CINCINNATI -- The Queen City won a $2.5 million grant for renewable power generation equipment, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced Monday.
Greater Cincinnati Water Works will use the money for large-scale renewable energy generation, to power the municipal energy load with 100 percent renewable energy and to "engage corporate partners around sustainability," the organization said in a news release.
Bloomberg Philanthropies picked Cincinnati as one of seven cities in the latest round of its American Cities Climate Challenge. The organization encompasses billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's charitable activities. Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Chicago, Columbus, Indianapolis and St. Louis were also awarded grants.
"Cities are helping to keep America moving forward on climate change despite the lack of leadership from Washington, and this challenge was designed to help innovative mayors reach their goals," Mike Bloomberg said in a written statement. "We were looking for cities with ambitious and realistic plans to cut emissions in ways that improve people's lives, and mayors committed to getting the job done. Each of these winning cities brings those ingredients to the table - and we’re looking forward to working with them and seeing what they can accomplish."
City officials said the group picked Cincinnati because of its "innovated and ambitious climate action plans" aimed at reducing air pollution and emissions.
"Cincinnati's sustainability efforts continue to gain national and international attention. It has become clear that cities and local municipalities will lead the global effort to fight climate change, and Cincinnati is on the front lines," Mayor John Cranley said in a written statement. "I am encouraged by the changes we are making, but we have a lot of work left to do."
