Climate Action Plan

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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.

Still have questions? Contact:
Sustainability Coordinator
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240-314-8871
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Amanda Campbell
acampbell@rockvillemd.gov

Climate Action Open House Icon

View the Revised Draft 

   

The redline draft Climate Action Plan was approved January 10, 2022.

Redline Draft

Climate Action Web Icon Survey

Draft Climate Action Plan Comments

See the comments and staff responses on the November draft plan.

Mayor and Council Comments

Public Comments

Draft Plan

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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:

commercial downtown

Rockville’s greenhouse gas emissions are mainly derived from energy used by the transportation and buildings sectors. The CAP contains a list of feasible mitigation actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the community and municipal operations. 

rain

Rockville is already experiencing the effects of climate change in the form of heavier downpours, more intense heatwaves, and higher incidences of severe storms. These effects have implications on our infrastructure, our economy, and public health. The CAP will evaluate Rockville’s climate-related risks and vulnerabilities and work with community stakeholders to improve community adaptation and resiliency.

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 

Fall 2021/Winter 

Resources

Rockville Draft Climate Action Planundefined Opens in new window

Rockville Climate Hazards and Risks

Rockville Greenhouse Gas Inventory

Roadmap to Develop a Climate Action Plan for Rockville  undefined Opens in new window 

Rockville Actions and Accomplishments undefined Opens in new window

Climate Action Open House Slide Presentationundefined Opens in new window

Climate Change Survey Results 

Draft Actions List Feedback Results