Climate Change Planning

Project News

Climate element documents are being prepared for the adoption process

Thanks to the many hours of work by our project advisory groups and feedback from members of the community on this project. Climate Project advisory group work was completed in early 2025 and county staff are currently preparing Climate Element documents for the adoption process.

Here is a link to the recommended policies from project advisory group work.
Reformatted for the comprehensive plan, you will find these policies integrated into several comprehensive plan chapters. View draft comprehensive plan policies on the Planning Commission webpage.

Request a presentation on proposed climate policies

Contact county staff to request a presentation on proposed climate policies to be added into the county’s comprehensive plan for your group or organization. Contact Jenna at 564.397.4968 or jenna.kay@clark.wa.gov.

Project Overview

With the passage of E2SHB 1181 during the 2023 Washington state legislative session, Clark County is now required to add a Climate Change Element to its Comprehensive Plan by December 31, 2025. This work will be integrated into the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review project.

The legislation creates a new mandate for Clark County that crosscuts a lot of topics in the comprehensive plan, like transportation, land use, parks, capital facilities and utilities, environmental, economic development, and adds requirements related to health disparities and environmental justice.

The new Climate Change Element needs to include a greenhouse gas reduction subelement and a resilience subelement.

The Washington State Department of Commerce developed guidance for local governments to follow as part of this legislation.