On March 3, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury convened a virtual discussion, “The Climate Transition: Federal Policy and State and Local Government Best Practices.” The participants discussed the steps that state and local governments are taking to include climate data into municipal capital planning processes, develop innovative tools and policies to finance climate mitigation and transition projects, and disclose climate-related financial risks to municipal market participants.
The roundtable was opened by the Secretary of the Treasury, Janet L. Yellen, where she highlighted the Department’s expansive work to support states, localities, and communities across the country in promoting resilience to the impacts of climate change, advancing the transition to a net zero economy, and enabling communities to benefit from the economic opportunities that comes with that transition. Climate Counselor to the Secretary John Morton then moderated a panel discussion with senior Administration officials which focused on the whole-of-government effort to assist states, localities, and communities in the fight against climate change. In the afternoon, a geographically diverse group of state and local leaders, as well as federal partners, were engaged by Under Secretary Liang to discuss key issues facing governments in funding and financing the transition to a net-zero economy.
According to the release, the Treasury will disseminate lessons learned and best practices developed by state and local governments. The Department also intends to convene municipal market participants to further support the advancement of innovative policy at the state and local levels.
Read the Treasury’s full press release here.
