MAYORS UNDETERRED BY PARIS CLIMATE ACCORD WITHDRAWAL
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Bipartisan Group Reinforces Commitment to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in
Cities on Conference Call Today
Washington, D.C, June 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
The nation's mayors today said they are undeterred by the decision to withdraw
from the Paris Climate Accord and expressed their unwavering commitment to
continue efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to alleviate the impacts of
global warming despite what happens at the national level.
On a conference call today hosted by The U.S. Conference of Mayors, New Orleans
(LA) Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who serves as USCM Vice President, stressed strong
opposition to the withdrawal and explained that the bipartisan organization has
taken an active role for many years to combat climate change. "From Kyoto to
Paris to today, on behalf of the Conference, it is our collective opinion that
withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord is a shortsighted decision. While we
don't necessarily disagree on 'America First,' it cannot be 'America Only' -
pitting environmental protection against economic growth, which is a false
choice. Mayors will do what we need to do on our own. This is not the first
time when we have had to act without Washington."
"We see the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord as an abdication of
American leadership and America's mayors will certainly fill that void," said
Phoenix (AZ) Mayor Greg Stanton, USCM Environment Committee Chair. "We will
symbolically sign on and take actions necessary so that America meets its
obligations under the Paris Accord, despite actions of this Administration.
This is a local issue that mayors must come together on and we will not shirk
our responsibilities. The eyes of the world are upon us and they are
disappointed. We want to make sure that they are heartened by the actions of
American mayors in a bipartisan way. America's mayors are stepping up to the
plate and taking on a greater international role as a result."
Burnsville (MN) Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, USCM Past President said, "Mayors won't
quit. We care about the environment and energy efficiency. Mayors will make a
difference. Mayors will come together to get this done. We must protect the
planet."
Kautz also underscored that the nation's mayors will focus on this issue during
The Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting this June 23-27 in Miami Beach, when
they will gather to reaffirm their long-term commitment to addressing climate
disruption and celebrate mayors who have made significant strides locally.
Carmel (IN) Mayor Jim Brainard, who serves as the Conference's Energy
Independence and Climate Protection Task Force Co-Chair, stressed the bipartisan
efforts of mayors on this issue. "Eighty percent of Carmel votes Republican, but
I have yet to meet a citizen who wants to drink dirty water, breathe dirty air
and doesn't want to leave the earth in better condition for their children and
grandchildren. President Trump is measuring greatness by the wrong yard stick.
We need to measure our greatness by our ability to provide clean water and clean
air to our citizens."
New Bedford (MA) Mayor Jon Mitchell, Conference Energy Committee Chair, said
"New Bedford (MA) Mayor Jon Mitchell, Conference Energy Committee Chair, said
"History will judge the President harshly on this decision. Mayors have and
will continue to step into the void left by the federal government. Cities have
led the way on clean energy. Our mayoral influence will be felt around the world
because of the example we have set."
Closing the call, Columbia (SC) Mayor Benjamin, USCM Second Vice President said,
"Mayors across the country will continue to lead so we can protect our
environment even from ourselves and present an America to our children that they
deserve. Cities represent 75% of the world's energy consumption, so the
leadership we are seeing at the local level in cities across the country can
make a huge difference. We would love to be partners with the Environment
Protection Agency, but if we are required to be adversaries because the agency
has decided to work against the public interest, then we are prepared to do
so."
Since 2005, the Conference has been a leader on the issue of climate change by
passing numerous policies, holding several summits, as well as spearheading a
bipartisan effort where more than 1,000 mayors committed to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions in their individual communities.
See a sampling of USCM reports below:
"U.S. Mayors Report on a Decade of Global Climate Leadership" was issued on the
eve of the COP21 in Paris where 35 U.S. mayors shared their stories on a decade
of local climate leadership on their city efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. (Report includes Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and list of
mayoral signatory cities)
"How Energy Technologies Are Reshaping America's Cities" is a mayoral survey
(178 mayors) providing data on how new energy technologies are being deployed in
U.S. cities as part of the many ongoing efforts to curb greenhouse gas
emissions.
"Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Actions in America's Cities" is a mayoral
survey (282 mayors) describing ongoing climate-related actions and practices in
cities.
"Successful City Initiatives with Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
(EECBG) Funding" is a mayoral survey (204 mayors) showing how ARRA-based funding
was used to accelerate city energy and climate initiatives to cut greenhouse
gases and secure other benefits in the wake of the 2008 economic downturn.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available
at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de01b56e-729e-48a5-b7dd-
fc82360c0ac1
Elena Temple-Webb
The U.S. Conference of Mayors
202-286-1100
etemple(at)usmayors.org
Sara Durr
Durr Communications
202-215-1811
sara(at)durrcommunications.com
This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: The U.S. Conference of Mayors via GlobeNewswire
Datum: 03.06.2017 - 00:33 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 546096
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Washington, DC
Kategorie:
Business News
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"MAYORS UNDETERRED BY PARIS CLIMATE ACCORD WITHDRAWAL"
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