Indianapolis Star
Columbus, OH
In the summer of 2017, President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, making us the only nation in the world outside this important global agreement. While the president is stepping back, mayors across the country are stepping up to reduce our climate impact with or without federal leadership. With ELPC’s Climate Cities initiative, we are engaging with these local municipalities to support the transition to clean energy and efficiency.
The science is clear: climate change poses grave threats to human life. The American people have become increasingly aware of this multifaceted challenge, as the impacts reach U.S. shores and inland to the Midwest. Extreme weather and disasters like hurricanes, heat waves, fires, and floods – exacerbated by climate change – threaten lives, damage property, and raise public safety costs. Climate action is a fiscally responsible mayoral priority.
Many cities already see the benefits of advancing clean technology. Local energy production keeps renewable energy dollars in our communities, so residents aren’t paying to import electricity generated by finite resources like coal, gas, and uranium. Clean electric vehicles and buses reduce fuel and maintenance costs, while avoiding pollution. Improving energy efficiency in city buildings makes the best use of our resources and taxpayer money. Updating all of this local infrastructure creates installation jobs, attracts investment, and reduces carbon emissions.
Ann Arbor, MI – Set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2025 and 90% by 2050, with low-interest funding for property owners & renters to assess building efficiency and make upgrades.
Grand Rapids, MI – Committed to operating all municipal buildings with 100% renewable electricity by 2025 and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 25% by 2021
Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN – The twin cities are recognized as Solar America Cities, funding training for city officials to facilitate solar project approval.
Cincinnati, Ohio – Building efficiency improvements at municipal facilities have saved roughly 150,000 metric tons of CO2 between 2006 and 2015.
Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington’s 2018 sustainability plan promises more walkability, more local food, and significant reductions in water consumption & waste.