Climate Mayors announced that Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will become the next Chair of the nationwide peer-to-peer network of U.S. mayors. Mayor Turner will fill a vacancy created by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, who leaves the city and his post at Climate Mayors to become labor secretary in the Biden-Harris administration.
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI) welcomes Mayor Turner’s appointment for many reasons, including his holistic approach to local sustainability. Mayor Turner has shown a clear commitment to implementing equitable, people-centered solutions that lower local emissions and build local resilience.
Brigid Shea, ICLEI USA Chair and Precinct 2 County Commissioner of Travis County, Texas is excited to see that two Texans are now national heads of official bodies leading the way on climate change. “Congratulations to Mayor Sylvester Turner on becoming the new chair of Climate Mayors. While some Texas leaders have desperately clung to our states’ past of planet-killing fossil fuels, Mayor Turner has been a powerful leader for a clean energy future. His vision will create more jobs, protect our planet and advance clean energy innovation. As the chair of ICLEI USA, I am delighted to work with a fellow Texan for a brighter future for our country and the planet.” Commissioner Shea said.
ICLEI USA and Climate Mayors collaborate to accelerate local climate action, most notably through the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. Congratulations Mayor Turner! We look forward to our continued partnership.