“Our mission is to advance policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, and safeguard our climate in order to build a sustainable, just, and resilient community.“
Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (OSCAR)
Colorado communities are feeling the effects of climate change. They’re dealing with reduced snowpack, earlier snowmelt, and dangerous air quality. Additionally, they face more extreme weather events, severe wildfires, and “high heat” days. In response, Boulder County has stepped up to take action. We’ve initiated bold measures to slash greenhouse gas emissions and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Our goal is to help our communities adapt and thrive in the face of these challenges. Learn more about our efforts, programs, and more below.
What’s the Latest?
- July 24, 2024 | A court in Boulder has decided that the City of Boulder and Boulder County’s lawsuit against ExxonMobil and two Suncor entities, originally filed in 2018, can continue. The court did not agree with the oil companies’ request to dismiss the case, which claims that the oil companies’ actions have greatly contributed to an altered climate. Learn more in the official press release here.
- June 3, 2024 | Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann was appointed to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee to advise on environmental issues affecting U.S. communities. Stolzmann will use her experience to contribute to important discussions on topics like disaster response, the impact of “forever chemicals”, and climate equity. Read more in the official press release here.
- March 1, 2024 |Get up to $20,000 from PACE to create an electrification plan for your commercial building. Experts will deliver a set of personalized options to save energy, cut indoor air pollution, and future-proof your property so that whenever you’re ready—or when your heating, cooling, or hot water systems need to be replaced in an emergency—you’re equipped with everything you need to make the right decision for your building. Learn more via PACE.
- March 1, 2024 | Boulder County is accepting applications for its Climate Innovation Fund grants, aiming to distribute $550,000 to initiatives focused on carbon dioxide removal and landscape resilience. The application period closes on March 24. For more details, please visit the web page.
- February 13, 2024 | The county has announced the recipients of 2024 Environmental Sustainability Matching Grants. This year, the grants are dedicated to assisting commercial landscapers in switching to electric equipment, devising strategies to cool neighborhoods, and promoting practices that save energy and utilize clean energy in buildings. For more information, read official announcement.
- January 18, 2024 | Boulder County has launched a $1.1 million Soil Health Initiative aimed at improving soil health. The initiative will fund soil health projects in the county. Learn more in the press release.
Our Programs
Newsroom Highlights
Visit our newsroom for an archive of press releases and media coverage of our work.
- A big idea for small farms: How to link agriculture, nutrition and public health (NPR, February 3, 2024): Boulder County invests in sustainable farming, supporting local produce purchases. This initiative benefits consumers, farmers, and the economy, creating a “triple win.”
- Fungi firefighters? A Boulder mushroom company’s solution to wildfires is quintessentially Colorado (KUNC, January 17, 2024): Boulder Mushroom explores using fungi for carbon sequestration, healthy soils, and wildfire prevention.
- Boulder County awarded millions for EV charging stations (9News, January 11, 2024): Nearly $5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation will fund about 100 new electric vehicle charging stations, enhancing Boulder County’s green infrastructure.
- Boulder County’s new solar co-op is ‘breaking all kinds’ of records, expands membership to 500 after surpassing goals (Boulder Reporting Lab, December 8, 2023): Surpassing its membership goal, Boulder County’s solar co-op expands, allowing 500 members to join, demonstrating significant community interest.
- Five Tech Innovations That Could Help Save the Planet (Newsweek, November 15, 2023): Biochar Now, backed by Boulder County’s grant, is transforming wood waste into biochar, showcasing a leading climate tech solution.
About OSCAR
Boulder County’s leaders and employees have long held a commitment to stewardship of our land, environment, and community. The Boulder County Commissioners believe that by prioritizing environmental sustainability, we can achieve higher economic vitality in our communities, ensure cleaner air and water for the well-being and public health of residents, and combat major environmental issues, such as climate change. By striving to become as environmentally sustainable as possible, we are supporting countless human and environmental benefits for our county and beyond.
