CLARK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM
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Petitioner: |
Marci Henson, Director, Department of Environment and Sustainability |
Recommendation:
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Approve and adopt the All-In Community Sustainability and Climate Action Plan that outlines actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within Clark County, Nevada, to address climate change. (For possible action)
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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N/A |
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Additional Comments: |
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BACKGROUND:
In 2009, the Board of County Commissioners created Clark County's Office of Sustainability. In 2019, the Board directed the County to join the Climate Reality's County Climate Coalition, committing to uphold the United Nations Paris Agreement. To meet this commitment and frame the larger task of addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions, the Department of Environment and Sustainability created "All-in Clark County," the County's initiative to address climate change and create a more sustainable future for all. The Department developed a County Operations Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, adopted by the Board in February 2021, conducted a community-wide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory, and developed a Climate Vulnerability Assessment.
This proposed All-in Community Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (Community Plan) is the next step in the process to achieve sustainability in Clark County. As the Southern Nevada economy recovers from COVID-19 impacts and anticipates adding another 820,000 residents by 2060, it does so in the midst of unprecedented threats from climate change. Sustainability is much more than just clean air and water: it means more affordable housing and energy costs, diverse jobs, economic vitality, and a livable climate.
The County understands the only way to achieve its vision for a more resilient and sustainable future is to lead with equity. Therefore, the Department identified 157 organizations to participate and provide feedback on the Community Plan. These organizations represent tribes, regional agencies, utilities, community-based organizations, trade unions, the business community, and more. In addition to organizational feedback, community-wide surveys received over 6,000 responses, the All-In team participated in 56 public meetings and events, and the process connected with over 220,000 people. These efforts yielded one of the County's most inclusive planning processes.
The County, with the help of community partners, aims to promote sustainable practices and climate action within the community to ensure that Southern Nevada can continue to thrive in the face of climate change. The Community Plan is a smart, bold, and inclusive approach to creating a sustainable community and identifies goals and specific actions in six key areas: Clean and Reliable Energy, Smart Buildings and Development, Connected and Equitable Mobility, Diverse and Circular Economy, Sustainable Water Systems, and Resilient and Healthy Community.