Los Alamos County outlines Climate Action Plan implementation and community outreach initiatives

The Los Alamos County Council held a regular session on July 8, 2025, focusing on updates regarding the Climate Action Plan and ongoing sustainability initiatives. The meeting began with a presentation on the county's greenhouse gas inventory management, utilizing the ICLEI ClearPath platform, which has recently been enhanced through a partnership with ClimateView. This new platform aims to provide a more dynamic and performance-based approach to tracking climate action efforts.

The Climate Action implementation team, formed after the plan's approval in November, has identified 13 key initiatives for the first two years. These initiatives include expanding electric energy resiliency, promoting recycling and composting education, and supporting local food systems. The team is also working on enhancing community energy efficiency, adopting green building standards, and developing electric vehicle infrastructure.

In addition to these initiatives, the county has established a local and statewide sustainability network, collaborating with various community partners. Outreach materials have been developed to engage residents in climate action, with successful participation in events such as the Science Festival and Earth Day celebrations.

A significant topic discussed was the evaluation of single-use plastic bags. The Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) has formed a working group to research the feasibility of implementing a fee or ban on plastic bags, drawing insights from other municipalities that have adopted similar measures. The working group plans to present their findings and recommendations at the upcoming ESB meeting in July.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions, highlighting the county's commitment to transparency and community involvement in climate action efforts. The council's ongoing work reflects a proactive approach to sustainability and environmental stewardship in Los Alamos County.