HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-21; Climate Action Campaign's Climate Action Plan Report Card, 5th Edition (Districts - All); Gomez, PazTo the members of the:
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April 21, 2022
Council Memorandum
To:
From:
Via:
Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager, Publ~rks
{city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID #2022046
Re:
Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager ~v
Climate Action Campaign's Climate Action Plan Report Card, 5th Edition (Districts -All)
This memorandum provides background and context to the recently released Climate Action Plan
(CAP) Report Card, 5th Edition, prepared by the Climate Action Campaign (CAC).
Background
On April 13, 2022, the CAC released the 5th edition of the CAP Report Card. According to the
document, the purpose of the CAP Report Card is to "assess the San Diego region's climate
planning and climate action and guide the public and local governments to ... share best practices
[and] .. .increase transparency and accountability." The CAC is a 501(c)(3) corporation formed in
2015 to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The CAP Report Card scores the CAP contents (CAP Score) and implementation efforts
(Implementation Score) for all jurisdictions in the San Diego region, which are then averaged for
an overall score1. The criteria used to evaluate jurisdictions' CAPs were changed for the
5th edition to include new topics that were not addressed in previous evaluations.
The CAP Score criteria closely follow the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies of
the City of San Diego's draft update to its CAP, which was released in 2021 and includes clean
energy, net zero carbon, climate equity, green economy, energy efficiency and water
conservation, transportation and smart growth, zero waste, green infrastructure, and food
systems. Because of this change, jurisdictions that have adopted CAP measures that mirror these
criteria (e.g., 100% clean energy, 50% mode shift targets, 90% waste diversion) scored
significantly higher.
Discussion
In the 5th edition of the CAP Report Card, the average overall score across 13 cities is 66.02. The
cities of Escondido, Encinitas and La Mesa received the three highest overall scores. The cities of
Lemon Grove, Imperial Beach and San Marcos received the three lowest overall scores.
1 Previously, CAPs were scored on a Gold/Silver/Bronze rating system. However, in the 5th edition CAP Report Card,
scores were not categorized in this manner.
Public Works Branch
Environmental Management Department
1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 442-339-2729 t
Council Memo -Climate Action Campaign's CAP Report Card, 5th Edition (Districts -All)
April 21, 2022
Page 2
The City of Carlsbad's CAP ranked sixth overall, including both CAP and Implementation Scores,
and received an overall score of 64.75, due mostly to the contents of the CAP. For the CAP Score,
the city ranked eighth of 13 cities with a score of 65.5, and for the Implementation Score2, the
city ranked fourth of 11 cities with a score of 64.
Policies included in the city's General Plan Sustainability and Mobility Elements, rather than in
the CAP, were not scored accordingly. Likewise, the city's CAP lacks measures related to solid
waste and tree canopy. The city's goals for these two items are contained in the Sustainable
Materials Management Plan and Community Forest Management Plan, respectively, and
therefore, were not scored in the CAP Report Card accordingly. The CAP Report Card did
recognize the city's adoption of its reach codes related to energy efficiency, noting it was the first
in the region to do so.
For each CAP Report Card, a draft is circulated to jurisdictions to provide city staff with an
opportunity to send comments and questions with the CAC reviewers about the scores. This is
the fourth report card in which implementation was included, and as with previous years, the
city received credit for its CAP monitoring and reporting.
After reviewing the draft CAP Report Card, staff requested the CAC reviewers consider several
currently active, GHG-reducing initiatives such as the Sustainable Materials Management Plan,
Community Forest Management Plan, Sustainable Mobility Plan and Complete Streets policy,
which technically fall outside of the CAP. As a result, the CAC included reference to some tree
planting efforts in the CAP Report Card . The city also received some additional credit across
multiple score criteria because of staff's requests.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to implement the CAP as well as pursue GHG reduction efforts outside of the
CAP such as the Sustainable Materials Management Plan, Community Forest Management Plan
and Sustainable Mobility Plan.
On April 19, 2022, staff presented the fifth CAP Annual Report to the City Council, which covered
implementation of the CAP in 2021. Staff also presented on the status of the comprehensive
update to the CAP, which is currently underway.
Attachment: A. Climate Action Campaign's Climate Action Plan Report Card, 5th Edition
2 Not every city had an implementation score assigned. Specifically, the Cities of Escondido and Vista updated their
CAPs in 2021 and were therefore not scored for implementation.
Council Memo -Climate Action Campaign's CAP Report Card, 5th Edition (Districts -All)
April 21, 2022
Page 3
cc : Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services
Robby Contreras, Assistant City Attorney
Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
Jeff Murphy, Community Development Director
Vicki Quiram, Utilities Director
Kristina Ray, Communication & Engagement Director
James Wood, Environmental Management Director
Katie Hentrich, Senior Program Manager
Nikki Matosian, Community Relations Manager
CAMPAIGN Attachment A
/ I
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Climate change has become a global emergency. In August 2021, the UN
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (I PCC) released a landmark
study on climate change, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
deemed "a code red for humanity." A second IPCC report earlier this year
demonstrated that, at current levels, global CO2 emissions will increase by
almost 14 percent over the next decade, prompting the UN Chief to
declare fossil fuels a "dead end for our planet, for humanity, and yes, for
economies."
Cities are climate crisis hotspots, yet crucial to the solution. According to
the UN Environment Programme, cities are responsible for 75 percent of
global CO2 emissions, with transport and buildings being among the
largest contributors. With more than 80 percent of Americans living in
urban areas, our cities play a powerful role in solving the climate crisis, and
tools like Climate Action Plans (CAPs) are critical to reaching a carbon-
free future.
The San Diego region is far from reaching zero carbon. Our 5th annual
CAP Report Card demonstrates that while the City of San Diego may
become the first city in our region to set a net zero greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions target, currently no adopted CAP has a zero carbon goal. This
runs counter to climate science and international best practices, whereby
cities must collaborate to rapidly strengthen their decarbonization
strategies. For example, while most of the 18 cities in San Diego County
have a CAP, only nine have a 100 percent renewable energy target. Since
methane accounts for the third-largest source of emissions in our region, it
is important for cities to develop bold measures to electrify all buildings.
Local CAPs are missing the mark on climate equity. Cities are falling
behind on climate justice by failing to incorporate measurable equity goals
in their CAPs. While San Diego and Chula Vista have created citywide
Climate Equity Indexes to identify ongoing disparities, the majority of
adopted and pending CAPs offer limited and inconsistent information on
how these will prioritize Communities of Concern during CAP
implementation planning.
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CONT.
Funding and implementation planning is essential-and missing.
Failure to develop CAP implementation cost analyses, failure to
create funding plans, and failure to fund CAPs have dug cities into
deeper GHG emission holes, making it harder and more expensive
for cities to finance and complete decarbonization, mitigation, and
resiliency projects. For example, our findings reveal that cities
continue to struggle in decarbonizing the transportation sector-
the region's largest source of GHG emissions-by failing to
implement smart growth strategies or fund plans and projects to
increase biking, walking, and transit use. As cities move through
annual and multi-year budget cycles and planning, they must
commit to completing cost analyses of their CAPs, develop plans to
fully fund their CAP, and actually fund implementation.
Regional collaboration is the path to success. In October 2021, the
County of San Diego released its draft Regional Decarbonization
Framework (RDF). Findings from the RDF's Local Opportunity
Analysis conclude that the region's current collective CAP
commitments are insufficient to reach decarbonization goals that
will stop the worst impacts of climate change from harming our
communities. To put the RDF's insights into action, regional
governments should support state legislation (AB 1640) authorizing
SAN DAG to co-establish a Regional Climate Network with cities to
leverage resources and facilitate collaboration and cooperation
among our diverse communities.
This is our moment for climate action. The good news is that San
Diego has the opportunity to attract state, federal, and private
funding to become a global climate leader if they develop cost
analyses of their CAPs and commit to implementation. Just last
year, Governor Newson released a $15 billion climate package, the
largest such investment in California's history. With effective local
leadership and cross-sector collaboration among government
agencies, workers, environmental and social justice organizations,
businesses, and community and place-based organizations, the San
Diego region can ensure funding to achieve zero-carbon emissions
in time and guarantee a thriving future for all.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
~
ZERO
CARBON
STATE LAW
ABOUT CLIMATE ACTION CAMPAIGN
Climate Action Campaign's mission is to stop the climate emergency by championing a
Zero Carbon future. We organize this vital work into Five Fights through a lens of
equity and justice: 100% Clean electricity; All-Electric Homes; Bikeable, Walkable
Neighborhoods; World-Class Transit; and Resilience.
Climate Action Campaign (CAC) will implement a replicable and scalable regional
model for an equitable transition to Zero Carbon in the next ten years. Cities are
leading the way on climate solutions, and we leverage this innovation and creativity to
model solutions that can be scaled and replicated around the world.
This report card highlights our Five Fights -key climate policy areas we encourage
every municipality to address with quantifiable, enforceable strategies as part of a
comprehensive Climate Action Plan.
WORLD CLASS TRANSIT RESILIENCY ALL-ELECTRIC HOMES
4
In August 2021, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Sixth
Assessment Report, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres deemed as "a code red for
humanity." The report, prepared by 234 scientists from 66 countries, makes it clear that
policymakers worldwide must take swift, decisive action to reach zero carbon emissions by
2050.
Only 100 days after the UN climate summit in Glasgow, COP26, the IPCC released a second
assessment warning of the dire effects of climate inaction and failing global leadership, which
has now placed nearly half of humankind in very vulnerable climate situations. "Delay causes
death," the UN Secretary-General has said.
Despite this alarming scenario, IPCC experts agree that protecting and strengthening nature
works and that climate action, particularly in cities, is crucial to combat the climate crisis. IPCC
Working Group II Co-Chair Debra Roberts explains it best:
"Cities [also] provide opportunities for climate action -green buildings, reliable supplies of clean
water and renewable energy, and sustainable transport systems that connect urban and rural
areas can all lead to a more inclusive, fairer society."
With more than 80% of Americans living in urban areas, city leaders must take the initiative to
put forward robust decarbonization strategies, and collaborate to contain the drivers of the
climate emergency. The design of cities-how we utilize our land, where and how we build our
housing, and how we get around-impacts the energy we consume and the amount of GHG
emissions we produce. Therefore, cities in the San Diego region must enforce comprehensive
and legally binding CAPs that set the path to more vibrant, healthier, and prosperous places to
live and work.
80.7%
U.S. population lives in
Urban Areas
-a.3 Billion
People living in highly
vulnerable climate
contexts.
78%
Of the world's energy is
consumed by cities.
WHAT IS A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN?
Climate Action Plans (CAPs) are comprehensive tools that help local governments
mitigate the climate crisis. CAPs provide a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions ("GHGs") by implementing various strategies, goals, actions, and supporting
measures.
These long-range planning documents quantify local governments' current greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions levels, identify target levels to which they plan to reduce their
emissions, and chart the strategies and measures that will enable local governments to
reduce emissions to their targeted levels. CAPs also consider how state and federal
policies will impact local efforts to reach emissions reductions targets.
Typically, CAPs focus on strategies that help reduce emissions from these specific key
categories: energy, transportation and land use, solid waste, water and wastewater, and
carbon sequestration. Each City should develop an associated and detailed
Implementation Plan that outlines how each strategy within the CAP will be implemented
and funded and how the local government will report on that implementation.
CAPs are opportunities for local governments to develop comprehensive climate
strategies and implementation plans that meet the scale of the challenge posed by the
climate crisis and help to bring clean air, safe streets, clean energy, affordable homes, and
economic benefits to local families and businesses. CAPs can also provide models of bold
and equitable climate solutions to be exported, scaled, and replicated at all levels of
government.
N
A
CJ Not CEQA qualified
11111 CEQA qualified
0 3 6 12 Miles
I
Legally Binding CAPs
Imperial Beach ~
SanGIS, California State Parks, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, FAO, MET I/
NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA. NPS
7
WHAT IS THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
REPORT CARD?
The Climate Action Plan Report Card assesses the San Diego region's climate planning and
climate action to guide the public and local governments to:
• TAKE TRANSFORMATIVE CLIMATE ACTION;
• SHARE BEST PRACTICES;
• UNCOVER PATTERNS AND TRENDS ACROSS A VAST AND
SCATTERED SET OF INFORMATION; AND
• INCREASE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
Through this report, we spur cities to take action and protect our region's future with
Climate Action Plans (CAPs) that include ambitious emissions reductions targets and best
practices gleaned from models in the region. We also arm residents in the community with
a tool that increases transparency and enables them to hold their local governments
accountable for reducing the pollution that causes climate change. Cities are a key
component of climate action, and this Report Card is an essential tool that will guide the
direction and speed of local policies.
8
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CAC'S 2022
REPORT CARD:
To better advance a thriving future for San Diego, Climate Action Campaign evaluated
local CAPs with a new rubric that includes important updates in key areas, including
climate equity, clean energy, food systems, transportation and land use, and the green
economy.
As cities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the report card acknowledges local
efforts to update and improve outdated CAPs, taking into account the limitations and
challenges faced by all jurisdictions. Ultimately, this report card provides cities in the San
Diego region with data-driven best practices to enforce comprehensive plans that reflect
current climate and community needs.
The scores on page 9 evaluate the climate planning and implementing actions undertaken
by cities across the region.
SUMMARY OF CAP SCORES
IMPLEMENTATION
CAPSCORE SCORE AVERAGE SCORE
---
CARLSBAD 65.5 64 64.75
CHULA VISTA 68.5 60.5 64.5
DELMAR 62.5 65 63.75
ENCINITAS 92 73 82.5
ESCONDIDO 97.5 97.5 -I
IMPERIAL BEACH 45.5 59 52.25
------· -
LAMESA 85 74 79.5
LEMON GROVE 62.5 8 35.25
SAN DIEGO 78 60 69
SAN MARCOS 59.5 49.5 54.5
SOLANA BEACH 76.5 63.5 70
--
OCEANSIDE 73 53.5 62.25
VISTA 62.5 62.5
CAP SCORES: THE BIG THREE
ESCONDIDO: SCORE 97.5
In March 2021, Escondido released its updated CAP which incorporated significant new
best practices on climate equity, green infrastructure, and food.
Note: Escondido's score is based on the City's CAP solely and does not include
implementation scores as the CAP was passed within the last year.
ENCINITAS: SCORE 82
Encinitas continues to stand out for its work on clean energy and zero waste. The City has
been a consistent regional leader in prioritizing budget and investments toward CAP
implementation.
LA MESA SCORE: SCORE 79.5
La Mesa's CAP continues to prioritize its efforts on clean energy and working with
regional partners on transportation policy.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
We must accelerate efforts to achieve Zero Carbon as a region. To align with the latest UN IPCC
Reports, our region must rapidly commit and develop policies to reach Zero Carbon by 2045 or
sooner to protect our communities from the harmful effects of climate change.
How do we do that?
Commit to Zero Carbon CAPs: While nearly all cities in the San Diego region have
adopted Climate Action Plans, these are not ambitious enough to meet the scope
and scale of the climate crisis. Currently, the City of San Diego's pending CAP
Update is the only plan proposing a zero carbon emissions target by 2035, and 5
CAPs are not yet legally binding. As cities update their plans, they must ensure they
are qualified with substantial evidence under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) and commit to carbon neutrality by 2045 or sooner in alignment with
Executive Order B-55-18.
Get Serious About Funding and Implementation: To reach a Zero Carbon future,
local governments must complement legally binding CAPs with robust funding ahd
implementation plans that identify associated costs, timelines, and leading agencies
and/or point of contact in charge of decarbonization projects. To obtain the
necessary resources to implement CAPs, cities should hire grant writers focused on
securing federal, state, and private grants that further climate goals.
Create a Regional Climate Network: Just as cities in our region came together to
establish regional Community Choice Energy (CCE) programs to take back local
control of our energy future, cities must work together in regional collaboration on
a broader scale to achieve broader climate goals. A Regional Climate Network
would dissolve existing silos hampering progress so cities may strategize and plan
for how to.reach regional and state climate goals together, all while holding each
other accountable, sharing ideas, collaborating on projects, securing funding, and
ensuring equitable implementation of climate strategies across the region.
Electrify Everything: As the third-largest source of GHG emissions in the region,
cities must adopt strategies to transition off of natural (methane) gas and electrify
building and transportation sectors as soon as possible. Until now, cities have
largely avoided banning and removing methane gas, but with the climate crisis
accelerating and expanding access to clean electricity through the adoption of CCE
programs, the shift to electrification has become a necessary and feasible strategy.
12
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS CONT.
Build Affordable Homes Near World-Class Transit: Transportation accounts for
more emissions than any other sector in the region. The only way to slash emissions
is to stop car-dependent, dangerous, and unsustainable sprawl development in high
fire risk areas. Instead, cities must build ample affordable housing near transit and
job centers, aligned with SANDAG's 2021 Regional Plan and Sustainable
Communities Strategy. There must be regional collaboration to implement the
Regional Plan that will help the region create bikeable, walkable neighborhoods
served by world-class transit to achieve a Zero Carbon future.
Promote Nature-Based Solutions and Green Infrastructure: The majority of
regional CAPs include at least one measure related to trees. Notably, the cities of
Del Mar, Solana Beach, La Mesa, and San Diego have tree canopy coverage targets
between 30% to 35% by 2035. Beyond urban tree planting, cities should expand
actions to protect, manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems via
Nature Based-Solutions. Specifically, cities should invest in green infrastructure to
promote green streets, clean water, stormwater capture, and to protect and
restore natural lands.
Create Healthy Food Systems: According to the UN, food systems account for over
one-third of the global GHG emissions. As the climate crisis accelerates,
agricultural losses increase food insecurity risks. Over 1 million people lack access
to healthy, nutritious food in San Diego County despite the regional potential for
urban agriculture sites. In San Diego, 44% of the Black and Latinx populations and
37% of the Indigenous population are nutritionally insecure. To fight food
insecurity and ensure our communities thrive, CAPs should incorporate local food
systems measures as part of their decarbonization efforts.
Uplift Communities of Concern and Create More Good Green Jobs: Cl imate
change hits hardest in communities of concern that are disproportionately
burdened by multiple sources of pollution and face health and socioeconomic
challenges. The region must ensure that no community, including fossil fuel
workers, is burdened or left behind when transitioning to Zero Carbon by 2035.
This transition must include creating good family-sustaining union jobs, creating an
equitable jobs pipeline for communities of color and workers, and developing
affordable, equitable, and inclusive communities powered by 100% clean,
renewable energy.
INCLUDE MODE
SHARE TAR GETS
6 51N
2019
ARE LEGALLY
BINDING
8 6IN
2019
INCLUDE A TREE
CANOPY TARGET
6 61N
2019
CAP HIGHLIGHTS:
BY THE NUMBERS
Chula Vista
Del Mar
Escondido
Lemon Grove
San Diego
Solana Beach
Carlsbad
Encinitas
Escondido
La Mesa
San Diego
San Marcos
Oceanside
Vista
Chula Vista
Del Mar
Encinitas
La Mesa
San Diego
Solana Beach
CALL FOR ZERO
WASTE
6 51N
2019
ADDRESS SOCIAL
EQUITY AND GREEN
JOBS
5 51N
2019
COMMIT TO 100%
. CLEAN ENERGY
9 7IN
2019
Chula Vista
Del Mar
San Diego
Solana Beach
Oceanside
Del Mar
Encinitas
Escondido
Imperial Beach
San Diego
Carlsbad
Chula Vista
Del Mar
Encinitas
Escondido
Imperial Beach
La Mesa
San Diego
Solana Beach
14
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
County of San Diego -Regional Decarbonization Framework
In November 2021, San Diego County released the draft Regional Decarbonization
Framework (RDF), a science-based approach to help local governments plan for policies and
investments to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2045, consistent with state climate goals.
The Board of Supervisors may adopt the final RDF in Summer 2022.
SANDAG -Regional Transportation Plan
In December 2021, the San Diego Association of Governments (SAN DAG) Board of
Directors voted to adopt the 2021 Regional Plan, the blueprint for transportation in the San
Diego region through 2050. The 2021 Regional Plan lays out a vision for investing an
estimated $160 billion in local, state, and federal transportation funds anticipated to come
into the region over the next 30 years. This plan is consistent with GHG emissions reduction
targets for the transportation sector as required by state law.
Cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach -All-Electric, Building Electrification Reach Codes
In 2021, the cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach became the 50th and 52nd cities in
California to adopt all-electric reach codes. Encinitas adopted the region's most
comprehensive all-electric ordinances for new construction, while Solana Beach included
major retrofits. They join the City of Carlsbad as the only cities in the San Diego region with
all-electric building electrification reach codes.
City of Chula Vista -Climate Equity Index
The City of Chula Vista collaborated with stakeholders to develop a Climate Equity Index
(CEI) to identify the communities most impacted by or vulnerable to climate and pollution
burdens. The CEI will help the City prioritize climate investments in historically
underinvested neighborhoods. Chula Vista is only the second city in the region to develop a
CEI, joining the City of San Diego.
City of Vista -Single-Use Plastic Ordinance
In 2021, Vista became the first inland city in the San Diego region to implement an anti-
single-use plastics ordinance. This ordinance reduces the use of single-use plastic containers,
utensils, shopping bags, and more that directly contribute to climate change through the
release of air pollutants such as methane gas.
Pending -City of San Diego -Zero Carbon Climate Action Plan
The City of San Diego's proposed Climate Action Plan Update establishes a community-wide
goal of net zero by 2035, committing San Diego to an accelerated trajectory for greenhouse
gas reductions-the first in the region if passed.
15
ALL-ELECTRIC HOMES -
BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION
Natural (methane) gas is the third-largest source of emissions in the region. To stop the climate
crisis and achieve Zero Carbon, it is critical that cities transition to all-electric buildings.
Methane gas pumped into buildings is not only 20 percent of local GHG emissions, it's also a
public health danger, increasing rates of cardiovascular and other diseases.
To ensure equity, public health, and a worker-centered transition to clean, electric buildings,
all-electric policies must follow careful steps and be vetted by communities and workers most
impacted, namely:
• Engage Working-Class People of Color and Workers: Communities and workers most
impacted by all-electric policies should be engaged from the beginning to understand their
unique needs, address their concerns, and ensure a just transition for all.
• Adopt All'-Electric Reach Codes for New Construction: Communities should adopt all-
electric reach codes requiring the installation of electric appliances and wiring in all new
construction, with limited to no exemptions. Over 54 California cities have adopted these
codes, providing an easy template to advance building electrification.
• Create Municipal Retrofit Plans: Local governments should develop Municipal Retrofit
Plans to electrify government buildings, starting in working-class communities of color and
with good union jobs. These plans may be completed with an audit of City buildings and
tied to other municipal energy efficiency strategies.
• Develop Community Retrofit Plans: Existing building retrofits will be the most critical
step to meeting climate goals. Local governments must consult with subject matter experts
and the community, and should be proactive in tracking ongoing state and federal
conversations about how to develop all-electric retrofit plans for private buildings. The
cities of San Jose, CA, Denver, CO, and Ithaca, NY may provide helpful models for cities in
our region.
All-electric policies will take time and must address the interlinkages between energy, equity,
poverty, and public health. Cities should be patient and commit to robust engagement that
centers equity and sustainability to create climate resilient, all-electric homes.
16
SOCIAL EQUITY IN
CAP IMPLEMENTATION
The worst impacts of the climate crisis, such as rising urban temperatures, polluted air,
and an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires and floods disproportionately
affect vulnerable communities worldwide. Here in the United States, the Environmental
Protection Agency confirms that while climate change affects all Americans, Black, Latino,
Native American, the elderly, and low-income populations will be hit hardest.
At Climate Action Campaign, we advocate for CAPs that include strategies that center on
equity, uplift Communities of Concern, and create good union jobs. An equitable CAP
implementation would address patterns of underinvestment and proactively plan for long-
term health, economic opportunity, and quality of life.
As of 2022, few cities in the San Diego region have integrated social equity into their CAP
measures. San Diego and Chula Vista are the only cities in the region that have developed
a Climate Equity Index (CEI) to help identify the specific needs of Communities of
Concern. Yet, all cities still need to do additional work to outreach to these communities.
To incorporate equity into CAPs, cities can design specific equity targets that can be
monitored over time. For example, when measuring tree city-wide tree planting, cities
should include a goal to plant a determined percentage of trees in Communities of
Concern. Tracking equity targets will help cities get a sense of how equitable their CAPs
are.
CARLSBAD
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: The CAP sets energy efficiency and water conservation
targets and ordinances for all residential and commercial buildings and
municipal facilities.
• Building Electrification: The CAP was the first in the region to commit
to targeted all-electric new construction requirements.
• Green Infrastructure and Trees: The CAP commits to providing parking
lot areas with 50 percent tree cover within 10 years of construction, in
particular, low maintenance, native drought-resistant trees.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Zero Carbon: The CAP should commit to Zero Carbon by 2045 or earlier
to align with state law and climate science.
• Building Electrification: The CAP should include comprehensive all-
electric building requirements and retrofit plans.
• Transportation: The City should commit to developing a Mobility Action
Plan and include mode shift targets that will meet or exceed 50 percent
bike/walk/transit by 2035.
19
CHULA VISTA
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: The CAP sets energy efficiency targets for all residential
and non-residential buildings by retrofitting 13% of single-family &
multi-family homes and 10% of commercial sqft to save 25% by 2020
and 50% by 2035. The CAP also sets targets and ordinances for water
conservation for all residential and non-residential buildings.
• Building Electrification: The City formed a task force to explore all-
electric reach codes to help remove dangerous methane gas from homes
and businesses.
• Climate Equity: Chula Vista has taken significant steps to address
climate equity by releasing its first Climate Equity Index (CEI). The CEI
will help identify those communities most impacted by or vulnerable to
climate and pollution burdens.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Become Legally Binding: The City should update the CAP to be CEQA
qualified, and the CAP should commit to Zero Carbon by 2045.
• Transportation: The City should commit to developing a Mobility Action
Plan and include mode shift targets that will meet or exceed 50 percent
bike/walk/transit by 2035. Additionally, the City should commit to
electrifying 100 percent of its municipal fleet, including all city-heavy
duty and emergency response vehicles, by 2030.
• Building Electrification: The City should commit to electrifying all
public and private buildings, including municipal facilities.
20
DEL MAR
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: The City co-established Clean Energy Alliance, and is on
its way to providing 100 percent renewable energy by 2035.
• Climate Equity: The CAP includes a Social Equity chapter with local and
regional strategies to ensure equitable implementation of the CAP.
• Green Infrastructure and Trees: The CAP includes strategies to protect
and conserve natural systems and wildlife, including coastal wetlands
and river habitats.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Become Legally Binding: Del Mar should adopt a legally-binding Climate
Action Plan (CAP) and commit to Zero Carbon by 2045 or earlier.
• Transportation: The City should commit to developing a Mobility Action
Plan and include mode shift targets that will meet or exceed 50 percent
bike/walk/transit by 2035. The CAP should also include measures to
prioritize affordable, high density, onsite infill development near jobs
and transit.
21
ENCINITAS
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: Encinitas has made progress to meet the CAP's 100
percent clean energy target by co-establishing San Diego Community
Power and opting for municipal electricity accounts to SDCP's Power
100, their 100 percent renewable energy plan.
• Building Electrification: Encinitas became the first city in the region
and 50th in California to adopt a comprehensive all-electric reach code
with minimal exemptions.
• Zero Waste: The City will implement an Organic Waste Recycling
Program, including adherence to SB 1383 regulations to meet their zero
waste targets.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Zero Carbon: The CAP should be updated to commit to zero carbon by
2045 or earlier to align with state law and climate science.
• Building Electrification: The CAP should commit to all public and
private buildings being all-electric by 2040 or earlier and develop a
comprehensive all-electric community retrofit plan.
• Transportation: The City should commit to developing a Mobility Action .
Plan and include mode shift targets that will meet, or exceed, 50 percent
bike/walk/transit by 2035.
22
ESCONDIDO
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: The CAP commits to 100 percent clean energy by 2030.
Escondido has already made progress on this measure by joining Clean
Energy Alliance to bring Community Choice Energy to the City's
residents and local businesses in 2023.
• Building Electrification: The CAP commits the City to adopt an
ordinance, effective in 2023, requiring all new commercial
developments to achieve zero net energy.
• Zero Waste: The CAP commits to adopting a composting and waste
diversion ordinance and an organic waste recycling program.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Transportation: The City should commit to developing a Mobility Action
Plan and include mode shift targets that will meet or exceed 50 percent
bike/walk/transit by 2035.
• Green Infrastructure and Trees: The CAP should include city-wide tree
canopy percentage goals.
• Climate Equity: The City should begin work on developing its promised
"Priority Investment Neighborhood" matrix, a version of a Climate
Equity Index that can identify and prioritize climate investments in
communities of concern.
23
IMPERIAL BEACH ------------
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: Imperial Beach co-established San Diego Community
Power as a non-profit energy provider and in January of 2022, became
the first City to launch for residential customers. The City also opted
municipal accounts into the "Power100 Program" to ensure that the
City is using 100 percent clean, renewable electricity.
• Green Infrastructure and Trees: The City commits to identifying and
pursuing opportunities to enhance and conserve habitat within City
boundaries, the Tijuana Estuary, and along the San Diego Bay.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Become Legally Binding: Imperial Beach should adopt a legally binding
CAP and set a Zero Carbon target by 2045 or earlier.
• Transportation: The City should update the CAP to include mode share
targets for biking, walking, and transit, as well as goals to reduce vehicle
miles traveled (VMT) through smart growth strategies.
24
LA MESA
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: The CAP includes a 100 percent energy target by 2035,
which the City is on target to meet as a co-founder of San Diego
Community Power, and opting municipal electricity accounts into
SDCP's Power 100, their 100 percent renewable energy plan.
• Building Electrification: The CAP also sets targets for energy efficiency
for single-family, multifamily, and non-residential buildings.
• Green Infrastructure and Trees: The CAP has a tree canopy coverage
target of 33 percent by 2035-the second-highest percentage behind
only the City of San Diego's 35 percent target. The CAP also includes an
Urban Forest Master Plan.
KEV RECOMMENDATIONS
• Zero Carbon: La Mesa should update its CAP and commit to Zero
Carbon by 2045 or earlier.
• Transportation: The City should commit to developing a Mobility Action
Plan and include mode shift targets that will meet or exceed 50 percent
bike/walk/transit by 2035. La Mesa should commit to electrifying its
municipal fleet including all city-heavy duty and emergency response
vehicles, by 2030.
• Climate Equity: The City should update the CAP to include a social
equity section and develop mechanisms to identify and prioritize
investments in Communities of Concern, preferably with a Climate
Equity Index.
25
LEMON GROVE
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: The CAP commits to participate in a CCA or similar
program to increase grid-supply renewable and zero-carbon electricity
supply to 75 percent by 2030.
• Building Electrification: The CAP commits to adopt an ordinance
requiring all new residential developments to be all-electric and install
PV systems.
• Green Infrastructure and Trees: The City commits to incorporating
green infrastructure elements into its new and existing infrastructure to
mitigate the "urban heat island" effect.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Become Legally Binding: Lemon Grove should update its CAP and
commit to Zero Carbon by 2045 or earlier.
• Clean Energy: The CAP should include a 100 percent clean energy
target, as nine other cities in the region have done.
• Transportation: The City should commit to developing a Mobility Action
Plan and include mode shift targets that will meet or exceed 50 percent
bike/walk/transit by 2035.
26
CITY OF SAN DIEGO
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Zero Carbon: The City of San Diego is in the process of updating its CAP, which
establishes a community-wide goal of net zero by 2035.
• Clean Energy: The City co-established San Diego Community Power and enrolled all
municipal electricity accounts into SDCP's Power 100, their 100 percent clean
energy plan.
• Climate Equity: In 2021, the Mayor and City Council established the Climate Equity
Fund to supplement funding for infrastructure projects within Communities of
Concern.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Implementation: The City has failed to provide a five-year budget outlook and
appears likely to delay fulfilling the 2020 CAP Audit recommendations for
implementation planning and department work plan development.
• Transportation: The City is not on track to achieve its mode shift targets for biking,
walking, and transit and is not conducting annual mode shift monitoring. The City
should prioritize fully funding and finishing the Mobility Master Plan, which should
provide the necessary roadmap to achieve the CAP's legally-binding mode shift
targets.
• Climate Resiliency: The City's Climate Resilient SD Plan is, at best, a framework, not
a plan. The City must develop a more robust resilience strategy with clear actions and
targets, hire a Chief Resiliency Officer to facilitate implementation, and coordinate
funding and implementation planning jointly with the CAP to ensure efficiency and
meet its climate goals.
• Just Transition: The CAP should set a mechanism to guarantee that all new green
jobs created through the CAP are union jobs. All work transforming the City's
infrastructure should be performed under project labor agreements that include
specific requirements for engaging and hiring within Communities of Concern. 27
SAN MARCOS
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: San Marcos joined Clean Energy Alliance to meet its CAP
clean electricity targets and will roll out service to residents and
businesses in 2023.
• Transportation: The CAP encourages increased density of residential
developments within½ mile of major transit stops by reducing minimum
parking standards per unit. This includes a goal of approving 3,700 new
residential units near transit with a 27% percent reduction in the
number of parking spaces required by city code.
• Green Infrastructure and Trees: The CAP includes measures to increase
tree planting in public spaces and in new developments.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Zero Carbon: San Marcos should update its CAP and commit to Zero
Carbon by 2045 or earlier.
• Building Electrification: The City should commit to all public and
private buildings being all-electric by 2040 or earlier, including
municipal facilities.
• Transportation: The City should commit to developing a Mobility Action
Plan and include mode shift targets that will meet or exceed 50 percent
bike/walk/transit by 2035.
28
SOLANA BEACH
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Clean Energy: Solana Beach created the first Community Choice Energy
program in the region and co-established Clean Energy Alliance (CEA)
while opting municipal accounts into 100 percent clean energy through
CEA.
• Building Electrification: The City became the 52nd in California and 2nd
city in the region to adopt an all-electric reach code, including
requirements for major renovations.
• Green Infrastructure and Trees: The City commits to installing green
infrastructure around buildings and other parcel areas, by using
vegetation and soils to restore natural processes required to manage
stormwater.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Become Legally Binding: The City should update its plan to make it
legally binding, so elected officials are accountable for fully
implementing the plan.
• Zero Carbon: Solana Beach should set a zero carbon by 2040 or earlier
to meet state law and align with climate science.
• Building Electrification: The City should close the remaining methane
gas exemptions in its all-electric reach code.
29
OCEANSIDE
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Food Systems: The CAP integrates a Carbon Farming Program 'measure
to promote sustainable practices throughout the agricultural community.
The CAP also calls for creating and implementing a Community Garden
Program through the Green Oceanside Campaign.
• Green Infrastructure and Trees: The CAP commits to adopting a Green
Street Ordinance that requires all new development projects to
incorporate shade trees.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Zero Carbon: The City should update its CAP to include a zero target
goal by 2040 or earlier to meet state law and align with climate science.
• Clean Energy: The City should commit to 100 percent clean energy by
2035 or earlier and join a Community Choice Energy program in 2022.
• Transportation: The City should rapidly accelerate efforts in key
sectors, including transportation, land use, electricity, energy efficiency,
and water conservation.
30
VISTA
WHAT'S GOING WELL
• Updated CAP: The City of Vista released its updated CAP in October
2021.
• Climate Equity: The updated CAP has a social equity section highlighting
a commitment to an equitable distribution of goods, services, and
opportunities for all residents of Vista.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Clean Energy: Vista should commit to 100 percent clean energy by 2035
or earlier and join a Community Choice Energy program in 2022.
• Building Electrification: The CAP should include all-electric building
requirements and set energy efficiency targets for residential and non-
residential buildings.
• Transportation: The City should commit to developing a Mobility Action
Plan and include mode shift targets that will meet or exceed 50 percent
bike/walk/transit by 2035.
31
CAP ADOPTED-
CAP UPDATES IN PROGRESS
SAN DIEGO
Between 2020 and 2021, City staff from the Sustainability
Department conducted outreach to stakeholders and
resJdents, reviewing, revising, and updating the 2015 CAP
measures in preparation for the CAP Update.
San Diego's CAP Update is the first proposed CAP in the
region to commit to a Zero Carbon target by 2035. The CAP
Update also commits to a 35% shade tree target, a zero waste
target, and a 50% city-wide mode shift target for biking,
walking, and transit.
Climate Action Campaign (CAC) will continue to advocate to
ensure that the CAP update helps the City to advance climate
action by charting a path to decarbonize San Diego's
buildings and support the re-envisioning of San Diego's
transportation landscape. San Diego may adopt the CAP
Update in 2022.
NATIONAL CITY
Between 2020 and 2021, City staff from the Planning and
Engineering Departments worked with the General Plan
Update consultant to review, revise, and update the
adopted 2011 CAP measures in preparation for the CAP
update.
National City has collaborated with the City of Chula Vista
and South Bay Energy Action Collaborative in offering the
Free Resource and Energy Business Evaluation (FRESE)
Program.
For the CAP Update, the city may strive to reach 100
percent clean electricity through San Diego Community
Power. The CAP update may also include education efforts
around energy efficiencies.
Climate Action Campaign will continue to advocate to
ensure that the CAP up~ate commits to implementing
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and prioritizes
improvements in Transit Priority Areas that align with
National City's CAP mode shift goals.
32
NO ADOPTED
CAP-CAP
UPDATES IN
PROGRESS
CORONADO
In the winter of 2017, Coronado City Council voted
unanimously to direct the City Manager to develop
a scope of work to develop the City's first Climate
Action Plan (CAP).
In 2019, The City developed a greenhouse gas
(GHG) inventory and established GHG reduction
targets and measures with a global consulting firm,
ICF.
On September 7, 2021, the City released its draft
CAP for public review.
Coronado's CAP should be legally binding and
include a commitment to zero carbon by 2045; a
100% clean energy target and commitment to
joining a Community Choice Energy (CCE)
Program; a building electrification target by 2045;
a zero waste target; mode share targets for biking,
walking, and transit; an urban tree canopy target;
smart land use policies; and a commitment to social
equity. The City should also commit to annual
monitoring reports.
Coronado has developed a draft Sea Level Rise
Vulnerability Study and Adaptation Plan to
understand the potential effects of sea level rise
and explore possible mitigation strategies for
identified areas in Coronado that are subject to
projected sea-level rise, rising tides, storm surge,
coastal flooding, and erosion through 2100.
Coronado adopted a CAP in March 2022.
Due to the scale and urgency of the climate crisis,
we urge the City of Coronado to move swiftly in
implementing its CAP.
~ \~·.
<~l
II
II
.
·~
t
NO ADOPTED CAP-
CAP UPDATES IN
PROGRESS
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO
On September 30, 2020, the County of San Diego
(County) Board of Supervisors voted to set aside its
approval of the County's 2018 Climate Action Plan
(CAP) and related actions because the Final
Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR)
was found to not be compliant with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
In response to this Board of Supervisors' (BOS)
direction, staff are currently preparing a CAP Update
to revise the 2018 CAP and correct the items
identified by the Court within the Final 2018 CAP
SEIRthat were not compliant. The BOS also directed
staff to take bold climate action that mitigates
beyond state targets to net zero and below by 2035-
2045.
The County of San Diego's CAP should include a
commitment to zero carbon by 2045; a 100% clean
energy target and commitment to joining a
Community Choice Energy (CCE) Program; a detailed
roadmap to achieve vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
reduction and mode shift targets; a commitment to
equitable development of housing near jobs and
transit; equity and good union jobs measures; and the
establishment of a Regional Climate Network.
It is anticipated that the County will adopt the CAP
in 2024.
Due to the scale and urgency of the climate crisis,
we urge the County of San Diego to move swiftly in
completing and implementing their CAP, and avoid
previously litigated and unqualified CAP measures,
such as unsubstantiated international, national,
state and local offset schemes that plagued previous
iterations of the County CAP.
34
POWAY
Poway does not have a Climate Action Plan (CAP) and has not committed to
comprehensively planning to reduce emissions. It continues to be the only local
government in the County with no commitment to developing a CAP.
EL CAJON
In July 2019, El Cajon approved a fatally flawed Climate Action Plan (CAP). Though
the City intended it to be a qualified greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction plan under
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the El Cajon CAP included
several unenforceable measures. It also did not provide substantial evidence for
how it would meet emissions reduction targets. Therefore, it did not comply with
state law.
As a result, Climate Action Campaign filed a lawsuit in August 2019 against the City
of El Cajon to ensure the City adopts a CAP that protects the health and safety of El
Cajon families by including enforceable measures to reduce emissions in line with
state targets. No jurisdiction can be allowed to circumnavigate state law by
approving a flawed CAP and avoiding meaningful action in the face of the climate
crisis. The lawsuit was settled in District Court, and El Cajon rescinded its flawed
CAP in 2020.
No replacement CEQA-qualified CAP has been proposed to date.
SANTEE
The City of Santee approved a fatally flawed Climate Action Plan (CAP) in January
2020. Shortly after adoption, the Center for Biological Diversity, Preserve Wild
Santee, and Climate Action Campaign filed a lawsuit against the City of El Santee to
ensure the City ultimately adopts a CAP that protects the health and safety of
Santee families.
While Santee's CAP includes laudable goals and strategies to reduce emissions and
meet state mandates, the CAP includes a "land use buffer" of 2,000 units in its
emissions projections, meaning it assumes a massive sprawl development project
called Fanita Ranch will be built. Additionally, the CAP's Consistency Checklist
streamlines projects that either conform with the General Plan or fall within the
land use buffer in the CAP, meaning the Santee CAP is designed to permit sprawl
projects. Sprawl projects undermine state, regional, and city emissions reductions
targets by dramatically increasing transportation emissions, rendering Santee's
CAP null and void.
The lawsuit forced Santee to rescind and replace its CAP, which was not evaluated
as part of the CAP Report Card this year.
35
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report is made possible thanks to the generous support of:
CAP Report Card Supporters
David and Peg Engel
Mary Yang PhD
Kara and Andy Ballester
Patti Larchet
Melanie Fiorella
Angie and David Nieson
Sarah and Niels Thorwirth
Chasity Hendren
Brooke Flynn
Kristin Hampshire
Gretchen Newsom
Peter Zahn
Andrew Malick
John Seymour
Kathlyn Mead
Kelly Lyndon
Jim Miller
Kelly Mayhew
Rick Bates
Kelly Sherlock
Casa Familiar
Sebastian Sarria
Katie Altobello
Cody Hooven
De La Fuente
Board of Directors
Aviva Paley
Don Mosier MD
Kara Ballester
(Vice Chair)
Kelly Sherlock
(Treasurer)
Mary Yang PhD
(Secretary)
Patti Larchet
(Chair)
Rick Bates
Rosa Olascoaga
Sebastian Sarria
Leadership Circle Legacy
BQuest Foundation*
Left Coast Foundation*
Satterberg Foundation*
Hervey Family Fund at the San
Diego Foundation*
Visionary
Chris Kohlhardt
The Energy Foundation
Champion
Lawrence and Suzanne Hess
Windward Fund
Futures Unbound
Orange County Community
Foundation
The San Diego Foundation
Patron
Payne Family Foundation
Bob Rivkin
Stiefel Behner Charitable Fund
Patti Larchet
Sarah and Niels Thorwirth
Women for American Values
and Ethics (WAVE)
Glenda and Lon Poliner
Anonymous
Partner
Winthrop Anderson
In Pursuit of Justice Fund of the
Jewish Community Foundation
Dennis Morgigno
Anonymous: In Recognition of
Aviva Paley
Defender
Lester Machado
Cecilia Aguillon
Mary Yang
Donald Mosier and Ann Feeney
Treseder Randerson Fund
Shanbrom Family Fund
Chris May
Tyler Farrar
Dennis Morgigno
Dr. Melanie Foirella
Ors. Angie and David Nieson
*multi-year commitments
Business Members
Ca lpine Energy Solutions
Sun run
Lyft
Civilian
Evari GIS Consulting
Circulate San Diego
City Staff
Clement Brown, City of Carlsbad
Cory Downs, City of Chula Vista
Richard Grunow, City of Coronado
Clement Brown, City of Del Mar
Crystal Najera, City of Encinitas
Adam Finestone, City of
Escondido
Hilary Ego, City of La Mesa
Noah Alvey, City of Lemon Grove
Carlos Aguirre, City of National
City
Moriah Saldana, City of San Diego
Sean Harris, City of San Marcos
John O'Donnell, City of Santee
Rimga Viskanta, City of Solana
Beach
John Conley, City of Vista
Graphic Designer and Maps
Catherine Walker
Ariana Criste
Hannah Gruen
Staff Authors
Brenda Garcia Millan
Madison Coleman
Staff Reviewers
Matthew Vasilakis
36
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
GRADING CRITERIA
Out of 142 points, 65 points are assigned to CAP structural elements and 72 points are
assigned t.o key emissions reductions strategies we recommend for inclusion in every CAP
based upon feasibility and effectiveness. Additionally, cities could receive up to 5 points
for Median Household Income.
POINTS
ADOPTED CAP
2 PTS
LEGALLY BINDING
10 PTS
STATE LAW AND
ZERO CARBON
COMMITMENT
13 PTS
CAP STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
What: CAP has been adopted by the municipality (draft
CAPs and actions not tied to a CAP are not graded).
Why: The first step toward taking bold action to fight
climate change is adopting a comprehensive plan to reduce
emissions.
What: The CAP is CEQA-qualified and thus legally binding.
Why: CEQA environmental analysis allows for stakeholder
involvement and transparency in assessing a CAP's
environmental impact. A detailed technical appendix shows
how the GHG targets in the CAP were calculated.
Substantial evidence supporting GHG calculations is also
required under CEQA when a CAP is mitigation
for a city's General Plan.
What: A CAP's GHG goals should extend to at least 2030
and meet state GHG targets. CA's goals are: 1990 GHG
levels by 2020 (AB 32); 40% below 1990 levels by 2030
(EO B-30-15 and SB 32); 80% below 1990 levels by 2050
(EOS-3-05); Carbon neutrality by 2045 (EO-B-55-18).
Why: State GHG targets set consistent, collective goals ·
based on what the best available climate science indicates
is necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
These targets are widely acknowledged to be the
significance threshold for CAPs used for CEQA tiering.
38
POINTS
IMPLEMENTATION
AND MONITORING
20 PTS
CLIMATE EQUITY,
HEALTH, &
EDUCATION
12 PTS
GREEN ECONOMY
8 PTS
CAP STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
What: Identifies a department or leading individual of
implementation measures; includes benchmarks for GHG
reductions and implementation of CAP goals at least
every 5 years; includes a detailed timeline with a system
to prioritize implementation of each strategy, as well as
cost analysis for each strategy; and calls for CAP Updates
at least every five years.
Why: Allows the public to track if a city is on a path to
meeting its targets and helps local governments set
sufficient budgeting and staffing levels at the appropriate
times. Also allows local governments and the public to
gauge progress made toward implementing CAP
strategies, determine if a local government is on track to
meet GHG targets, and assess if adjustments are needed.
What: Prioritize Communities of Concern when
identifying and planning CAP strategies targets and co-
benefits, including improved public health and education.
Why: Communities of Concern are at the frontlines of the
climate crisis, burdened by increased air pollution and
other adverse health impacts, and have fewer resources
to protect against a hotter and drier San Diego.
What: Includes an explicit commitment to creating high-
paying green jobs and includes performance goals and
data tracking for quality of jobs created and demographic
and geographic distribution of workers. It also includes a
Just Transition Plan that identifies the number and
quality of jobs that will be created and lost through the
implementation of the CAP and policies, programs, and
funding to protect workers whose jobs are impacted.
Why: This ensures the creation of good family-sustaining
union jobs for workers and communities of concern that
have been disproportionately affected by the climate
crisis, creating a fair and just transition to zero carbon by
2035.
39
POINTS
CLEAN ENERGY
24 PTS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
& WATER
CONSERVATION
6 PTS
ZERO WASTE
6 PTS
EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS STRATEGIES
What: CAPs have a 100% clean energy goal and include
CCE as a key clean energy strategy.
Why: CCE is one of the most effective ways to reduce
GHG emissions, achieve 100% clean energy, and foster
local control of energy decisions. CCE allows
municipalities to provide clean energy for families and
businesses at a competitive cost compared to a monopoly
utility. It also allows families to choose their electricity
provider and brings in significant revenue to the
participating municipality. New This Year: Cities may
receive 1 bonus point for committing to CCE as the
strategy to achieve 100% clean energy, rather than
referring to it as one of a menu of options.
What: CAPs should include the following: A citywide
energy reduction goal; residential, non-residential, and
municipal energy reduction goals; a citywide energy
efficiency ordinance, residential, non-residential, and
municipal water conservation goals; a citywide water
conservation ordinance, related incentives, and/or
financing assistance.
Why: The cheapest energy and water is that which is
never used. It is also the number one job creator in the
clean energy economy. Water conservation is also a
climate adaptation strategy as freshwater becomes
increasingly scarce in Southern California's changing
climate.
What: Commitment to Zero Waste by 2035; commitment
to diverting organic and food waste through highest and
best use strategies (prevention, donation, recycling),
ensuring that edible food currently landfilled will be
recovered for human consumption in line with SB 1383;
and actions to eliminate or significantly reduce the use
and generation of single-use plastics in the City.
Why: Waste decaying in landfills emits methane, a potent
GHG. Waste typically generates 3% to 11% of municipal
GHG emissions.
40
POINTS
TRANSPORTATION
& SMART GROWTH
24 PTS
GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE,
CONSERVATION, &
TREES
6 PTS
EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS STRATEGIES
What: A commitment to electrifying 100% of the
municipal fleet by 2030; commitment to implementing a
city-wide electric vehicle strategy that prioritizes
Communities of Concern; includes specified mode shift
goals for biking, walking, and transit; commitment to a
Mobility Action Plan; smart growth and infill
development; commitment to adopting an Active
Transportation Plan; and a commitment to developing a
Complete Streets Policy.
Why: Transportation is the greatest source of GHG
emissions in our region. Shifting away from reliance on
cars as the primary mode of transportation reduces
GHG emissions and has co-benefits of improved public
health, safety, and air quality. Mode shift goals also help
municipalities plan and budget to facilitate a shift away
from car-centric growth and advocate for assistance for
better transit infrastructure.: Smart land-use policies
are essential to support commuters' ability to choose
non-car transportation. Dense development should be
located near transit, walking, and biking infrastructure.
Affordable urban housing enables people to use non-car
transportation rather than depending on a car for daily
commutes.
What: The CAP commits to a green infrastructure plan
that promotes green streets, clean water, and
stormwater capture. The CAP commits to conserving
and restoring natural lands, such as canyons, open
spaces, and wetlands/marshlands to sequester carbon,
support biodiversity, and promote clean water. The CAP
includes a tree canopy coverage percentage target.
Why: Green infrastructure is effective, economical, and
enhances community safety and quality of life.
Conservation is important for our health, wealth, food,
and services we depend on. Trees provide shade while
filtering the air and absorbing carbon.
41
POINTS
00
FOOD SYSTEMS
5 PTS
MEDIAN
HOUSEHOLD
INCOME*
UP TO 5 PTS
EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS STRATEGIES
What: The CAP includes measures to scale up carbon
farming, influence healthy consumption behaviors, and
reduce food miles.
Why: Over 1 million people lack access to healthy,
nutritious food in San Diego County. Investing in healthy
food systems enhances the quality of life and helps
mitigate carbon emissions.
What: To adjust for access to fewer resources and
staffing for smaller-income cities, the following points
are the following points are awarded: 1 pt-$100,000+; 3
pts -$75,000+; 5 pts -$50,000+
Why: CAC recognizes that some cities have fewer
resources than others, which plays an important role in
CAP funding and implementation.
*The City of San Diego received fewer points given the dissimilar size in comparison to its regional
peers; as a top 10 US city, San Diego has more opportunities for funding for CAP implementation.
[1ST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ADU -Accessory Dwelling Unit
AFV -alternative fuel vehicle
AB -Assembly Bill
BAU -business-as-usual
CalGreen -California Green Building
Standards
CAC -Climate Action Campaign
CAP -Climate Action Plan
CARB -California Air Resources Board
CCE -Community Choice Energy
CEA -Clean Energy Alliance
CEQA -California Environmental Quality
Act
CO2 -carbon dioxide
EO -Executive Order
EPIC -Energy Policy Initiatives Center
EV -electric vehicle
GHG -greenhouse gas
HERO -Home Energy Renovation
Opportunity program
LED -light-emitting diode
MW -megawatt
MWh -megawatt-hour
MTC02e -metric tons of carbon dioxide
equivalent
MTS -San Diego Metropolitan Transit
System
PACE -Property Assessed Clean Energy
RTP -Regional Transportation Plan
SANDAG -San Diego Association of
Governments
SB -Senate Bill
SDCP -San Diego Community Power
SDG&E -San Diego Gas & Electric
State -State of California
TDM -transportation demand management
VMT-vehicle miles traveled
ZEV -zero-emissions vehicle
43
TERM DEFINITIONS
Annual Monitoring ReP-ort
An Annual Monitoring Report summarizes CAP measure implementation progress
toward GHG reductions targets and actions specified in the CAP.
California Environmental QualitY-Act
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is California's broadest
environmental law. CEQA helps guide the Department during the issuance of
permits and approval of projects. Courts have interpreted CEQA to afford the
fullest protection of the environment within the reasonable scope of the statutes.
CEQA applies to all discretionary projects proposed to be conducted or approved
by a California public agency, including private projects requiring discretionary
government approval.
Climate Action Plan
A Climate Action Plan is a plan prepared by an entity to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and identify climate change adaptation strategies to be implemented.
ComP-lete Streets PolicY-
Complete streets is a transportation policy and design approach that requires
streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe,
convenient, and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities
regardless of their mode of transportation.
General Plan
General Plans provide a vision for future growth and development. A General Plan
identifies the community's land use, transportation, environmental, economic, and
social goals, and policies related to land use and development.
Global Climate Changg_
Human-caused emissions of greenhouse gasses above natural ambient
concentrations are responsible for intensifying the greenhouse effect and leading
to a trend of unnatural warming of the Earth's climate, known as global climate
change.
Greenhouse Gases
A greenhouse gas is a type of gas that causes heat to be trapped in the atmosphere,
resulting in warming effects for the Earth.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory_
A greenhouse gas inventory provides a snapshot of emissions generated by the
community and municipal activities in a given year and provides a baseline from
which emissions trends are projected.
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lmglementation Strategy_
An implementation strategy determines the priority of strategies based on various
factors, including cost, staff resources needed, ease of implementation, and
timeframe.
Mode Share
Mode share (also called mode split, modal share, or modal split) is the percentage of
travelers using a particular type of transportation or the number of trips using said
type. Modal share is an important component in developing sustainable transport
within a city or region.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory_
Greenhouse gas inventories are a type of emission inventory that is developed for a
variety of reasons. Policymakers use inventories to develop strategies and policies
for emissions reductions and track progress on those policies.
Reach Code
A reach code is a local building energy code that "reaches" beyond the state
minimum requirements for energy use in building design and construction, creating
opportunities for local governments to lead the way on clean air, climate solutions,
and the renewable energy economy, while creating roadmaps for other local
governments to take action as well.
Reduction Targets
Climate Action Plans set target levels for local greenhouse gas reductions by certain
dates. Current state laws include Assembly Bill (AB) 32, which established a target
of reducing statewide GHG levels to 1990 levels by 2020; Senate Bill (SB) 32, which
established a mid-term target of reducing statewide GHG levels to 40 percent below
1990 levels by 2030; Executive Order (EO) S-3-05, which recommends a 2050
statewide goal of reducing GHG emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels, and
Executive Order (EO) B-55-18, which recommends statewide carbon neutrality by
2045.
Reduction Strategies and Measures
Greenhouse gas reduction strategies and measures aim to close the gap between the
City's anticipated legislatively-adjusted business-as-usual emissions and the
reduction targets.
San Diego Forward: The Regional Plan
SANDAG prepares a Regional Plan in collaboration with the 18 cities and the County
of San Diego and regional, state, and federal partners every four years. The Regional
Plan identifies the transportation needs and improvements to support future
. regional growth.
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REFERENCES
County of San Diego. 2022. "Regional Decarbonization Framework
Chapter 8 Local Policy Opportunity." County of San Diego.
httP-s: /www.sandiegocounty gov content dam sdc lueg/
regionaldecarb-frameworkfiles draft-rdf-chaP-ters Local-Policy...:
OQP-Ortunity-Analysis-DRAFT-01-28-2022.P-df.
Doucet, Providence. 2021. "Food systems account for over one
third of global greenhouse gas emissions." UN News.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/03/1086822.
EPA. 2022. "Social Vulnerability Report I US EPA." US
Environmental Protection Agency. httQ:/ /www.ega.gov/cira
socialvu lnerabi lity-regort.
"IPCC adaptation report 'a damning indictment of failed global
leadership on climate."' 2022. UN News.
https:/ /news.un.org/en/story /2022/02/1112852.
San Diego Hunger Coalition. n.d. "Hunger in San Diego - San Diego
Hunger Coalition." San Diego Hunger Coalition. Accessed March 6,
2022. https:/ /www.sandiegohungercoalition.org/research.
US Census Bureau. 2021. "Urban Areas Facts."
httgs: www.census.gov Qrograms-
surveyMgeograghy_Lguidance geo-areas/urban-rural ua-
facts.html.
UN Environment Programme. n.d. "Cities and climate change."
UNEP. Accessed March 8, 2022. httgs:/ www.uneQ.org exglore
toQics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/cities/cities-and-climate
chang_g_.
United Nations. n.d. "Cities and Pollution I United Nations." the
United Nations. Accessed March 9, 2022.
https:/ /www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-solutions/cities
pollution.
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