The National Association of Counties' Green Government Initiative has launched a new searchable database of counties implementing pro-environment and energy efficient practices, policies and programs.

The database contains copies of county policies, program descriptions, case studies, job descriptions, resolutions and more. Users may search by keyword, state, county size, type of document or issue area such as climate change, green buildings, renewable energy, land use, purchasing and waste management.

"America’s counties are at the forefront laying the groundwork for more environmentally friendly ways of delivering critical services to residents and implementing more energy-efficient ways of doing business," said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. "Our green counties database is where you will find the most up-to-date information on what counties are doing."

Through the database, for example, a user would learn that Maricopa County, AZ is replacing its county fleet of 2,000 vehicles with hybrids and fuel efficient vehicles. A user would also learn that San Bernardino County, CA waives building permit fees where solar panels, wind turbines or tankless water heaters are installed and gives priority planning review to builders meeting the state’s green builder standards.