City states -like Athen and Sparta- once ruled the roost. Recently, progressive communities have taken climate mitigation into their own hands to better position themselves for the future. They don’t want to be left holding the bag when the fossil fuel bubble bursts. The white house has recognized 16 of these communities as “Climate Action Champions for Leadership on Climate Change”. The idea is to identify local leadership and provide targeted federal funds to aid their efforts. It’s hoped the diverse projects and examples will inspire other communities. Here’s the sweet sixteen alphabetically.
Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe, CA began a strategic action plan in 2008 and has reduced energy consumption by 35% and committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2018.
The City of Boston, MA has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 10% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. They’ve adopted green building codes and are working with utilities on a regional microgrid.
Broward County, FL belongs to a regional climate change partnership with three other counties. Broward has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 2% per year reaching 10% in 2020 and 80% by 2050.
City of Dubuque, IA plans to target its greenhouse gas emissions reductions at 50% of 2003 levels by 2030.
City of Knoxville, TN has a short term greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan of 20% below 2005 levels by 2020.
Metropolitan Washington Council on Governments, D.C., MD and VA developed the National Capital Region Climate Change Report with a fully integrated approach to climate change mitigation. The goals include greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, transportation, land use, sustainability and resilience. The plan commits to 80% greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2050.
Mid-America Regional Council, KS & MO is a nonprofit planning organization for the two-state Kansas City committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 2% per year.
City of Minnespolis, MN has an action plan and partnership with 2 utilities that reduces greenhouse gas emissions 15% by 2015, 30% by 2025 and 80% by 2050.
City of Montpelier, VT launched Net Zero Montpelier an ambitious project to make it the first carbon-neutral capital city in America by 2030 and a commitment to eliminate fossil fuel use across all sectors.
City of Oberlin, OH has a multi-layered plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2015, 75% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
City of Portland, OR has 20 agency partners and a 2015 Climate Action Plan to establish a route with an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels.
Salt Lake City, UT has a comprehensive plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and then continue to drop 50% below the 2020 levels by 2040.
City of San Francisco, CA has a complete plan with goals to measure progress as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 1990 levels by 2017 and 40% by 2025.
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has a holistic plan that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 4% per year to a net-zero goal.
City of Seattle, WA Climate Action Plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2017 and 40% by 2025
Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA) was the nation’s first local government agency created specifically to address climate change and is committed to a 25% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels.
Source - White House Fact Sheet:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/03/fact-sheet-16-us-communities-recognized-climate-action-champions-leaders