Cape Cod Commission Releases Draft Eastham Climate Action Plan for Public Comment

The Cape Cod Commission and the town of Eastham have released the draft Eastham Climate Action Plan for a 30-day public comment period. Created with input from many community members, including full- and part-time residents, business owners, local organizations, municipal staff, and other partners, the plan provides a clear framework to guide local climate action through defined goals, strategies, and implementation measures. 

The plan integrates climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience across five focus areas: Buildings, Energy, Transportation, Natural Resources, and Community. Each focus area outlines specific goals, strategies, and actions, identifies who can help carry them out, highlights opportunities to advance equity and community benefits, and references potential funding sources and ways to track progress. 

“The Eastham Climate Action Plan includes goals and actions that everyone in our community can take part in,” said Tom McNellis, chair of the Energy and Climate Action Committee.  “This public comment period provides another opportunity for residents, businesses, and community partners to have their voices heard by reviewing the draft and helping shape a practical, equitable and effective roadmap that reflects community priorities and supports the long-term care of Eastham’s natural environment.” 

The plan was developed through a comprehensive process that included a review of existing local plans and policies, extensive community engagement, and an assessment of current best practices related to climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. It emphasizes affordability, support for vulnerable populations, and long-term community resilience, while identifying opportunities for partnerships and regional collaboration. 

An implementation framework guides action prioritization, coordination, and progress tracking, providing a practical and adaptable roadmap for advancing local climate action. Designed as a living document, the plan will evolve over time with continued public participation to help protect Eastham’s natural resources, strengthen its year-round economy, and support a more resilient future. 

The draft Eastham Climate Action Plan is now available for public review and comment for a 30-day period. The draft plan is available online at www.capecodcommission.org/ecap. Paper copies of the draft plan are available for review at the Eastham Town Hall, Eastham Council on Aging, and the Eastham Public Library. 

Comments may be submitted in several ways:

through the online comment form

by email to comment@capecodcommission.org

by mail to: Cape Cod Commission, Attn: Helaine Goudreau, 3225 Main Street, PO Box 226, Barnstable MA 02630-0226

by phone: 508-362-3828

Comments are due by February 28, 2026.