Thomas F. Walther, Johnson Controls

American mayors have made a visible stand promoting the need for action to reduce climate change, with some 850 mayors joining the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and committing to strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities.

·         Many of them have established commissions or committees to review energy issues and climate change issues, including Gov. Sonny Perdue (R-GA), Gov. Phil Bredesen (D-TN), Gov. John Hoeven (R-ND) and Gov. Jim Doyle (D-WI).

·         Others are providing education to businesses and organizations in their state, such as Gov. Charlie Crist’s (R-FL) recent Serve to Preserve Conference featuring Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) talking about the remarkable ways he’s advancing California’s efforts.

·         Some are also supporting legislation that brings together the efforts of cities and counties within their state, such as Gov. Deval Patrick (D-MA)’s support for the "green communities" program, offering cities and towns the chance to use state loans and grants to finance energy efficiency improvements, and renewable and alternative energy projects;

·         They’re coming up with innovative ideas, such as Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.’s (R-UT) recent proposal to move state agencies to four 10-hour days a week in order to save energy and reduce commuting expenses.

·         And best of all, the governors are banding together to share best practices.  That’s one of the highlights of the upcoming Southern Governors’ Association Annual Meeting at which Gov. Tim Kaine (D-VA) will host a town hall-style meeting to discuss several initiatives.

If you’ll notice, this isn’t a Republican issue or a Democratic issue.  It’s a good government issue.  The governors know that addressing climate change begins at home – looking at their own buildings and operations to determine how to make them more energy-efficient.  Saving energy saves money, helps the environment and creates green-collar jobs.  It addresses the “Triple Bottom Line” of Economic, Social and Environmental benefits. 

The leadership they’re providing is an excellent way to demonstrate to businesses in their own states to follow in the same direction.

Tom Walther is the Regional Sales Manager for State Government Solutions for Johnson Controls in the Eastern United States.

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