SAN ANTONIO – Bloomberg Philanthropies announced San Antonio and Austin are winning cities in the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge.

  • Austin, San Antono winners in Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge
  • Will get access to resources and support to meet carbon reduction goals
  • Selected for their innovative and ambitious climate action plans

Both cities have been accepted into a two-year acceleration program that will provide new resources and access to cutting-edge support to help meet or beat their near-term carbon reduction goals.

“The impacts of climate change are being felt across Texas, and this holds true for San Antonio as well,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. “Over the next two years, Bloomberg’s American Cities Climate Challenge will help us fulfill our commitment to creating a more climate-resilient city and promoting cleaner air, lower energy costs, and green economy jobs for a stronger, healthier, and more equitable San Antonio for all.”

“Austin is fighting hard to mitigate climate change, from investing heavily in wind and solar energy production, to approving a 100-year strategic water plan that conserves precious resources,” Austin Mayor Steve Adler said.“And as a winner of the American Cities Climate Challenge, we’ll go even further to reduce emissions and promote a healthier environment for our residents.”

Bloomberg Philanthropies selected San Antonio and Austin as winning cities because of their innovative and ambitious climate action plans to reduce air pollution and city-wide emissions. Bloomberg also recognized Nirenberg, Adler and Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk for their commitment to ambitious climate action and securing a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment and economy for their residents.

The Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge is a $70 million program that will accelerate 25 ambitious cities’ efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for residents. The challenge is part of Bloomberg’s American Cities Initiative, a suite of more than $200 million in investments to strengthen city halls and advance critical policies.