Across the United States, cities, towns, and counties are enacting policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Local governments choosing to develop their own climate and energy plans start with a GHG emissions analysis, which they use to establish reduction targets. Once a GHG inventory and analysis has been completed and targets have been set, the next step in the design and implementation of a local climate and energy program is the Climate Action Plan (CAP).
A typical CAP lays out a comprehensive strategy for a local government to use to reduce GHG emissions and address climate-related impacts. The plan should include recommendations, guidelines, and location-specific ideas for emission reductions from key sectors and often addresses the following:
• Regional and local risks and vulnerabilities
• Baseline GHG emissions
• Goals and targets
• Identification and screening of mitigation options
• Estimated results of mitigation actions
• Recommendations and strategy for implementation
As a first step, consider holding a community meeting that asks questions like, how can our city or county become a greener more sustainable place to live and work? During these meetings, remember to poll citizens and community representatives on their priorities for climate and energy actions.
To maximize effective community-wide climate and energy planning, local governments should also engage internal and external stakeholders early and often during the strategy and development process. Take advantage of local agencies and staff (e.g., waste, environment, energy, utility, transportation) for input on policy recommendations and creative ideas for GHG mitigation actions. In addition, outside stakeholders can augment local government resources and build support for local Climate Action when it comes time for implementation.
The following 6 steps offer a roadmap for creating and launching a climate action plan:
1. Create a staff and organizational structure to develop the CAP: this may include a “Climate and Energy planning Task Force” that will engage partners and manage funding pathways
2. Analyze baseline GHG emissions and assess existing initiatives, resources and capacities: collect ideas for emissions reductions from local agencies and community members
3. Inventory best practices from other cities: connect with regional partner communities
4. Analyze emissions reductions options, including size of potential reductions, cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and other benefits
5. Develop implementation plans, structures, and partnerships for the highest priority actions (and a timeline for the rest)
6. Launch the climate action plan and support it with an on-going communications strategy that publicizes CAP projects and initiatives
Key external resources that are available to assist in the development of your CAP include: State and federal government agencies (e.g. DOE Technical Assistance Program). Other stakeholders to work with include: environmental and consumer organizations, local universities, community groups, and locally based businesses that may be affected by new climate and energy policies. If support is lacking, local governments can consider implementing education programs on the environmental and economic benefits of climate and clean energy action.
The following climate change action plans offer examples for local governments that are developing their own CAP:
• The “Austin Climate Protection Plan and Action Items” of April 2008 includes a municipal plan, a utility plan, a homes and building plan, and a community plan—each with actions and goals specific to that sector.
• Completed in January 2009, “The Chattanooga Climate Action Plan” includes a GHG inventory for the city of Chattanooga, an overview of carbon-reducing policies, and 47 recommendations to lower Chattanooga's carbon footprint.
• The “Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan,” published in 2008, outlines the measures that government, businesses, higher education institutions, and citizens of Pittsburgh can adopt in order to achieve a target of reducing GHG emissions 20 percent below the 2003 level by 2023.
• “Lessons Learned: Creating the Chicago Climate Action Plan” summarizes Chicago’s climate action planning process and shares lessons learned along the way.
Has your city or county developed a Climate Action Plan? What worked? What didn't? Leave your best practices in the comments section below, or email us at solutioncenter@ee.doe.gov.