The Local Action Framework: A Guide to Help Communities Achieve Energy and Environmental Goals is a step-by-step guide designed to help local and tribal governments plan, implement, and evaluate new or existing energy or environmental projects.

It is intended for small and medium-sized communities and tribes, although the information may also be helpful for larger jurisdictions or states embarking on similar projects. And while the guide is focused on the project level, much of the information is also relevant for programs or policies.

The guide covers six interrelated energy and environmental project implementation phases:

1. Engage and Communicate
2. Develop a Greenhouse Gas Inventory
3. Set Goals and Select Actions
4. Obtain Resources
5. Take Action
6. Track and Report

This guide is based on best practices identified by EPA through the Agency’s extensive work with local and tribal governments and feedback from a range of state and local governments. EPA recognizes that each local and tribal government is an expert in its own community; however, given the Agency’s experience working with many local and tribal governments, it is well-positioned to synthesize and share information and lessons from across the country