Pima County updates board on climate action plan, highlights Abram solar project and heat‑season planning
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Summary
Staff detailed the county climate action plan for operations including a target to cut emissions 60% from 2021 levels, an Abram solar installation due in May 2026, heat‑vulnerability mapping, facilities audits and commuter emissions baselining as priorities for year one.
County staff presented an update on the Climate Action Plan for County Operations (CAPCO) on Feb. 4 outlining year‑one priorities, energy strategies and heat‑season readiness.
Staff reviewed a county goal adopted last year to reduce carbon emissions 60% from 2021 levels and described immediate workstreams: a county‑wide buildings and facilities energy audit, a data analytics tool to track emissions, and an Abram solar project slated for completion by May 30, 2026. The Abram project was presented as a pilot sited at a mid‑performing county building (Abrams public health center), selected for both energy efficiency opportunity and community impact—serving health services and being in a vulnerable census tract.
The presentation also covered heat‑season preparation. Using 2024 heat data (the hottest recent summer), staff are undertaking heat‑vulnerability mapping that overlays demographic, heat exposure and health‑outcomes data to better target cooling centers and outreach. Staff emphasized coordination with the city, state, university and community institutions on heat messaging and cooling center network capacity.
Staff also noted Pima County’s participation in Tucson Electric Power’s Integrated Resource Plan process and staff commitment to align county targets with utility portfolios and grid planning.
Board members asked about grant and federal funding risks following federal regulatory changes and requested confirmation that wastewater and fleet services are integrated into carbon planning; staff confirmed wastewater participates in carbon and energy working groups and said grant streams will be evaluated for impacts.
Next steps: complete facility audits, deploy the Abram solar project, finalize heat‑vulnerability maps and publish a county emissions tracking dashboard.