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Date: April 18, 2006
CONTACT: Orli Cotel (415)977-5627
         Megan Lewis (202)548-6587

          Earth Day: Mayors Take the Lead to Solve Global Warming

Global warming is an especially hot topic this Earth Day, and all over
America, mayors are flexing their muscle to demonstrate what they can do to
help solve the problem.

"There are many reasons to be hopeful this Earth Day," said Carl Pope,
Sierra Club Executive Director.  "Right now, the real leaders on global
warming solutions can be found in America’s cities and town halls. And
these local energy solutions--like hybrid fleets, solar and wind power, and
energy efficiency--are not only better for our environment, they save
taxpayer dollars at the same time."

The Sierra Club has launched a "Cool Cities" Campaign, encouraging mayors
to take decisive action to curb global warming, lower energy bills, save
taxpayer dollars, and protect our environment. Beginning with Seattle Mayor
Greg Nickels, more than 220 mayors representing 43 million Americans have
signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce global
warming carbon-dioxide pollution in their cities. A complete map of all the
cities is available at http://sierraclub.org/coolcities/

The mayors have promised to cut global warming emissions by taking three
bold steps - switching their municipal fleets to hybrid cars, employing
energy efficient technologies in the delivery of city services and raising
the percentage of energy they use from renewable sources such as wind and
solar.

Mayors are taking action in every region of the country, with steps as
varied as they are inspiring.  Charlotte, North Carolina is converting its
municipal fleet to hybrid cars.  Salt Lake City is upgrading its traffic
lights with more efficient bulbs, saving 500 tons of heat trapping gas, and
over $50,000 a year on the city's energy bill.  In Twin Falls, Idaho local
officials are making the city's 11 schools more energy efficient and saving
$3.5 million in the process. The local utility in Waverly, Iowa is paying
farmers to install wind turbines on their land. And there are even more
examples at http://sierraclub.org/coolcities

"This Earth Day, there is a better way. The Cool Cities program is proving
that we can stop global warming one city at a time," added Pope.

AVAILABILITY: To speak with some of the Mayors who are shaping this
national trend, please contact Orli Cotel at (415) 977-5627

   ***B-Roll available: Images of dirty power, clean energy solutions***
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