Climate Action Plan: Make You Voice Heard

Washington County Commissioners Need to Hear From You!

Washington County just released their Climate Action Plan and is seeking resident's input -- that's Us!!!  Let's give them our best advice.

The survey link is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WashCAP

This is due by May 25th.  So get to it!!

The full Plan can be found at: https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/3799/Climate-Action-Plan

Then, attend a Washington County Board meeting and urge the Commissioners to pursue strong climate action. "Residents who wish to speak need to fill out a comment card before the meeting and give it to a county staff person." https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/390/Board-Meeting-Guide

Eric Lampland, Climate Justice Team Leader says:

My personal feeling is the plan is far short of what we should be seeking. It is, however, a start. 

Eric's Summary of Washington County’s Climate Action Plan, With Comments

 Washington County, Minnesota is developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to guide its response to climate change through emissions reduction and climate adaptation strategies. The plan is currently in the “Develop Strategies” phase (April-June 2026), with a draft goals and objectives document released in April 2026.

Three Main Goals

The plan centers on three headline goals that drive all recommendations and strategies:

            1.  Achieve net-zero emissions from county operations by 2050 (comment: too late) - Targeting County buildings, facility operations, fleet transportation, solid waste, and indirect emissions from contracted work and employee commutes.

            2.  Support continued reduction of per-capita community emissions - Recognizing forecasted population and economic growth over the next 25 years while working to lower emissions per resident. (my comment: community emissions should address Xcel, businesses, schools, solar farms and homes at a minimum).

            3.  Protect health, quality of life, and services through climate adaptation - Including disaster preparedness, community education, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Key Sector Strategies

Transportation

The county plans to transition its non-law enforcement light-duty fleet to zero-emission vehicles during normal replacement cycles, while law enforcement vehicles will adopt hybrid or low-emission technologies. For the broader community, strategies include promoting EV adoption, increasing biking/walking/transit trips, and encouraging efficient land use planning to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

Buildings and Energy

County facilities will invest in renewable energy generation, efficiency improvements, and electrification to reach net-zero by 2050 (State goal, by statue, is 2040). Community-focused strategies promote alternatives to natural gas heating, support building efficiency retrofits, and encourage municipalities to adopt energy-efficient building codes.

Natural Resources and Resilience

The plan emphasizes carbon storage through expanded tree coverage, sustainable land management, and optimized wood waste practices on county property. Climate resilience strategies address extreme rainfall and flooding risks, protect natural areas through conservation easements, and mitigate invasive species spread.

Public Health and Safety

The county will build capacity to respond to climate hazards by identifying system vulnerabilities and integrating climate predictions into all county plans. Community health protections focus on extreme heat risks for vulnerable populations, climate hazard education, local food system support, and mental health strategies for those affected by climate-related trauma.

Other Concerns not in Report

No mention of County actions via Code Enforcement, working with the State, and PUC, of non-public buildings such as the Lakeview Hospital, solar homes, and worse -- no mention of the King Plant replacement.

Remember! Fill out the survey (before May 25th)! Then, speak at a County Board Meeting during the resident comment period. Be an advocate for aggressive climate action in Washington County. Let your voice be heard!