Brainard in Washington For Climate Task Force
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowCarmel Mayor Jim Brainard is in the nation's capital today as part of a task force examining climate change. The more than two dozen-member panel, assembled by President Barack Obama, is providing recommendations on how communities can deal with employment, infrastructure and community development. December 10, 2013
News Release
CARMEL, Ind. – Today, Mayor Jim Brainard is in Washington, serving on a special Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, to which he was appointed by President Barack Obama. The Task Force was established to advise the Administration on how the Federal Government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are dealing with the impacts of climate change.
Mayor Brainard, one of only four Republicans on the 26-member Task Force, has earned a reputation nationally as a smart growth advocate. As Mayor of Carmel, he has led the way in the installation of more time-saving and gas-saving roundabouts than any city in America, one of many measures the city has taken.
“No matter your politics, there is overwhelming evidence of climate change and its impact on humanity. It's clear that the poles are warming and, regardless of the reason, we need to be prepared to deal with the impacts of a changed climate,” said Mayor Brainard.
The Mayor, in his opening remarks and in subsequent discussion, plans to share his ideas on environmental stewardship with the responsibility of fostering an economy that creates jobs and improves the quality of life for all citizens. Additionally, he also advocates for sensible federal policies and programs that not only combat global warming but also protect cities and the economy from too much government overreach.
Task Force meetings will focus on specific issues related to climate change preparedness and resilience, including opportunities for greater federal and local coordination to strengthen disaster recovery and resilience. Future topics may include addressing the impacts of climate change on energy, water, and transportation infrastructure, human health, community development, natural resources, and agriculture.
Mayor Brainard will be serving alongside state, local and tribal leaders from across the country who will use their first-hand experiences in building climate preparedness and resilience in their communities to inform their recommendations to the Administration.
Jim Brainard is a five term Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana. The City has been honored with many awards for its leadership on key environmental initiatives. Carmel was awarded first place in the Climate Protection Awards from the U.S. Conference of Mayors for its roundabout program and national runner-up of the Home Depot Awards of Excellence in Community Trees. Carmel has also been the recipient of the Sterling Tree City Award, honorable mention for Municipal Excellence from the National League of Cities and has been designated a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Mayor Brainard is serving as co-chair of the Climate Protection Task Force and Advisory Board of Directors for the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Source: City of Carmel