Earth Action Day Roundtable

“The city is working towards transitioning its municipal buildings to 100% renewable energy, halving energy bills. The city of Rio de Janeiro is backing a cleaner future. By powering our municipal buildings with 100% renewable energy, we are making decisions that are not only good for the planet but also smart for the economy.” Mayor Eduardo Paes

“A newly installed solar-powered cold room at a market in Nairobi, Kenya, is minimizing food waste, promoting renewable energy, and improving the livelihoods of market traders. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to modernize Nairobi’s markets and improve food security for both traders and consumers in the coming year.” –Arthur Johnson, Governor of Nairobi

“The San Antonio Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council began in 2020 to foster and include the voices of youth in the execution of our City’s first Climate Action and Adaption Plan. Since then, the advocacy of the Council members have driven meaningful progress—from advancing renewable energy initiatives to engaging new and diverse communities in climate resilience. I hope our work serves as a bright example to other cities that when we prioritize youth voices, we create a healthier future for all.” – Mayor Ron Nirenberg

“Leeds is proud to join, for the first time, hundreds of other international cities to celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, 22nd April. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” resonates deeply with Leeds’ ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon emissions and promote renewable energy, as we strive to become the first net-zero city in the UK. A recent example of our commitment is Leeds successfully securing £20 million from the UK national government’s Warm Homes Plan. This funding will be used to deliver housing energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households and social housing tenants, ensuring that everyone benefits from our green initiatives. To mark Earth Day, the council will hold a special event at Pudsey Leisure Centre, our first fully decarbonised leisure centre. We will be joined by universities, schools, and community leaders to celebrate the successful projects across the city, driven by our communities, partners, and the council. Together, we are making a difference and leading the way towards a sustainable future.” – Cllr Rafique, Leeds City Council Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Spaces

“As Ward 2’s Councilor, I’m excited Oklahoma City voters approved MAPS4’s 2019 penny sales tax referendum—which includes $96.1 million investments in sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and $97 million improving OKC’s public transit system, because these improvements will contribute to a more sustainable way of life for our city and its people. We have much work ahead of us, but big things have small beginnings.” – Councilperson James Cooper

As a Climate Mayor, I am committed to elevating Atlanta’s climate action leadership and advancing our goal of 100% clean energy, for 100% Atlantans, by 2035! In celebration of Earth Day’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, we are Moving Atlanta Forward with a focus on sustainability and resilience to advance my vision of one city, with one bright future and opportunity for all. Over the last year, we energized our 40th solar installation and the first at the world’s busiest airport, updated our nation leading EV Readiness Ordinance, added 93 electric vehicles to our city fleet, tracking to hit 100 this year, deployed over two million dollars to support energy burden reduction through our WeatheRISE ATL pilot and directed over one million dollars to urban farmers and food security through AgLanta, our local urban agriculture ecosystem. We are also launching citywide engagement to inform the City’s first Climate Resilience Action Plan. This follows 18 months of community input to establish our core values developed in partnership with our community-led Climate Resilience Advisory Board. “Our Power, Our Planet” also means putting youth at the center of advancing climate action. We have expanded our Climate Resilience Advisory Board to include more voices of youth. And thanks to our partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, Atlanta received $150,000 to establish our first Youth Climate Action Fund. The awardees receiving our second round of microgrants ranging from $1,000-$5,000 for youth-led climate initiatives will be announced on Earth Day. Before Earth Day 2026, we commit to hosting our second Youth Climate Action Summit, completing our Climate Resilience Action Plan incorporating youth-led climate initiatives and, advancing implementation of three priority projects from the Climate Resilience Action Plan. These efforts demonstrate the smart investments Atlanta is making to be more climate resilient today, and for future generations, as A City Built for the Future! – Mayor Andre Dickens

“Every action we take to protect our environment strengthens our connection to the world around us. This Earth Day, the City of St. John’s is proud to celebrate biodiversity and take meaningful steps toward a greener future. From promoting composting and reducing food waste to maintaining our parks and protecting urban green spaces, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us. Since the adoption of the Resilient St. John’s Climate Plan, the City has approved initiatives that reduce over 2,087 tonnes of CO2 emissions from City operations. This is in addition to shared used paths, improvements and electrification of transit, and naturalization of over 11 hectares of City owned land. Together, we can build a more resilient, sustainable community — one where nature thrives, and so do we.” –Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary

“Our recent environmental success is Power Melbourne. Power Melbourne will help residents access the benefits of renewable energy by installing a network of batteries, powered by sources such as solar, across the city. It is about making affordable renewable energy accessible for all Melburnians–no mater which part of the city they call home.” Nicholas Reece, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Australia

Bedford Borough Council announced a series of events to mark Earth Day 2025, centred around the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”. On Wednesday 30 April 2025, the Council will host a dedicated Business Morning event at the Harpur Suite, bringing together local businesses, sustainability experts, and organisations to build a sustainable future for Bedford Borough. Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said; “We are excited to offer this opportunity for Bedford’s business community to engage with sustainability experts and learn practical strategies for efficiently greening their operations. This event reflects our commitment to supporting local businesses in their transition to more environmentally responsible practices.” These sessions aim to inspire local action on climate change and promote sustainable practices across the borough. This series is part of the Council’s broader commitment to decarbonising its own operations and lead by example, including working on award-winning local generation projects and match funding energy efficiency projects that have a positive impact on local resilience building. Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, commented; “These Earth Day events demonstrate Bedford Borough Council’s commitment to leading by example in addressing climate change. We invite all residents, businesses, and community organisations to join us in reflecting on how we can collectively contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for Bedford.” –Councillors Andrea Spice and Nicola Gribble

“This Earth Day, we’re celebrating our achievements in renewable energy and green initiatives for the theme of Our Power, Our Planet. We have supported 27 community organisations and businesses in Newport with renewable energy upgrades in the past year, reducing carbon emissions by 120tCO2e per year through the Net Zero Newport Decarbonisation Programme. We also surpassed our solar installation target of 4MW of solar PV and won the Edie Net Zero Award 2024 Renewable Energy Project of the Year for the Kingsway Car Park Urban Solar Array. Furthermore, we’re expanding EV infrastructure to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and are currently first in Wales for access to a public charger, and the local authority in Wales with the highest proportion of electric vehicles in our fleet. We are also keen to support residents and the community, offering support in energy efficiency through Ecoflex in partnership with Warm Wales and we have also recently launched the group Solar Together scheme which offers discounted solar panels to residents. For Earth Day this year, we are hosting our very first Climate Cafe offering an informal space for anyone to get involved, in addition to hosting a number of events for council staff including a clothes swap, plant swap and Save Money, Save Water Lunch & Learn session. Our Newport Youth Council are also hosting a city-wide clothes swap. Looking ahead, we aim to increase our renewables capacity, continue enhancing EV charging access and supporting residents, communities and businesses. These are just some examples of how we are contributing to achieving net zero and making Newport a cleaner and greener city.” – Councillor Yvonne Forsey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity

“As we celebrate Earth Day, I am proud to highlight some of the progress that Maryland made during the 2025 Legislative Session to protect our environment and invest in a more sustainable future. This year, I sponsored HB902/SB425, which codifies vital EPA coal ash regulations into Maryland law—ensuring these public health protections remain intact even if the federal rules are rolled back. The bill also establishes the Statewide Coal Combustion By-Products Coordinating Committee, which will bring together community members, technical experts, and government officials to help guide state-level decision makers on coal ash-related matters.This legislation passed the General Assembly and is a crucial step in safeguarding our air, water, and communities from the lasting harms of coal combustion by-products. I also sponsored HB338, which promotes sustainable landscaping practices by requiring yard waste collected at state buildings and along state highways to be disposed of in compostable or reusable containers—eliminating the use of single-use plastics in this process. The bill passed the House and made it to third reader in the Senate, but unfortunately did not cross the finish line before Session ended. I was also proud to co-sponsor HB506, the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act, which strengthens funding for long-term restoration efforts across the watershed. This important legislation passed and will support the ongoing recovery of our region’s most treasured natural resource. Environmental issues are near and dear to my heart. I’m always eager to hear from constituents who are passionate about protecting the environment. If you have ideas for environmental legislation, I encourage you to reach out—your input helps shape the policies we pursue. On this Earth Day, let’s recommit to protecting our environment and building a more resilient Maryland—for our communities today and for generations to come.” – Delegate Mary A. Lehman (D-21)

Officials from the City of Ann Arbor and DTE Energy joined on Earth Day, April 22, 2025, to sign a new heating franchise, the first in the country to include a climate agreement with associated activities that will demonstrably improve health, safety and make forward progress toward addressing the climate crisis. “The first Earth Day was in Ann Arbor,” said Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. “This is another historic first — a momentous example to the rest of the country of what is possible when we get creative and work collaboratively to find solutions that protect our health, safety, planet and pocketbooks.” Included with the franchise is an Agreement Regarding Climate Action (ARCA), which outlines commitments to cooperate in support of the City of Ann Arbor’s A2ZERO program, Ann Arbor’s work to achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030 (including an electrical grid powered 100% by renewable energy); ARCA also contains a commitment to help advance DTE’s own goals for achieving net-zero carbon emissions from its operations. The ARCA also outlines a requirement for the City and DTE to collaboratively develop two-year work plans over the course of the 10-year franchise to specify activities that will be undertaken to advance stated climate goals.

“Our community values its natural resources and remains committed to their preservation. This commitment is reflected in the policies and practices of our City Council and staff. For example, this year the City of Ventura is installing two large solar panel systems to City facilities, using our sunny California climate to generate renewable energy and contribute to the grid. Additionally, City Council, with the help of our community, endorsed our Climate Action and Resilience Plan – or CARP – to proactively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate. By Earth Day 2026, we’ll complete LED lighting retrofits at more than 10 City facilities. We’ll also advance the Santa Paula Branch Line Trail and other active transportation projects, and CARP implementation will be in full swing. … Through our Green Schools Program, offered in partnership with the Ventura Unified School District, we deliver environmental education to over 6,000 students each year! We’re also proud to have certified 120 local businesses through our Green Business Program, reinforcing that sustainability is both environmentally responsible and financially prudent. … We’ve also streamlined the permitting process for solar, battery, and EV charging projects. And, this year marks Phase 2 of the Surfers Point Managed Retreat Project, made possible by a $16 million grant from the State of California Coastal Conservancy. This project will restore the coastline and address erosion caused by wave action. As you’ve just heard, our dedication to environmental sustainability and stewardship is ongoing – and growing every year!” – Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios

As we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day 2025, we are reminded of our responsibility to protect the natural resources that sustain us. The City of Norwalk remains committed to building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for all. Sustainability is a core pillar of our City’s strategic goals. This year, we are proud to highlight the progress we’ve made across multiple initiatives: – Through our Bus Stop Equity Project, Norwalk Transit is making public transportation more accessible and environmentally conscious, including the installation of solar panels at select bus stops. – Our citywide waste management services and street sweeping vehicles all use CNG vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. – A citywide solar installation project and park lighting upgrades are currently underway, increasing energy efficiency and reinforcing our commitment to renewable energy. – We continue to support responsible waste practices by hosting annual multiple recycling and e-waste events for our residents. – And this April, we’re uniting as a community with a citywide cleanup, a medication disposal event in collaboration with the LA County Sheriff’s Department, and a special “Plant a Tree” event in honor of Arbor Day. Together, these actions reflect Norwalk’s dedication to protecting our environment today—so that future generations can thrive tomorrow. Let’s continue working as a Connected Community to build a cleaner, greener Norwalk for all. Happy Earth Day and Arbor Day! –Mayor Tony Ayala

As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, I am proud to join communities across the nation in reflecting on the importance of our environment and the urgent need for action to protect our planet for future generations. Earth Day serves as a reminder that the health of our environment is directly tied to the health of our communities, our families, and our economy. In the City of Carson, we have long prioritized sustainability, working to implement innovative solutions that reduce our carbon footprint, protect our natural resources, and foster a greener, healthier future for all. From expanding renewable energy initiatives to strengthening our waste reduction programs, we are committed to building a community that leads by example. Earth Day is not just a time for reflection, but a call to action. This year, as we face the challenges of climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, let us recommit to the shared responsibility we all have to safeguard our planet. It is not enough to simply observe Earth Day; we must actively pursue the changes that will make a tangible difference. In Carson, six local utility-scale rooftop solar projects totaling around 6.74 MW are currently under construction on privately owned warehouses, with expected completion dates in Fall/Winter 2025. Among these, two are designated as Community Solar projects, with the City acting as the community sponsor, anticipating receiving 25% of the project’s output while the remaining 75% will benefit the community. Additionally, construction on a battery energy storage project is set to begin this year, featuring a 200-megawatt/800-megawatt-hour standalone battery energy storage system aimed at enhancing grid stability and resilience for Carson and Southern California. The estimated private investment for this facility exceeds $350 million. The City has also installed over 150 electric vehicle charging spaces across various facilities, providing convenient charging options for residents and visitors. The City also continues to improve its facilities, recently replacing many gas water heaters with electric heat pump water heaters. The City is engaged in both large and small-scale projects, recognizing that every project, regardless of size, can make a significant impact. As mayor, I encourage every resident of our community to take part in efforts that contribute to a sustainable and thriving environment. Whether it’s planting a tree, reducing energy consumption, or supporting local conservation initiatives, every action counts. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future. –Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes

“Frederick has made important strides in our work to build a more resilient, energy-efficient, and sustainable future. Over the past couple of years, we’ve taken tangible steps—from planning to implementation—that reflect our commitment to addressing climate change with action.

One of our most significant efforts is the development of the City’s Climate and Energy Action Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and preparing for the impacts of a changing climate. This plan is being informed by community voices—especially those we heard during our recent Sustainability Listening Session—and will include measurable, time-bound goals to guide our work through Earth Day 2026 and beyond. We anticipate this plan being completed by September 2025. 

We’ve also delivered on projects that put these values into practice. The City’s new Police Headquarters features a solar canopy and was designed with green building standards in mind—an approach we intend to carry forward in future capital projects. We’ve also incorporated electric vehicle charging infrastructure in all City-owned parking garages and at additional locations throughout Frederick, supporting the community’s transition to cleaner transportation.

Looking ahead, we are prioritizing municipal energy efficiency upgrades, expanding renewable energy adoption in City operations, and working to ensure that our climate efforts are equitable and inclusive. 

We recognize the urgency of this moment, and we’re committed to leading by example. Creating more sustainable, climate-resilient communities is a responsibility that should be embraced — now more than ever — and we’re doing just that.” – Mayor Michael O’Connor

“Bloomington continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental action through innovations that strengthen our community’s resilience in the face of an ever-evolving climate,” said Mayor Kerry Thomson.

“We have generated more than 20 GWh of solar energy from 38 municipal solar sites to date. Plus, an additional solar installation and battery energy storage system will be installed at the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater by the end of 2026 through an Indiana Office of Energy Development grant to support a comprehensive upgrade of the theater.

“We also plan to expand our electric vehicle charging network by installing our first municipally-owned Level 3 fast charger by the end of 2025.” 

“Plus, Project 46 — a regional climate alliance, which includes our neighboring cities Nashville and Columbus — is supporting grant applications for funding opportunities for green infrastructure projects and EV charging stations.

“As a regional leader in sustainability, Bloomington is engaging neighbors every step of the way as we implement our Climate Action Plan, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We recently launched our Climate Action Dashboard to increase awareness of the City’s efforts as part of our commitment to public transparency throughout this process.

“This work is ambitious, and we are committed to it. We’re giving residents the tools and opportunities they need to take meaningful action to be part of the solution.” 

Celebrating Our Progress & Elevating Climate Action

Over the past few years, Flagstaff has made incredible strides in sustainability, demonstrating our deep commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future. As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, I want to reflect on some of our achievements and look ahead to the bold steps we’ll take next.

In Flagstaff, we’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re making it happen. We’ve expanded programs to improve energy efficiency in homes and city buildings, enhanced services to cut waste, and secured vital funding to strengthen community resilience. Through initiatives like the Home Energy Rebate & Weatherization program, city-wide Energy Conservation Energy Project, and by fully transitioning to 100% clean electricity for city operations we are helping residents save money while making homes and city facilities safer and more comfortable. We are also cutting emissions from the City’s vehicle fleet. Our EV-First policy has helped Flagstaff integrate 17 electric vehicles into the fleet so far, supported with charging stations at 14 City facilities. This past year we doubled the number of electric bikes used for City operations to 15 bikes. Flagstaff is also supporting the adoption of EVs in the community by providing 18 charging stations for the public, which have been used more than 10,000 times this past year!

We launched innovative waste-reduction programs like the free Residential Food Scrap Drop-Off and volunteer-led Fix-It Clinics, and increased community resilience through three new Resilience Hubs, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. These initiatives aren’t just about the environment, they’re about improving air quality, reducing climate pollution, saving money, and strengthening our community connections.

Looking Ahead: A Bolder Vision for a Resilient Community

As we set our sights on Earth Day 2026, I’m excited about what’s next. In the coming year, Flagstaff will:

Expand clean transportation by expanding out pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, promoting micro-mobility, and increasing EV charging stations. Accelerate the shift to renewable energy by continuing to utilize and boosting solar installations in homes through our solar co-op.

Develop an online Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Model Plans Library to encourage the rapid deployment of energy-efficient, all-electric ADUs to meet the City’s adopted climate and housing goals.

Continue to invest in grass roots community sustainability projects through Neighborhood Sustainability Grants (building on over 70 projects funded over the last decade!) and fund creative business ideas through our Innovate Green business pitch competition.

Beyond energy and transportation, we’re stepping up efforts to reduce organic waste and strengthen food security. Over the next year, we’ll expand composting drop off locations, increase food waste

prevention education, and partner with local organizations to ensure surplus food reaches those in need. Guided by our community-driven Food Action Plan, these efforts will address real priorities identified by Flagstaff residents.

A Call to Action

These ambitious goals will make Flagstaff a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient city. Achieving them requires collaboration, innovation, and commitment from residents, businesses, and policymakers alike. Together, we can make Flagstaff a model for sustainability and climate action.

I invite you to join us in building a cleaner, more vibrant future for Flagstaff and our planet.

Sincerely, Becky Daggett Mayor, City of Flagstaff

“As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, Bentonville is proud to reflect on our commitment to sustainability and the progress we’ve made together. Over the past year, we have expanded our green spaces through planting approximately 350 trees in public spaces, encouraged citizen participation in reforestation through giving away more than 1,000 trees, and invested in energy-efficient infrastructure to reduce our carbon footprint as evidenced by the completion of the SW Bright Road project and our investments in active transportation infrastructure city-wide. The May 2024 tornados did damage to our tree canopy. As a result, we are conducting a comprehensive tree canopy assessment and will develop an urban forestry master plan to protect and expand our urban forest. These initiatives will not only beautify our city but also improve air quality, support biodiversity, and provide natural cooling to combat the effects of climate change. Bentonville remains dedicated to building a resilient and vibrant community for generations to come.” – Mayor Stephanie Orman

“Hoboken remains committed to leading the way in renewable energy and climate resilience. Our Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets for achieving net-zero energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050 and our transition to 100 percent clean, renewable electricity for municipal operations in 2019 was just the beginning. Through our Renewable Energy Program, we’ve empowered residents to choose greener energy options, saving over $972,000 and reducing 46,286 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Between now and Earth Day 2026, we are scaling our community solar program to serve more low-income households, expanding our on-street EV charging infrastructure to ensure that every resident is within a five-minute walk of an on-street EV charging station, and we are increasing access to micromobility options to support cleaner, car-free travel to help reduce our collective carbon footprint. We are also improving energy efficiency in municipal and residential buildings and investing in green infrastructure to manage storm surge and rainfall flooding. This includes the expansion of the Southwest Resiliency Park, which will open later this year and will be capable of detaining up to 500,000 gallons of stormwater during heavy rain events, protecting our neighborhoods while providing much-needed open space. These initiatives are not just about sustainability and climate adaptation; they are about equity, access, and empowering every resident to be part of the climate solution. Hoboken will continue to innovate, collaborate, and take bold action to ensure our community thrives in a rapidly changing climate.” – Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla

“The City of Elyria is proud to continue making meaningful strides toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. One of the key initiatives we’ve undertaken is the replacement of outdated lighting systems with modern, energy-saving LED technology. This transition has already been successfully implemented across our city’s street lights and recreation centers, resulting in improved energy efficiency and long-term cost savings. We are now expanding these efforts to include additional municipal buildings, such as our Fire Stations, Police Station, and municipal courts. Our ultimate goal is to achieve 100% LED lighting throughout all City of Elyria facilities. By making these upgrades, we’re not only reducing our environmental footprint, but also creating a brighter, safer, and more efficient city for all who live and work here.”- Mayor Kevin Brubaker

“WHEREAS, April 22, 2025, marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet” demonstrates the significant economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy within our community; and
WHEREAS, Earth Day not only commemorates our successes over the last year to address complex environmental challenges, but also affirms our commitment to continuing this work and implementing additional measures to solve these challenges in the year ahead; and
WHEREAS, Galveston’s habitats, wildlife, and other natural resources are a cornerstone of the island’s identity and essential to the city’s quality of life, economy, and tourism. As Earth Day nears, we recognize the progress we have made by becoming the first and only city in Texas to achieve the prestigious High-Flyer status as an official Bird City.
THEREFORE, we, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Galveston, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2025, as: “Earth Day in Galveston Texas.” In Observance Thereof, The City of Galveston is committed to incorporating sustainability, conservation, and climate resiliency as key themes in the redevelopment of the city’s comprehensive plan between now and Earth Day 2026.” – Dr Craig Brown, Mayor

“La Crosse has recently adopted an ambitious Climate Action Plan aiming to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 50% below 2019 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan outlines strategies across nine key sectors, including transportation, energy, and waste management, to guide the community toward these goals. Work on implementing action steps within these strategies is ongoing. Adoption of the plan was a key factor in La Crosse becoming one of fewer than 100 recipients globally of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund to support youth-led climate projects. After a successful launch, La Crosse is now on to round two of these grants. In addition, La Crosse has prioritized integrating renewable energy into its municipal infrastructure with installation of solar arrays on several public buildings, including City Hall, the La Crosse Center, the main public library, and the Municipal Service Center. These and other energy initiatives involving lighting and other improvements are saving greater than expected energy and associated costs. The city is also completing massive upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant that include a cogeneration unit to remove the plant from the electrical grid and make it entirely self-sustaining. Further, La Crosse is modernizing its public transportation system by incorporating electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure. The transit system has already introduced electric buses into its fleet and is planning to expand this initiative. Finally, surface infrastructure project plans will continue to emphasize human-powered transportation solutions. This will include adding trails, infilling sidewalks, and creating dedicated bike lanes wherever possible.” –Mitch Reynolds, Mayor

“In Leesburg, every day is Earth Day. Our Town is deeply committed to protecting our natural environment while promoting long-term economic prosperity for the benefit of all who live, work, and visit here. We have focused on building a strong foundation of data collection and analysis to guide smart, effective decisions for our community. Over the past year, we’ve introduced a food waste composting pilot, launched innovative recycling initiatives, and expanded our litter collection efforts—each one a step toward a cleaner, greener Leesburg. Looking ahead, we will continue to grow and strengthen these programs. We’ll use our data to drive meaningful change, and we’ll engage and educate both staff and residents to build broad support for our efforts. This year, we will open our first publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations in Downtown Leesburg and host an electric vehicle acclimation event for staff as we prepare for continued fleet conversion. We are also exploring flexible financing options to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings while ensuring sustainability is prioritized in all new construction. This Earth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to doing what is within Our Power, for Our Planet. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for Leesburg.” – Mayor Kelly Burk

“The City of Charlottesville has long-standing commitments to sustainability and reducing our climate pollution while building a strong, safe, healthy community. We are making progress on our climate goals – so far community-wide emissions have been reduced 42% from the baseline. As we continue to aim for 45% by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, we remain focused on energy efficiency and solar power deployment and are thrilled to have launched an Energy Resource Hub this spring in close partnership with our neighboring county as well as two local nonprofit organizations. This Hub will assist residents and businesses to access federal, state, and local clean energy programs and incentives. We are also pursuing those opportunities in our public buildings. This summer, we will be installing our largest solar project on our technical education center and implementing energy efficiency projects in a set of buildings, including our City Hall. We are planning for a transition of our transit fleet to zero-emission buses and have recently placed our first order for electric school buses. We are also working on a city-wide project to convert all streetlights to LED technology and conducting a community EV charging infrastructure study. There is so much exciting climate action happening in our community and Earth Day 2025 is a great chance to celebrate and keep the momentum going!” – Mayor Juandiego Wade, City of Charlottesville

Members of the Burlington City Council participated in an Earth Action Day Roundtable hosted by students at University of Vermont, and highlighted their existing and upcoming plans to strengthen the community through environmental action:

“Burlington is one of the first cities and remains one of the few cities around the country that has net zero energy goals … I’m glad to have Burlington electric department here presenting to the city council at our upcoming meeting on May 12th with an update as to where we are at on our net zero goals … We have been working a ton on housing reforms…becoming a denser community to bring us closer together and make us a more walkable, bikeable neighborhood … The greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions here is the transportation sector and if we come closer together we can achieve these goals … The student population here is such a critical part of our community, and so the more opportunities we have to come together to exchange ideas the better.” – Ben Traverse, Burlington Ward 5 Council Member “
[Climate change] is an issue that requires bold action and we need people who have the stomach to do that and take those bold steps … My vision for our transportation system is that we make it so fun and easy to walk, wheel, or take a bus. This will cause people to reduce single occupancy vehicle transportation … I’d like to see us implement a lot more carrot incentives to get people out there and excited about [public transportation] … We just approved a very innovative design for Battery Street, which will have a two way bike and path .. I just want to end by calling attention to the power that you all have in this room, and just encouraging you to use it.” – Becca Brown McKnight, Burlington Ward 6 Council Member
“[In the last year the Burlington City Council ] banned parking minimums that required a certain amount of parking spaces for new developments even if they didn’t need them … There’s 35 projects that have been permitted over the past year out of the Neighborhood Code, bringing us closer together, and allowing us to become a more walkable, likable community” – Gene Bergman, Ward 2 Council Member
“[despite the lack of federal assistance,] we have a real opportunity at the local level” – Carter Neubieser, Ward 1 Council Member

“Mission has taken an active approach in ensuring that we are doing our share to reduce climate impacts and to bolster our community against the impacts of climate change. Our list of actions is long, but they are spelled out in the Environmental Charter we approved in 2022. Related to the theme of “Our Power, Our Planet”, we have invested in electric fleet vehicles and charging stations, with one more station planned for installation at our Public Works yard in 2025. We have also committed to the replacement of the City’s existing streetlights with more efficient LEDs over the next 18-months.” – Mayor Paul Horn

“If we are going to be successful at getting people to transition away from fossil fuels in a rural state, we need you to be out canvassing at a local effort to get people out of their communities to hold people’s hands through the energy transition.” – Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Majority Leader of Vermont State Senate