Albuquerque, New Mexico – A new commitment by local government leaders to build a green economy, launched today, will drive momentum to combat global warming, pollution and poverty. Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez introduced the commitment to 400 local government elected officials and staff at the ICLEI Local Action Summit, a gathering on climate protection and sustainability efforts in America’s cities, towns and counties.
“We are ready to rebuild American competitiveness and environmental leadership by growing a green economy that fights global warming, pollution and poverty at the same time,” it reads.
The full commitment is available at www.usgreenjobspledge.org.
Signators pledge to focus on green-collar jobs as a central strategy for advancing environmental, economic and climate protection goals, grow an inclusive sustainable economy that creates green-collar jobs, and demonstrate with tangible actions the priority we place on building an inclusive green economy.
“I am delighted to make this green jobs announcement. This gives Albuquerque another great opportunity to define policies that stimulate our already thriving green jobs economy. We will always strive to enhance our City’s international reputation as a leader in sustainable economic development,” said Mayor Chavez.
Remarks from the founding partners: "Local governments consistently rise to the challenges of protecting the environment, securing economic vitality and fostering sustainable communities," said Michelle Wyman, Executive Director of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability – USA. "These local leaders recognize the opportunities of being early adopters and are demonstrating the competitive advantages of building a green economy from the ground up.” “Our green future will be invented at the local level,” said Van Jones, founder and president of Green For All. “Around the country we are witnessing cities and mayors taking the lead and developing locally-tailored action plans for fighting pollution and poverty at the same time.” “Our dependence on oil is causing economic instability, warming the earth’s temperature, and threatening our national security,” said Phil Angelides, Chairman of the Apollo Alliance. “Cities are at the forefront of the movement to forge a new economic strategy that is focused on developing clean sources of energy and millions of family-supporting jobs.”
“Solving global warming means investing in new infrastructure, building strong communities, and creating good jobs,” said Bracken Hendricks, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. “Local governments are leading the nation in shifting to a low carbon economy today, in the face of federal inaction. This Green Jobs Pledge shows the powerful impact local leaders can have every day as they promote green building, real transportation choices, and renewable energy. ‘Green collar jobs’ and a clean energy economy are the future of our country’s prosperity, the economic security for communities, and a better hope for all workers. I salute Mayor Chavez for his leadership.”
Contact:
Annie Strickler, ICLEI
510.599.3021 (cell)
[email protected]
Marni Tomljanovic, Sunshine, Sachs and Associates (Green For All)
212.691.2800
[email protected]
Deborah James, City of Albuquerque
505.379.2844 (cell)
[email protected]
Heidi Pickman, Apollo Alliance
415.917.1700 x208
[email protected]
John Neurohr, Center for American Progress 202.481.8182
[email protected]