Today the White House recognized Seattle as a Climate Action Champion, one of 16 local and tribal governments that demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.
“This is a tremendous honor that adds momentum to our innovations on climate action and community resilience,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “We applaud President Obama for drawing attention to climate change and supporting local efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Obama Administration launched the local community Climate Action Champions competition this fall as a complement to his commitment to address climate change at the national and international scale. On the front lines of climate impacts and a proving ground for climate solutions, local communities have a powerful role to play in addressing climate change.
Seattle stands out as a national leader with a citywide goal to be carbon neutral by 2050, ambitious Climate Action Plan and Seattle City Light’s decade-long track record as a 100 percent carbon neutral electric utility.
The Climate Action Champion designation comes with targeted federal support in the form of technical assistance, preferred status in certain competitive federal grant programs, and opportunities to engage in peer-to-peer networking and showcase Seattle’s leadership on a national stage.
For more information: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/12/03/announcing-first-class-climate-action-champions.