Many local governments are taking action to address climate change – either through mitigation, adaptation, or both – in their operational or comprehensive plans.  While addressing climate change in comprehensive plans is not a specific requirement of the Growth Management Act, many counties and cities are addressing climate change through land use and transportation planning, or by adding optional elements to their plans.

 

In April of 2008, the Growth Management Act was amended to require the Washington State Department of Commerce (formerly the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development) to “…develop and provide to counties and cities a range of advisory climate change response methodologies, a computer modeling program, and estimates of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from specific measures.”  These tools are to reflect regional and local variations and the diversity of counties and cities planning under the GMA.

 

Commerce’s Growth Management Services staff has been working with a consulting team and a technical advisory team to review existing modeling tools and programs, identify those most appropriate for use in Washington State, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the tools. The final report is now available for review.

 

Summary: Greenhouse Gas Analysis Tools Booklet

Report: Greenhouse Gas Analysis Tools Assessment

Appendices: Greenhouse Gas Analysis Tools Assessment Appendices A-E