Based on responses to a survey from 66 cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) reports that cities are making progress in responding to climate change, identifying innovative approaches to energy efficiency, and sharing information and results with mayors nationwide. The USCM conducted the survey jointly with the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES).
“The survey shows overwhelming interest by cities in working with one another (90 percent) and with the private sector (87 percent) to accelerate climate action, a finding that takes on even more importance following President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement—an agreement both organizations strongly supported,” say the USCM and C2ES.”
The cities responding to the survey questions range in size from 21,000 to 8.5 million residents across 30 states. “These cities spend more than $1.2 billion annually in electricity, representing significant purchasing power that can help shape the market,” say the organizations.
High renewable energy usage
Among the survey’s key findings:
- 69 percent of responding cities generate or purchase renewable electricity to power city buildings or operations. An additional 22 percent are considering doing so.
- 63 percent already buy green vehicles, including hybrid, electric, natural gas, and biodiesel, for their municipal fleets. 30 percent are considering it.
- 71 percent have energy-efficiency policies for new municipal buildings and 66 percent for existing municipal buildings.
Room for improvement
The survey also found opportunities for greater action. For example:
- Roughly half of responding cities are incentivizing energy efficiency in new and existing commercial and residential buildings.
- Less than half have policies or programs that help citizens and businesses choose renewable electricity options.
- 66 percent of responding cities have public charging stations, while 36 percent are facilitating private infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Risks and opportunities
“Cities and companies both realize the risks of climate impacts and the economic opportunities of climate solutions,” said C2ES President Bob Perciasepe. “By partnering, they can keep the U.S. heading in the right direction toward a sustainable future.” Perciasepe served as EPA deputy administrator from 2009 to 2014, following tenures as the Agency’s assistant administrator for both the water and clean air programs.
The USCM-C2ES alliance was launched in summer 2016 to create a framework for mayors and business leaders to develop concrete approaches to reduce carbon emissions, speed deployment of new technology, implement sustainable development strategies, and respond to the growing impacts of climate change.
The USCM/C2ES survey is ongoing. Its preliminary results are here.