Clark County - File #: 21-169

• File #: 21-169
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 2/1/2021
• In control: Clark County Board of Commissioners
• On agenda: 2/16/2021
• Title: Receive and approve the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, which outlines actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within County operations to address climate change. (For possible action)

Date	Action By	Action	Result
2/16/2021	Clark County Board of Commissioners	Approved as Recommended; Agenda note: DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED: 1. Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (28 pages) submitted by Kim Lundgren Associates DISCUSSION: Following introduction of the item, the Board was addressed by Marci Henson, Director of the Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability, Jodi Bechtel, Assistant Director of the Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability, Kim Lundgren, CEO and founder of Kim Lundgren Associates, Inc. (KLA), and Kari Hewitt, Director of Sustainability Services for KLA, who introduced “All-in Clark County.” Kim Lundgren advised of the key components and process outcomes of the County operations plan, and the next steps for the community-wide plan. Jodi Bechtel advised that “All-in Clark County” aimed to address climate change and create a more sustainable future; addressed climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and prepared for the impacts of climate change; discussed achievements, including reduced emissions due to a reduction in County employee commutes to work; the next step will be to develop a community wide sustainability and climate action plan; and discussed engagement of County and community stakeholders. Marci Henson advised of four guiding principles including greenhouse gas emissions reductions, transparency, equity, and economic, environmental, and social resilience; five key action areas included clean and reliable energy, resilient County operations, smart waste management and reduction, sustainable transportation, and water conservation and protection; further advised of metrics and targets; action prioritization, and data tracking.	Pass

CLARK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

AGENDA ITEM

Petitioner:

Marci Henson, Director, Environment and Sustainability

Recommendation: 

title

Receive and approve the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, which outlines actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within County operations to address climate change. (For possible action)

body

FISCAL IMPACT:

Fund #:	N/A	Fund Name:	N/A
Fund Center:	N/A	Funded PGM/Grant:	N/A
Amount:	N/A
Description:	N/A
Additional Comments:	N/A

BACKGROUND: 

In 2009, the Office of Sustainability was created at the direction of the Board of County Commissioners. In 2019, Clark County joined the Climate Reality's County Climate Coalition at the direction of the Board, committing to uphold the United Nations' Paris Agreement. And in January 2020, the Office of Sustainability became a division in the Department of Environment and Sustainability.

To frame the larger task of addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions, the Department created "All-in Clark County," the County's initiative to address climate change and create a more sustainable future for all. As a first step under the All-In Clark County initiative, the Department developed a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan aimed at increasing the sustainability of the County's internal operations.

As southern Nevada fights to rebuild its economy after COVID-19 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, and all of that starts first with making sure the County operates efficiently. With this Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, the County aims to promote sustainable practices and climate action within the County’s operations to ensure that it can continue to thrive in the face of climate change. Through the development and implementation of codes, policies, and procedures that improve the resilience of its operations, the County will improve its ability to serve the community while also serving as a model for sustainable action in the region.