Frequently Asked Questions

A Climate Action Plan is a strategic document that outlines how an organization or government will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. It typically includes emissions data, reduction targets, strategies for mitigation, and recommendations to build long-term climate resilience.

The Plan allows Story County to understand and reduce emissions from its own operations (such as buildings, vehicles, and equipment) while ensuring public services remain reliable, efficient, and cost-effective as climate risks increase. It’s a proactive step by focusing on actions that are both environmentally responsible and cost-effective, using county funds wisely to reduce long-term risks and costs.

The CAP assesses current greenhouse gas emissions (using 2020 as a baseline), identifies climate-related risks, and proposes strategies to reduce emissions and improve the County’s resilience through 2050. It focuses exclusively on government operations, not private businesses, landowners, or households.

The scope includes all County-run buildings and facilities, water and waste, vehicle fleets, employee commute, and non-fleet equipment such as construction and landscaping machinery.

While the plan focuses on internal government operations, it helps ensure that essential County services, like emergency response, road maintenance, and public health, remain effective and resilient in the face of climate-related disruptions.

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat in the atmosphere. Reducing these emissions is essential to slowing the pace of climate change and minimizing its effects on infrastructure, public health, and local economies.

While this CAP is focused on internal operations, Story County is committed to public transparency and communication. Direct input from the public is being solicited through a series of meetings as well as a task prioritization survey. The County will offer regular updates throughout the plan development process and as recommendations are implemented.