Joint orientation meeting scheduled for Feb. 21.

With the passage of HB 1181 during the 2023 Washington State legislative session, Clark County is now required to add a Climate Change Element to its Comprehensive Plan by June 30, 2025. The new legislation mandates that greenhouse gas reduction and resilience are added into the county’s comprehensive plan, including goals and policies for the county to implement during the 20-year planning period, 2025-2045. Two advisory groups will begin meeting to assist the county in developing its Climate Change Element:

1. A Community Advisory Group of 20 county residents will be using a consensus-based approach to develop policy recommendations for Planning Commission and County Council consideration.
2. An Environmental Justice Coalition of 15 local community-based organizations will be collaborating with the county on public engagement activities with those who are at high risk to the impacts of climate change in our community.

These two groups will have a joint orientation meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, starting at 3:30pm. The meeting will take place virtually via Zoom. Computer and phone login information will be posted on the project webpage: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning. The meeting is open to the public. A recording of the meeting will also be available for viewing afterwards.

After this initial meeting, a regular monthly meeting schedule will be established with each group. 

To learn more about county climate change planning, sign up for project updates, or learn about future advisory group meetings, please visit the project website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.

The county’s Climate Project is being funded by a state grant. The WA Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

CONTACT:
Jenna Kay, Planner III, Community Planning
564.397.4968, jenna.kay@clark.wa.gov