In Support of Climate Resiliency
Adopted at the 86th Annual Meeting in 2018
WHEREAS, hundreds of mayors have pledged to honor and uphold the commitments to the goals enshrined in the Paris Climate Agreement over the past year, regardless of the Administration's June 2017 decision to withdraw the United States federal government from its previous international commitment; and
WHEREAS, mayors are on the front lines of civic engagement and policymaking that affects human behavior, and they are uniquely well positioned to contribute to the design and implementation of state climate plans and supporting initiatives; and
WHEREAS, mayors and municipal governments are taking real actions to address climate threats through their own commitments to reduce carbon emissions locally; and
WHEREAS, a nationwide survey released by the Alliance for a Sustainable Future "? a partnership between the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) "? found that nearly two-thirds of respondent cities have already implemented policies such as procuring green vehicles, purchasing renewable electricity; and requiring efficient government buildings; and
WHEREAS, eighty-five percent of cities are interested in or already partnering with the business community to advance climate solutions in the areas of electricity, buildings, and transportation; and
WHEREAS, these local solutions and initiatives are necessary for the United States to meet aggressive goals set forth in the Paris Climate Agreement, working in partnership with citizens, other units of state or local government, community partners, and external stakeholders to promote resiliency; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the U.S. Conference of Mayors applauds mayors' local commitments to accelerate sustainable development, promote resilience, and address the threat of climate change in the absence of federal leadership; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress and the Administration to implement federal policy that will help the United States uphold its prior international commitments and implement national strategies necessary to reduce carbon emissions and enhance climate resiliency.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the US Conference of Mayors opposes the Administration's effort to overrule FERC by mandating a required grid purchase of electricity
generated by carbon based fuels, which impedes the attainment of local government renewable energy goals; and encourages Congress and the Administration to strengthen programs to assist and retrain displaced workers in carbon based industries."?