The County is excited to announce the release of the 2018 Annual Monitoring Report, the first in the series of reporting and monitoring requirements, the report describes the County’s implementation efforts supporting the Climate Action Plan (CAP) which was adopted in February 2018. As described in the report, the County reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 103,643 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) in calendar year 2018 which is approximately 78% of the way toward the 2020 target.  

The County’s Climate Action Plan includes 11 strategies, 26 measures, and numerous supporting efforts for reducing GHG emissions from the County’s local government operations and from activities within the unincorporated area. The County has established GHG emissions reduction targets of 132,205 MTCO2e by 2020 and 897,145 MTCO2e by 2030.

Current progress exceeds milestones in multiple sectors, and is exemplified in metrics such as acquiring 3,628 acres of conservation open space, purchasing 793 acres of agricultural easements, reducing County fleet emissions by 11%, reducing the intensity of energy used at County facilities, and distributing over 7,300 rain barrels within the unincorporated county.

Multiple County departments oversee enforceable, achievable, and measurable greenhouse gas reduction efforts to increase water and energy efficiency, decrease pollution and waste, conserve agricultural and open space land, and improve access to sustainable transportation. 

Although the CAP’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is being challenged in court, the County continues to implement the CAP with efforts on track to meet the 2020 state reduction target. 

The County’s climate action work continues full steam ahead with the County looking to the future by working with agencies and organizations in the region to prepare our transportation network for electric vehicles, increase the generation of renewable energy with a goal of 90% by 2030, and cultivate a mix of land uses and transportation alternatives in community plan areas. 

Through implementation of the CAP, the County helps unincorporated communities thrive, protect the region’s unique and diverse natural resources, maintain community character, and promote sustainable economic development. 

For more information, visit sandiegocounty.ca.gov/sustainability, or email CAP@sdcounty.ca.gov.