Protecting the environment | Metro
Source: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/what-metro-does/connecting-regional-priorities/protecting-environment
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:09
Protecting the environment | Metro
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The elements of our natural environment — air, rivers and streams, fish and wildlife habitat, the climate — don’t stop at city or county lines. Metro manages and plans for regional systems that protect the environment and reduce impacts on the climate. This focus protects plants, animals and public health, and helps ensure future generations can enjoy the natural beauty that makes this region special.
Across regional systems and services, Metro seeks to:
Protect clean air and water
Preserve fish and wildlife habitat
Reduce carbon pollution
Protect farms and forests
Conserve resources.
Examples of what this looks like in action include:
Purchasing and preserving undeveloped natural areas to keep the region green and ensure it can adapt to a changing climate
Reducing what we throw in the garbage, and making sure what we do toss can be reused, recycled or composted
Improving transit and other transportation options that make it easier to get around without a car
Investing in existing neighborhoods and business hubs to reduce the impacts of development and ensure people can live close to work, shopping and fun.
Related work
Climate pollution reduction planning
Metro led the creation of two plans that identify key actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area, which includes Clackamas, Clark, Columbia, Multnomah, Skamania, Washington and Yamhill counties.
2040 growth concept
Thousands of Oregonians helped shape a 50-year plan for growth in the Portland metropolitan area, adopted by the Metro Council in 1995.
Sustainability in Metro operations
Metro is addressing the environmental impacts of the services and facilities it manages. Actions include reducing pollution, water consumption and garbage generated across its operations.
Related projects
Plan
Climate Smart Strategy
The Climate Smart Strategy is a set of policies, strategies and near-term actions to guide how the region moves forward to integrate reducing greenhouse gas emissions with ongoing efforts to create the future we want for our region.
Plan
Regional System Facilities Plan
How do we build a system that reduces waste and increases access, while maintaining affordability? Learn how Metro is planning to expand and improve reuse, recycling and garbage facilities in greater Portland.
Plan
Future 50: Creating a 50-year regional vision
Metro is bringing together communities across greater Portland to create a 50-year visionary outlook for the region.
Skip to main content
The elements of our natural environment — air, rivers and streams, fish and wildlife habitat, the climate — don’t stop at city or county lines. Metro manages and plans for regional systems that protect the environment and reduce impacts on the climate. This focus protects plants, animals and public health, and helps ensure future generations can enjoy the natural beauty that makes this region special.
Across regional systems and services, Metro seeks to:
Protect clean air and water
Preserve fish and wildlife habitat
Reduce carbon pollution
Protect farms and forests
Conserve resources.
Examples of what this looks like in action include:
Purchasing and preserving undeveloped natural areas to keep the region green and ensure it can adapt to a changing climate
Reducing what we throw in the garbage, and making sure what we do toss can be reused, recycled or composted
Improving transit and other transportation options that make it easier to get around without a car
Investing in existing neighborhoods and business hubs to reduce the impacts of development and ensure people can live close to work, shopping and fun.
Related work
Climate pollution reduction planning
Metro led the creation of two plans that identify key actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area, which includes Clackamas, Clark, Columbia, Multnomah, Skamania, Washington and Yamhill counties.
2040 growth concept
Thousands of Oregonians helped shape a 50-year plan for growth in the Portland metropolitan area, adopted by the Metro Council in 1995.
Sustainability in Metro operations
Metro is addressing the environmental impacts of the services and facilities it manages. Actions include reducing pollution, water consumption and garbage generated across its operations.
Related projects
Plan
Climate Smart Strategy
The Climate Smart Strategy is a set of policies, strategies and near-term actions to guide how the region moves forward to integrate reducing greenhouse gas emissions with ongoing efforts to create the future we want for our region.
Plan
Regional System Facilities Plan
How do we build a system that reduces waste and increases access, while maintaining affordability? Learn how Metro is planning to expand and improve reuse, recycling and garbage facilities in greater Portland.
Plan
Future 50: Creating a 50-year regional vision
Metro is bringing together communities across greater Portland to create a 50-year visionary outlook for the region.