Today, Mayor Mark Mallory continued his efforts to make environmental health issues a priority in Cincinnati by signing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Mayor Mallory is joining mayors across the nation in taking the lead on improving environmental health at the local level. The U.S Mayors Climate Protection Agreement began as an initiative of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. The agreement pledges to implement common-sense environmental policies to reduce both energy usage and energy costs. Policies include promoting "green buildings," increasing the fuel efficiency of city vehicles, incorporating energy efficient technology in city buildings, and promoting alternative forms of transportation. The agreement also calls on the federal government to develop policies and programs that will reduce global warming pollution and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil by encouraging the development of alternative sources of energy.

"Signing this agreement is an important step in the Greening of Cincinnati," Mayor Mark Mallory said. "We are sending a message that these issues are real and that we must pay attention to them. It is time to take proactive steps to improve and protect the environmental health and safety of our city."

"Working to create an environmentally friendly city is important now more than ever," Council Member Laketa Cole said. "This is not only a global warming issue, or a fossil fuel issue, but it is also a public health issue." Council Member Cole brought a resolution in support of the agreement before City Council and it passed on June 7.

As of June 23, 250 mayors nationwide have signed onto the agreement. However, with today's signing, Mayor Mallory becomes only the fifth Ohio Mayor to sign. Cincinnati is the largest Ohio City to endorse the agreement. Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin and former Toledo Mayor Jack Ford have signed the agreement along with the Mayor of Brooklyn, Ohio, Kenneth E. Patton, and the Mayor of Garfield Heights, Ohio, Thomas J. Longo.

Mallory and Cole were joined at the press conference by Larry Fahn, the National Board President of the Sierra Club; representatives of the Blue Green Alliance, state co-chair Carla Henthorn and National Director Dave Foster; and Chad Edwards, architect with KZF Design, project architect on University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Center.

"With the signing of this agreement, Cincinnati is not only turning the corner on global warming and energy efficiency, but we are also turning the corner on creating new jobs and exploring new technologies," said Larry Fahn, National Board President of the Sierra Club.

The signing ceremony took place at the new University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Center, widely considered Cincinnati's first "Green Building" because it meets all LEED Standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The UC Campus Recreation Center incorporates several green technologies and design features, including solar screens on the windows, motion sensors to control the lights in the class rooms, extensive use of natural lighting, and a system that collects rainwater to be used for irrigation. The building was constructed using local building materials to reduce pollution caused by transportation; and between 70 and 75% of the construction material waste was recycled.

In April, Mayor Mallory and Council Member David Crowley announced plans to re-open the Office of Environmental Management (OEM). After a series of meetings a planning group composed of city officials, local organizations, and interested parties developed a series of recommendations for a new Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ). Mayor Mallory plans to include the new OEQ in his budget that he will present to Council in the Fall.