June 4, 2007

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has come forth with a five-year plan to replace his city’s yellow can fleet with more fuel efficient hybrid vehicles. The move is part of the mayor’s environmental agenda for New York City, (PLNYC). This calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent by the year 2030. New York City has 13,000 yellow cabs. More than 90 percent are Crown Victoria that get 10 to 15 miles a gallon in city traffic.

Former Providence (RI) Mayor Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci, 66, has accepted a position in sales and marketing at the luxury Fifteen Beacon Hotel in Boston.

A recent Economic magazine featured an eight-page advertising supplement on Puerto Rico. The government paid supplement extolled various government officials including Caguas Mayor William Miranda Marin. The city of 150,000 is one of 78 islands municipalities, investing under the mayor’s leadership in high-tech infrastructure to create knowledge clusters and connect academic with industry. Says Miranda, “Part of the city’s budget is reserved for fibro-optic cables that will promote the use of broadband internet and the municipal jingle is “Technology for the people.”

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman and Ward 4 Councilman Larry Brown participated in an Arbor Day Foundation tree planting ceremony at Garehime Park located at Alexander Drive and Campbell Road on April 27.

The Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit education organization that helps people plant and care for trees, sponsors the Tree City USA program with the support of the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

“It is so important that we protect our environment and our precious resources, said Goodman. “By planting these trees we are leaving something for future generations to enjoy.”

The Tree City USA Program was developed after Pat Rowley, urban forestry state specialist, read about the resolution that was adopted at the 71st annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors to promote the preservation and creation of urban forests. The resolution states that urban forests provide green infrastructure for cities, linking communities to recreational areas and green spaces, improving the quality of life for residents and allowing residents to take an active role in planting, protecting and restoring forest areas. In support of this resolution, Goodman and Brown are taking active roles in enhancing Garehime Park.

"The city of Las Vegas has shown a commitment to providing parks and open spaces,” said Brown, who represents the area where the park is located. “Through the Tree City USA program we are able to increase the number of trees in our city parks for all residents to enjoy.”

Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa Unveils Green LA – An Action Plan to Lead the Nation in Fighting Global Warming

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, in partnership with the Los Angeles City Council and environmental leaders, May 15 unveiled GREEN LA – An Action Plan to Lead the Nation in Fighting Global Warming.

“We’re setting the green standard in LA. Reducing our carbon footprint by 35 percent below 1990 levels is the most ambitious goal set by a major American city,” Villaraigosa said, “GREEN LA, An Action Plan to Lead the Nation in Fighting Global Warming uses the ingenuity, entrepreneurship and perseverance that has made Los Angeles the greenest big city in America.”

GREEN LA will reduce Los Angeles’ greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Thirty-five percent by 2030 goes beyond the targets set in the Kyoto Protocol and is greatest reduction target of any large US city. The cornerstone of GREEN LA is increasing the city’s use of renewable energy to 35 percent by 2020.

"Climate change is an issue that affects us all, both globally and locally," said Council President Eric Garcetti. "With this greenhouse gas reduction goal, the mayor is recognizing the city's work towards reducing our carbon footprint and putting Los Angeles at the forefront of one of the great issues of our time."

"Improving our environment and addressing the pressing issue of climate change continue to be at the top of our agenda as a city family. And today we are taking yet another step in the right direction, highlighting the tremendous work that has already been done, looking at ways we can continue this effort, and recognizing our role in a national and international movement," said Councilwoman Jan Perry who chairs the City Council's Energy and Environment Committee.

“We must think globally and act locally to combat global warming,” Los Angeles Council member Bill Rosendahl said. “With this action plan, we move forward with a comprehensive strategy that implements a local approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our neighborhoods and communities, and reuse and renew energy within city departments and programs.”