Climate Action Plan
PE02.03 - Government Operations Climate Action Plan
PE02.04 - Community Climate Action Plan
A climate action plan (CAP) is a strategy document that sets goals and outlines initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using a GHG emissions inventory as the foundation, a CAP defines GHG reduction targets and provides a framework for achieving those targets. In addition, the CAP supports effective action over time by establishing methods for assessing progress (metrics) and adjusting the local strategy if GHG targets are surpassed or not fulfilled.
A Government Operations CAP identifies priority actions that a local municipality can take, and facilitates coordination across government departments.
A Community CAP is designed to facilitate coordination within the broader community including non-government entities in order to reach GHG emission reduction goals.
The CAP Committee has been appointed
At the March 12 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, Chairman Murell appointed the following members tp the Columbia County Climate Action Plan Committee:
Member: Representing:
Ronald Knott Board of Supervisors CAP Committee Co-Chair
Brenda Adams Board of Supervisors CAP Committee Co-Chair
Donal Collins Board of Supervisors Climate Smart Task Force
Patrice Perry Planning Dept.
Don Meltz Planning Dept. Climate Smart Task Force Coordinator Staff Liason
David Newman Climate Smart Task Force Chair
Ray Jurkowski DPW/Engineering
Wendy Madsen Solid Waste
TBD Health Dept.
Mike Tucker Columbia Economic Development Corp. (CEDC)
Terence Duvall Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC)
Michael O'Hara Environmental Management Council (EMC)
Will Yandik Agricultural Community
We are now scheduling our first meeting (to be announced) where we will make introductions, discuss our purpose, and begin working on a scope of work for our Government Operations and Community Climate Action Plan.
Our Grant application has been approved
On July 10, 2024, the Columbia County Board of Supervisors authorized submitting an application for a $60,000 DEC Climate Smart Communities Grant to help fund a Government Operations CAP and a Community CAP. On January 2, 2025, we received notice that the application was approved and we are now waiting for DEC to initiate the contracting process.
Once the contract is signed with DEC the Board of Supervisors will set up a CAP Committee to oversee development of the CAP. The CAP Committee will then develop an RFP for consultant services, evaluate proposals, and hire a consultant.
A full workplan for the project will be posted here when it is complete.
