ADDISON COUNTY — A draft Climate Action Plan, or CAP, for Addison County was released this week and is available for public comment.

The Climate Economy Action Center of Addison County (CEAC) released the draft CAP on its website, ceacac.org/climate-action-planning. Members of the organization are seeking public review and comment on the plan.

This draft CAP presents goals and actions that can be taken locally to address the three biggest sources of Addison County’s greenhouse gas emissions: transportation, buildings (heating/cooling/lighting), and agriculture. The goal of the CAP is to reduce emissions from these three sectors in Addison County while strengthening the local economy.

The plan will help to identify opportunities for businesses and other enterprises, including creation and support of “green jobs.” In addition to presenting new goals and strategies, the CAP is intended to serve as a blueprint that will help guide, coordinate, and align the significant ongoing climate efforts already taking place throughout Addison County.

The CAP presents a variety of opportunities for those who want to take climate action in Addison County and play a role in the CAP’s implementation.

During February and March 2022, CEAC is encouraging individuals, businesses, organizations and institutions to review and submit comments on the draft CAP and to attend upcoming public meetings about the draft CAP. This public input will be vital to inform the CAP’s finalization in April 2022 and to ensure its successful implementation.

More information about the draft CAP can be found on CEAC’s climate action planning website (listed above), along with the public meeting schedule, draft CAP, public comment form, and FAQ.