What is the CCAP?

The CCAP addresses where we are today with problems like air pollution and greenhouse emissions, and how this pollution is impacting our communities. It also outlines actions we can take as a region to make things better for our environment and our people.

The CCAP also examines how our environment impacts other challenges we face, like high living costs and low job growth. The plan offers multiple ideas that will help guide decision-makers in preparing the Greater New Orleans region for the coming years.What is the CCAP?

The CCAP is paid for by money from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program that was awarded by Congress in August 2022. Over 200 communities, including states, cities, regions, tribes, and territories, have developed these plans through the EPA. In implementing these action plans, communities and states across the nation are leveraging collective action to tackle global environmental challenges while supporting economic growth and resilience in our communities.

Summary of Climate Actions

WHY DO WE NEED THIS PLAN?

The environment is changing faster than ever. As our communities use energy for industrial purposes and drive cars for personal use , heat-trapping gasses called greenhouse gases are released into the air. These gases are turning what used to be extreme weather events, like heatwaves, heavy rain, and strong hurricanes, into our new normal weather patterns. However, our cities and communities are not set up for this new normal.

The CCAP helps address these challenges by guiding decisions and actions such as:

Plan Timeline

1. PCAP Development

2. Implementation Grant

In July 2024, the City of New Orleans was one of 25 locations in the country to get early funding from the EPA based on the PCAP. The City was awarded nearly $50 million to:

• Increase Transportation Access – add 148 new bike share stations, 2,500 electric bikes, and incentives for 3,000 electric bikes
• Cut Energy Costs – upgrade 50 local government buildings to reduce energy costs
• Plant Trees – plant 7,500 trees to cool the region, cut energy costs, and clean the air
• Increase Solar Energy – launch programs to increase solar panels on private properties
• Improve Buildings – create programs with energy goals for large buildings.

Other local governments will be able to use the data collected from these test projects to support replication and funding for similar projects in their cities and parishes.

3. CCAP Development:

The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan was developed through an inclusive, data-driven process that combined technical analysis, regional collaboration, and community engagement. Building on Louisiana’s state and local climate initiatives, the plan advances practical, locally informed solutions to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience in a region increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat, flooding, hurricanes, and sea-level rise.

4. Implementation

CCAP implementation will occur in phases through 2030, with an emphasis on coordination, shared resources, and workforce readiness. The RPC will serve as a regional convener, facilitating collaboration, technical assistance, and data sharing, while municipalities and parishes lead on-the-ground implementation efforts. The RPC will also monitor progress, track implementation outcomes, and support the continued advancement of climate action initiatives across the region.

5. Status Report

In Fall 2027, the RPC will publish a status report on the region’s climate action initiatives, documenting achievements in emissions reduction and outlining opportunities to strengthen implementation through additional resources and support.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Getting the Southeast Louisiana Region ready for the future means working together. Government leaders, business leaders, non-profit leaders, and community members all need to team up. Working together, we can make our region strong for the future.

We would love to hear from you about the plan implementation effort. Please reach out to us with any updates, concerns, or comments.