The Office of Climate and Sustainability works to implement programs and projects that enhance sustainability and resilience across the city and municipal operations.

On March 1, 2024, the City of El Paso submitted the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The City of El Paso was awarded $1,000,000 through an EPA grant, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG), which kicked off the PCAP effort. This PCAP document served as the first step to applying for additional competitive EPA grant funding (CPRG II). This opportunity positions states, local governments, tribes and territories to develop and implement plans that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

On April 30, 2024, The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the 12 selected cities to participate in its 2024 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Cities leadership program. El Paso, Texas was one of the selected cities in this year’s cohort. The program helps local governments set goals, collect data and validate policies using a rating system to see how effective they are. This is key to regional climate action plans and improving access to green spaces, public health, resilience and environmental justice. Gaps that are identified in the rating system will be used to improve policies in our local government that will be addressed in our climate action plan. Cities and communities that have participated in this program have had more success in being awarded funding to support their efforts. Certification attracts new economic activity, helps to reach climate goals and improve air, water and overall quality of life.