Beyond Washington: Nine examples of local governments taking climate action

Federal action is essential to achieving large-scale emissions reductions and protecting our planet. However, when national leadership falters—or even obstructs progress—state and city governments are stepping up and taking the lead.

Across the country, regional governments are demonstrating that bold climate action doesn't have to wait for Washington. they are implementing policies that expand renewable energy, protect natural ecosystems, and promote regenerative agriculture. 

Here are nine stories that illustrate how real change begins at the local level, setting examples for the rest of the nation and the world. These efforts showcase how determined action can lead to tangible results, proving that innovative policies and grassroots movements can shape a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Expanding Renewable Energy

State and municipal leaders have played a critical role in advancing the clean energy transition by implementing proactive policies and using targeted investments to accelerate progress. Their leadership has led to transformative policies that expand access to renewable energy, phase out fossil fuels, and create economic opportunities through green jobs.

1. California’s green energy success

California has long been a leader in clean energy, and in 2024, the state consistently generated more than 100% of its electricity demand from renewable sources. This achievement is driven by aggressive policies such as the Renewable Portfolio Standard, which mandates that 60% of the state’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2030, with a goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. The state’s commitment to large-scale investments in solar and wind farms, as well as grid-enhancing battery storage, has made these ambitious targets attainable.

California's success us also fueled by financial incentives such as net metering, which allows homeowners and businesses to sell excess solar power back to the grid, creating a decentralized and resilient renewable energy system. Additionally, state funding for clean energy research and innovation has propelled California toward a sustainable energy future.

2. Vermont’s clean commitment

In 2024, Vermont passed legislation requiring Green Mountain Power, the state’s largest utility, to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with smaller utilities following by 2035. This builds upon Vermont’s Global Warming Solutions Act, which mandates legally binding emission reductions to help the state achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

To meet these targets, Vermont has prioritized investments in local renewable energy projects, including small-scale community solar and wind initiatives that keep energy dollars circulating within the state. Additionally, policies such as Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and tax incentives for residential solar installations have facilitated Vermont’s clean energy transition while ensuring affordability for consumers.

3. Chicago’s bold solar move

As of this year, Chicago has transitioned all of its 400+ municipal buildings to run on renewable energy. This shift, powered by a deal with Constellation and Swift Current Energy, is made possible by the Double Black Diamond Solar Farm—the largest solar project east of the Mississippi. The transition aligns with the city’s broader Climate Action Plan, which aims for complete carbon neutrality by 2050.

Chicago’s leadership in clean energy extends beyond buildings. The city has established long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that guarantee stable electricity rates while supporting renewable energy infrastructure. Moreover, workforce development programs funded through this transition provide training for local residents, ensuring equitable access to green jobs as part of the city’s energy transformation.

Advancing Nature Conservation

Protecting biodiversity and safeguarding natural ecosystems are critical components of climate action. Several state governments are leading the way with ambitious conservation strategies that protect land, restore habitats, and empower communities. 

4. California’s 30x30 goal

In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom set an ambitious goal of conserving 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. This commitment was formally established through an executive order, making California one of the first states to align with the global 30x30 movement. The Pathways to 30x30 strategy ensures that conservation efforts are data-driven and transparent, with key initiatives including ecosystem mapping and priority area identification.

California has allocated billions of dollars through conservation bonds and budget appropriations to support habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, and Indigenous-led conservation projects. A significant component of this initiative includes co-management agreements that return ancestral lands to Indigenous tribes, fostering stewardship based on traditional ecological knowledge.

5. Wyoming’s Grand Teton Land protection

In November 2024, Wyoming’s Republican-led government approved the sale of a square-mile parcel of state-owned land within Grand Teton National Park to the federal government for $100 million. This landmark decision, finalized after years of negotiation, permanently protects the land within the national park system.

The deal, made possible through bipartisan collaboration, relied on a combination of federal conservation funds and private donations from organizations dedicated to land protection. The revenue generated from the sale is directed toward public education in Wyoming, demonstrating how conservation efforts can deliver economic benefits while preserving critical landscapes.

6. Oregon’s historic Klamath River restoration

Oregon recently witnessed the largest dam removal project in US history on the Klamath River. This project, decades in the making, was driven by tribal advocacy, state leadership, and funding from PacifiCorp, the dams’ owner, along with private and nonprofit contributions.

The Klamath River restoration is a key component of Oregon’s commitment to environmental justice and biodiversity conservation. The removal of four hydroelectric dams has already begun to restore hundreds of miles of salmon habitat, improve water quality, and reduce harmful algae blooms. The success of this project highlights the power of collaborative conservation efforts at the state level.

Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is gaining traction as states enact policies that promote sustainable farming, reduce emissions, and improve food security. This approach goes beyond conventional sustainable farming by focusing on improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, helping to combat climate change while improving long-term agricultural resilience.

7. Detroit’s urban agriculture movement

Detroit is home to nearly 1,400 community gardens and farms, including a designated agricultural neighborhood or “agrihood.” These initiatives have been supported by progressive zoning policies that allow urban farming on vacant land, city-backed land banks that provide affordable access to property, and local ordinances promoting community-led agriculture.

Detroit’s urban farming movement not only addresses food insecurity but also serves as a model for sustainable land use in post-industrial cities. Programs supporting composting, rainwater collection, and permaculture practices have further bolstered regenerative agriculture efforts in the city.

8. California’s healthy soils program

Since 2017, California’s Healthy Soils Program has awarded $167 million to 1,467 incentive projects and 72 demonstration projects, promoting soil health across 130,000 acres. This initiative was established through the Healthy Soils Initiative, which integrates climate-smart agricultural practices into statewide climate goals.

Farmers participating in the program receive financial support to implement cover cropping, reduced tillage, and compost application, all of which enhance soil carbon sequestration. As part of California’s broader climate strategy, these efforts contribute directly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving agricultural resilience.

9. Massachusetts’ food waste ban

Massachusetts has become a national leader in food waste reduction through its comprehensive ban on commercial food waste. Since its initial implementation in 2014 and expansion in 2022, the state has increased its annual diversion of food waste from 100,000 tons to 380,000 tons, reducing emissions from food waste by 25%. By 2030, the goal is to divert 780,000 tons per year.

The state’s success is attributed to clear regulatory requirements, accessible composting infrastructure, and strong enforcement mechanisms, including fines for non-compliance. The integration of food waste reduction into climate policy highlights how waste management reforms can be a key strategy for emissions reduction.

Connecting to the One Earth Solutions Framework

The successes highlighted in these nine stories align with One Earth’s Climate Solutions Framework, which is built upon three interconnected pillars:

• Energy Transition: Transitioning our energy systems away from fossil fuels to 100% clean, renewable energy for all people is essential to staying below 1.5°C and avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
• Nature Conservation: Protecting, restoring, and connecting 50% of our planet’s lands and oceans within a Global Safety Net is critical to safeguarding our biosphere and preserving life on Earth.
• Regenerative Agriculture: Transforming our food and fiber systems by adopting regenerative agricultural practices ensures we can feed 10 billion people sustainably while restoring soil health and reducing emissions.

Going forward

Across the United States, cities and states are proving that ambitious climate action is not only possible but also practical and beneficial. By transitioning to renewable energy, protecting nature, and promoting regenerative agriculture, local governments are leading the way in creating a more sustainable and resilient future. Their successes provide a powerful blueprint for national and global action, demonstrating that meaningful change begins at the local level.

Explore the One Earth Solutions Framework