Climate Mayors and Urban Sustainability Directors Network Submit Letter to the Office of Management and Budget to Ensure Streamlining of Federal Grants

We, the undersigned, are pleased to submit these comments on the update of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), subtitle A, chapters I and II. The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) represents over 260 local government practitioners representing over 100 million residents, sharing best practices and accelerating transformative change across the United States and Canada. Climate Mayors represents a bipartisan network of over 500 mayors committed to climate action. We urge the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to consider the following recommendations when updating title 2 of the CFR to reduce the administrative burden on federal grant applicants. As illustrated in the chart below, local governments have difficulty navigating the federal funding landscape, knowing what funding is available, and knowing how to pursue that funding. This is further compounded by the lack of capacity within local governments to look for, apply to, and administer federal grant applications and awards. Significant changes are needed in the grant application and post award reporting processes to reduce the administrative burden on these local government entities.

• Notice Period. We ask that all federal awarding agencies that announce notices of intent to post funding opportunities do so at least 60 days prior to releasing their funding opportunities.

• Availability period. We ask that all federal awarding agencies be required to make funding opportunities available for application for at least 60 calendar days.

• Grant application. We ask that one universal federal grant application be developed and adopted by all federal awarding agencies to standardize the application process, required forms, application and award timeline, and auto populate the system and forms with information that remains constant.

• Grant Reporting. We ask that the federal awarding agencies allow for more simple, streamlined, and flexible grant reporting after receiving a grant award, as well as use reporting forms with components that are standardized across agencies.

• Allowable Costs. We ask for flexibility in the list of allowable costs in all grant awards.

• Standardization. We ask that Grants.gov standardize their notifications for all opportunities, even when a full application package is not required for submission.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Climate Mayors

Urban Sustainability Directors Network

Climate Mayors, C40 Cities, USDN and City-Led Organizations Submit Letter to EPA with Recommendations to Ensure U.S. Cities Can Maximize the Benefits of Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

On behalf of our organizations that support climate action at the local level, we are pleased to submit these comments on the design and implementation of the newly created Climate Pollution Reduction Fund Program. The $5 billion available for planning and implementation of actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the state and local level could provide much needed capacity to accelerate transformative climate action and fill gaps in other new and existing funding programs. Critically, the program can build on the success and lessons learned from the many local governments that have created and are now implementing innovative climate action plans that advance both climate and equity goals.

We urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider the following cross-cutting principles in implementing the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program and provide specific recommendations for each of the types of funding available for planning, implementation and technical assistance:

• Cross Cutting Principles: For the program to deliver ambitious climate action, it is essential EPA recognize the crucial role of local governments in state and regional planning and implementation. To the greatest extent possible, we strongly urge the Agency to provide funding directly to local governments who are well-positioned to engage with communities and residents and have an acute understanding of how climate action can deliver health, economic, and other co-benefits at the community-level.

• Planning Grants ($250M): The program must recognize the extent to which many state and local governments have already adopted climate action plans. Inclusive climate action plans can often take a year or more to complete and require significant allocation of limited resources, time, and staff capacity.

• Implementation Grants (~$4.75B): EPA should prioritize implementation funding to jumpstart the most promising strategies, including those at the local and regional level, that can deliver rapid emissions reductions and benefits to disadvantaged communities and those on the frontlines of climate change. EPA should also maximize the broad and flexible nature of the program compared to other sources of federal funding.

• Administrative Funding (up to $142M): Technical assistance should provide eligible entities, especially those that otherwise wouldn’t have the capacity or means to develop plans on their own, support to develop and implement comprehensive climate action plans that embed multiple additional environmental, health, equity, economic and societal benefits.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Climate Mayors

C40 Cities

National League of Cities

Southeast Sustainability Directors Network

The U.S. Conference of Mayors

Urban Sustainability Directors Network

Three Climate Mayors Reach the End of their Terms and Leave Behind Climate Legacies

Three members of the Climate Mayors’ Steering Committee will soon conclude their terms as city mayors. Yet, their leadership in climate action leaves behind unforgettable legacies.

Several leaders of Climate Mayors will be concluding their terms as mayors and stepping down from their positions within the steering committee. Mayors Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles, Steve Adler of Austin, and Greg Fischer of Louisville have dutifully served their communities as champions for local climate action and progressive policy making. With Climate Mayors’ own co-founder Mayor Garcetti, and others leaving office it seemed timely to take a look back on all the considerable impacts these mayors have made on our climate and their local communities.

Mayor Eric Garcetti has held office since 2013 and in the following year he co-founded Climate Mayors alongside former Mayor Nutter of Philadelphia and former Mayor Parker of Houston. Since then, the bipartisan organization founded to build political will for federal and global climate action has welcomed almost 500 mayors into its fold. In addition to being Chair of Climate Mayors from 2014-2020, he also served as Chair of C40 Cities – a global city-led organization in the fight against climate change – from 2019-2021. In addition to his national leadership in building political momentum for climate action, Mayor Garcetti holds an impressive track record for environmental wins in LA. Below is just a sampling of the positive change created during his term:

• Launched Los Angeles’ Green New Deal, an ambitious update to​ the city’s first-ever Sustainable City Plan from 2015. It aims to secure clean air and water and a stable climate, improve community resilience, expand access to healthy food and open space, and promote justice for all

• Establishedfirst in the nation Climate Emergency Mobilization Office (CEMO) to foster collaboration with policymakers and community leaders to create opportunities to improve sustainability and resilience at L.A.’s most burdened communities.

• As of 2018, LA had the most solar power installed out of any city in the US and was named the #1 Solar City in America in 8 of the last 9 years

• LA became the first city in the U.S. to launch an electric car share program designed to serve low-income residents in 2017

• Invested $150 million into two LADWP programs targeting low-income multifamily energy efficiency and building electrification, including free upgrades for renters

• Installed the most publicly available and commercial electric vehicle chargers of any city in the nation

• As of 2020, LA’s GHG emissions are down 36%. In 2016 alone, L.A. reduced its city-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 11%, equivalent to taking 737,000 cars off the road

• Created over 60,000 green jobs

• Attracted $695 million in green investments and supported 340 startups as of June, 2022 through the LA Cleantech Incubator

"In the year 2100, when the human race looks back at the challenges this century brought us, I know they will be grateful for everything Mayor Garcetti and the City Council accomplished in this past decade on climate, and for everything we are going to accomplish next." – Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz."We appreciate the leadership and partnership of the Mayor's Office in championing innovative and equitable solutions to the health, climate, and environmental justice threats our communities face. The establishment of the first-in-the-nation Climate Emergency Mobilization Office is a lasting legacy that will center frontline, indigenous and vulnerable communities in policy design, and will ensure that the benefits of a just transition will be shared by all."– Martha Dina Argüello, Executive Director Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles

Mayor Steve Adler has held office in Austin since 2015 and will term out of office in January 2023. On the national stage, Mayor Adler has served on the Climate Mayors steering committee since 2019 and has been a member of C40 Cities since 2006. Climate leadership on this stage – from a Texas mayor – exemplified how climate progress can even take shape in states historically tied with fossil fuel production and consumption.During his time in office, Mayor Adler has been a progressive force for climate action in the red state of Texas. Below are some examples of transformative work at the local level:

• Project Connect is a new light rail and bus network designed to connect neighborhoods around Austin. It aims to improve access to daily needs like jobs, healthcare, and education. By reducing people’s reliance on cars, the project also aims to play a role in tackling Austin’s carbon footprint and helping the City of Austin reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2040

• A 400-mile All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Network is being built throughout the city to help Austin achieve its mode-shift goals. Late last year, 215 miles — over 50% — of the network had been completed.

• In 2021, the revised and updated Austin Climate Equity Plan was adopted by Council. Austin’s original climate plan was adopted by the City Council in 2015, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and the intention of updating the plan every 5 years. The revised plan accelerates Austin’s goal to become a Net Zero city by ten years – from 2040 to 2050.

• Created new green jobs with an equity lens through theAustin Civilian Conservation Corps

• The Community Climate AmbassadorsProgram recruits individuals to host community conversations and lead projects with historically underrepresented groups about climate change, racial equity, and sustainability

• The Austin Youth Climate EquityCouncil empowers Austin’s next generation of climate champions with the tools to engage in community issues around climate change, environmental policy, and environmental justice

• Awarded 493Bright Green Future Grants to Austin area schools for sustainability-focused projects and education. 70% of all Title 1 schools in Austin have received funding, which includes schools with higher numbers of students from low-income families

• Adopted the 2021Residential International Energy Code which, will save energy and GHG emissions, and remove mandatory natural gas hookups for residential homes

“The most important lesson learned here is that we will never come close to overcoming climate change without centering racial equity and community leadership.” Shane Johnson, Sierra Club, Austin Office of Sustainability Steering Committee Tri-Chair“It is not the power of one but the power of many perspectives, communities, and knowledge to shift the direction of climate impacts.” – Shaun Auckland, SPEER , Austin Office of Sustainability Advisory Group Member

Mayor Greg Fischer has held office in Louisville, Kentucky for over a decade, beginning in 2011 and closing out in January of 2023. Fischer has been active on the national and global level as a champion for climate action through service on the Climate Mayors steering committee and participation in Global Covenant of Mayors. Mayor Fischer also signed the We're Still In letter, committing Louisville to pursue the requirements outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement, regardless of national leadership decisions. His keen awareness of the ramifications that city emissions have on the national and global environment turbocharged actions taken at the local level.During his terms, clean energy and resilience were top of mind as showcased in the achievements here:

• Mayor Greg Fischer created the Office of Sustainability in 2012 and tasked the office with drafting the city’s first-ever sustainability plan, Sustain Louisville

• Adoption of the original Sustain Louisville Plan in March 2013

• In 2022, Mayor Fischer signed an executive order committing Louisville to the science-based target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions community-wide by 2040. The order was an update to prior set goals of 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions community-wide by 2050, and helps Louisville meet its commitment under the Cities Race to Zero.Following this Executive Order, Louisville Metro Council passed a resolution reaffirming the same goal, building on a previous resolution for100% renewable electricity for Metro operations by 2030, 100% clean energy for Metro operations by 2035, and 100% clean energy community-wide by 2040

• Since 2016, Louisville Metro has leveraged over $15 million in private capital toward energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through its Energy Project Assessment District (EPAD) Program, a financing mechanism that allows non-residential property owners to repay private loans for energy improvement projects.

• In September 2019, Mayor Fischer declared a Climate Emergency at a youth-led climate strike to recognize the urgency to halt, reverse, mitigate, and prepare for the consequences of climate change and restore the climate for future generations. Hundreds of Louisville students, parents, concerned citizens, and politicians joined cities around the world in a day of global protest to demand action on climate change.

• On April 4, 2022, Louisville Metro was accepted into the U.S. Department of Energy’s Communities Local Energy Action Program (LEAP) pilot which provides technical assistance to cities to develop sustainability programs that benefit environmental justice communities. 

• The Solar Over Louisville campaign was launched in June 2022. The plan encourages residents to install solar panels and simplifies the process of doing so

• Louisville received the distinction of being one of less than 100 cities around the world to make CDP’s annual A List in 2021 and 2022. The global environmental nonprofit’s list recognizes major progress in climate action and transparency.

“As Louisville Metro Government’s leading Community Partner in the sustainability space, the Louisville Sustainability Council is honored to have had the opportunity to work so closely with Mayor Fischer over the years. Mayor Fischer has greatly contributed to helping our city dream and achieve significant sustainability milestones. We will deeply miss Mayor Fischer’s energy, passion, and support for climate mitigation and education.” – Julia Murray, Executive Director, Louisville Sustainability CouncilThe Climate Mayors organization thanks Mayors Garcetti, Adler, and Fischer for their commitment to maintaining focus on one of the most pressing issues of our lives. They  challenged the organization and their cities to reach new heights in promoting climate justice, equity and sustainability for all.

“It has been an honor to work alongside these mayors. Their dedication to climate resilience, emissions reduction, environmental justice, and community prosperity has produced positive impacts that will be felt for generations to come,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “Their climate leadership will serve as a guiding light to their successors and we aim to continue to make bold and inspired climate action in Los Angeles, Austin, and Louisville going forward.”

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

Cap Times: Madison Mayor Rhodes-Conway to serve as chair of U.S. Climate Mayors

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is the new chair of the U.S. Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 500 mayors across the country committed to climate leadership in their respective cities, the group announced Wednesday.

Rhodes-Conway is the first female leader of Climate Mayors, a group founded in 2014 aimed at creating local climate leadership and building partnerships for federal and global climate action. Hundreds of members have signed the Climate Mayors letters committing to the Paris Agreement and calling on Congress to invest in a green and equitable economic recovery.

Rhodes-Conway described the group as “small but mighty.” But in order to meet the challenges of climate change, she would like to see Climate Mayors grow and tell its stories of action.

“Climate is the defining issue of our time,” Rhodes-Conway said at a Wednesday press conference. “This is a critical time for climate action in cities. The federal government is making unprecedented investments in climate action and, as we all know, cities have long been leaders in actually taking action on climate on the ground.”

​​Climate Mayors Welcomes its 2023 Mayoral Leadership Team

Climate Mayors closes out the year by welcoming a new leadership team to head into a major year for climate action and progress in U.S. cities.Climate Mayors announced their new leadership team on December 14, 2022, highlighting several mayors who will be carrying the torch as the new leaders of the climate action organization. With Mayor Turner of Houston stepping down as his term nears its end, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway of Madison will serve as the 2023 Chair. She will lead alongside Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix who has held her Vice-Chair position since 2021 and new incoming Vice-Chair, Mayor Justin Bibb of Cleveland. These three mayors have been exemplary models for citywide attention to the climate crisis, public health and environmental justice and are poised to continue this leadership in the year ahead.

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has held office in Madison, Wisconsin since 2019 and began her term by making history as the first openly LGBTQ person to hold the position. She has been a member of the Climate Mayors Steering Committee since 2020 and served as Vice-Chair in 2021 and 2022. We’re proud to announce her transition to Chair of Climate Mayors. Her leadership on climate action in Madison showcases her dedication to protecting people and the planet. The Mayor has prioritized climate action in numerous ways such as investing in energy retrofits to affordable housing, advancing EV-charging infrastructure, and she is now breaking ground on a $160 million bus rapid transit system with all-electric buses. Mayor Rhodes-Conway’s actions show what’s possible with bold, ambitious climate leadership.Madison has already achieved many climate wins, including investing in over 20 megawatts of rooftop and offsite solar energy, rapidly converting municipal fleets to electric and alternative fuels, and making major investments in Madison’s stormwater system to increase resilience to flooding, just to name a few. A priority for the Mayor for the upcoming year will be helping cities take full advantage of climate solutions in the Inflation Reduction Act.“I’m honored to serve as Climate Mayors Chair at this critical time for climate action in cities,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “Cities have long been our climate leaders, and during my time as Climate Mayors Chair, I am eager to work with other Mayors, the federal government, and numerous partners to help ensure that the unprecedented federal investments in climate solutions reach U.S. cities and their residents.”

Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Arizona has held office since 2019 and has served as the Climate Mayors Vice-Chair since 2020 and Vice-Chair of C40 Cities since 2021. In 2023, she will maintain her position as Vice-Chair alongside the new leadership team members. Mayor Gallego’s goal is to make Phoenix the most sustainable desert city on the planet. As the world continues to warm, that means boosting the city’s heat resiliency, implementing innovative ideas like cool pavement; managing water supplies in ways that encourage conservation; and advancing transit options like light rail while building infrastructure that supports electric vehicle adoption. She also put transparency and access first with the launch of a new environment and sustainability web portal in 2022 which provides residents with timely updates and access to environmental, sustainability, and climate programs.“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Mayors Bibb and Rhodes-Conway toward our shared mission at Climate Mayors,” said Mayor Gallego. “Our leadership team will continue to put people first in the fight against climate change. Challenging ourselves and our cities to meet the unique needs of our local communities while driving progress forward in clean energy, adaptation and sustainable innovation.”

Mayor Justin Bibb has served as the first millennial mayor of Cleveland, Ohio since 2022 and is now a newly inducted member of the Climate Mayors leadership team as Vice-Chair. Climate justice and sustainability has been a key component of Mayor Bibb’s platform, since connecting with constituents about their lived health experiences related to climate change, such as asthma aggravated by increasing high heat days. In his first year as mayor, Bibb has included climate justice as a key component for all cabinet leader positions, as well as elevating it into a titled cabinet role –Director of Sustainability and Climate Justice.

Thus embedding accountability, equity and just transition at the forefront of climate change solutions planned, coordinated and implemented by the city. Mayor Bibb identifies reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and moving toward solar, wind, and hydro power as a key driver of the city’s green economic outlook. The City of Cleveland has already set a goal of meeting 100% of the city’s overall electricity demand from renewable energy sources by 2050, but is currently exploring a more aggressive timeline to achieve the vision of a clean and equitable energy future. Cleveland also offers tax abatements and grants for residential developments that meet Cleveland Green Building Standards, and is piloting a rooftop Solar Low-Moderate Income (LMI) program for up to 10 households. Under Mayor Bibb’s leadership, the city will build upon and align past municipal level climate action planning with science-based climate targets and convene economic leadership in the greater metropolitan area to co-identify and co-plan clear next steps to pivot local and regional decarbonization commitments into action.“I’m honored to serve amongst seasoned Climate Mayors Gallego and Rhodes-Conway as Vice-Chair. Supporting the conditions for climate justice to thrive in Cleveland and in cities across America is a critical step toward creating an equitable tomorrow for all”, said Mayor Justin Bibb.

The Climate Mayors organization is proud to welcome these three exceptional mayors to its leadership team. There is no doubt that they will dutifully serve their cities and this organization by leading the charge in transitioning to clean energy, reducing city emissions, creating jobs, and uplifting environmental justice. “We’re thrilled to bring fresh energy and ideas to the Climate Mayors leadership team. The dynamic leadership of Mayors Rhodes-Conway, Bibb and Gallego will harness the power of U.S. cities to make an impact in meeting Paris Agreement targets and limiting global warming despite what’s going on at the federal level,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “Building on the remarkable work accomplished by outgoing leadership, the new team will lead the way in making 2023 a year of robust and diverse climate achievements in cities.”

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

Climate Mayors Celebrates Mayor Sylvester Turner's Successful Leadership As Chair

As mayor of the nation’s fourth-largest city and a strong advocate for climate action, Mayor Sylvester Turner ends his term as Chair of Climate Mayors with several significant accomplishments that helped to elevate the discussion on climate.

As mayor of the nation’s fourth-largest city and a strong advocate for climate action, Mayor Sylvester Turner ends his term as Chair of Climate Mayors with several significant accomplishments that helped to elevate the discussion on climate. Since he was first elected mayor of Houston, Texas, in December 2015, Mayor Turner has focused on key initiatives to advance climate priorities in his city and to support the work of the Biden – Harris Administration. As Chair of Climate Mayors, Mayor Turner has led the organization through a year of remarkable progress at the federal level that built on the years of leadership at the local level to develop a clean energy economy. As the job of implementing federal climate policy turns to mayors and governors, Climate Mayors is grateful to have Mayor Turner continue to help lead the organization as he transitions to Chairman Emeritus. In addition to being Chair of Climate Mayors, Mayor Turner is a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee, Board Chairman of the Resilient Cities Network, and a member of C40 Cities.

“It’s been an honor to serve as Chair of Climate Mayors. Communities in Houston have been hit hard by extreme weather, and it has been mission critical to do our part in stopping and adapting to the climate crisis. We’ve been able to drive progress by making strategic investments in climate resilience, electrification of the transportation sector and renewable energy,” said Mayor Turner. “I know Climate Mayors will continue to be a leading force in facing the climate crisis and championing the health and prosperity of U.S. cities. ”

As Mayor of Houston, Mayor Turner made the city more resilient, sustainable, and equitable over his two terms. Launched in 2020, the Resilient Houston strategy and Houston’s Climate Action Plan identify specific actions to rise above challenges, emphasizing the most vulnerable populations. Since then, Turner’s efforts have created new programs, projects, and policies that help Houston prepare, adapt, and recover from shocks and stresses like the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather, and systemic inequities. Mayor Turner undoubtedly positioned Houston as a leader in resilience and demonstrated the city’s commitment to build forward and build better, even in the face of economic and climate challenges.Highlights of his climate leadership:

• Launched Resilient Houston in February 2020 to provide a framework to protect Houston against future disasters – from hurricanes to extreme heat waves – and chronic stresses such as aging infrastructure, poor air quality, and flooding. Resilient Houston set 18 high-level targets, corresponding with the strategy’s 18 goals that will be used to measure the progress and impact of the city’s resilience work from now to 2050. Turner’s leadership helped the city deliver 3 of the 18 targets over the last 2 years and set the city up to continue making progress toward the goals.

• Released Houston’s first Climate Action Plan in April of 2020 to meet the Paris Agreement goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, improve air quality, build climate resilience, and leverage Houston’s role as a leader of the global energy transition. In just two years, Turner led the city to complete 3 of the Climate Action Plan’s 12 targets and created a path to achieve all the targets in the years to come.

• Negotiated a new retail electricity contract. As of July 2020, all of Houston’s municipal buildings are 100% powered by renewables, and the City purchases more renewables than any other city in the country.

• Led the establishment and passage of a historic decarbonization policy for Houston’s buildings, recognizing that buildings in Houston are responsible for 40% of both municipal and city-wide emissions. By implementing the decarbonization policy, Houston is estimated to prevent over 40% of the City’s direct and indirect emissions by 2030 and produce unprecedented energy savings for building owners and occupants.

• Released the “Living with Water” strategy in 2020, invested over 780 million in drainage infrastructure – with a focus on Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) – to adapt Houston to a changing climate, and created the GSI Tax Abatement program to encourage the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure in private development.

• Created the Complete Communities initiative to revitalize and improve Houston’s most under-served neighborhoods by partnering with local stakeholders to leverage resources to create a more equitable and prosperous city for all Houstonians.

• Worked with the City Council to purchase nearly 100 battery electric vehicles to replace the City of Houston’s current aging fleet of internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, furthering progress towards a goal of the Houston Climate Action Plan to convert all non-emergency, light-duty municipal vehicles to electric by 2030.

• Developed the Sunnyside Landfill Solar Project as a shining example of collaboration with the energy industry and community residents. The project will transform a 240-acre former landfill that has sat dormant for more than 50 years into the largest urban solar farm in the U.S. The project addresses long-standing environmental justice challenges and revitalizes a historically underserved and under-resourced community as part of the energy transition, generating clean energy, and creating jobs and training opportunities in one of the fastest growing job markets today.

• Founded the nonprofit Evolve Houston and partnered with it to establish an all-new Equity Program. As part of this program, the eMobility Microgrant Initiative awards microgrants to local electromobility projects that address community mobility needs and e-mobility access in the Greater Houston area.

• Led by example and inspired Houston’s business community to join in the ambition to lead the global energy transition, fostering public-private partnerships, promoting energy innovation and attracting CleanTech incubators such as GreenTown Labs, and working with the private sector to scale up clean hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) developments.

• In 2021, Mayor Turner traveled to Scotland, United Kingdom for the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, or COP 26. He joined world leaders and mayors from across the world,  met with National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, and attended the Climate Breakfast with Mayors featuring Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

Climate Mayors Announces New Chair, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

At a virtual convening today, Climate Mayors announced new leadership to drive ambitious climate solutions at the local scale

December 14, 2022 — Today, at a virtual convening of the organization’s leadership and press, Climate Mayors announced that Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway will become the next Chair of the network of nearly 500 U.S. mayors across the country committed to climate leadership in their cities. In this role, Mayor Rhodes-Conway will help catalyze urgent action at the local scale to promote climate solutions, set an example of action for leaders at all levels of government, and support greener, safer and more resilient cities across the country. Also announced at the event were the incoming Vice-Chairs: Kate Gallego, Phoenix, AZ; and Justin Bibb, Cleveland, OH.

The 58th Mayor of Madison, Satya Rhodes-Conway was elected in 2019 as the city’s second female mayor and the first out LGBTQ person to serve as Mayor of Madison. In her time as Mayor, Rhodes-Conway has prioritized affordable housing, transportation, climate change and racial equity. She brings to the organization extensive experience in local policy, having worked with mayors across the country for over a decade and served three terms on the Madison Common Council. Under her leadership, Madison has invested in renewable energy consistent with goals for city facilities to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2030. In addition, the city has invested in a $160 million all-electric bus rapid transit system that will improve mobility, lower transit emissions, take thousands of cars off the streets, and encourage sustainability in both new and existing affordable housing operations to lower bills for residents. The city is also working to rapidly transition streetlights to LED lights, retrofit affordable housing for efficiency and health, and build green infrastructure for stormwater management. On earth day in 2021, Mayor Rhodes Conway announced Climate Forward  – a plan to advance climate action in Madison, rapidly reduce emissions, make the city more resilient, and improve peoples’ lives. 

“I’m honored to serve as Climate Mayors chair at this critical time for climate action in cities,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “Cities have long been our climate leaders, and during my time as Climate Mayors chair, I am eager to work with other Mayors, the federal government, and numerous partners to help ensure that the unprecedented federal investments in climate solutions reach U.S. cities and their residents.”

Mayor Rhodes Conway succeeds Mayor Sylvester Turner, who has been a long-standing climate champion for the City of Houston. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Mayor Turner launched Resilient Houston, worked at transitioning the Energy Capital of the World to a clean energy future, and increased the resilience of communities across the city by prioritizing health, job creation, equity, and sustainability. Turner also spearheaded the Houston Climate Action Plan — a science-based, community-driven strategy to make Houston’s transportation networks, building operations, and waste systems as clean and efficient as possible. Under Mayor Turner’s leadership, the City of Houston has committed to purchasing 100% renewable energy and is the largest municipal user of renewable energy in the nation. As incoming Vice-Chairs of the organization, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb will continue driving city-led climate action to create more sustainable, equitable, and healthy cities for all. Mayor Bibb has a keen focus on environmental justice and equitable access, while Mayor Gallego often takes aim at extreme heat and resilience in their respective cities. Under their leadership, Climate Mayors will continue to catalyze membership and deeply engage cities, while holding the frontline for climate action in the U.S.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Mayors Bibb and Rhodes-Conway toward our shared mission at Climate Mayors,” said Mayor Gallego. “Our leadership team will continue to put people first in the fight against climate change. Challenging ourselves and our cities to meet the unique needs of our local communities while driving progress forward in clean energy, adaptation and sustainable innovation.”

“I’m honored to serve amongst seasoned Climate Mayors Gallego and Rhodes-Conway as Vice-chair. Supporting the conditions for climate justice to thrive in Cleveland and in cities across America is a critical step toward creating an equitable tomorrow for all”, said Mayor Justin Bibb.

Read more about the leadership team here. 

About Climate Mayors Representing over 74 million Americans from 48 states, Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network of nearly 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 our website and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries please contact CLIMATEMAYORS@FGSGLOBAL.COM

Climate Mayors and Urban Sustainability Directors Network Joint Letter to House and Senate Leadership Urging End of Year Passage of FY23 Appropriations

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Leader McConnell:

First, we want to thank you for your commitment to continue negotiations to potentially move forward with the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) appropriations legislative packages. We recognize the limited time Congress has to negotiate the end of year spending packages. However, as members of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 500 mayors committed to climate action, and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, a coalition of local government sustainability practitioners representing more than 250 communities, we urge Congressional leaders to move forward with final passage of the FY23 appropriations bills to support our local economies, continue to create good jobs, and avoid further uncertainty that weakens our communities.

In addition to our request for Congressional action of passage of the FY23 appropriations bills, we ask you to consider the following top line funding levels for critical energy, infrastructure, and health programs that are vital for continued local climate action:

• $4 billion for the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office, along with $562 million for the Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP).

• $2 billion for Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Building Resilience Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.

• $75 million to address the health impacts of climate change for the Health and Human Services’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Kate Wright, Executive Director, Climate Mayors

Shauna Sylvester, Executive Director Urban Sustainability Directors Network

Climate Mayors and City-Led Organizations Submit Letter to EPA on How to Shape the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

Climate Mayors, along with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities, submitted a request for information (RFI) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of cities to provide feedback on the program design and implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) passed in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This $27 billion in funding over the next two years provides a first-of-its-kind national program to mobilize financing and leverage private capital for clean energy and climate projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while also emphasizing projects that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. The GGRF builds on the successes of state and local green banks and other investment funds that leverage limited public funds to attract private investment while helping to foster an inclusive green economy through job creation and equitable access to low-cost energy upgrades. As organizations who advocate for the investment in local level climate action to achieve our national climate goals, we recommend that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) use the following high-level principles to implement the GHGRF equitably and in alignment with President Biden’s Justice40 initiative (J40):

• Defining low-income and disadvantaged communities.

• Ensure funding flows directly to local governments.

• Coordinate with existing State programs and federal research resources to support technical assistance and capacity building for local governments.

• Prioritize investments and benefits in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

• Conduct a gap-analysis to determine eligible projects and maximize GHG reducing projects.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Climate Mayors

National League of Cities

The U.S. Conference of Mayors

Governing: Guide to Help Cities Make the Most of Billions in Climate Funds

Written by the Climate Mayors and C40 Cities, it will help local governments take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic financial support for climate action.

Climate Mayors Announces New Policy Director to Help City Leaders Navigate Climate Legislation

Meghan Pazik joins Climate Mayors as the new Policy Director to help lead member cities into thoughtful policy creation and program implementation.

November 16, 2022 — Today, Climate Mayors, a network of over 500 U.S. mayors across the country committed to climate leadership and progress in their cities, announced the appointment of Meghan Pazik as its new Policy Director.Pazik joins Climate Mayors after working on Capitol Hill, most recently as a Legislative Assistant for the Office of Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26). Here, Pazik led several climate initiatives, including assisting the Congresswoman on her work with the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and Natural Resources Committee. Prior to her work with Congresswoman Brownley, Pazik was a Legislative Assistant for the Office of Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), where she worked across energy and environment programs to pass pertinent climate legislation. Meghan holds an MS in Energy and Climate Policy from John Hopkins University. From Loyola University, Meghan earned a BA in Environmental Studies and BA in Communications.“I am excited to be working with a dedicated network of mayors and diverse stakeholders on climate action,” said Pazik. “Local leaders are at the center of combating the climate crisis. I am proud to help communities across the country implement the largest federal climate investments in history.”

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 www.ClimateMayors.org and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: ClimateMayors@fgsglobal.com

Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Provide U.S. Cities with Guidebook to Implement Historic Inflation Reduction Act

The guidebook, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, provides cities with guidance on benefits available through the historic $369 billion in federal funding for climate action

Download the full guidebook HERE

 October 28, 2022 – Today, Climate Mayors, a bipartisan coalition of nearly 500 mayors, and C40 Cities, a network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities, released, “Climate Action and the Inflation Reduction Act: A Guide for Local Government Leaders,” a guidebook to help local leaders understand the landmark Inflation Reduction Act and all the resources available to them through the law. The guidebook – supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies – advises U.S. mayors and city staff on the opportunities for local governments, organizations, and businesses to implement the Inflation Reduction Act and address climate change. It highlights where funding could flow directly to cities and where cities will need to collaborate with other partners, including state governments and community organizations, to deploy funding in a way that accelerates climate action and advances equity.The guidebook specifies five key ways in which local governments should leverage the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act: apply for funding that is directly available to local governments; support and partner with frontline communities to secure resources; assist businesses and individuals to access new tax credits; engage and coordinate with states, tribes, utilities, and ports; and protect against detrimental impacts of new or continuing fossil-fuel facilities. It is intended that when local leaders step into these five roles, impact and efficacy will be maximized for the benefit of the community. Additionally, opportunities for action are broken down into specific sectors to help local leaders understand what specific resources are available. These include: air quality and greenhouse gas reduction, housing, resilience, clean vehicles, and workforce development. Within each area, the guidebook outlines the roles and opportunities for local governments, charting a clear route to bold and effective implementation. And with environmental justice sitting at the heart of local climate advocacy, the guidebook underscores the opportunities and pathways to solidify justice and an equitable green transition in communities.

“As funding becomes available, it is critical for local leaders to remember that cities have a unique position as the level of government that’s closest to people on the ground, businesses and cornerstone institutions. The guidebook serves as a reminder that interconnectivity creates a prime opportunity for collaboration, climate success, and economic prosperity as we combat the climate crisis,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Climate Mayors Chair and C40 Cities member. “In Houston, this guidebook will help us connect our communities to opportunities, whether it be residents and small businesses looking to install solar panels on their roofs or transition to electric vehicles, or industrial partners looking to decarbonize their operations in the Port of Houston.” 

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Climate Mayors Vice-Chair, said: “The guidebook provides essential direction in ensuring that people who need assistance the most receive it. We can do this by encouraging leaders to educate local businesses and residents on how to access tax credit incentives allocated for electric vehicles, manufacturing, home energy efficiency and more. Equitable allocation of resources is a paramount aspect of the greening of cities now and in the future. The City of Madison is working to leverage the numerous IRA incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy to expand our existing programs that support upgrades to naturally occurring affordable housing and rooftop solar for homes and businesses.”  

“The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic opportunity for local leaders around the country to boost their efforts to combat climate change and shape the future of sustainable cities and towns,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Vice Chair, C40 Cities and Climate Mayors Vice-Chair. “This guidebook will help mayors and city staff understand the diversity of resources provided by this law and identify programs to address the specific challenges their communities face. In Phoenix, this transformational package will drive energy efficiency improvements and accelerate efforts to achieve tree equity in every neighborhood by 2030, bolstering resilience to extreme heat and reducing energy bills for Phoenix families.”

“Local climate leadership continues to drive positive change in communities and is essential to accelerating action to meet U.S. climate goals,” said Kelly Shultz of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Empowering local leaders with data and resources to tackle the climate crisis is a core component of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Environment program. This guidebook will help cities do exactly that by offering tailored insights for leveraging federal funding to support cleaner, healthier and more equitable communities and economies.” The Inflation Reduction Act opens a critical window of opportunity to implement transformational projects that improve local resilience and sustainability while increasing job creation and energy affordability for communities. Cities have been leading on climate action, but there is still much more to do. With the guidebook, and partnership from the federal government, states and the private sector, cities can lead the way to shaping the clean energy economy of the future.

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 our website and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities who are working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. Through a Global Green New Deal, mayors are working alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labor, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to go further and faster than ever before.The current Chair of C40 is Mayor of London Sadiq Khan; three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the Board. C40’s work is made possible by three strategic funders: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Realdania.To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit our website and C40 Knowledge Hub or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 941 cities and 173 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.66 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 

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.”

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

Media Contact: CLIMATEMAYORS@FGSGLOBAL.COM   

Climate Mayors Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act Celebration Ceremony

After Climate Mayors gathered at the White House to celebrate the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, Climate Mayors Chair Sylvester Turner and Co-Chair Kate Gallego issued the following statement: “It was great to hear from fellow mayors, President Biden, Vice President Harris and others how the Inflation Reduction Act can help us achieve our climate targets and become a model for cities around the country,” said Mayor of Houston, TX and Climate Mayors Chair Sylvester Turner “Climate Mayors and respective cities alike face unique challenges presented by the climate crisis. At last we have the federal resources to confront these threats head on and shape a sustainable, safe and equitable future for our communities.” Phoenix Mayor and Climate Mayors Co-Chair Kate Gallego adds, “cities have been on the frontlines of the climate crisis for decades, so the passage of this historic legislation could not have come soon enough. Climate Mayors thanks President Biden and Senator Schumer for bringing this bill to pass, and we look forward to the bright future of climate solutions, lower energy bills, and job creation to come. As the celebration concludes, the work starts now.”

Climate Mayors Statement on the Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act

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

“The Inflation Reduction Act is the biggest investment by Congress to address and accelerate climate action in U.S history, and a massive victory for cities and towns around the country. At last, local leaders will be granted the influx of tools and resources needed to combat the climate crisis, create jobs, and address environmental injustice in our communities. Mayors have long been at the frontlines of the climate crisis, doing what we can to move our communities and country closer to the Paris Agreement goals. This bill will be an incredible boost to those efforts. The funding outlined in this bill will allow cities around the country to bolster their clean energy capacity, restore manufacturing jobs, lower energy costs, and address pollution in marginalized communities. This legislation comes not a moment too soon as our cities grapple with extreme heat and an impending hurricane season that grows more devastating with each passing year. Thank you to President Biden, Senator Schumer, and leaders in the Senate and House for working tirelessly to get this bill across the finish line. There’s more to do, but help is finally on the way, and we look forward to shaping the clean energy economy of the future.”

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

Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer,

We, the leadership of Climate Mayors, a network of more than 500 U.S. mayors across the country committed to climate leadership and progress in cities, write urging you to act swiftly to pass the Inflation Reduction Act and deliver critical climate and clean energy investments to communities around the country. While we await bold federal climate action, our cities, frontline communities, and other overburdened communities have had their lives, livelihoods, and homes threatened by the impacts of the climate crisis. This landmark piece of legislation will finally provide local leaders with the resources and tools to implement cleaner, more sustainable, and more equitable climate solutions. Cities have made tremendous climate progress in recent years but we can only go so far – this legislation will ensure our country delivers on our climate commitments to the American people and the world. Passing legislation in Congress remains the surest and most durable path to giving local communities the necessary support to reduce pollution, create jobs, and build clean, affordable infrastructure. Any delay in the passage of the IRA will only exacerbate the problems our cities face because of the climate crisis. We cannot let this opportunity for tangible climate action pass us by.

Signed,

Sylvester Turner Mayor, City of Houston
Kate Gallego Mayor, City of Phoenix
Satya Rhodes-Conway Mayor, City of Madison

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com  

Climate Mayors Statement on the Proposed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

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

 “The proposed Inflation Reduction Act 2022 is a historic advancement for climate and clean energy in the United States. For years, mayors, governors, activists, businesses, and the scientific community have sounded the alarm for bold climate legislation at the federal level. At last, that day has arrived.“ This bill will provide the necessary funding to advance clean energy projects around the country, clean up communities impacted by decades of pollution, help everyday consumers save on their energy expenses, and create millions of jobs. Federal investments in climate and clean energy will finally provide local leaders with the resources and tools to implement their vision for cleaner, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. Cities have made tremendous climate progress in recent years but we can only go so far – this legislation will help ensure our country delivers on our climate commitments to the world.“ Congress must not delay in passing this landmark investment in our clean energy and economic future. The Senate and House must take this bill up swiftly – we cannot wait any longer.” 

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

Washington, DC (July 20, 2022) – Today, following President Joe Biden’s announcement that his administration would be taking steps to address extreme heat and expand wind power, Climate Mayors’ Chair Mayor Sylvester Turner released the following statement: “We thank President Biden for his actions today — both to aid the communities most affected by extreme heat with immediate relief and financial support, as well as to expand our country’s renewable energy infrastructure and ensure affordable, reliable energy in the longer-term. “While the Senate delays critical federal climate legislation, frontline and other overburdened communities continue to have their lives, livelihoods, and homes threatened by climate impacts. As the responsibility to deliver results is once again passed to cities, states, businesses, and non-federal institutions, we know that is not enough – bold, federal action is essential to meet our climate targets and mitigate the worst climate impacts. We must act with a unified purpose to rein in emissions and rapidly scale-up clean energy to ensure a just transition for all.“Today’s actions from the Biden Administration are a welcome step and we urge them to take any other feasible measures to reduce the burden of climate on our communities and build a more equitable, resilient future for all Americans.”

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

For more information, please visit WWW.CLIMATEMAYORS.ORG.

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

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

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

Mayor of Madison, WI and Climate Mayors Co-Chair Satya Rhodes Conway: “This is familiar territory for mayors. We have long been at the frontline of emissions reductions efforts and have no intention of slowing down. Meeting the scope and scale of the climate crisis will require actions at every level of government and we hope this decision inspires Congress to act swiftly to pass vital climate legislation.” 

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

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

For more information, please visit WWW.CLIMATEMAYORS.ORG.

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com