The Pathways to the Future: Air Quality Plan is the first regional approach to climate action planning in central Virginia. This plan reflects two years of collaboration between localities in the Richmond metropolitan statistical area (MSA), with significant input from private stakeholders, nonprofit and community-based organizations, and the public.

It charts a path towards a clean energy economy - envisioning a future with better air quality, better health outcomes, and a strong and diverse economy. This vision will be co-created; each community can identify the pieces of the puzzle they will contribute, and we will work together towards the shared goals set forth in this plan.

Not every Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction strategy will apply equally to every community and the responsibility for achieving emissions reductions does not rest solely with local governments. While many partners have a role to play, local governments are uniquely positioned to lead by example and set the tone for broader community action. Together, these actions represent shared opportunities for residents, businesses, institutions, and agencies to contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon future.

The goal of the Pathways to the Future: Air Quality Plan is to guide localities, Indigenous nations, agencies, industry, and communities to work together to reduce emissions, improve local air quality, support clean energy workforce development, and ensure a just and equitable energy transition in vulnerable communities. This plan reflects significant input from the community.

This plan covers the full Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), covering 13 counties and 5 independent cities and towns. It also belongs to the 5 sovereign Indigenous nations of the region: The Chickahominy Indian Tribe, the Chickahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, the Rappahannock Indian Tribe, and the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe.

Invisible gases are released into the air through industrial and natural processes and when burning fossil fuels, such as from driving cars, heating buildings, producing electricity, and farming. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing climate change and an increase in the average global temperature. There are six main GHGs:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas
• Methane (CH₄) – from landfills, livestock, and natural gas systems
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O) – from fertilizers, farming, and some industrial processes
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – used in refrigeration and air conditioning
• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) – from aluminum production and electronics manufacturing
• Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) – used as an insulating gas in electrical equipment

What does “CO2 Equivalent” Mean?

Not all greenhouse gases are equal — some trap much more heat than others. To make it easier to compare and add up the impact of different gases, scientists use something called carbon dioxide equivalent, or CO₂e. CO₂e is a common unit that expresses the warming impact of any greenhouse gas in terms of how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) would cause the same amount of warming over 100 years. This standard way of measuring helps us understand the total impact of all emissions, using one consistent unit — no matter which gas is being emitted.

For example, 1 ton of methane (CH₄) warms the planet 28 times more than 1 ton of CO₂ over 100 years, so 1 ton of methane is equivalent to 28 tons CO2e.