Mayor Pete Buttigieg announced today he intends for the City of South Bend to join with cities and states that embrace the principles laid out in the Paris Agreement.  “South Bend has already been directly affected by climate change. Meanwhile, renewable energy and green infrastructure industries are already creating jobs here. Withdrawing from Paris would hurt our community and our economy. Since President Trump has decided that America will no longer lead on this issue, South Bend will join cities and states around the country to continue addressing climate change, even if it means leaving Washington behind. South Bend has already pursued sustainable practices such as investment in energy efficient buildings, renewable energy, LED lighting, alternative fuels for our vehicle fleet, and keeping yard waste out of landfills. Moving forward, we will engage with local partners and with national efforts like the Mayors’ National Climate Action Agenda. I call on our leaders in Washington to courageously outline a path to a stable climate.  But we will no longer wait on Washington for leadership. Cities can lead on climate change, and South Bend will be among them.”

Mayor Buttigieg and the City of South Bend have officially signed onto the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda, pledging alongside city leaders from across the country to strengthen local efforts for reducing greenhouse gas emission and to support efforts for binding federal and global policy.

Originally published on the City of South Bend’s website, June 2, 2017.