HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-14; City Council; 12; Climate Action Plan Annual Report for Calendar Year 2025CA Review TL
Meeting Date: April 14, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Katie Hentrich, Senior Program Manager
katie.hentrich@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2623
Subject: Climate Action Plan Annual Report for Calendar Year 2025
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Receive the Climate Action Plan Annual Report for Calendar Year 2025.
Executive Summary
This report provides the City Council with staff’s annual update on the implementation of the
city’s Climate Action Plan, summarizing the progress made in calendar year 2025 toward
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting state climate targets.
In 2025, the city continued implementing the updated Climate Action Plan adopted Nov. 12,
2024, which outlines strategies to reduce emissions, streamline environmental review and
promote sustainability. Of the plan’s 100 actions, seven have been completed, 13 are in
progress and on schedule, two are delayed, 50 are ongoing and 28 have not yet begun.
Key accomplishments in 2025 include transitioning all municipal accounts to 100% renewable
electricity, advancing planning for zero-emission transportation infrastructure, completing an
updated urban tree canopy assessment and launching a public-facing Climate Action Plan
Dashboard to improve transparency.
This report also provides an update on efforts to secure grant funding to prepare the next
greenhouse gas inventory, summarizes progress on actions with 2025 benchmarks and outlines
next steps to continue implementation of the plan.
Explanation & Analysis
Background
The City Council adopted the Climate Action Plan in 2015 to outline strategies and policies to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a measurable way. The plan provided environmental
mitigation for the growth allowed by the city’s General Plan.
State targets have been updated since then, and the city has more current information about
the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by different sources in Carlsbad. The
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 1 of 28
updated Climate Action Plan, which was approved by the City Council on Nov. 12, 2024, reflects
the most recent data and legislation.
Climate action plans are comprehensive roadmaps that outline the specific activities that a
government agency will undertake to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These plans typically
include:
•Specific city-sponsored initiatives and actions that the city controls directly, such as
operations at city buildings and the types of cars in the city’s fleet
•Policies to direct, guide or influence actions of third parties, such as a requirement to
recycle food scraps and energy efficiency standards for new building construction
Greenhouse gas emissions sources
The Climate Action Plan includes an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions to identify the
magnitude of emissions within the city and forecast what those emissions will be in coming
years. The plan also includes a range of measures and actions the city must pursue to reach its
emission reduction targets.
The updated greenhouse gas analysis for the Climate Action Plan included 2016 data covering
all activities in Carlsbad that generate greenhouse gas emissions. Based on this data, the total
emissions were 981,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The top three categories of emissions in the city are:
1.Transportation on roads and streets, all vehicle travel: 51%
2.Electricity: 27%
3.Natural gas: 14%
Greenhouse gas emission sources in Carlsbad
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 2 of 28
The Climate Action Plan is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet two state
targets:
•Reduce emissions to 50% below 2016 levels by 2035
•Reduce emissions to 85% below 2016 levels by 2045
Greenhouse gas inventory update
An updated greenhouse gas inventory is the most critical piece of monitoring data for the
Climate Action Plan. To follow best practices and regional guidance, the Climate Action Plan
calls for an updated greenhouse gas inventory every two years.
In April 2025, Carlsbad joined the City of Solana Beach and several other local jurisdictions on a
grant application to the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG.1 The project to be
funded by the grant will provide two updated greenhouse gas inventories for each local
jurisdiction, along with other technical reports. The funding recommendations were originally
scheduled to be presented to SANDAG’s Board in July 2025, but were delayed until December
2025, at which point the project was approved for funding. At the time of writing this staff
report, the City of Solana Beach is in the process of selecting a consultant to complete the
grant’s scope of work.
Progress in 2025
The Climate Action Plan has 23 measures and 100 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
These measures and actions align with the State of California’s targets while also addressing the
specific needs of the Carlsbad community.
Through 2025, seven of 100 actions have been completed, 13 are in progress and on schedule,
two are in progress and delayed, 50 are ongoing, and 28 have no progress.
•Actions categorized as “completed” met the implementation goals in the time indicated
in the Climate Action Plan. Actions categorized as “in progress and on schedule” or “in
progress and delayed” are in the process of being implemented and have either met or
are behind the implementation schedule included in the Climate Action Plan.
•Actions categorized as “ongoing” are actions that will continue throughout the lifespan
of the Climate Action Plan, often supportive actions associated with regular business
operations (e.g., education and outreach, researching funding opportunities,
coordinating with other agencies). Actions categorized as “no progress” have not been
started.
1 The City of Solana Beach applied to SANDAG’s Smart Growth Incentive Program under the
Climate Action Plan funding category. The cities of Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Escondido,
La Mesa, and Oceanside and the County of San Diego are included as project partners for this
grant.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 3 of 28
Climate Action Plan progress
In 2025, particular focus was placed on measures and actions that had 2025 monitoring
benchmarks. Those 2025 measures and actions, including updates on their implementation, are
listed in the tables below.
Measure title Measure
number
2025 monitoring
benchmark
Implementation
status
Wastewater
system
improvements
W-1
Supply lift stations with 100%
renewable/carbon-free
electricity from Clean Energy
Alliance2
As part of the fiscal year 2025-26
budget, the City Council approved
a request to opt all city and
Carlsbad Municipal Water District
accounts up to the 100%
renewable energy rate with Clean
Energy Alliance. All municipal
accounts were switched over to
the 100% renewable energy rate,
also known as “Green Impact,” in
July 2025.
2 Lift stations pump wastewater from low points in the sewer system up to higher ground,
allowing it to keep flowing by gravity to a treatment plant.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 4 of 28
Measure title Measure
number
2025 monitoring
benchmark
Implementation
status
Water system
improvements W-2
Supply recycled water pump
stations with 100%
renewable/carbon-free
electricity from Clean Energy
Alliance
Achieved through change of
municipal accounts to Green
Impact
Renewable
electricity at
municipal
facilities
E-1
Increase percentage of
renewable energy purchased
for existing city facilities and
street and safety lighting to
100%
Achieved through change of
municipal accounts to Green
Impact
Renewable
electricity at
municipal
facilities
E-1
Have 100% renewable
electricity be the default for
new city facilities
Achieved through change of
municipal accounts to Green
Impact
Solid and
organic waste
diversion
WD-1
Update the city’s sustainable
purchasing policy to include
regulatory requirements for
sustainable procurement
Administrative Order 101, updated
in April 2024, included sustainable
procurement requirements, this
monitoring benchmark was
completed prior to the adoption of
the Climate Action Plan.
Increase
public zero
emission
infrastructure
T-8
Update existing Electric Vehicle
Siting Plan to incorporate
additional sites for zero
emission vehicle and bicycle
infrastructure, as well as new
technologies, expanded zero
emission vehicle types, and
best practices
As part of the fiscal year 2025-26
budget, the City Council approved
$140,000 to the Transportation
Department to prepare a Clean
Mobility Charging Master Plan.
Staff began the contracting
process immediately and, on Jan.
27, 2026, the City Council
approved a contract with Kittelson
and Associates to create the plan.
Early outreach occurred April 2,
2026, with the Environmental
Sustainability Commission and
April 6 with the Traffic Safety and
Mobility Commission
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 5 of 28
Measure title Measure
number
2025 monitoring
benchmark
Implementation
status
Zero emission
city fleet T-9
Plan for fleet conversion and
deployment, including updates
to technology, legislation and
other best practices
The fleet replacement strategy is
updated every fiscal year. With
recent updates to the fleet
replacement strategy, this
monitoring benchmark was
completed prior to the adoption of
the Climate Action Plan.
Community
forest
management
CS-1 Conduct an inventory to assess
urban canopy cover
As part of the fiscal year 2025-26
budget, the City Council approved
allocating $45,000 to the Parks
and Recreation Department to
prepare an updated canopy cover
assessment. West Coast Arborists
completed this assessment in
December 2025.
In 2025, the citywide tree canopy
was 15.84%, a decrease of 1.04%
since the previous canopy
assessment in 2018. While the
city-maintained tree canopy
increased by 0.94% over this time
period, the non-city-maintained
tree canopy decreased by 1.21%
between 2018 and 2025.
Community
forest
management
CS-1
Complete implementation of
Community Forest
Management Plan Goal 2.A
(3,000 total trees added to
inventory through 2025)
Goal 2.A of the Community Forest
Management Plan was completed
by the Parks and Recreation
Department in 2025.
One action, Action T-9.c, “Establish city fleet regulations for idling,” was also completed ahead
of schedule.
More detailed information on the implementation of all Climate Action Plan actions and
measures is included in Exhibit 1.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 6 of 28
Climate Action Plan Dashboard
On July 22, 2025, staff presented the Climate Action Plan Dashboard to the City Council and
launched it to the community. The dashboard is designed to present information from the
Climate Action Plan Annual Report in a clear, accessible format and increase transparency.
All 2025 data included in this report has been uploaded to the dashboard to coincide with the
release of the annual report. Along with the data updates, staff have made the following
updates to the Dashboard:
• Several descriptions were made easier to understand
• Two new data cards were added to the “Energy” section: wastewater electricity usage
and water electricity usage
• Graphs were added to several data points to show trends over time
A few data points were not yet available when preparing the annual report but will be available
later in the calendar year. For data points not yet available, staff used 2024 calendar year data
for this staff report. Those data points, as well as timing estimates, are listed below and will be
incorporated into the dashboard and/or annual report when available:
• Transportation mode share, estimated availability: summer 2026
• Solid waste diversion, estimated availability: summer 2026
• Electricity usage at city facilities, estimated availability: summer 2026
• Natural gas usage at city facilities, estimated availability: summer 2026
The dashboard is available on the city’s website at carlsbadca.gov/CAPdashboard
Fiscal Analysis
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Next Steps
Staff will present the Climate Action Plan Annual Report for Calendar Year 2025 to the
Environmental Sustainability Commission in June 2026.
Staff will work with the City of Solana Beach and other local agency partners on the SANDAG
Smart Growth Incentive Program grant project to update the city’s greenhouse gas inventory.
At the time of writing, it is estimated that a 2022 greenhouse gas inventory will be available in
2026. Once that inventory is complete, staff will share the updated inventory with the
Environmental Sustainability Commission and the City Council.
Staff plan to update the Climate Action Plan Dashboard at least once each year to coincide with
the Climate Action Plan Annual Report presented to the City Council.
Staff will continue implementation of the Climate Action Plan, incorporating any
implementation needs into the annual city budget process.
Near-term implementation tasks include preparing the Clean Mobility Charging Master Plan
(Measure T-8), initiating research and analysis related to banning the use of gas-powered leaf
blowers within the city (Measure OR-1) and any tasks related to measures and actions with
2030 monitoring benchmarks as needed.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 7 of 28
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act
Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental
review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed
action to receive a report is an organizational or administrative government activity that does
not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant
physical impact on the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the
proposed action may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with
CEQA or the CEQA Guidelines.
Exhibit
1. Climate Action Plan Annual Report for Calendar Year 2025
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 8 of 28
Exhibit 1
City of Carlsbad Climate Action Plan Annual Report for
Calendar Year 2025
How to read this report:
The following notations are used to denote
implementation timeframes:
• Short-term: 0-5 years
• Medium-term: 6-10 years
• Long-term: 11 or more years
• Ongoing: indicates that the program or
process was in place at the time of the
Climate Action Plan Update and the
existing processes will continue as
planned, working towards the
benchmarks identified.
Actions categorized as “completed” met the
implementation goals in the time indicated in
the Climate Action Plan. Actions categorized as
“in progress and on schedule” or “in progress
and delayed” are in the process of being
implemented and have either met or are behind
the implementation schedule included in the
Climate Action Plan. Actions categorized as
“ongoing” are actions that will continue
throughout the lifespan of the Climate Action
Plan, often supportive actions associated with
regular business operations (e.g., education and
outreach, researching funding opportunities,
coordinating with other agencies). Actions
categorized as “no progress” have not been
started.
Primary actions Action W-1.a: Continue making improvements to the City of Carlsbad’s
collection system, including but not limited to upgrading lift stations.
Supportive actions Action W-1.b: Explore system improvements based on SCADA Master
Plan.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Utilities
Monitoring benchmarks By 2025: Supply lift stations with 100% renewable/carbon free
electricity from Clean Energy Alliance
By 2035: Reduce wastewater collection energy intensity by 10% from
2016 baseline
2025 activities As part of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, the City Council approved a
request to opt up all municipal accounts to the 100% renewable energy
rate with Clean Energy Alliance. All municipal accounts, including those
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 9 of 28
associated with lift stations, were switched over to the 100% renewable
energy rate, also known as “Green Impact”, in July 2025.
Measure status Action W-1.a: Ongoing
Action W-1b: Ongoing
Primary actions Action W-2.a: Continue making improvements to Carlsbad Municipal
Water District’s potable and recycled water systems, including but not
limited to expanding water reuse and using renewable energy to power
facilities.
Supportive actions Action W-2.b: Continue to explore local water supply options and
assess feasibility and cost to benefit ratio.
Action W-2.c: Assess feasibility and seek funding for renewable energy
and/or storage at Carlsbad Municipal Water District facilities.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Utilities
Monitoring benchmarks By 2025: Supply recycled water pump stations with 100%
renewable/carbon free electricity from Clean Energy Alliance
By 2035: Achieve the active and passive water conservation goals
described in the Urban Water Management Plan (2020)
2,295 acre feet (AF) within Carlsbad Municipal Water District
service area and 2,981 AF within the entire city
2025 activities As part of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, the City Council approved a
request to opt up all municipal accounts to the 100% renewable energy
rate with Clean Energy Alliance. All municipal accounts, including those
associated with recycled water pump stations, were switched over to
the 100% renewable energy rate, also known as “Green Impact”, in July
2025.
On Sept. 30, 2025, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD)
Board of Directors adopted Resolution No . 1786, rejecting all proposals
for the Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study. The CMWD Board
directed the Executive Manager to look at other city-owned sites for
potential solar project opportunities. Staff prepared a City Council
memo, dated Dec. 18, 2025, with an update on solar energy at the city.
This memo stated that staff were preparing a Request for Qualifications
to prepare a feasibility study, including an economic analysis, for solar
photovoltaic installations across city facilities.
Measure status Action W-2.a: Ongoing
Action W-2.b: Ongoing
Action W-2.c: Ongoing
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 10 of 28
Primary actions Action E-1.a: Increase percentage of renewable electricity purchased
for existing city facilities and street and safety lighting to 100%.
Action E-1.b: Have 100% renewable electricity be the default for new
city facilities and street and safety lighting.
Action E-1.c: Eliminate natural gas use at city facilities, where feasible.
Supportive actions Action E-1.d: Coordinate with the city’s energy suppliers on the
purchase of 100% renewable electricity (e.g., “Green Impact” level from
Clean Energy Alliance).
Action E-1.e: Continue certifying city facilities in the Carlsbad Green
Business Program.
Action E-1.f: Conduct analysis to determine best practices and
technologies for eliminating natural gas use at city facilities.
Action E-1.g: Leverage local and regional partnerships and seek funding
to support identified renewable electricity upgrades and elimination of
natural gas use at city facilities.
Action E-1.h: Upgrade all street and safety lighting to more energy
efficient options.
Implementation details Timing: Long-term
Lead Department: Intergovernmental Affairs
Supporting Departments: Finance, Fleet & Facilities
Monitoring benchmarks By 2025: Increase percentage of renewable electricity purchased for
existing city facilities and street and safety lighting to 100%.
By 2025: Have 100% renewable electricity be the default for new city
facilities.
By 2035: Upgrade all street and safety lighting to more energy efficient
options.
By 2045: Eliminate natural gas use at city facilities, where feasible.
2025 activities As part of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, the City Council approved a
request to opt up all municipal accounts to the 100% renewable energy
rate with Clean Energy Alliance. All municipal accounts, including those
associated with recycled water pump stations, were switched over to
the 100% renewable energy rate, also known as “Green Impact”, in July
2025.
In 2025, the Stagecoach Community Center was certified in the
Carlsbad Green Business Program.
On Sept. 30, 2025, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of
Directors adopted Resolution No . 1786, rejecting all proposals for the
Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study. The Carlsbad Municipal
Water District Board directed the Executive Manager to look at other
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 11 of 28
city-owned sites for potential solar project opportunities. Staff
prepared a City Council memo, dated Dec. 18, 2025, with an update on
solar energy at the city. This memo stated that staff were preparing a
Request for Qualifications to prepare a feasibility study, including an
economic analysis, for solar photovoltaic installations across city
facilities.
Staff continued replacing street and safety lighting to more efficient
options. Phase III, completed summer 2025, converted 161 aging
induction lighting fixtures in Landscape and Lighting District II to new
improved LED roadway lighting fixtures.
Measure status Action E-1.a: Completed
Action E-1.b: Completed
Action E-1.c: No progress
Action E-1.d: Completed
Action E-1.e: Ongoing
Action E-1.f: No progress
Action E-1.g: Ongoing
Action E-1.h: In progress, on schedule
Primary actions Action E-2.a: Continue the participation in the Clean Energy Alliance
(CEA) Community Choice Energy program.
Action E-2.b: Set 100% renewable electricity (e.g., CEA’s “Green
Impact”) as the default option for CEA customers within the city.
Supportive actions Action E-2.c: Explore the purchase of renewable energy credits if CEA is
not reaching its 2035 goal.
Action E-2.d: Support promotion of CEA’s customer programs and
encourage CEA customers to participate.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Intergovernmental Affairs
Supporting Departments: Communications, Environmental
Sustainability
Monitoring benchmarks By 2030: Set 100% renewable electricity (e.g., “Green Impact”) as the
default option for CEA customers within the city.
By 2035: Explore purchase of renewable energy credits if CEA is not
reaching its 2035 goal.
2025 activities Clean Energy Alliance remained the default energy provider in Carlsbad
in 2025.
Staff continued to promote Clean Energy Alliance’s customer programs
through city communication channels (e.g., City Manager newsletters,
Sustainability e-newsletter, website) and at outreach events.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 12 of 28
Measure status Action E-2.a: Ongoing
Action E-2.b: No progress
Action E-2.c: No progress
Action E-2.d: Ongoing
Primary actions Action E-3.1.a: Continue implementing existing building energy
efficiency and water heater ordinances (adopted in 2019).
Supportive actions Action E-3.1.b: Analyze feasibility of eligible sites for renewable energy
infrastructure across all city facilities, leveraging any pre-existing
analyses that are applicable.
Action E-3.1.c: Seek grant funding for installation of renewable energy
infrastructure at existing and new city facilities (e.g., solar, battery
storage, microgrids).
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Community Development, Fleet & Facilities
Supporting Departments: Intergovernmental Affairs
Monitoring benchmarks By 2030: Analyze feasibility of eligible sites for renewable energy
infrastructure across all city facilities, leveraging any pre-existing
analyses that are applicable.
2025 activities On Dec. 2, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. CS-498,
adopting the 2025 California Green Building Code, along with local
amendments to allow Carlsbad to continue to implement its previously
adopted reach codes from 2019.
On Sept. 30, 2025, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of
Directors adopted Resolution No . 1786, rejecting all proposals for the
Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study. The Carlsbad Municipal
Water District Board directed the Executive Manager to look at other
city-owned sites for potential solar project opportunities. Staff
prepared a City Council memo, dated Dec. 18, 2025, with an update on
solar energy at the city. This memo stated that staff were preparing a
Request for Qualifications to prepare a feasibility study, including an
economic analysis, for solar photovoltaic installations across city
facilities.
The Monroe Street Pool Replacement Project began construction in
2025 and, when completed, it will include a solar photovoltaic system.
Measure status Action E-3.1.a: Ongoing
Action E-3.1.b.: In progress, on schedule
Action E-3.1.c: Ongoing
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 13 of 28
Primary actions Action E-3.2.a: Construct solar carports (also known as installing solar
panels over outdoor parking spaces) at eligible city-owned parking lots.
Supportive actions Action E-3.2.b: Conduct feasibility study for solar carport installation at
city facilities to determine which are eligible and for what size of
system.
Action E-3.2.c: Seek grant funding and leverage partnerships to install
solar carports.
Implementation details Timing: Medium-term
Lead Department: Transportation
Supporting Departments: Community Development, Environmental
Sustainability, Intergovernmental Affairs
Monitoring benchmarks By 2030: Conduct feasibility study for solar carport installation at city
facilities to determine which are eligible and for what size of system,
leveraging any pre-existing analyses that are applicable.
2025 activities On Sept. 30, 2025, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of
Directors adopted Resolution No . 1786, rejecting all proposals for the
Maerkle Reservoir Site Solar Feasibility Study. The Carlsbad Municipal
Water District Board directed the Executive Manager to look at other
city-owned sites for potential solar project opportunities. Staff
prepared a City Council memo, dated Dec. 18, 2025, with an update on
solar energy at the city. This memo stated that staff were preparing a
Request for Qualifications to prepare a feasibility study, including an
economic analysis, for solar photovoltaic installations across city
facilities.
Measure status Action E-3.2.a: No progress
Action E-3.2.b: In progress, on schedule
Action E-3.2.c: Ongoing
Primary actions Action E-4.a: Continue implementing existing building energy efficiency
and water heater ordinances (adopted in 2019).
Supportive actions Action E-4.b: Explore updating the Home Energy Score Assessment Pilot
Program.
Action E-4.c: Leverage CEA and SDG&E customer programs, or other
similar programs.
Action E-4.d: Explore pilot programs and incentives to educate
residents on energy efficiency and renewable energy options for new
and existing buildings.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 14 of 28
Lead Department: Community Development
Supporting Departments: Communications, Environmental
Sustainability
Monitoring benchmarks No benchmarks identified
2025 activities On Dec. 2, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. CS-498,
adopting the 2025 California Green Building Code, along with local
amendments to allow Carlsbad to continue to implement its previously
adopted reach codes from 2019.
Staff continued to promote Clean Energy Alliance and SDG&E’s
customer programs through city communication channels (e.g., City
Manager newsletters, Sustainability e-newsletter, website) and at
outreach events.
Measure status Action E-4.a: Ongoing
Action E-4.b: No progress
Action E-4.c: Ongoing
Action E-4.d: Ongoing
Primary actions Action E-5.a: Develop, adopt, and implement a building energy
benchmarking ordinance.
Supportive actions Action E-5.b: Prepare a building stock analysis.
Action E-5.c: Explore options and best practices for requiring existing
commercial and residential buildings of a certain size to submit energy
data annually.
Action E-5.d: Conduct education and outreach to building owners and
the public regarding new requirements.
Implementation details Timing: Medium-term
Lead Department: Environmental Sustainability
Supporting Departments: Communications
Monitoring benchmarks By 2030: Prepare a building stock analysis.
By 2030: Explore options and best practices for requiring commercial
and residential buildings of a certain size to submit energy data
annually.
By 2035: Conduct education and outreach to building owners and the
public regarding new requirements.
By 2035: Adopt ordinance.
2025 activities No progress was made on this measure in 2025.
Measure status Action E-5.a: No progress
Action E-5.b: No progress
Action E-5.c: No progress
Action E-5.d: No progress
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 15 of 28
Primary actions Action E-6.a: Reduce energy usage and decarbonize existing residential
buildings, particularly existing residential buildings not covered by any
reach code requirements.
Supportive actions Action E-6.b: Explore updating the Home Energy Score Assessment Pilot
Program.
Action E-6.c: Leverage CEA and SDG&E customer programs, or other
similar programs.
Action E-6.d: Seek external funding to launch and/or leverage existing
pilot programs and incentives to support existing building
decarbonization (e.g., appliance exchange, weatherization, solar PV
installation, battery storage).
Action E-6.e: Leverage building stock analysis (prepared for E-5) to
target existing residential buildings.
Implementation details Timing: Long-term
Lead Department: Environmental Sustainability
Supporting Departments: Communications, Community Development
Monitoring benchmarks By 2030: Leverage building stock analysis (prepared for E-5) to target
existing residential buildings.
By 2045: Reduce 33% of the 2016 baseline natural gas use in existing
residential buildings
Equivalent to electrifying 12,000 homes, or approximately 25%
of housing units
2025 activities While staff tracked the launch of the San Diego Regional Energy
Network’s residential programs (estimated 2026), no progress was
made on this measure in 2025.
Measure status Action E-6.a: No progress
Action E-6.b: No progress
Action E-6.c: No progress
Action E-6.d: No progress
Action E-6.e: No progress
Primary actions Action WD-1.a: Reduce waste disposal to 4.2 pounds per person per
day (or the equivalent of a 75% diversion rate) by 2035 and to 1.7 per
person per day (or the equivalent of a 90% diversion rate) by 2045.
Action WD-1.b: Divert 75% organic waste by 2035 and 90% by 2045.
Supportive actions Action WD-1.c: Research ordinance for requirement of a percentage of
disposal for organic waste.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 16 of 28
Action WD-1.d: Encourage maximum organics diversion from local
businesses.
Action WD-1.e: Establish a Construction & Demolition diversion
program.
Action WD-1.f: Maximize edible food recovery.
Action WD-1.g: Establish a program for permitted haulers for proper
diversion of all waste streams.
Action WD-1.h: Continue implementing existing Sustainable Materials
Management systems and ordinances citywide, including at city
facilities and events.
Action WD-1.i: Continue implementing existing compost and mulch
giveaway programs; explore launching new giveaway programs that
target specific users.
Action WD-1.j: Update the city’s sustainable purchasing policy to
include regulatory requirements for sustainable procurement.
Action WD-1.k: Pursue vendor contracts to help implement diversion
goals and monitor compliance.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Environmental Sustainability
Supporting Departments: Communications
Monitoring benchmarks By 2025: Update the city’s sustainable purchasing policy to include
regulatory requirements for sustainable procurement.
By 2030: Establish a Construction & Demolition diversion program.
By 2030: Establish a program for permitted haulers for proper diversion
of all waste streams.
By 2030: Research ordinance for requirement of a percentage of
disposal for organic waste.
By 2035: Divert 75% of solid and organic waste.
By 2045: Divert 90% of solid and organic waste.
2025 activities In 2025:
• 36,525 short tons of recycling were diverted; and
• 35,739 short tons of organics were diverted.
In 2024, 6.2 pounds per person per day of solid waste were diverted;
2025 data was not available at the time of writing this staff report.
With the April 2024 update to Administrative Order 101 to include
sustainable procurement requirements, Action WD-1.j was completed
prior to the adoption of the Climate Action Plan.
In 2025, staff began using the Green Halo application to monitor
diversion from construction and demolition activities within the city.
Staff also continued internal development for a program for permitted
haulers for proper diversion of all waste streams.
Measure status Action WD-1.a: In progress, on schedule
Action WD-1.b: In progress, on schedule
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 17 of 28
Action WD-1.c: Ongoing
Action WD-1.d: Ongoing
Action WD-1.e: In progress, on schedule
Action WD-1.f: Ongoing
Action WD-1.g: In progress, on schedule
Action WD-1.h: Ongoing
Action WD-1.i: Ongoing
Action WD-1.j: Complete
Action WD-1.k: Ongoing
Primary actions Action T-1.a: Continue optimizing traffic signals within the city,
adjusting as needed as traffic volumes and conditions change, and
coordinating along major corridors.
Action T-1.b: Install roundabouts or traffic circles when feasible,
utilizing the city’s engineering standard for intersection control.
Supportive actions Action T-1.c: Leverage the Sustainable Mobility Plan and Intersection
Control Evaluation engineering standards to determine the location of
new roundabouts and traffic circles.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Transportation
Monitoring benchmarks By 2035: Optimize traffic signals at 20 intersections.
By 2035: Install 10 roundabouts or traffic circles.
2025 activities Two new traffic signals were optimized in 2025, for a total of 55 traffic
signals optimized citywide.
No roundabouts or traffic circles were installed in 2025, with a total of
23 roundabouts or traffic circles citywide.
Measure status Action T-1.a: Ongoing
Action T-1.b: Ongoing
Action T-1.c: Ongoing
Primary actions Action T-2.a: Continue implementing existing TDM program and
enforcing existing TDM ordinance (adopted 2019), mandating TDM
improvements and strategies for non-residential development.
Action T-2.b: Update TDM ordinance to modify existing threshold for
compliance (e.g., reducing average daily trips threshold) as well as
streamlining of other reporting requirements, as appropriate, by 2045.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 18 of 28
Supportive actions Action T-2.c: Continue surveying businesses, pursuant to the TDM
ordinance, to monitor implementation and track compliance.
Action T-2.d: Update TDM strategies in the TDM program as new
technology emerges.
Action T-2.e: Leverage Carlsbad Commuter and other city channels to
educate commuters on alternative commute choices and resources
available.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Departments: Community Development, Transportation
Supporting Departments: Communications, Economic Development
Monitoring benchmarks By 2035: Continue implementing and enforcing the existing TDM
ordinance.
40% alternative mode share for new development
30% alternative mode share for existing development
By 2045: Update TDM ordinance to modify existing threshold for
compliance (e.g., reducing Average Daily Trips threshold), as well as
streamlining of other reporting requirements, as appropriate.
2025 activities In 2025, four TDM plans were approved as part of the city’s TDM
ordinance. The sustainable mode share in 2025 for those covered by
the TDM ordinance was 26%.
Since 2019, 53 TDM plans have been approved, covering approximately
7,100 employees in Carlsbad.
Measure status Action T-2.a: Ongoing
Action T-2.b: No progress
Action T-2.c: Ongoing
Action T-2.d: Ongoing
Action T-2.e: Ongoing
Primary actions Action T-3.a: Continue implementing a Safe Routes to School program
to encourage walking and biking to school.
Supportive actions Action T-3.b: Leverage the city’s Sustainable Mobility Plan to determine
location-specific improvements.
Action T-3.c: Seek funding to launch Safe Routes to Schools programs at
additional school sites.
Action T-3.d: Leverage the Sustainable Mobility Plan to conduct Safe
Routes to School-related education and outreach activities at schools
throughout the city.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Transportation
Supporting Department: Communications
Monitoring benchmarks No benchmarks identified
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 19 of 28
2025 activities The City Council adopted two Safe Routes to School plans in 2025. The
plan for Jefferson Elementary School was approved on Feb. 4, 2025,
and the plan for Sage Creek High School was approved on July 22, 2025.
With the adoption of these two plans, a total of three schools in
Carlsbad have Safe Routes to Schools programs.
On Dec. 9, 2025, the City Council directed the preparation of a Safe
Routes to School Plan for Kelly Elementary School.
Measure status Action T-3.a: Ongoing
Action T-3.b: Ongoing
Action T-3.c: Ongoing
Action T-3.d: Ongoing
Primary actions Action T-4.a: Construct 7.9 added miles of Class I multi-use bike paths.
Action T-4.b: Improve 61.2 miles of Class II bike lanes to Class II
buffered bike lanes.
Action T-4.c: Continue other bikeway system improvements, as
available.
Supportive actions Action T-4.d: Leverage the city’s Sustainable Mobility Plan to determine
location of bikeway system improvements and secure bike parking
and/or storage.
Action T-4.e: Explore launch of a local on-demand microtransit
program, such as the City of Oceanside’s program.
Action T-4.f: Evaluate the city’s Supportive Bicycle Infrastructure, such
as adding new bicycle parking at highly used coastal destinations, bike
repair stations, and additional bike-related amenities.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Transportation
Monitoring benchmarks By 2030: Evaluate the city’s Supportive Bicycle Infrastructure
By 2030: Improve 40 miles of Class II bike lanes to buffered Class II bike
lanes
By 2030: Construct 2 miles of Class-I multi-use bike paths.
By 2035: Improve 10 miles of Class II bike lanes to buffered Class II bike
lanes, for a total of 50 miles improved
By 2040: Improve 5 miles of Class II bike lanes to buffered Class II bike
lanes, for total of 55 miles improved
By 2040: Construct 2 miles of Class-I multi-use bike paths, for total of 4
miles added
By 2045: Improve remaining miles of Class II bike lanes to buffered Class
II bike lanes, for a total of 61.2 miles improved
By 2045: Construct remaining miles of added bike lanes, for a total of
7.9 miles added.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 20 of 28
2025 activities Three miles of Class II bike lanes were improved in 2025, adding buffers
to these bike lanes. No new miles of bike lanes were added in 2025, for
a total of 196 bikeway miles citywide.
Measure status Action T-4.a: In progress, on schedule
Action T-4.b: In progress, on schedule
Action T-4.c: No progress
Action T-4.d: Ongoing
Action T-4.e: Ongoing
Action T-4.f: In progress, on schedule
Primary actions Action T-5.a: Add 6.1 miles of sidewalk.
Supportive actions Action T-5.b: Utilize the city’s Sustainable Mobility Plan to identify
suitable locations for pedestrian system improvements, focusing on
creating safer and more user-friendly infrastructure to facilitate ease of
use for pedestrians.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Transportation
Monitoring benchmarks By 2030: Add 1.5 miles of sidewalk
By 2035: Add 1.5 miles of sidewalk, for a total of 3 miles added
By 2040: Add 1.5 miles of sidewalk, for a total of 4.5 miles added
By 2045: Add remaining miles of sidewalk, for a total of 6.1 miles added
2025 activities While no sidewalk miles were added in 2025, approximately 0.75 miles
of sidewalk and linear curb ramp were improved in 2025. Carlsbad has
568 miles of sidewalk citywide.
Measure status Action T-5.a: In progress, on schedule
Action T-5.b: Ongoing
Primary actions Action T-6.a: Explore local transportation improvements to provide
sustainable on-demand, flexible fleet transit and first-mile last-mile
solutions.
Action T-6.b: Leverage the Multimodal Transportation Impact Fee for
implementation of local transportation improvements.
Supportive actions Action T-6.c: Leverage existing regional transportation plans (e.g., North
County Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan, SANDAG Regional
Transportation Plan) to add or update improvements to the
transportation system within Carlsbad.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 21 of 28
Action T-6.d: Coordinate with regional and local agencies and partners
on influencing transportation improvements throughout the region and
within Carlsbad.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Transportation
Supporting Department: Intergovernmental Affairs
Monitoring benchmarks No benchmarks identified
2025 activities Staff continued to coordinate with regional and local agencies and
partners on influencing transportation improvements throughout the
region and within Carlsbad; special focus in 2025 was given to
SANDAG’s 2025 Regional Transportation Plan.
Staff continued to prepare and review an internal project list to support
the launch of the Municipal Transportation Impact Fund.
Measure status Action T-6.a: Ongoing
Action T-6.b: No progress
Action T-6.c: Ongoing
Action T-6.d: Ongoing
Primary actions Action T-7.a: Continue implementing existing Transportation Demand
Management programs for eligible city staff.
Supportive actions Action T-7.b: Explore establishing new Transportation Demand
Management programs for city staff, resulting in Transportation
Demand Management plans for city facilities.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Transportation
Supporting Departments: Communications, Human Resources
Monitoring benchmarks No benchmarks identified
2025 activities In 2025, 353 eligible employees were participating in the city’s
telecommute program. The average commute miles for these 353
eligible employees was 4,100.
To complement existing Transportation Demand Management
programs for eligible city staff, staff researched measures for a program
at the Faraday Center.
Measure status Action T-7.a: Ongoing
Action T-7.b: No progress
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 22 of 28
Primary actions Action T-8.a: Increase the number of zero emission miles traveled
within the city by installing and incentivizing public zero emission
vehicle and bicycle infrastructure.
Supportive actions Action T-8.b: Seek external funding and/or partnerships for installation
of zero emission vehicle and bicycle infrastructure (e.g., CEA customer
programs).
Action T-8.c: Explore creation of incentive programs for new
construction and existing buildings to install zero emission vehicle and
bicycle infrastructure beyond building code requirements.
Action T-8.d: Continue education and outreach on zero emission vehicle
options and rebates.
Action T-8.e: Update existing Electric Vehicle Siting Plan to incorporate
additional sites for zero emission vehicle and bicycle infrastructure, as
well as new technologies, expanded zero emission vehicle types, and
best practices.
Action T-8.f: Explore employee purchase programs to encourage
workplace charging for city staff.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Transportation
Supporting Departments: Communications, Environmental
Sustainability
Monitoring benchmarks By 2025: Update existing Electric Vehicle Siting Plan to incorporate
additional sites for zero emission vehicle and bicycle infrastructure, as
well as new technologies, expanded zero emission vehicle types, and
best practices
2025 activities As part of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, the City Council approved
$140,000 to the Transportation Department to prepare a Clean
Mobility Charging Master Plan. Immediately following the adoption of
the budget, staff began the contracting process. A Request for Proposal
was released in fall 2025 and the City Council approved a contract with
Kittelson and Associates on Jan. 27, 2026. A kickoff meeting was held
on Feb. 9, 2026, and early outreach to city commissions is slated for
spring 2026. Part of the scope of work for this effort includes exploring
creation of incentive programs for new construction and existing
buildings to install zero emission vehicle and bicycle infrastructure
beyond building code requirements.
In 2025, four city-owned public electric vehicle charging stations were
installed at Dove Library, bringing the total number of city-owned
public charging stations to 32. Citywide, there are 98 public electric
vehicle charging stations available.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 23 of 28
The City Council authorized purchase of six electric vehicle charging
stations on March 14, 2023. In August 2025, SDG&E sent a letter
regarding the State Street Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Project. On
Feb. 6, 2026, staff requested City Council approval for appropriation to
install these charging stations which would install six additional electric
vehicle charging stations and make 10 additional parking spaces
available for electric vehicle charging at the State Street public parking
lot for a total of 12 electric vehicle charging parking spaces.
Measure status Action T-8.a: Ongoing
Action T-8.b: Ongoing
Action T-8.c: In progress, delayed
Action T-8.d: Ongoing
Action T-8.e: In progress, delayed
Action T-8.f: No progress
Primary actions Action T-9.a: Continue transition and expansion of the city’s zero
emission fleet.
Action T-9.b: Install zero emission charging infrastructure to support
fleet conversion and deployment needs.
Supportive actions Action T-9.c: Establish city fleet regulations for idling.
Action T-9.d: Plan for fleet conversion and deployment, including
updates to technology, legislation, and other best practices.
Action T-9.e: Research technology options and purchase technology to
sustain city fleet operations during emergencies.
Action T-9.f: Transition all passenger fleet vehicle purchases after FY
2022-23 to be electric vehicles, with the exception of public safety
vehicle purchases, which will be electric where feasible.
Action T-9.g: Update city policies to encourage use of zero emission
vehicles wherever feasible.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Fleet & facilities
Monitoring benchmarks By 2025: Plan for fleet conversion and deployment, including updates
to technology, legislation, and other best practices
By 2030: Establish city fleet regulations for idling
By 2030: Update city policies to encourage the use of zero emission
vehicles wherever feasible
2025 activities In 2025, two zero emission vehicles were added to the city’s fleet,
bringing the total to 14.
In 2025, 10 fleet zero emission vehicle charging stations were installed,
for a total of 30 charging stations.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 24 of 28
With the update to Administrative Order 3 in 2021 to include
requirements related to fleet vehicle idling, Action T-9.c was completed
prior to the adoption of the Climate Action Plan.
With the fleet replacement strategy updated every fiscal year to include
updates to technology, legislation, and other best practices, Action T-
9.d was completed prior to the adoption of the Climate Action Plan.
Measure status Action T-9.a: Ongoing
Action T-9.b: Ongoing
Action T-9.c: Complete
Action T-9.d: Complete
Action T-9.e: Ongoing
Action T-9.f: Ongoing
Action T-9.g: In progress, on schedule
Primary actions Action T-10.a: Reduce vehicle miles traveled per capita citywide
through parking management strategies.
Supportive actions Action T-10.b: Implement and update city’s parking management
strategies (e.g., Carlsbad Village, Barrio, and Beach Areas Parking
Management Plan, Village and Barrio Master Plan) to encourage
alternative modes of transportation throughout the city.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Transportation
Supporting Department: Community Development
Monitoring benchmarks No benchmarks identified
2025 activities In a City Council memo dated Aug. 2024, staff concluded that “a
comprehensive update of the [Village, Barrio, and Beach Area Parking
Management Plan] was not necessary at this time” but that “some
changes in the Village & Barrio Master Plan are warranted. These
parking-related changes will be combined with other separately
initiated changes to the Village & Barrio Master Plan”. This was
completed via a City Council memo dated Jan. 2025.
Measure status Action T-10.a: Ongoing
Action T-10.b: Ongoing
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 25 of 28
Primary actions Action OR-1.a: Develop, adopt, and implement an ordinance prohibiting
the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
Supportive actions Action OR-1.b: Leverage existing state and regional resources to
promote trade-in of existing gas-powered leaf blowers or other similar
incentives.
Action OR-1.c: Conduct outreach regarding the new requirements.
Implementation details Timing: Medium-term
Lead Department: Environmental Sustainability
Supporting Departments: Communications, Community Development,
Finance, Police
Monitoring benchmarks By 2030: Develop, adopt, and implement an ordinance prohibiting the
use of gas-powered leaf blowers
By 2035: Reduce 100% emissions from gas-powered leaf blowers
2025 activities No progress was made on this measure in 2025.
Measure status Action OR-1.a: No progress
Action OR-1.b: No progress
Action OR-1.c: No progress
Primary actions Action OR-2.a: Develop, adopt, and implement an ordinance requiring
new developments and significant land-moving and construction
projects to use electric-powered or alternatively fueled construction
equipment that reduces 50% of emissions from project construction
activities.
Supportive actions Action OR-2.b: Exempt small residential and non-residential projects
from this requirement.
Action OR-2.c: Conduct outreach regarding new requirements.
Action OR-2.d: Seek external funding and leverage existing resources to
support conversion of medium and heavy duty vehicles.
Implementation details Timing: Long-term
Lead Departments: Community Development, Construction
Management & Inspection
Supporting Departments: City Attorney, Communications
Monitoring benchmarks By 2035: Develop and adopt an ordinance requiring new developments
and significant land-moving and construction projects to use electric-
powered or alternatively fueled construction equipment that reduces
50% of emissions from project construction activities
By 2035: Conduct outreach regarding new requirements
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 26 of 28
By 2045: Reduce 50% emissions from construction equipment
2025 activities No progress was made on this measure in 2025.
Measure status Action OR-2.a: No progress
Action OR-2.b: No progress
Action OR-2.c: No progress
Action OR-2.d: No progress
Primary actions Action CS-1.a: Increase city’s tree inventory by continuing to implement
the Community Forest Management Plan.
Action CS-1.b: To help sustain the city’s tree inventory, continue
replacing trees at a 2:1 ratio.
Action CS-1.c: Conduct an inventory to assess urban canopy cover every
five years.
Supportive actions Action CS-1.d: Explore additional locations for tree planting beyond
what is included in the Community Forest Management Plan, with
“right tree right space,” ongoing budget, and maintenance costs taken
into consideration.
Action CS-1.e: Encourage eligible residents to take part in a free street
tree planting assessment.
Implementation details Timing: Ongoing
Lead Department: Parks
Supporting Department: Environmental Sustainability
Monitoring benchmarks By 2025: Conduct an inventory to assess urban canopy cover
By 2025: Complete implementation of Community Forest Management
Plan Goal 2.A. (3,000 total trees added to inventory through 2025)
By 2030: Explore additional locations for tree planting beyond what is
included in the Community Forest Management Plan, with “right tree
right space”, ongoing budget, and maintenance costs taken into
consideration.
By 2030: Conduct a second inventory to assess urban canopy cover
By 2035: Conduct a third inventory to assess urban canopy cover
By 2040: Conduct a fourth inventory to assess urban canopy cover
By 2045: Achieve 32% urban canopy cover
2025 activities As part of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, the City Council approved
$45,000 to the Parks and Recreation Department to prepare an
updated canopy cover assessment. West Coast Arborists completed this
assessment in Dec. 2025. In 2025, the citywide tree canopy in was
15.84%, a decrease of 1.04% since the previous canopy assessment in
2018. While the city-maintained tree canopy increased by 0.94% over
this time period, the non city-maintained tree canopy decreased by
1.21% over this time period.
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 27 of 28
Goal 2.A of the 2019 Community Forest Management Plan (3,000 total
trees added to the inventory through 2025) was met by the Parks and
Recreation Department in 2025, with 68 new city-maintained trees
planted during the calendar year.
Measure status Action CS-1.a: Complete
Action CS-1.b: Ongoing
Action CS-1.c: In progress, on schedule
Action CS-1.d: No progress
Action CS-1.e: Ongoing
April 14, 2026 Item #12 Page 28 of 28
From:Mike Borrello
To:Keith Blackburn; Council Internet Email; City Clerk
Subject:Objections to agenda #12
Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2026 6:48:58 AM
Attachments:2026_04_14_letter_AGENDA_12.pdf
City Clerk,
Please accept my input - letter attached - addressing agenda item 12,tonight's general council meeting
Mike BorrelloCAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
All Receive - Agenda Item #_____
For the Information of the:
CITY COUCNIL
Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____ CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____
12
4/14/2026 x x x x x
Mike Borrello
maborrello@roadrunner.com
April 14, 2026
Mayor and Members of the City Council
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Subject: Formal Objection to Receiving the Climate Action Plan Annual Report for
Calendar Year 2025 (Agenda Item #12)
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy released the report “A Critical Review of
Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate,” authored by five highly
respected climatologists: John Christy, Judith Curry, Steven Koonin, Ross McKitrick,
and Roy Spencer. In February 2026, the EPA formally rescinded the 2009 Obama-era
Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. These are material challenges to the scientific
and legal foundations on which California’s — and Carlsbad’s — climate policies rest.
Any public program subject to annual review and issuance of an annual report should
clearly establish and continually reaffirm the factual foundation that justifies continued
spending. When that foundation is credibly challenged, the City is obligated to provide a
detailed explanation in that review of why the actions remain necessary. The current
Climate Action Plan Annual Report does neither.
Also, as a taxpayer I do not consent to the City pursuing the SANDAG Smart Growth
Incentive Program grant for updated greenhouse gas inventories. This is not outside
money. It is funded by San Diego County’s TransNet half-cent sales tax that Carlsbad
residents already pay on nearly every taxable purchase. At best, this grant has
questionable value. At worst, it supports actions that fail to address root causes. Our sky-
high water rates and the questionably hazardous spraying of reclaimed wastewater for
irrigation are driven primarily by a long history of water mismanagement, not a runaway
climate crisis. Chasing grants to justify more symbolic climate spending distracts from
real solutions.
The report itself is seriously deficient. It claims “progress” on 100 actions but provides
zero data on actual greenhouse gas emissions reductions achieved in 2025. It still refers
to the 2016 baseline of 981,000 metric tons of CO₂e but offers no updated inventory.
1
Nowhere does it include budgetary figures, actual spending amounts, projected future
costs, or estimates of dollars saved. The much-touted “100% renewable electricity”
switch for municipal accounts is largely the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates
— an accounting exercise that does not change the electrons on the grid.
I strongly object to the City Manager’s recommendation that Council simply “receive”
this report. Regardless of any CEQA streamlining benefits or state incentives, Carlsbad
can no longer afford to continue these voluntary, low-value programs based on
increasingly questioned assumptions the state mandates. As a Charter City, we have both
the authority and the responsibility to govern with fiscal prudence and on the basis of
current, factual evidence.
I urge you rather to reject the Manager’s recommendation and consider a a thought I’ve
offered before in council chambers: dissolve the CAP (and the sham emergency
declaration of 2021) and establish a broader Environmental Action Plan to consider ALL
threats to our beautiful environment here in Carlsbad and means of mitigation.
IF you can’t bring the council to consider such a replacement plan at this time, I urge
you to at least direct the City Manager to return with a far more substantive report that
includes transparent cost-benefit analyses, actual measured emission results, and a
candid re-evaluation of the 2021 climate emergency premises in light of recent federal
scientific and regulatory developments.
Sincerely,
Mike Borrello
Carlsbad Resident and Taxpayer
2
From:Paige DeCino
To:City Clerk
Subject:for item #12, 4/14/26
Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2026 9:31:42 AM
Mayor and council members,
Tonight you’re receiving the annual update on the city’s Climate Action Plan (CAP).
Carlsbad has one of the stronger CAPs in the region but that doesn’t mean we can’t
do better.
On the plus side is the new CAP dashboard which helps residents view our energy
usage and steps being taken to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Thanks to Katie
Hentrich for considering public input for improvements on this dashboard.
Last year’s adoption of CEA’s Green Impact (100% renewable energy) for municipal
facilities is also positive.
Also, the proposed Clean Mobility Charging Master Plan (under measure T8) shouldlead to better EV charging infrastructure in the future supporting the purchase of more
electric vehicles, an important factor in reducing transportation emissions.
In areas for improvement:
The Community Development department is looking at possible changes to our
existing reach codes. As you may know, the state, in an effort to promote
more housing, is suspending green building code updates for at least one 3-
year cycle. This, in spite of the fact that any reach code must be deemed cost-effective by the CEC. I request that due to the fact that this council elected not
to include any building electrification measures in the current CAP, that you
NOT weaken what is already on the books. These reach codes fall under
measure E 3.
Measure E-5 covering Building Energy Benchmarking has a target of 2030.
However, without a building inventory done beforehand, that step can’t move
forward. Please consider directing the building inventory for the next fiscal
year.
Consider revisiting the Transportation Demand Management (measure T2)
plan to lower the threshold for inclusion of businesses into the program so that
this can have a more significant impact on emission reductions.
Request a breakdown of the city’s fleet for hybrid as well as ZEV’s given the
2023 decision not to purchase hybrid police cruisers. Has the city offset the
loss of emission reduction from that decision?
Measure OR 1 – the transition to electric leaf blowers (and other lawn
equipment) - needs to begin now so landscapers can plan at the end-of-life for
their existing gas leaf blowers. And, if not already in the works, the city should
require all contracted landscapers to use electric equipment.
Remember, the sooner any of these measures are adopted the sooner (and larger)
the benefits. Reaching our 2035 targets may not be too difficult but achieving our
2045 goals will be much more difficult so, again, we should move forward with as
many measures as possible.
Thank you.
Paige DeCino
Carlsbad resident
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From:Vanessa Forsythe
To:Geoff Patnoe; Teresa Acosta; Melanie Burkholder; Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Kevin Shin; City Clerk; KatieHentrich
Subject:Agenda Item 12: CAP Update
Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2026 1:32:15 PM
Dear Mayor Blackburn & City Councilmembers,
I support the continued updates to the Climate Action Plan that will be
presented to the City Council this evening. In addition I would like to seethe City Council request the adoption of these additional actions(some
ahead of when currently indicated):
Great we have a CAP Dashboard but please
show baselines that indicate where we are (given not all data available - but efforts need
to be made to retrieve and publish this)
repeat and continued reachout to the public with how to connect to dashboard and
measures they can do
add plastic reduction measures for both staff and community (major disappointment
that city approved artificial turf replacement at our community fields)
updates to where we are on reducing transportation greenhouse gasses
adding measures and share with local businesses actions they can take to reduce
greenhouse gasses
address our tree canopy reduction and ahead of what is indicated provide effort and
money to increase our tree canopy
Don't wait until 2030 or 2035 to take action on measures to reduce greenhouse gases.
Take measures to support replacement of gas fueled landscaping equipment with electric
equipment.
Don't weaken our reach codes - emphasize that for new and replacement construction that
provides for builders and consumers to choose electric / solar versus gas hookups.
Support future battery storage, electric vehicle charging and our city fleets replacement with
electric vehicles.
For the benefit of our community and future sustainability the City Council
should promote through its leadership a culture of environmental
responsibility and climate action.
Thank you for your consideration and continued leadership
Vanessa
Vanessa Forsythe RN MSN
2177 Vista La Nisa Carlsbad 92009
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safe.
All Receive - Agenda Item #_____
For the Information of the:
CITY COUCNIL
Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____ CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____
12
4/14/2026 x x x x x
Climate Action Plan Annual
Report for Calendar Year 2025
Katie Hentrich (she/her)
Climate Action Plan Administrator
April 14, 2026
1
Recommended Action
Item 12 – CAP Annual Report
Receive the Climate Action Plan Annual Report
for Calendar Year 2025.
2
Background
•Outlines strategies to reduce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions
•Original Climate Action Plan (CAP): 2015
•Updated CAP: 2024
•Carlsbad’s CAPs are mitigation measures for
other city plans (e.g., General Plan)
•CAP uses 2016 GHG inventory to project
reductions to future target years
•2035: 50% below 2016 levels
•2045: 85% below 2016 levels
Item 12 – CAP Annual Report
3
GHG inventory update
Item 12 – CAP Annual Report
4
•Updated GHG inventory is the most critical data for monitoring CAP
•CAP calls for updated GHG inventory every 2 years
•April 2025: joined City of Solana Beach and other local agencies with
SANDAG Smart Growth Incentive Program grant application
•Provide 2 updated GHG inventories (starting with a 2022 inventory)
and other technical reports at no cost
•Originally scheduled award date: July 2025
•Delayed award date: Dec. 2025
•Due to SANDAG’s delay, expecting 2022 GHG inventory later this year
2025 progress
•23 measures and 100 actions in CAP
•Through 2025:
•7 actions completed
•13 in progress / on schedule
•2 in progress / delayed
•50 ongoing
•28 no progress
Item 12 – CAP Annual Report
5
Item 12 – CAP Annual Report
2025 monitoring benchmarks
6
•CAP has monitoring benchmarks for measures and actions to ensure
implementation progresses so reduction targets can be met
•Monitoring benchmarks are every 5 years, starting with the year 2025
•9 monitoring benchmarks in 7 measures for 2025
•CAP implementation focused on fulfilling these 9 benchmarks
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Measure title Measure
number
2025 monitoring benchmark Implementation status
Wastewater
system
improvements
W-1 Supply lift stations with 100%
renewable/carbon free electricity
from Clean Energy Alliance As part of the fiscal year 2025-
26 budget, the City Council
approved a request to opt all
municipal accounts up to the
100% renewable energy rate
with Clean Energy Alliance. All
municipal accounts were
switched over to the 100%
renewable energy rate, also
known as “Green Impact,” in
July 2025.
Water system
improvements
W-2 Supply recycled water pump
stations with 100%
renewable/carbon free electricity
from Clean Energy Alliance
Renewable
electricity at
municipal
facilities
E-1 Increase percentage of renewable
energy purchased for existing city
facilities and street and safety
lighting to 100%
Renewable
electricity at
city facilities
E-1 Have 100% renewable electricity
be the default for new city facilities
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Measure title Measure
number
2025 monitoring benchmark Implementation status
Solid and
organic waste
diversion
WD-1 Update the city’s sustainable
purchasing policy to include
regulatory requirements for
sustainable procurement
Admin Order 101 updated
April 2024
Increase public
zero emission
infrastructure
T-8 Update existing Electric Vehicle
Siting Plan to incorporate
additional sites for zero emission
vehicle and bicycle infrastructure,
as well as new technologies,
expanded zero emission vehicle
types, and best practices
•City Council approved $140,000
in FY 25-26 budget
•Jan. 27, 2026: City Council
approved contract
•Early outreach to the
Environmental Sustainability and
Traffic Safety and Mobility
Commissions took place in early
April 2026
Zero emission
city fleet
T-9 Plan for fleet conversion and
deployment, including updates to
technology, legislation and other
best practices
Fleet replacement strategy is
updated every fiscal year;
recent updates fulfilled this
benchmark
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Measure title Measure
number
2025 monitoring benchmark Implementation status
Community
forest
management
CS-1 Conduct an inventory to assess
urban canopy cover
•City Council approved
$45,000 in FY 25-26 budget
•Assessment completed in
Dec. 2025
•2025 citywide canopy of
15.84%
•Decrease of 1.04% since
previous assessment in 2018
•City-maintained canopy
increased while non-city
maintained canopy decreased
Community
forest
management
CS-1 Complete implementation of
Community Forest Management
Plan Goal 2.A (3,000 total trees
added to inventory through 2025)
Completed by the Parks and
Recreation Department in
2025
Item 12 – CAP Annual Report
CAP Dashboard
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•Launched CAP Dashboard in July 2025
•Presents information in CAP Annual Reports in clear, accessible format
•Updates to Dashboard:
•Uploaded 2025 Annual Report data
•Added 2 new data cards in “Energy” section
•Wastewater electricity usage
•Water electricity usage
•Added graphs to several data cards
•Administrative text changes to add clarity
Item 12 – CAP Annual Report
Next steps
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•Present 2025 Annual Report to Environmental Sustainability
Commission in June 2026
•Continue working with City of Solana Beach and other partners on
SANDAG Smart Growth Incentive Program grant
•Share updated GHG inventory with City Council when available
•Continue CAP implementation
•Continue preparing Clean Mobility Charging Master Plan
•Research and analysis for citywide gas-powered leaf blower ban
•Tasks related to 2030 monitoring benchmarks
Recommended Action
Item 12 – CAP Annual Report
Receive the Climate Action Plan Annual Report
for Calendar Year 2025.
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