April 22nd, 2009 · No Comments

From Green Right Now Reports

The United States Conference of Mayors celebrated Earth Day today by commending the Obama Administration for setting climate change as a top policy priority, and for funding $2.8 billion in energy efficiency grants specifically for cities, counties and states.

“This Earth Day we are proud to announce close to 1,000 mayors committed to reducing carbon emissions in their cities. We are fortunate to have the support of President Obama, who is dedicated to protecting our environment against climate change,” U.S. Conference of Mayors President Miami Mayor Manny Diaz said in a statement.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) program was originated by The U.S. Conference of Mayors and was a top priority of the organization’s 10-Point Plan and the Mayors’ MainStreet Recovery Program. Last month, the Obama Administration acted to distribute $2.8 billion in EECBG grants as part of the federal Recovery Package — the first time in history that green grants for cities are available to specifically fund energy-efficiency projects

So far, more than 944 U.S. mayors have pledged support for The U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, officials said.

Related links:

• Map of participating mayors
• Report: Green best practices in cities