Climate Action Plan

In 2019 the Board of Commissioners directed staff to develop a countywide Climate Action Plan to determine how the county – both county government and the county as a whole -- could reach carbon neutrality by 2050, as stated in the 2019 Performance Clackamas strategic plan.

Carbon neutrality means having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. Meeting this goal would give us a chance to limit warming and avoid the worst impacts of global change. Locally, a zero-emissions way of living and doing business could support a healthier and more economically resilient community.

With community input and invaluable contributions from a Community Advisory Task Force and Youth Advisory Task Force, county staff worked with an expert consultant team to create a draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) and supporting documents that outline goals and strategies that according to the consultants, if implemented, could achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 throughout Clackamas County.

  • Draft Climate Action Plan - focused on reducing emissions from buildings, transportation and waste, November 2023
  • Draft Implementation Guide - specific actions to carry out the strategies described in the draft CAP, November 2023
  • Draft Climate Lens - tool to help staff consider emissions reductions of proposed projects, programs, services and other initiatives, November 2023

Countywide Actions to Combat Climate Change

  • County operations greenhouse gas inventory
  • First baseline community-wide greenhouse gas inventory
  • Identified renewable energy procurement options for county operations
  • Initiated process for a low-carbon county fleet and electric vehicle (EV) charging
  • Support for innovative mass timber construction
  • Offering a climate change presentation for schools 
  • Expanded commercial food scraps composting
  • Host Repair Fairs for people to repair their broken appliances and tools instead of throwing them out
  • Worked with area libraries to create Libraries of Things, where community members can check out items like board games, tools and appliances instead of buying new.
  • Provide support for rural broadband so less populated communities can stay connected without needing to drive

Board of County Commissioners-adopted resolutions related to climate change

2019Added a specific goal about climate action to the county’s updated Performance Clackamas strategic plan. The goal states: By January 2022, a Climate Action Plan is adopted for our community with specific recommendations to reach the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.
2018Directed staff to develop an updated countywide climate action plan.
2017Reaffirmed the county’s climate goals.
2008Adopted the U.S Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration and a resolution on climate change.

What You Can Do

Community members making climate-friendly decisions and engaging with each other are crucial to reducing the county’s carbon footprint.

Phone:503-557-6363

150 Beavercreek Road Oregon City, OR 97045

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Monday to Thursday 
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