Projects

Preliminary Climate Action Plan

Lilly Simmering

With the establishment of the Office of Sustainability and the hiring of a qualified Director of Sustainability, Orange County was ready to address the challenges of climate change. The Preliminary Climate Action Plan is a prime example of technical assistance in strategic planning, facilitation, and systems integration, particularly on a complex issue with no clear ownership within the organization.

Orange County's Preliminary Climate Action Plan is a significant step forward. In 2024, the region, as part of the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Metropolitan Statistical Area, received over $500M from the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Act to address greenhouse gas emissions. This award was the largest of its kind. With passage of a county climate action plan, Orange County is now positioned to earn environmental credits, secure state and federal grants, create green jobs, and guide policy for LIDAC communities.

Although the plan applies only to unincorporated areas, the team worked closely with local cities, offering technical assistance and promoting the County's plan as a model for city-level climate initiatives.