Chester County Kicks Off Climate Action Plan Update
February 2026
Chester County has officially launched the update of its Climate Action Plan, marking the start of a countywide effort to take a fresh look at steps county government and the greater community can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for changing conditions, and support healthier, more resilient communities. This update is in its early stages. Over the coming months, residents, municipalities, businesses, and organizations will have opportunities to get involved.
Building on the 2021 Climate Action Plan, this update will review which actions are still working, which need refinement, and where new approaches are needed to address emerging issues and priorities. The county is also taking a closer look at internal practices, such as fleet electrification and facility operations, while developing specific targets and a prioritized, realistic work plan. A major emphasis will be on municipal guidance, including developing tools municipalities can adapt to their own needs and resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their communities.
To support this work, Chester County is partnering with Penn State's Local Climate Action Program (LCAP), funded by the PA DEP. Through this program, students support local governments by conducting research, analyzing data, and developing planning tools. Their involvement brings technical capacity and a fresh perspective, helping the county assess emissions trends and build a strong analytical foundation for the plan.
The county's Environmental and Energy Advisory Board will advise county staff in developing the Plan. Their meetings are held in hybrid format and are open to the public. Meeting schedule and materials are available on the Board's webpage. Additionally, several public meetings will be held over the course of the project, as well as a countywide public survey, and outreach at events across the county. To stay informed about opportunities to provide input, fill out the contact form at the bottom of the Climate Action Plan webpage.