Agenda 11-02-23; 6-a - Orange County Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Inventory

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2 Other key components of the plan include a robust community/stakeholder engagement process that has helped shape specific climate action strategies. The plan also includes methodology for implementation, evaluation and updating. In addition, Bluestrike has prepared a comprehensive funding plan linked to climate action plan strategies, and designed a climate action plan dashboard that will display progress related to the plan's implementation on the County's website. The draft Climate Action Plan was presented to the Board of County Commissioners at the September 5, 2023 Business meeting. Comments were received from Board members and incorporated into the final Climate Action Plan. The draft Climate Action Plan was also presented at a community symposium event in early September and a month-long public comment period was established to receive feedback through an on-line forum. Based on community feedback received, adjustments were made to several action items in the draft Climate Action Plan that was presented to the Board on September 5, 2023. Some key updates include: • Added the newly announced American Climate Corps program in the CAP as a way to involve more youth directly with CAP actions; • Moved up the study date for curbside composting due to strong community support. This action was seen as a "gateway" action that can drive community interest and understanding in climate action; • Included several new actions prioritizing conservation of green spaces, preventing urban sprawl, and promoting sustainable land use; • Added action to develop a mechanism for the community to donate to the Community Climate Action Grant Program to expand capacity to fund community climate action projects; • Added action to promote safety and purposeful connection of existing and future bike trails and bike lanes that promote sustainable travel and connectivity. The Commission for the Environment also reviewed the draft CAP and provided extensive feedback to improve actions, graphs, and made refinements to wording which has been incorporated into the final CAP. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no specific financial impact associated with approval of this item. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. Local investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy in Orange County provides direct reduction of monthly energy bills and supports jobs and investments in clean energy technologies. • GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes and