Smart Cities World: Furthering the role of local leadership in US climate action

Kate Wright, executive director of Climate Mayors, details the unique role of mayors in furthering urban climate action, explaining how communication can bring them closer to communities to make the most of unprecedented federal funding.

City-Climate Coalition Appropriations Letter

As members of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 350 mayors committed to climate action; the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), a coalition of local government sustainability practitioners representing more than 280 communities; C40 cities, a network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities, including 14 cities in the United States; the U.S. Conference of Mayors, representing over 1,400 cities with populations of 30,000 or more; and the National League of Cities, representing 19,000 cities, towns and villages nationwide, we urge Congressional leaders to move forward with final passage of a clean FY24 spending bill with zero cuts to the investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that are already working to support local economies and creating good jobs.Cities across America have long demonstrated that economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand – and now, our federal government can show the world that investments in a just and clean energy economy are investments in the future of our workforce, the well-being of generations, and the resilience of our infrastructure and public spaces. This moment demands that we accelerate our efforts to drive ambitious, systemic change.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Kate Wright, Executive Director, Climate Mayors

Cynthia McCoy, Director, Federal Engagement, Urban Sustainability Directors Network

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

Laura Jay, Regional Director, North AmericaC40 Cities

Tom Cochran, CEO & Executive DirectorThe U.S. Conference of Mayors

Smart Cities Dive: On clean energy tax credits, mayors want clearer federal guidance

But direct pay is still new terrain for localities. In June, the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service proposed guidance to help eligible entities understand the scope and eligibility requirements of the IRA provisions. The Climate Mayors’ letter was submitted during the public comment period on this proposed guidance, although cities have been thinking about how they can use direct payments since the IRA was enacted last year, said the organization’s policy director, Meghan Pazik. 

“The overall top line of the letter was ‘Try to make the guidance as simple as possible for cities but also these now eligible entities,’” Pazik said.

In the letter, the mayors repeatedly noted their appreciation of the incentives and proposed guidance. The letter acknowledges that the Treasury, in particular, “faces an immense challenge in rolling out a program that is so new to the agency so quickly” while complying with various requirements and nuances. 

But the letter is also clear about some of the challenges localities face in using the incentives. “In addition to the feedback and comments we have provided, it is critical that the Administration understands the limited capacity of localities and the need for as much clarification and specificity as possible when it comes to eligible projects, eligible entities, and the process to receive elective payments,” the letter says.

Smart Cities World: City climate investments: a year of US urban climate action

In an overview of climate action progress in the 12 months since the Inflation Reduction Act was passed into law, Climate Mayors, C40 and USDN reflect on how federal funding has progressed urban climate action.

Smart Cities World: US mayors sign letter to “turbocharge” local climate action

More than 50 US mayors have signed a letter to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (Treasury) laying out a set of recommendations regarding a new programme that will allow cities to benefit from clean energy tax credits and help them “turbocharge” local climate action.

Over 50 U.S. Mayors Sign Letter to Treasury Urging Simple Direct Pay Guidelines to Accelerate Local Climate Action

Mayors applaud new access to elective pay credits that will turbocharge climate action and environmental justice at the local level

Washington D.C. (August 23) – Over 50 U.S. mayors signed on to a letter expressing appreciation and laying out a set of recommendations to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (Treasury) regarding a game-changing new program that will allow cities to benefit from clean energy tax credits in unprecedented ways. Elective pay (or direct pay) is a critical mechanism for expanding the clean energy economy, made available by President Biden’s Clean Energy Plan. This new program will allow tax exempt entities – like non profit organizations, state, local and Tribal governments, and rural electric cooperatives – to gain access to credits, which corporations have long benefitted from, for the first time. This offers cities an incredible opportunity to turbocharge local climate action.

Climate Mayors – a bipartisan organization of over 350 mayors – is excited about the opportunity to accelerate local climate ambition and transition to clean energy that this transformative direct pay program presents. This will be the first time these credits are available for city-owned clean energy projects – making projects more affordable for local governments and leveling the playing field between local governments and the private sector. Cities already have ambitious plans for the newly available credits such as: retrofitting for energy efficiency, rooftop solar installation, construction of community resilience hubs in disadvantaged neighborhoods, purchasing and deploying electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and deploying renewable energy systems like geothermal. 

Making it possible for cities to access certain clean energy tax credits will be sure to move us toward a net-zero economy and help the U.S. meet its Paris Agreement climate goals. However, more clarification is needed before mayors can confidently take advantage of this critical IRA provision. In the comment letter to Treasury, Climate Mayors expressed the need for the agencies to work together to ensure localities understand the full extent that they can access the clean energy credits without being penalized. The reality for many localities is that they are constrained by limited staff capacity and financial resources. The Treasury and Administration must work together to ensure localities don’t miss out on these credits. Over the last year, cities have already been taking concrete action to fight the climate crisis and build community resilience, but with these supportive elective pay provisions in place, this is just the beginning.

“Allowing cities to utilize elective pay credits can catalyze local climate projects and turbo charge the clean energy economy at a scale that was previously unimaginable,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “We thank the Biden-Harris administration for the inclusion of cities in their plans and we hope that further clarifications of the rules will allow local leaders to fully leverage their climate investments.” 

“With investments ramping up in renewable energy, electrified transportation and green jobs, now is a fantastic time for cities to take advantage of elective payment credits,” said Madison Mayor and Climate Mayors Chair, Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Here in Madison, we expect to be able to access over $10 million in credits from projects we already have planned. That will help us invest even more in making our community more resilient, sustainable and equitable.”

In the comment letter, Climate Mayors applauds the Biden-Harris administration for its all-of-government approach to climate action and appreciates the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service for recognizing that direct pay will benefit various industries and support economic progress while also reducing multi-sector greenhouse gas emissions. Climate Mayors feedback and recommendations to Treasury on direct pay includes: 

1. Clarifying the timeline between the pre-filing registration process, elective payment election, and when an eligible entity would receive an elective payment; 

2. Clarifying eligible entities as it relates to certain agencies and instrumentalities within political subdivisions, such as housing and transit authorities and/or publicly owned utilities; 

3. Clarifying eligible projects with the potential for a “pre-approval” process in future iterations of the pre-filing registration process; 

4. Clarifying conditions that Treasury would consider a reasonable cause where an entity receives a penalty for excessive payment; and,

5. Recommending that Treasury work across agencies to support eligible entities in taking advantage of elective payments.

The letter can be read in its entirety here.

About Climate Mayors: Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. Representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on X and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com. 

Climate Mayors Elective Pay Feedback Letter

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

Read the full letter and recommendations therein here.

Signed,

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway City of Madison, WI Climate Mayors Chair
Mayor Kate Gallego City of Phoenix, AZ Climate Mayors Vice Chair
Mayor Justin M. Bibb City of Cleveland, OH Climate Mayors Vice Chair 
Steering Committee Members Mayor
Michael P Cahill City of Beverly, MA Mayor LaToya Cantrell City of New Orleans, LA Mayor Jane Castor City of Tampa, FL Mayor Andre Dickens City of Atlanta, GA Mayor Jacob Frey City of Minneapolis, MN Mayor Craig Greenberg City of Louisville, KY Mayor James Hovland City of Edina, MN Mayor Lioneld Jordan City of Fayetteville, AR Mayor Indya Kincannon City of Knoxville, TN Mayor Lauren McLean City of Boise, ID Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. City of Dayton, OH Mayor Ron Nirenberg City of San Antonio, TX Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann City of Columbia, SC Mayor Regina Romero City of Tucson, AZ Mayor Lucy Vinis City of Eugene, OR Mayor Michelle Wu City of Boston, MA Climate Mayors Membership Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft City of Alameda, CA Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird City of Lincoln, NE Mayor Lisa Batey Milwaukie, OR Mayor Angela Birney City of Redmond, WA Mayor Daniel Biss City of Evanston, IL Mayor Rick Blangiardi City and County of Honolulu, HI Mayor Noam Bramson City of New Rochelle, NY Mayor Paul Brodeur City of Melrose, MA Mayor Barbara Buffaloe City of Columbia, MO Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Miami-Dade County, FL Mayor Paige G. Cognetti Scranton, PA Mayor Chance Cutrano Town of Fairfax, CA Mayor Gleam Davis City of Santa Monica, CA Mayor John Giles City of Mesa, AZ Mayor Bruce Harrell City of Seattle, WA Mayor Jordan Hess City of Missoula, MT Mayor Brandon Johnson Chicago, IL Mayor Cavalier Johnson City of Milwaukee, WI Mayor Emily Larson City of Duluth, MN Mayor Heidi Leub City of Tigard, OR Mayor Matt Mahan City of San Jose, CA Mayor Steve Noble City of Kingston, NY Mayor John Ortega Village of Questa, NM Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard City of Mount Vernon, NY Mayor Mary Lou Pauly City of Issaquah, WA President Senta Plunkett Village of Wilmette, IL Mayor Thomas M. Roach City of White Plains, NY Mayor Talisha Searcy City of Takoma Park, MD Mayor Damon Seils Town of Carrboro, NC Mayor Gamal Sherif Borough of Rutledge, PA Mayor Christopher Taylor City of Ann Arbor, MI Mayor Alan Webber City of Santa Fe, NM Mayor Miro Weinberger City of Burlington, VT

 ¹88 Fed. Reg.  40528 - Section 6417 (June 14, 2023), https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-06-21/pdf/2023-12798.pdf

C-Span: Satya Rhodes-Conway on the Inflation Reduction Act and Investments in Cities

More than 50 US mayors have signed a letter to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (Treasury) laying out a set of recommendations regarding a new programme that will allow cities to benefit from clean energy tax credits and help them “turbocharge” local climate action.

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

One year ago today, President Biden signed the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law delivering billions of dollars in grants, incentives, and tax breaks to help make cities more sustainable and equitable. We’re celebrating this year of climate progress by highlighting the hundreds of millions of dollars already won by member cities since the passage of the IRA as well as from other climate investments included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and (BIL) and American Rescue Plan (ARPA). These historic investments in climate action will increase energy security through clean power generation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs for families, and support inclusive career training programs and new green jobs that will help workers put food on the table and care for their families. With more federal funding available than ever, Climate Mayors is excited by the promise of accelerated climate progress in cities across America and ready to get to work on implementing these ambitious programs. Together, with local leaders lighting the path forward, the future of public health, safety, and sustainability is bright. We know that cities are uniquely positioned and skilled to deliver the benefits of the IRA, and we’re excited to support them along the way.

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

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

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

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

About Climate Mayors: Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. Representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow climate mayors on X and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com.

Climate Mayors Sends Letter on Shaping the Department of Transportation’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure (ARPA-I) Passed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Dear Secretary Buttigieg and Acting Assistant Secretary Hampshire:

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the program design and implementation of the potential research and development areas for the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure (ARPA-I) passed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). As an organization that represents a bipartisan network of over 350 Mayors committed to climate action, our members recognize and believe this innovative structure within the Department of Transportation (DOT) will help realize our infrastructure, transportation, and climate ambitions. We appreciate the Administration’s efforts to request feedback on potential research and development areas for ARPA-I that will inevitably support innovation in the transportation sector – which is not only the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) source in the U.S. but is the leading source of emissions in cities across the country.

In general, our organization provides the following recommendations in response to potential areas for research and development for APRA-I:

•  Ensure consistency in reporting of GHG emissions across potential research and development areas for ARPA-I.

•  Integrate recommendations from the White House Climate-Smart Infrastructure Interagency Working Group (CSI IWG) to ensure best practices across APRA-I Implementation

• Prioritize research and development opportunities that align climate resilience with improving and electrifying all modes of transportation.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Kate Wright, Executive Director, Climate Mayors

Climate Mayors and C40 Joint Letter to EPA on Power Plant Rules

C40 is a network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities, including 14 cities in the United States, collaborating to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis. Climate Mayors is a peer-to-peer network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors representing 48 states and nearly 60 million Americans. We applaud the efforts of the EPA to use your authority to cut greenhouse gas emissions, including the recently proposed standards to limit greenhouse gases (GHG) and other harmful pollutants from new and existing power plants. We urge EPA to quickly adopt ambitious standards that cut the greatest amount of possible GHGs as quickly as possible. We also urge EPA to center the needs of communities impacted by fossil fuels and climate change by establishing meaningful local engagement processes in state planning and implementation of the standards.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Laura Jay, Regional Director, North AmericaC40 Cities

Kate Wright, Executive Director, Climate Mayors

Mayoral Terms End, but Climate Legacies Live on Forever: Recognizing Mayor Michael. B Hancock

Mayor Michael B. Hancock of Denver began his term in 2011 and will close this chapter in July of 2023. During this time he also served on the Climate Mayors steering committee in 2019. This leadership has set the stage for continued climate innovation in Denver now and in the future.

“As my time as Mayor of Denver comes to a close, I reflect with gratitude on the great opportunity to serve this incredible city and its people. It's been an honor to work alongside fellow Climate Mayors to drive our collective mission of decarbonizing cities, strengthening environmental justice, and supporting the green transition. The best of Denver's story is yet to be written, and I am excited to witness its next chapter as a proud resident and advocate for our beloved city." - Former Mayor Michael B. Hancock

Mayor Hancock’s legacy often focused on making sustainability accessible to individuals within the community. The successes below showcase how sustainable living and policy making was woven into the fabric of a diversity of communities throughout his term. 

• Announced the 2021 Climate Protection Fund, which allocated $57 million to climate investments 

• Allocated rebates for energy efficient heating and cooling, covering up to 100% of the cost for low income households

• Allocated funding for neighborhoods and small businesses to go green 

• Oversaw the Energize Denver building performance ordinance, which has been hailed as the nation’s gold standard to drastically cut buildings’ reliance on fossil fuels

• As of June 2023, the Climate Protection Fund (CPF) fund has committed $172 million in climate investments, and 60% of that directly benefits Denver’s most climate-vulnerable people and communities

• Committed $18 million in community solar, with 30 percent of the power generated allocated to pay bills for Denver Public Schools families with lower incomes 

• From 2008 to 2021, Denver reduced its GHG emissions by more than 30%

• Doubled spending on climate across all agencies from 2021 to 2023 (in 2023’s budget, over $150M was dedicated to climate action)

• 833 households have installed or reserved a heat pump through Climate Action Rebates

• 159 Certifiably Green Denver businesses

• Over 100 people enrolled in green workforce training programs

• $300k given out in 2022 to 37 minority and/or women-owned small businesses to fund sustainability projects

• Enacted an ordinance that requires all buildings of 25,000 or more square feet to record their energy usage and report publicly in a format that allows for comparison of energy performanceamong such buildings

The Climate Mayors organization thanks Mayor Hancock for his commitment to leading in Denver and creating a model for mayors across the U.S. “We are deeply appreciative of Mayor Hancock’s advocacy for the health and prosperity of all Denver communities. From home electrification rebates to critical investments in solar power, Climate Mayors thanks Mayor Hancock for his inspirational leadership,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. The former Mayor put people first by prioritizing policy transformation and concrete funding support to ensure residents had equitable access to a more sustainable lifestyle. The ripple effect from the efforts in clean energy, transportation electrification, and green business will be felt for generations to come.

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com.

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

June 14, 2023 – Today, President Biden released initial guidance on direct pay for tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. The historic bill includes billions of dollars in provisions that help address the climate crisis and move the country towards a clean energy economy. Direct pay is a critical mechanism for tax exempt entities like non profit organizations, state, local and Tribal governments, public utilities, and rural electric cooperatives to gain access to clean energy tax credits for the first time. With transformative incentives such as tax credits now being made available through the bill, Climate Mayors is keen on ensuring cities have access to as much support as possible to continue decarbonizing, electrifying and adapting in the face of climate change. Our member cities are thrilled to receive this guidance as they have ambitious plans for using the credits to support various programs and projects to lower energy costs for consumers, advance renewable energy deployment, and advance environmental justice. From electric vehicle charging infrastructure to solar power to widespread building electrification, these funds will be highly transformative for the speed and efficacy of the green transition at large. With this support and guidance from the White House, clean energy financing can be transformed and accelerated for cities across the country. Our Mayors aim to use direct pay to take climate action plans further and faster than ever. Climate Mayors thanks the Biden administration for providing useful guidance on direct pay for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and continuing to factor in public and stakeholder needs when creating guidance. This attention to accessibility ensures that cities and municipalities will be able to utilize and amplify investments to their fullest potential. Together, we will raise the bar on clean energy advancement across the nation.

“Once again, the Biden Administration has reinforced its commitment to meeting our nation’s climate goals,” said Madison Mayor and Climate Mayors Chair, Satya Rhodes-Conway.

“With this new guidance, Climate Mayors members are prepared to meet the moment and deliver a greener, cleaner future. In Madison and across the country, local leaders are switching to renewable energy, investing in clean transportation, and creating good, green jobs in the process. We are grateful to the administration for its continued support in ensuring that cities can take full advantage of this historic climate funding.” “The guidance shared today from the White House demonstrates that the Biden Administration continues to deliver to meet local needs,” said Phoenix Mayor and Climate Mayors Vice-Chair, Kate Gallego.

“It is imperative for governments to incentivize the clean energy transition to ensure climate targets are met, and this administration has prioritized accessibility to maximize impact.” “The Biden Administration and Inflation Reduction Act continue to break down barriers for local leaders to implement critical climate forward infrastructure,” said Cleveland Mayor and Climate Mayors Vice-Chair, Justin Bibb.

“The direct pay guidance further uplifts Cleveland's – and the nation’s – efforts in growing our clean energy economy by opening the doors to folks previously under the radar. A true good faith investment in equitable access across the board.” “The guidance and support provided by the Biden Administration today is a crucial step in our continued progress toward a clean-powered, resilient future for Americans,” said Houston Mayor and Climate Mayors Chair Emeritus, Sylvester Turner. “Through direct pay, local leaders can supercharge clean energy projects in our communities to make impactful strides toward climate and clean energy goals.”

About Climate Mayors: Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. Representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow climate mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com.  

Climate Mayors Thanks EPA for Development of the Implementation Framework for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and Urges Agency for Continued Coordination with Cities

Thank you for the opportunity to submit additional feedback to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) implementation framework. As an organization with a bipartisan network that has mobilized over 750 mayors on climate action, Climate Mayors applauds EPA’s efforts to quickly provide initial information on the GGRF Implementation Framework. Climate Mayors is not intending to apply for either competition or the Solar for All grant through the GGRF. However, we anticipate that several of our members will be eligible and may apply for the Solar for All program. We welcome continued partnership with EPA on the GGRF program to support outreach, community roundtable coordination, listening sessions, and other outreach events with potential grant recipients and help achieve the program and Administrative climate goals.

In addition to these comments and appreciation for EPA providing the GGRF Implementation Framework as quickly as possible, we are providing the following recommendations:

• We recommend that EPA expand priority programs for new, sustainable (zero-carbon) affordable housing buildings in addition to decarbonization of retrofits of existing buildings.

• We recommend as part of these components of a program requirement plan that States be required to coordinate with municipalities to be eligible for the Solar for All funding.

• We recommend that the EPA provide as much time as possible for planning and development of applications.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Climate Mayors

Infrastructure Week - Climate Mayors Special Report

Mayors have long been leading the charge on climate and at last, we have necessary support from the federal government to be even more ambitious with our local climate action. This is a historic moment for climate action in cities – we have the chance to go beyond our current emissions reduction targets. Climate Mayors across the country are meeting the moment and advancing sustainable infrastructure projects to help their cities adapt to the challenges of climate change. As Accelerator for America celebrates Infrastructure Week to highlight the benefits of, and ongoing need for increased investment in pipes, ports, roads, rails, and other infrastructure, Climate Mayors is recognizing how sustainable infrastructure projects can bolster resilience to extreme weather and climate change, boost clean energy jobs, strengthen and modernize our electric grid, and advance environmental justice:

Mayor LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans, LA - Resilience

Mayor LaToya Cantrell and The City of New Orleans secured funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Bayou Bienvenue Central Wetlands project in the Lower 9th Ward. The Bayou Bienvenue Wetlands and surrounding communities suffered significant devastation by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. These funds will help the city get through significant public outreach and planning to restore and create natural buffers to help reduce the impacts of storms, rising sea levels, and other extreme weather events made worse by climate change. The Bipartisan Infrastructure law made $10 million in funding available for habitat restoration and resilience awards for underserved communities through National Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants. 

Mayor Justin Bibb, Cleveland, OH - Workforce Development

Mayor Justin Bibb is using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help the City of Cleveland to invest in critical workforce development infrastructure that will provide the backbone for maximizing the benefits of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act. The workforce development programs will bolster the pipeline of workers ready to build out the city’s green infrastructure, remediate brownfields, and deliver a clean energy economy.The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act provided billions of direct and flexible aid to America’s cities to support pandemic relief and spur economic recovery. 

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Madison, WI - Public Transit

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Madison, WI, are taking advantage of federal dollars, including funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to purchase 46 electric buses for the bus rapid transit program set to transform public transit in the city. The new all-electric rapid transit system will reduce travel times, better connect major employers and key parts of the city, increase mobility options, reduce pollution, and put the city on track to meet its climate goals. President Biden is right, “It’s a big deal”.The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $5.6 billion in funding to support the replacement of transit vehicles with low- and no-emission vehicles through the Low or No- Emission Bus Grants.

Mayor Kate Gallego, Phoenix, AZ - Water Security

Federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help the City of Phoenix build an advanced water recycling system, providing a crucial boost to the city’s drinking water supply. As the West sufferers from a historic drought fueled by climate change, Mayor Kate Gallego is taking advantage of federal funds to invest in infrastructure that will ensure access to the region’s most vital resource in the years to come.The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $8.3 billion in Reclamation water infrastructure in the 17 Western States across nearly 20 programs to boost water security in the region.

Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta, GA - Environmental Justice

Mayor Dickens is using federal funding to re-connect neighborhoods and build a sense of community. The Stitch, an infrastructure project in Downtown Atlanta aiming to reconnect divided communities and restore environmental justice, received federal funding from the Reconnecting Communities program of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The project will create a 14-acre green space park, provide affordable housing and transportation, and right historic wrongs over Interstate 75/85 intersection that deliberately divided a historically black community in the 1950s. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included historic funding to help reconnect communities through the Reconnecting Cities Pilot Program with a focus on prioritizing environmental justice communities.

Mayor Tim Keller, Albuquerque, NM - Green Space and Economic Development

Nearly $11.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is being used to transform Albuquerque’s defunct downtown rail line into a green pedestrian parkway that will reinvigorate the local economy and promote community connectivity. The Rail Trail envisions sustainable infrastructure that manages stormwater, features native plant species, and offers shade for visitors all while promoting economic development. Mayor Tim Keller is demonstrating how sustainability and economic development can go hand in hand.RAISE Discretionary Grant Program helps communities build transportation projects that have significant local or regional impact and improve safety and equity. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included a $7.5 billion boost to RAISE grant programs.

Climate Mayors Joins the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and City-Led Organizations on Letter to Shape the Department of Energy’s Zero-Building Energy Code Adoption Program

We recommend that DOE support state and local governments (jurisdictions) and partner applicants to adopt and implement the latest codes and zero codes for new and existing buildings as well as residential, multifamily, and commercial buildings. We recommend that DOE allow jurisdictions to focus their efforts on the areas where they can have the greatest impact through energy savings, decarbonization, and community benefits including advancing equity, affordability, and workforce development. We believe DOE should provide significant support for a code workplan/roadmap and then allocate funding based on these plans.

We recommend that the funding process emphasize brevity and simplicity. With this in mind, we recommend that DOE develop a one-page grant application and off-the-shelf workplans for jurisdictions wanting a streamlined process. We recommend that DOE also have a funded planning grant process to support jurisdictions in developing a customized codes roadmap. We recommend that the implementation grants provide rolling funding (formula and competitive) to carry out the plan within the workplan or roadmap.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)

Climate Mayors

Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN)

C40 Cities

Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN)

Utility Dive: Booming EV sales amp up the pressure on cities and companies to meet charging demand

City leaders are “very much thinking about how to equitably deploy” charging infrastructure in low- and medium-income areas, said Climate Mayors’ policy director, Meghan Pazik, in an interview. She added that many cities are already working to deploy EV charging stations and electrify their municipal vehicle fleets. 

Pazik also pointed out that the newly proposed EPA standards will help cities accelerate their climate action plans and meet their climate goals. “Cities are just trying to think through what makes sense for their city,” she said.

Climate Mayors Welcomes New 2023 Steering Committee Members to Turbocharge Climate Action from Coast to Coast

Climate Mayors strengthens its Steering Committee leadership with the addition of the first African American female Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, and Atlanta Mayor and Deacon, Andre Dickens.

April 13, 2022 – Today, Climate Mayors welcomes two new mayors to its Steering Committee, Mayors Karen Bass of Los Angeles and Andre Dickens of Atlanta. From the West Coast to the deep South, Climate Mayors are working to bring clean energy, electrified transit, and decarbonized homes and buildings to cities across America. With their commitment to advancing clean energy and environmental justice across their cities, these mayors will be an incredible addition not only to the Climate Mayors organization, but also to the fight against the climate crisis at large. 

Cities account for over 70% of global emissions, making emissions reductions in urban areas critical to meeting climate targets. Coming from major metropolitan cities, Mayors Bass and Dickens provide the keen insight and expertise needed to tackle greenhouse gas reductions on a grand scale. With unprecedented federal support for climate action now coming available through the historic Inflation Reduction Act, these mayors are meeting the moment by accelerating implementation and leveraging funding.

Bass has already broken barriers as the first African American female mayor of LA, but her ambition doesn’t stop there; Los Angeles has long held robust climate goals and Mayor Bass is committed to meeting those targets. Advancing the clean energy economy, expanding access to zero-emission transportation, enhancing biodiversity and climate resiliency, and conserving natural resources are top of mind for Bass. Climate justice is also of focus and training workforces for prosperous, sustainable jobs – especially for frontline communities, under-resourced groups, communities of color, people with disabilities, and the elderly – ensuring people from all backgrounds are uplifted during the green transition. 

Mayor Dickens is prioritizing emissions and pollution reduction, environmental justice, and clean energy projects to meet the 100% clean energy by 2035 target for Atlanta. Existing successes include street and road improvements to increase biking and walking, infrastructure improvements to connect neighborhoods across Atlanta that have been historically divided, and supporting Atlanta Public Schools with the effort to secure funding to transition from diesel to electric school buses. Dickens recognizes that safe, equitable, and decarbonized infrastructure is a key component in achieving a sustainable Atlanta. 

Mayors Bass and Dickens are in good company alongside the returning Steering Committee members: Buddy Dyer, Orlando, FL; Daniel Rickenmann, Columbia, SC; Ed Gainey, Pittsburgh, PA; Eric Johnson, Dallas, TX; Frank Cownie, Des Moines, IA; Indya Kincannon, Knoxville, TN; Jacob Frey, Minneapolis, MN; Jane Castor, Tampa, FL; Jeffrey Mims, Jr. Dayton, OH; Jim Brainard, Carmel, IN; Jim Hovland, Edina, MN; LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans, LA;  Lauren McLean, Boise, ID; Lioneld Jordan, Fayetteville, AR; Lucy Vinis, Eugene, OR; Michael Cahill, Beverly, MA; Michelle Wu, Boston, MA; Regina Romero, Tucson, AZ; Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio, TX and Tim Keller, Albuquerque, NM.

The Steering Committee works alongside the Climate Mayors’ Chair, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, and Vice-Chairs, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, to continue driving city-led climate action to create more sustainable, equitable, and healthy cities. Together, the Climate Mayors leadership team works to drive forward the mission and vision of the organization through cross-regional learning, strategic partnerships and creative climate solutions. With the leadership of Karen Bass and Andre Dickens, Climate Mayors is poised to take its climate commitments and achievements to new heights.

“Los Angeles has long been a leader in the climate fight and I am thrilled to join the Climate Mayors Steering Committee alongside fellow city leaders who know the importance of climate action,” said Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, CA.

“With support from Climate Mayors, I am excited to continue implementing high-impact climate solutions while prioritizing equity, environmental justice, and resilience in Los Angeles and beyond. There is no sustainability without equity.”“As city leaders, we know that marginalized communities often experience impacts of the climate crisis first and worst,” said Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, GA.

“In joining the Climate Mayors Steering Committee, I look forward to learning from and sharing ideas with fellow climate leaders. Together, we are committed to advancing the clean energy transition, improving green infrastructure, and uplifting historically disinvested communities in Atlanta as we continue to build a city built for the future.”“The Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provide tremendous support from the federal government, creating an unprecedented moment of opportunity to act on climate change,” said Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors. “The Climate Mayors organization is proud to welcome Mayors Bass and Dickens to its leadership team to help leverage this momentum and drive meaningful action in cities across the country. These two climate champions are ready to meet the moment with innovative local solutions that build thriving, sustainable and resilient communities of the future. We’re honored to have them on board.”

About Climate Mayors: Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. Representing 48 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow climate mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn. For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com.  

Climate Mayors Joins Over 100 Advocates To Oppose H.R. 1 and the Repeal of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

We, the undersigned, write in strong opposition to H.R. 1, The Lower Energy Costs Act, which would gut key environmental protections and delay the transition to a clean energy future by locking in decades of dependence on fossil fuels. Among the many disastrous provisions in H.R. 1 that would undermine climate action and put communities at risk, the legislation seeks to repeal Section 134 of the Clean Air Act, otherwise known as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). We urge Members of Congress to join us in supporting this landmark program and opposing reckless legislation to repeal it.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

1000 Friends of Wisconsin, 350.org, 350 Deschutes, A Just Harvest, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, Alaska Wilderness League, Allectrify, PBC, American Council for an Energy-Efficient, Economy (ACEEE), Americans for Financial Reform, Azul, Building Electrification Institute, Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Calvert Impact, Ceres, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, City of Richmond, VA, Clean Energy Business Network, Clean Up the River Environment (CURE), Climate + Energy Project, Climate Mayors, Climate Reality Chicago Metro, Coalition for Green Capital, Colorado Clean Energy Fund, Columbus Region Green Fund, Community Preservation Corporation, Dream.org, e^2=equitable energy ventures,  E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs), Earthjustice, Ecority, Elevate, Endangered Species Coalition, Enterprise Community Partners, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Environmental Law & Policy Center, Evergreen Action, Garrison Associates, Go Green Illinois, GreenLatinos, Hip Hop Caucus, Illinois Environmental Council, Inclusiv, Inclusive Prosperity Capital, Inc., Indiana Environmental Clean Energy J40, Corporation, Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), Kinetic Communities Consulting, League of Conservation Voters (LCV), Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Main Street America, Metro East Green Alliance, Metropolitan Energy Center, Metropolitan Planning Council, Midwest Building Decarbonization, Coalition,  3,  Missouri Green Banc, NAACP, National Association for Latino Community, Asset Builders, National Housing Trust, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Nevada Clean Energy Fund, North American Insulation Manufacturers, Association, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Defense Initiative, ONE Northside, Organized Uplifting Resources and, Strategies, Philadelphia Energy Authority, Philadelphia Green Capital Corp., Pilgrim Progress Community Development, Corporation, Public Citizen, Regional Plan Association, Rewiring America,  Ride Illinois, Save Our Illinois Land, Sealed, Sierra Club, Slipstream, Smart Growth America, Solar United Neighbors, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, Southern Environmental Law Center, The Capital Good Fund, Tucson Industrial Development Authority, Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of, Illinois, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Congregations of Metro East, UtilityAPI, VEIC, Vote Solar, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Wisconsin EcoLatinos, Wisdom’s Well

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