Climate Action Plan

The City of Rockville recently adopted its first Climate Action Plan, a Mayor and Council priority initiative, to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and prepare the community to adapt to a changing climate.

The plan strives to:

1. Reduce GHG emissions from the community and municipal government operations at least 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 to be on track to reach net zero by or before 2050;

2. Improve the capacity of our community, homes, businesses, and natural environment to prevent, withstand, respond to, and recover from climate change impacts such as rising temperatures, more frequent and intense heat waves, drought, heavy rainfall and severe storms; and

3. Incorporate equity in implementation and conduct inclusive engagement to reduce environmental disparities and protect and empower vulnerable communities.

What is a Climate Action Plan?

The Climate Action Plan (CAP) provides a road map to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and prepare the community to adapt to a changing climate. The project is working with community stakeholders, staff and a technical consultant to develop a strategic plan for approval by the Mayor and Council to guide future city policies, programs, plans and investments over the next five to 10 years.

The plan actions focus on two main concepts, while incorporating equity throughout:

What was the process?

Community engagement is needed to develop a successful plan that fosters awareness, buy-in, and identifies creative opportunities to equitably reduce emissions and build community resiliency. Throughout the year, we reached out to the community, through online surveys, discussions with various boards and commissions, and hosting a virtual open houses to identify the community’s challenges and goals and prioritize local viable strategies and actions.

A Commitment to Equity

The city is committed to a climate action planning process, plan, and policy decisions that incorporate social equity and consider residents that are most vulnerable to climate change. We’re looking for community partners to help us engage with all members of our community in this planning process and implementation. Help us by sharing the website with your neighbors.

Timeline

Fall 2020

Climate Action Plan Survey open Tuesday, Sept. 1 to Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.
Monday, Sept. 21: Presentation to the Mayor and Council.
Engage with boards and commissions and members of the community.
Virtual Climate Action Plan Open House: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. Agenda
Virtual Climate Office Hours: Various dates.

Winter 2020-21

Finalize city climate resiliency analysis.
Consultant analyzes cost-benefit/co-benefits of actions.

Spring/Summer 2021

Develop the Draft Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Actions List for initial feedback.
Rockville Draft Climate Action Plan Update July 22, 7-8:30pm. Watch the web meeting. See the feedback.
Develop the Draft Climate Action Plan with prior input. Plan undergoes internal review.

Fall 2021/Winter

Draft Climate Action Plan available for public comment late October through December 3, 2021.
Mayor and Council reviews plan November 15, 2021. View the slide presentation.
Active projects and identifying funding continue concurrently.
Mayor and Council approved the plan and a City fleet resolution January 10, 2022. See the meeting materials.

Climate Action Plan

Read Rockville's