Saint Paul, MN Environmental Rules: Climate Emergency Mobilization (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted
- 2019
- Carbon neutral by
- 2050
- Interim target
- 50% cut by 2030
- Lead agency
- Office of Sustainability
Summary
Saint Paul declared a climate emergency and adopted CARP in 2019, setting carbon-neutrality by 2050 and shaping building, transportation, and energy rules citywide.
Climate Action and Resilience Plan Update Climate Action Building Resilience Citywide About the City's Climate Action and Resilience Plan
The Saint Paul Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) lays out a vision for our climate future. It's a roadmap toward: Making Saint Paul carbon neutral by 2050 Preparing for climate impacts and prioritizing equitable solutions What's included in the plan? The plan commits the City to take climate action by:
Reducing emissions through energy efficiency Transitioning to renewable energy Supporting sustainable transportation options Cutting waste Enhancing urban resilience
Specific goals of the plan include: Increasing clean energy usage in buildings Expanding public transit and bike infrastructure Protecting natural ecosystems [...] How was the plan created? Research, community input, and expert collaboration all contributed to the current plan. It uses 2015 as the baseline year to assess emissions. CARP set a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. This includes initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strategies to improve resilience. [...] We're updating the City's Climate Action and Resilience Plan! After a year of engagement and research, we have a nearly complete draft of the plan. The original CARP was adopted in 2019 and included an action item to update the Plan every five years.
Full Breakdown
CARP commits Saint Paul to a 50 percent greenhouse-gas reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan drives energy benchmarking, building electrification incentives, EV charging requirements, district energy expansion, and tree canopy goals. Departments must consider climate impact in capital projects, and zoning amendments increasingly incorporate sustainability standards. Residents see CARP through the Energy Disclosure Ordinance for large buildings, Sustainable Building Policy for city-funded projects, and resilience hubs in flood-prone Mississippi River corridors.
Violations & Fines
CARP itself is a policy, not enforced against residents. Implementing ordinances such as energy benchmarking carry administrative fines for noncompliant building owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CARP fine homeowners?
Where can I read CARP?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
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