September 9, 2002

Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown used his speaking engagements at the Local Government Session and at a congressionally sponsored press conference to encourage the United States to do three things: sign onto the Kyoto Protocol and pledge their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; to pledge $50 billion to explore and expand renewable energy alternatives, particularly solar energy; and to adopt the Brazilian proposal that calls on countries, by 2010, to utilize ten percent of all energy consumed from new renewable energy sources.

Brown stressed that throughout many parts of the U.S., local governments were taking the lead of reducing their own consumption of energy, water and other natural resources as well as committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He stated that the national governments should follow this lead and commit themselves to improving the environment.

"I am here representing a United States that is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy," Brown said. "It is my hope that the United States government will sign onto and ratify the Kyoto protocol and commit $50 billion to the exploration of renewable fuels," he added.

Brown told meeting participants that local governments, due to revenue constraints, are sometimes forced to do things that are unsustainable. However, he stressed, that thinking must change. He is proposing in his own community to tax commuters to help generate revenue and ease congestion. He did admit, however, that this was easier to do when it affected people that did not live in his community.

He also said a different mindset may be needed to find the necessary resources to implement true reforms. "Local governments and citizens would rather borrow money then raise taxes, but that may not be the right answer for every community," Brown said.