How Los Angeles County is Advancing Sustainability

It has been over five years since the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the OurCounty Plan. As the first-ever regional sustainability plan for L.A. County, it sets forth ambitious targets such as achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, sourcing 80 percent of our water locally by 2045, installing 130,000 new public electric vehicle chargers by 2035, and much more. 

The Chief Sustainability Office (CSO)'s recently released the 2024 annual report which shows that L.A. County is making progress on meeting the 12 overarching goals of the OurCounty Plan. Specifically, the County, in coordination and collaboration with partners, has slashed greenhouse gas emissions, increased access to parks and recreation, supported electric vehicles (EV) and public transportation options, built green infrastructure, expanded the green economy, and more. 

The report indicates that while more work remains to be done, major milestones achieved include:

• Passing a landmark ordinance phasing out oil and gas extraction in unincorporated LA County.
• Transitioning the majority of Clean Power Alliance (CPA) customers to 100 percent renewable power, as well as all County facilities served by CPA.
• Capturing more than 100 billion gallons of runoff last storm season alone, which was supported by major investments in multi-benefit programs that store and reuse water.
• Completing or initiating 10 Community Pedestrian Plans to expand the number of safe, walkable neighborhoods.
• Approving a Tenant Right to Counsel Ordinance to ensure free access to legal representation.
• Completing and implementing the Countywide Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+) to advance park equity and expand land conservation and restoration efforts.

Under the leadership of the Board of Supervisors, the dedicated efforts of the CSO, County departments, and numerous partners have contributed to significant, measurable enhancements in the quality of life for millions of L.A. County residents. To learn more, please read the full report here.