With the goal of taking bold action to protect the environment for the next generation, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer has joined a newly-established group of mayors charged with bringing together hundreds of city leaders from around the country to tackle climate change, create green jobs and build more sustainable cities for the future. 
The Steering Committee is responsible for elevating city-led climate action to create healthier, equitable and more sustainable cities. The committee brings together members of the Climate Mayors Coalition to engage their regions and showcase how cities are meeting the challenges caused by climate change. Their efforts include amplifying the important work of the Climate Mayors organization and growing membership.
“Just as we are seeing the effects of climate change, we are also seeing cities rise to meet those challenges,” Faulconer said. “In San Diego, we are setting the standard when it comes to expanding the use of renewable energy, slashing greenhouse gas emissions and growing our green economy. We have a lot to share, and by working together we can make an even greater impact. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue building a foundation for a cleaner future.”
Faulconer joined the Climate Mayors coalition in 2016 to elevate San Diego’s leadership role when it comes to clean energy, sustainability, and economic growth. Most notably, San Diego recently became the largest city in the nation to pursue a community choice energy program. The City has also removed outdated parking requirements to spur new development in transit priority areas, built hundreds of miles of bike lanes and installed solar panels on more than a dozen city buildings to increase clean energy generation and save millions in taxpayer dollars.
The City’s landmark Climate Action Plan calls for eliminating half of all greenhouse gas emissions and aims for all electricity used in the city to be from renewable resources by 2035.
“Cities across our country and around the world see the impacts of climate change firsthand — and we stand front and center in the fight to address this crisis with every tool at our disposal,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “No matter what happens on the national level, cities know we cannot afford any more debates or delays, so we will continue to act to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, protect our most vulnerable residents, strengthen global health, and create a green economy that works for everyone.”
Founded in 2014, Climate Mayors is a network of city leaders who have committed to fighting climate change at the local level. In recent years, the organization has grown into a strong network of 438 mayors, both Democrats, and Republicans, who are taking action to meet their climate goals and achieve targets identified in the Paris Agreement. Climate Mayors was founded and now chaired by Garcetti. It is co-chaired by Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh.
“The strength and moral standing of Climate Mayors is derived from the broad and diverse population we represent,” said Turner. “Whether you are a big city or a small city, in a red state or a blue state, climate change affects us all. Mayors across the country are making a bold commitment to build stronger, more resilient cities and a more sustainable future. We are stronger together and I look forward to working with these mayors as we face this great challenge.”
The following mayors are members of the Climate Mayors Steering Committee:
1. Kevin Faulconer (San Diego)
2. Bill de Blasio (New York)
3. Steve Adler (Austin, Texas)
4. Ethan Berkowitz (Anchorage)
5. Jim Brainard (Carmel, Ind.)
6. Michael Cahill (Beverly)
7. Kirk Caldwell (Honolulu)
8. LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans)
9. Melvin Carter (Saint Paul)
10. Jane Castor (Tampa, Fla.)
11. Frank Cownie (Des Moines)
12. Mike Duggan (Detroit)
13. Buddy Dyer (Orlando, Fla.)
14. Greg Fischer (Louisville)
15. Kate Gallego (Phoenix)
16. Michael Hancock (Denver)
17. James Hovland (Edina, Minn.)
18. Eric Johnson (Dallas)
19. Lioneld Jordan (Fayetteville, Ark.)
20. Tim Keller (Albuquerque)
21. Ron Nirenberg (San Antonio)
22. Bill Peduto (Pittsburgh)
23. Satya Rhodes-Conway (Madison, Wisc.)
24. Lucy Vinis (Eugene, Ore.)
Here’s what others are saying about the Climate Mayors Steering Committee:
“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and we need the support of all mayors to truly make a difference on this global issue,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “As a coastal city, Boston is at the frontlines of this crisis, and I look forward to joining my fellow mayors as we lead with plans, solutions, and results.”
“The Climate Mayors network is more than four hundred strong, and counting,” said James Ritchotte, director of Climate Mayors. “We’re excited to have these 24 mayors lead us in showcasing the important work of cities and maximizing the collective impact of Climate Mayors across the country who are fighting climate change in their communities.”
“Cities are clearly taking the lead to address climate change,” said Cody Hooven, the City of San Diego’s chief sustainability officer and sustainability department director. “When we’re successful, which San Diego has been, it’s because we have the support of our residents and businesses who see value in things like clean energy, choices in mobility, and sustainable communities.”
For more information, visit climatemayors.org.