Council moves for more ambition, more accountability with major updates to climate law

October 21, 2025

The King County Council on Tuesday passed one of the most ambitious and accountable local climate laws in the country — the updated Strategic Climate Action Plan. This isn’t just another climate goal document; it hardwires equity, measurable emissions targets, and implementation deadlines directly into county law.

“King County continues to lead the nation and the world in local government planning for climate change,” said King County Councilmember De’Sean Quinn, who sponsored the latest update. “We can be proud of this plan for its comprehensive approach to what we need to do, mapping direction for the broad range of King County services.  We are responsible for how we respond – this plan provides a clear path forward.”

The plan centers frontline communities, commits every county department to measurable reductions, and creates transparent reporting so residents can track our progress year by year.

In short, it makes climate accountability permanent — and it puts King County on the path to net-zero operations by 2030 and community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.

The updated legislation now includes the following under each county agency:

Metro

• The 100% zero-emission bus goal by 2035 stays in place, with flexibility for new clean technologies.
• Charging goals are now tracked separately for fleet vehicles and public use so progress is clearer.

Department of Natural Resources & Parks

• Carbon-neutral operations are back on the books for DNRP, Wastewater, and Solid Waste.
• Focus shifts from buying offsets to actually cutting emissions in how we operate.

Solid Waste Division

• Keeps the carbon-neutral goal and doubles down on reducing emissions from trucks and landfill systems.
• Will track real progress in cutting those emissions year over year.

Water Treatment Division

• Re-commits to carbon-neutral operations with an emphasis on energy efficiency and biogas recovery.
• Moves away from offsets and toward direct reductions in plant and process emissions.

Parks

• Future capital projects must meet Salmon-Safe standards to protect local waterways.
• New buildings will need to meet higher green-building and net-zero standards starting in 2026.

Facilities Management Division

• All new County buildings must meet top-tier green standards like LEED Platinum or Zero-Carbon certification.
• Big infrastructure projects will have to meet Envision Platinum, ensuring sustainability is built in from the start.

Office of Performance, Strategy & Budget

• Will launch a public dashboard showing how the County is doing on climate goals.
• Keeps regular midpoint check-ins and adds labor voices back into SCAP development.

Additional quotes:

Girmay Zahilay, King County Council Chair: “Today, we are making an immediate and lasting commitment to both address the climate crisis and build a more resilient King County. This updated Strategic Climate Action Plan is the first step to help us address our greenhouse gas emissions while also preparing for the impacts of climate change that are already here. From protecting frontline communities to pushing for faster and more aggressive reductions, this plan will hold us accountable and drive action now. I want to thank the Executive’s team, the Climate Office, Councilmember De’Sean Quinn, and all the community members and advocates who’ve helped shape the SCAP. We are taking steps today to create a livable, equitable, and sustainable future for all.”

Teresa Mosqueda, King County Councilmember: “From the Duwamish Valley to the Chinatown-International District, White Center, and Vashon Island, communities in District 8, frontline workers and fenceline communities across the county are feeling the effects of climate change – historic flooding, extreme heat, reduced air quality, and sea level rise are all affecting working families. But we have momentum in King County because of incredible local climate advocacy efforts. This Strategic Climate Action Plan lays the groundwork to channel advocacy into good union jobs in the green economy, real measurable progress, and tangible goals – teeing up investments in green bonds, climate resilience, and more to ensure a healthier future for our King County communities.”

Reagan Dunn, King County Councilmember: “King County has long been and should continue to be a leader in addressing environmental concerns. I am always pleased to see the County demonstrate its commitment to protecting our environment for future generations.”

Rod Dembowski, King County Councilmember: “King County’s refreshed Climate Action Plan renews our commitment as a regional government to reduce our own emissions and invest in resilience and preparation for the climate change impacts we will see in the coming decades. We have a lot of work to do, and I look forward to bringing many of these leading climate policies to life as expeditiously as possible.”

Sarah Perry, King County Councilmember: “Our rural communities are often most impacted by climate-related disasters, from floods to wildfires, so I’m pleased that, through this legislation, we’re investing in programs that support our seniors, residents with disabilities, and rural communities. It’s essential that these often-overlooked communities are represented in this ambitious plan to safeguard the health and safety of all King County residents now and into the future.”

Jorge L. Barón, King County Councilmember: “To tackle climate change, we need to act collectively and build more sustainable systems. The Strategic Climate Action Plan lays out an ambitious and actionable plan with benchmarks and timelines to keep us focused.  I look forward to working with other jurisdictions, advocacy organizations, and our residents to improve the quality of life for all the people, animals, and plants here in the Pacific Northwest.”