City climate action, sustainability plan sets targets for greener future

Sioux Falls will achieve net-zero emissions for community and local government operations by 2050 if a proposed sustainability and climate action plan is approved.

That’s one of many goals set forward in the plan, developed over 18 months with multiple opportunities for public input.

The plan also aims to reduce community and local government operations emissions 45 percent below their 2019 levels in the next eight years.

“These targets are really important for our community,” said Holly Meier, the city’s sustainability coordinator. “They’re bold, and they’re science-based.”

Emissions from all the city’s vehicles — from emergency responders to the street department and the parks fleet — can add up, Mayor Paul TenHaken said.

“We are a huge emitter of emissions into the environment, so even this year alone we started adding EVs (electric vehicles) to our fleet,” he said.

Significant health benefits can be gained, Meier said.

“We reduce the air pollution in our community as we move toward clean transportation and have more clean energy like wind and solar,” she said.

Goals and corresponding actions are organized into six focus areas:

• Energy and buildings.
• Transportation and land use.
• Natural systems.
• Materials management and waste.
• Community vitality and sustainable living.
• Sustainable economy.

Additional objectives of the plan include transitioning to clean energy and transportation, reducing waste, increasing local food production and access, developing land sustainably, improving community health, protecting water and biodiversity, and supporting green jobs and industry.

Throughout, there is a focus on equity, TenHaken said.

“The health risks and impacts of climate change often disproportionately affect some of our vulnerable populations,” he said.

The community wants a focus on sustainability, Meier and TenHaken said. More than 1,300 people took a survey to help put the plan together.

“We heard the depth of interest in this topic,” Meier said. “They want to see us addressing this.”

Climate change policy is the most prevalent issue young people write to the mayor’s office asking him to consider, TenHaken added.

“As we continue to attract workers and families and keep our young people here in this community, they want to know they’re living in a community that cares about their environment,” he said.

“This plan will really position Sioux Falls as a leader in this region on climate and sustainability efforts.”

Your chance to weigh in

The public has another chance to give feedback on the plan through March 21.

After that, a final version will be drafted and presented for approval by the City Council this spring.

“I’m very interested to hear what our community is thinking about this work and want to make sure that it is community-driven and incorporating all our community’s voices,” Meier said.

To access the plan and provide comments, click here.