Region 8
Local Governments
There are many things a local government can do to address the issue of climate change. They have unique opportunities because of their control over budgets, policies, and programs; their jurisdiction over land use, transportation, electricity, and natural gas; and their lawmaking abilities. Local governments are taking the lead across the country by completing greenhouse gas emissions inventories and climate action plans, engaging their communities in greenhouse gas reduction challenges, leading by example, enabling themselves with policies and ordinances, and participating in regional initiatives.