Accelerating local climate investment amid federal uncertainty

Recent shifts in federal leadership have pulled back—or called into question—U.S. climate action. In addition to larger executive actions and other policy developments, many federal agencies are experiencing funding cuts, staffing reductions, and other programmatic changes that are limiting the country’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to extreme storms, and more. Now, several months into the Trump administration, there is widespread uncertainty around the current and future impact of these changes.  

State and local leaders, in particular, are navigating this uncertainty in real time while seeking to create new plans, launch new investments, and accelerate new projects. And one of the biggest needs they face is proactively funding and financing climate action. A range of agencies—including state energy offices, transportation departments, and other infrastructure entities—are on the front lines of constructing, maintaining, and upgrading systems amid a more destructive climate and a need to reduce emissions.   

On Wednesday, July 23, Brookings Metro will hold a public virtual event to explore the continued need to accelerate climate investment during the current window of federal uncertainty and beyond. It will focus on challenges facing state and local leaders, with an eye toward actionable strategies being deployed across the country. Following keynote remarks, a panel of city practitioners will discuss how they are pioneering strategies that could offer precedents for other leaders nationally. 

Viewers can ask questions during the webinar by emailing [email protected].