University of Maryland's Center for Global Sustainability releases tool, in partnership with America Is All In, that details U.S. city climate and energy policies
New York, NY (September 22, 2026) – The University of Maryland's Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) and America Is All In released the U.S. City Climate & Energy Policy Database today at America Is All In’s Local to Global Exchange. Detailing more than 1,400 climate and energy policies and programs enacted by 157 major U.S. cities across 48 states, the actions taken by cities improve health, reduce emissions, and increase energy efficiency and affordability across the buildings, transportation, and electricity sectors, among others.
The database compiles policies cities have enacted, such as building codes, financial incentive programs, and procurement policies, to lower household energy bills, create jobs, and build resilience.
“This database gives us the clearest picture yet of how cities across the country are responding to the current moment with policy,” said Nate Hultman, Director of the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland. “What stands out is both the breadth of action and the opportunity it reveals: cities and states are pursuing clean energy and energy efficiency, and understanding that landscape is the first step toward accelerating action where it is needed most. The data show that local leadership is real, it is widespread, and it is providing the groundwork for a better pathway.”
“While the federal government has stepped back, this database shows how local leaders are building cleaner, healthier, more resilient communities in every corner of the United States,” said Chris Wheat, Executive Director of America Is All In. “America Is All In is proud to partner with CGS to show how city halls are making climate decisions every day.”
Examples from the database include:
- Creating jobs and cutting costs: Cleveland is overhauling city facilities with renewable energy and efficiency upgrades; the city's plan to cut emissions 63.3% by 2030 is projected to save residents $2.3 million in energy costs and create more than 1,200 jobs per year.
- Expanding clean, local energy: Boise operates the largest direct-use geothermal heating district utility in the United States, providing a renewable, emissions-free heat source to more than 95 buildings in downtown Boise, with plans to expand further.
- Protecting residents from extreme heat: Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego launched Shade Phoenix, a five-year initiative to expand the city's natural and built shade.
The U.S. City Climate & Energy Policy Database is available here: https://cities.cgs.umd.edu
About the Center for Global Sustainability
Through research, global partnerships, and policy engagement, the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland supports envisioning and implementing new possibilities for ambitious climate, energy, and sustainability action. CGS research programs cover national climate and energy strategies, including national climate targets (NDCs) and long-term strategies; benefits of energy and climate transitions; sub-national climate action; non-CO2 greenhouse gases; data, inventories, and transparency; science and scenarios; and more. Our work is also carried out through geographically focused programs for the United States, China, Indonesia, Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Canada, and other countries; programs working with U.S. subnational governments including U.S. states, and subnational coalitions within the U.S. and other countries. More information is available at cgs.umd.edu.
About America Is All In
America Is All In is a dynamic network of organizations supporting U.S. cities, states, businesses, schools, and civic institutions to help all of society deliver the transformational change needed for a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future. Its partners encompass roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population, three-quarters of the U.S. GDP, and more than 50% of U.S. emissions. Led by Chair Gina McCarthy and Co-Chairs Governor JB Pritzker, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, All In provides connections, resources, and platforms to help partners scale their climate action, transition to clean energy, and demonstrate U.S. non-federal climate leadership on the global stage. To learn more visit www.americaisallin.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.
