Bloomberg Gives Millions to Help St. Pete Reduce Emissions

Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s foundation is donating money to fight climate change in Florida. Photo via Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The Associated Press

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's foundation is giving a Florida city $2.5 million to aid its efforts to fight climate change.

Bloomberg announced Thursday that St. Petersburg, Florida is the 20th U.S. city to be selected as part of Bloomberg's American Cities Climate Challenge initiative.

The $70 million initiative invites cities into a two-year program that provides resources to help them reduce carbon emissions.

The Bloomberg foundation also said Thursday it was increasing the number of participant cities to 25 from 20 communities.

St. Petersburg officials say they will use the assistance to implement a utility community solar program and expand its residential solar co-op program, among other projects.