2024 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
On September 11, 2024 (Item 6), the County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2024 Climate Action Plan (2024 CAP). Through its implementation, the County will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from activities within the unincorporated area and County operations to achieve a goal of net-zero emissions by 2045. In addition to reducing GHG emissions, the 2024 CAP will provide important benefits to residents, the environment, and economy by advancing environmental and social justice through preserving the environment, reducing health disparities, increasing access to green jobs, and improving quality of life. The CAP will also provide project streamlining benefits for housing and other discretionary development projects under the California Environmental Quality Act through the CAP Consistency Review Checklist.
The County will annually monitor implementation progress to track the effectiveness of each measure and action, update the emissions inventory at least every two years, and adjust as needed through CAP updates at least every five years to keep the County on track toward meeting its reduction targets . The 2018 CAP, which has guided emission reduction efforts since its adoption, will continue to be reported on through the end of 2024 as the County transitions to the 2024 CAP.
Project Documents and Technical Reports
Final County of San Diego 2024 Climate Action Plan
Appendix 1 – Community Outreach and Engagement
Appendix 2 – Co-Benefits Evaluation Tool
Appendix 6 – Carbon Stock Estimates for Unincorporated San Diego County
Appendix 7 – Climate Action Plan Combined Measure Workbook
Appendix 9 – Equity Implementation Framework
Appendix 10 – Implementation Cost Analysis
Appendix 11 – Cost Effectiveness and Disproportionate Cost Analysis
Click here to access the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
County of San Diego
The County has jurisdiction over the unincorporated areas within the county which are generally east and north of the City of San Diego, noted in dark green on the map. The unincorporated area encompasses approximately 3,570 square miles. A large portion of this area is covered by federal (including military installations), State, and Tribal lands that are outside the County’s jurisdiction. About 35%, or 807,000 acres, of the unincorporated county is privately owned and is divided into 23 Community Planning Areas under the County’s land use jurisdiction. In addition to privately owned land, the County also has influence over the approximately 430 County facilities that are located throughout the region, including those within incorporated cities.
2024 CAP Measures
Emissions reductions are achieved through the implementation of CAP measures that describe actions the County will take to develop policies, programs, and incentives through ongoing collaboration with stakeholders and the continuation of fostered partnerships in the community. Under the 2024 CAP, the County will implement 21 GHG reduction measures that incorporate 70 actions to reduce GHG emissions and achieve a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2045.
The 2024 CAP is organized under five emissions reduction sectors:
The Built Environment & Transportation sector outlines 6 measures that include 12 actions that decarbonize the on-road and off-road vehicle fleet and support active transportation to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips.
The Energy sector outlines 3 measures that include 6 actions that increase building energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electrification.
The Solid Waste sector outlines 4 measures that include 4 actions that increase solid waste diversion and the availability of sustainable solid waste facilities.
The Water & Wastewater sector outlines 3 measures that include 6 actions that decrease water use and increase stormwater collection and wastewater treatment efficiency.
The Agriculture & Conservation sector outlines 5 measures that include 7 actions that preserve natural and agricultural lands and improve land management and agricultural practices to increase carbon storage.
CAP Update Project Resources
The 2024 CAP was developed with extensive public engagement and technical analysis as part of a multi-year CAP Update project. View all CAP Update public workshop presentations, project materials, and staff reports below.
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Public Participation
Access all previous CAP Update workshop presentations.
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Project Materials
Key features of the CAP Update include:
- Targets: GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2045, along with a net zero goal for 2045, aligned with State mandates and Board direction.
- GHG reduction measures: Mitigate emissions from community and County operations, ensuring the 2030 and 2045 targets are met.
- 2019 baseline inventory: Inventory of GHG emissions in 2019 from community and County operations and a projection of these emissions through 2050.
- Environmental Review: A Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) evaluates potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and alternatives of the CAP Update.
- Smart Growth Alternatives: Developed for analysis in the CAP Update SEIR, supporting sustainable land use planning.
- Land Use Overlay Tool: A mapping application providing key County data to inform the CAP Update development process.
Access all CAP Update project materials.
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Board Direction
Direction received from the Board of Supervisors on the CAP Update are available below.
- January 13, 2021, Board of Supervisors Minute Order: Framework for Our Future: Actions to Achieve Bold Climate Action at the County of San Diego
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Staff Reports
Staff reports from the CAP Update are available below.
- July 14, 2021, Board of Supervisors Board Letter
- October 1, 2021, Planning Commission Report
- October 20, 2021, Board of Supervisors Board Letter
- April 11, 2022, Board of Supervisors Memorandum
- June 27, 2022, Board of Supervisors Memorandum
- August 31, 2022, Board of Supervisors Board Letter
- February 10, 2023, Board of Supervisors Memorandum
- February 15, 2023, Technical Memorandum
- September 14, 2023, Board of Supervisors Memorandum
- September 22, 2023, Planning Commission Report
- May 13, 2024, Board of Supervisor Memorandum
- June 14, 2024, Planning Commission Report
- July 26, 2024, Planning Commission Report
- September 11, 2024, Board of Supervisors Board Letter