayor Dave ChapinVail, COMayor Kevin J. RyanVerona, NJMayor Muriel BowserWashington, DCMayor Lowell HurstWatsonville, CAMayor John HeilmanWest Hollywood, CAMayor John DennisWest Lafayette, INMayor Daniel J. StermerWeston, FLMayor Jeri MuoioWest Palm Beach, FLMayor Christopher CabaldonWest Sacramento, CAMayor Daniel CoronaWest Wendover, NVMayor Bud StarkerWheat Ridge, COMayor Thomas RoachWhite Plains, NYMayor Mike SpanoYonkers, NYMayor Amanda Marie EdmondsYpsilanti, MI
The comment letter was originally released on February 20, 2018 (5:00am PST) with 233 signatories. Updated signatories as of 11:00 am PST on March 27, 2018. Mayors wishing to add their support to this comment letter should email: info@climate-mayors.org before the closing of the EPA Comment Period on April 26, 2018.
Nashua Telegraph: NH mayors following Donchess’ lead in joining climate initiative
CONCORD — More cities in New Hampshire are joining the effort to combat climate change, following the lead of Nashua’s Mayor Jim Donchess in signing up to be part of the Climate Mayors initiative.
279 Climate Mayors across the United States now committed to adopting the Paris agreement goals in their cities
LOS ANGELES — In the week following the President's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, 279 Climate Mayors — a group Mayor Garcetti helped establish in 2014 — have pledged to support the goals of the agreement in their cities. When the President announced the withdrawal on June 1, 61 Climate Mayors expressed their support for the agreement. One week later, the number of Climate Mayors has more than quadrupled, now representing nearly one in five Americans.
Mayor Garcetti and the Climate Mayors have strongly opposed the Administration’s decision to leave the Paris Agreement, committing to uphold its standards in their own cities. “Last week, mayors from both Democratic and Republican cities across America united to say ‘Enough’ — we will not allow inaction at the highest level to jeopardize the future of our world,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Now, mayors from every part of our nation are joining the call to action, uniting to continue the fight against climate change in our cities.”
The Climate Mayors now include nine of the 10 largest cities in America — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose — along with hundreds of additional cities, large and small, from Boston to Knoxville to Miami, across red and blue states. In total, the 279 Climate Mayors now represent 59 million Americans from 42 states.
“This is a top priority for the people of Boston and for all Americans,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “We witness the impacts of climate change every day — extreme heat, flooding, and worsening health issues. It's our duty to act, and I'm proud to stand among the increasing number of Climate Mayors fighting for our residents.”
"We believe that Miami is the epicenter for climate change and sea level rise,” said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado. “Now more than ever, we are resolute and will vigorously pursue our commitment to this cause. This is not just about the present, but for future generations."
“Protecting the climate doesn’t mean choosing between our environment and economy,” said Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero. “As demonstrated in Knoxville, we can enhance both while improving our community. Despite the president's stance, we will continue to advance our local values by upholding the principles and commitments of the Paris Agreement."
In Los Angeles, Mayor Garcetti has spearheaded efforts to make the city the most sustainable in America. In April 2015, he introduced the city’s first Sustainable City pLAn, a comprehensive roadmap with measurable long-term goals for conserving water, creating green jobs, expanding electric vehicle use, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The city is on track to meet 90% of the pLAn’s 2017 goals.
To learn more about Climate Mayors, visit www.climate-mayors.org or engage with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Medium. Mayor Garcetti co-founded the Climate Mayors (also known as the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda, or MNCAA), a network of 289 U.S. cities representing over 62 million Americans, collaborating to enhance local efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advocate for binding federal and global policies. Earlier this year, Mayor Garcetti led the release of an EV RFI with 30 MNCAA cities to showcase potential demand for over 114,000 electric vehicles, trucks, and equipment for cities. Additionally, Mayor Garcetti serves as Vice Chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, an international network of megacities working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and has signed the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy.
Bloomberg City Lab: Can Cities Actually Meet the Paris Commitments on Their Own?
Think of the Paris climate accord as a delicate scale. Every nation works to meet carefully co-determined carbon cuts, holding one another accountable towards the utterly un-simple goal of limiting catastrophic global warming. By withdrawing the U.S., President Trump has lifted a critical weight from one end of this scale. How and whether it can right itself is an open question.
Washington Post: D.C. and Virginia, bucking Trump, pledge to honor Paris climate pact
The District and Virginia have joined a growing number of cities and states whose leaders are vowing to uphold the goals of the Paris climate agreement, despite President Trump’s announcement last week that the United States will withdraw from the accord.
Tennessean: Tennessee mayors support Paris accord, despite Trump decision
The mayors of Tennessee's four largest cities aren't giving up the fight to combat climate change, even after President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would pull out of the Paris climate agreement.
WBIR: Rogero joins 'Climate Mayors' still supporting Paris agreement
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero is among dozens of mayors across the country committing to upholding the Paris Climate Accord despite President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the agreement.
Evanston Now: Hagerty snubs Trump’s climate move
Despite President Donald Trump’s rejection yesterday of the Paris climate accord, Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty declared that the city will not renege on its pledge.