Two new climate plans set course for healthier, safer Pima County
PIMA COUNTY, Dec. 2, 2025 — Pima County has launched an ambitious next phase of climate action with the release of two major plans designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants.
On Nov. 26, the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality submitted its Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) to the Environmental Protection Agency. Developed in partnership with the City of Tucson, Town of Oro Valley, City of South Tucson and the Tohono O’odham Nation, the CCAP serves as a regional climate strategy for the entire community.
The CCAP also forms the foundation for Pima County’s Climate Action Plan for County Operations (CAPCO) 2025-2030, which lays out its internal implementation strategies for how the County will meet the CCAP’s greenhouse gas emissions goals while addressing more expansive sustainability goals. The Board of Supervisors approved the CAPCO at its Dec. 2 meeting in a 4-1 vote.
Under the CAPCO plan, the County aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 60% below 2021 levels by 2030, and to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. The new plan builds on years of Pima County’s work to make operations more sustainable, resilient and measurable.
“With clear goals, strategic actions and accountability built in, we are poised to lead by example — reducing emissions, building resilience and safeguarding the well-being of our community for decades to come,” said Sarah Davis, a senior advisor to County Administrator Jan Lesher.
“Taking action on climate change isn’t just good for the environment — it’s smart economics. We all feel the costs — higher power bills, more water use, and higher prices at stores. Those are the hidden costs of climate change, and they affect every household and business in our community.”
To help residents follow progress and learn more, the County launched PimaCAN! Climate Action Now (pima.gov/pimacan) — a new website devoted to its climate initiatives.
Since 2007, the County has implemented a series of Sustainable Action Plans and resolutions to lower emissions, save energy and water, and reduce costs. The new plan adds a stronger focus on preparing for challenges like extreme heat, wildfires, and drought.
The CAPCO outlines several main areas of action, guided by measurable targets and strategies:
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Carbon and Energy: Upgrade County facilities, electrify fleets, reduce employee commuting emissions.
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Waste and Materials: Cut landfill disposal, increase recycling, and expand procurement of sustainable materials.
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Extreme Heat: Strengthen the County’s capacity to respond to heat-related threats, help protect workers and residents from heat risks, and expand green infrastructure in heat priority areas.
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Wildfire and Invasive Species: Manage landscapes to reduce wildfire danger and control harmful plants.
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Water: Promote water reuse, efficient irrigation, drought-resilient landscapes and sustainable supply strategies.
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Landscapes: Conserve native wildlife, plant at least 10,000 trees, support food security.
Pima County is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including longer, hotter summers, more wildfire threats, and stress on water supplies and public health.
On May 6, 2025, the Board adopted Resolution 2025-11, establishing the framework for the 2025-2030 Plan. The County’s Climate Action Teams, multiple departments and regional partners were engaged during the planning process, reflecting broad collaboration and shared responsibility.
CAPCO aligns with other planning efforts across the County, including Pima Prospers, a comprehensive land use plan that provides the County with a blueprint for the next decade, one that anticipates growth, addresses urgent challenges and promotes prosperity for all residents.
The County regularly will track and report its progress toward its 2030 emissions goal and beyond. Departments will begin aligning programs and operations with the plan’s strategies. Pima County encourages residents, businesses and community groups to get involved in building a cleaner, safer and more climate-resilient future.
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