By signing the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions 7% from 1990 levels by 2012, more than 300 mayors have pledged to meet Kyoto Protocol goals, even though the U.S. did not ratify the pact.

“This will take a grass-roots movement that U.S. mayors are in a position to help lead,” says Douglas Palmer (D), mayor of Trenton, N.J., and current Conference of Mayors president. The mayors are requesting a $4-billion energy and environment block grant from the federal government.