BOARD AFFIRMS LOS ANGELES COUNTY’S GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE ACTION
January 13th, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA – As President Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal from 66 international agreements, including major environmental organizations, Los Angeles County today affirmed its commitment to global climate action. The Board of Supervisors approved Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath’s motion underscoring that Los Angeles County will not backslide on environmental protections that safeguard public health, economic stability, and the future of the region’s ten million residents. Instead, the County will continue advancing bold climate policies aligned with the Paris Agreement and pursue deeper collaboration with national and international climate coalitions.
“Climate change is not a distant threat — it is already devastating our communities,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Rolling back environmental protections now would be reckless and dangerous. Los Angeles County refuses to abandon the standards that protect our air, our water, and our future. At a moment of federal abdication, we must not retreat but instead lead with urgency to protect lives and build a safer, more resilient region.”
“Cities, counties, and our communities are on the frontlines of the impacts of climate, taking action to reduce emissions, and creating economic growth,” said Matt Petersen, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and Board Chair of Climate Mayors. ”Now, local and state governments must both lead the way and step into the void on behalf of Americans and future generations. That’s why Supervisor Horvath’s motion and the County of LA’s leadership is so important.”
Los Angeles County has adopted some of the most ambitious climate strategies in the world, including the OurCounty Sustainability Plan, the 2045 Climate Action Plan, the Climate Ready Communities initiative, and a commitment to phase out oil drilling while expanding clean energy access. Together, these efforts position the County as a global leader in local climate action.
Supervisor Horvath’s motion directs the County to deepen engagement with international climate organizations, inventory progress toward global climate goals, and ensure continued investment in climate resilience — affirming that Los Angeles County remains “all in” on climate action.
“As the federal government withdraws from essential international climate frameworks, including the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, subnational leadership has never been more vital,” said Amy Holm, Executive Director of the Climate Registry. “LA County’s participation in international climate initiatives will amplify the voices of the nearly ten million residents and strengthen collaboration with jurisdictions worldwide that remain committed to climate action at the local level, where impacts are felt most acutely, and solutions are implemented most directly.”
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