Latest News on the CAP Update

02/25/21

On January 28th, the Planning & Development Services sustainability team kicked off the County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update project at a public scoping meeting. The meeting drew 165 attendees from the public, regional agencies, and non-profits to solicit comments regarding the scope and analysis of the CAP Update Supplemental Environmental Impact Report and potential greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies to be included in the CAP. In addition, the project team received 76 written comments, which are currently being reviewed and considered in the development of the CAP environmental document, CAP measures, and related technical appendices.

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The overall objective of the CAP is to reduce GHG emissions generated from activities within the unincorporated County (community) and GHG emissions generated by County facilities and operational activities throughout the region (County operations). The CAP is also aligned with and builds upon other County efforts through complementary implementation-focused actions that improve access to healthy lifestyles, encourage physical activity, conserve open space, reduce waste, improve air quality, enhance community resiliency, conserve agriculture, and reduce water and energy costs.

Wind Turbines

Currently, the project team is collecting and analyzing data for the County’s GHG baseline inventory which will be used to forecast GHG emissions and set reduction targets to meet or exceed State GHG reduction goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2035-2045. The next public workshop will occur in the first quarter of 2021. This workshop will cover the GHG baseline inventory process and an initial discussion of strategies the County can take to reduce emissions in the community and in County operations.

The updated CAP is expected to be brought to the Board of Supervisors for approval in Spring of 2024. You can learn more about the project by visiting the County’s CAP webpage and also read about steps that you can take to reduce your own carbon footprint at home and work. Be sure to sign up to receive updates on the CAP Update process and stay informed of upcoming public outreach events!