Agenda - 09-05-2023; 7-a - Draft Orange County Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report

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SUMMARY CALL TO ACTION CONTINUED Orange County (OC) is already facing periods of severe drought, heat waves, and poor air quality with more and more frequency. While some responses will need to be coordinated regionally, it is important for Orange County to take swift and effective action locally to maintain our quality of life. In 2022, North Carolina's Governor, Roy Cooper, issued Executive Order (EO) No. 246 committing North Carolina to a clean energy economy and directing next steps in the state's plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and create new economic opportunities for North Carolinians across the state. The EO strengthens North Carolina's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the statewide goal to a 50% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050. EO 246 includes a target specific to the transportation industry which makes up a majority of the state's emissions. It specifies a target of 1.25 million zero-emission vehicles registered at the state level and 50% of all new cars sold as electric by 2030. In line with a climate focus, the state is creating a diverse workforce to help buildout climate change infrastructure and ensure marginalized communities are engaged in the process.This follows a historical trend of previous commitments which have positioned North Carolina as a leader in climate. Orange County aims to comply with the state and adopt similar climate goals. On June 6, 2017, the Board of Orange County Commissioners passed a resolution to proportionally uphold the Paris Climate Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 26 and 28 percent by 2025 from 2005 levels. On September 5, 2017, the Board of Orange County Commissioners adopted a resolution to transition to a 100% renewable energy based economy by 2050. The County also signed the Global Covenant of Mayors in 2018 which is the largest global alliance for city climate leadership. These three commitments have played a foundational role in propelling Orange County to write this inaugural Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP is more than a testament to Orange County's commitment to climate action. It signifies an intentional move to align with wider regional planning processes. In this vein, the CAP echoes the goals and strategies of regional initiatives.This harmonized approach intends not only to create synergies with neighboring localities but also to contribute to a unified regional response to climate change. Details on specific partnerships can be found in the Introduction Section. 10 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA