About the GHG Reduction Program
The City of Santa Rosa Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Program will consist of the following elements:
- A Climate Action Plan (CAP) that meets the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Guidelines for a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy;
- A Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to the City’s recently adopted General Plan EIR; and,
- Integration of these documents with the City’s General Plan. The resulting program will define GHG thresholds of significance for new development in Santa Rosa. It will also act as a guide for staff, the community, and elected officials to meet Santa Rosa’s adopted GHG reduction targets and comply with state legislation such as AB 32 and SB 375.
The GHG Reduction Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
About the Climate Action Plan (CAP)
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a document that will identify ways in which Santa Rosa can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide guidance for adapting to the anticipated effects of climate change. A CAP outlines transportation, land use, energy, water, agriculture, and waste GHG reduction measures to achieve the reduction target and proposes a timeline for implementation. CAPs are becoming increasingly popular as a way to spread awareness of climate change, reduce an area's impact on the environment, save money on energy bills, and support the goals and policies of AB 32 - The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.
The CAP will analyze GHG emissions within the Santa Rosa community within the Urban Growth Boundary. This analysis will quantify the city’s GHG emissions released from energy use, vehicle miles traveled , waste production, agriculture, and water usage. From these baseline emissions levels, the City will create an estimate of year 2020 and year 2035 emissions levels based on anticipated population and employment growth, which will help identify which sectors require the most attention.
Many of the goals and measures in the CAP will likely be familiar to you and several may be new. The CAP will draw from other documents including the Climate Protection Campaign’s Community Climate Action Plan (www.coolplan.org) and the City’s General Plan, both of which had extensive community involvement. The CAP will also include new cutting edge policies and measures that will help Santa Rosa to lead the way in addressing GHGs. The goal of the CAP is to put all Climate Change initiatives under one umbrella document, tailor it to the Santa Rosa community, and analyze the greenhouse gas emission outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is involved in developing the GHG Reduction Program?
- How can I provide input?
- What is the project schedule?
- What are the City’s GHG Reduction Targets?
- What is the City doing already?
Who is involved in developing the GHG Reduction Program?
From the City Council and City staff to residents, businesses, and organizations in Santa Rosa, all members of the community will be encouraged to participate in the development of the GHG Reduction Program. City staff and a team of consultants will conduct the majority of the analysis for the CAP, EIR, and General Plan integration. The City will hold community workshops and public hearings during the process. The City has also formed a stakeholder working group comprised of real estate, business, environmental, and public health leaders in the community to help guide the CAP and ensure that the community’s interests are accurately portrayed.
How can I provide input?
The best way to share your thoughts and provide input to the City is by attending one of the many public meetings planned throughout the coming months. The Community Development Department also welcomes written comment via email to ghayes@srcity.org
What is the project schedule?
The GHG Reduction Program will be a year-long process. A public draft Climate Action Plan will be released in late summer/fall 2011. The CAP will be finalized in coordination with the EIR and General Plan Amendment in late 2011/early 2012.
What are the City’s GHG Reduction Targets?
The City of Santa Rosa has set a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of 20% from year 2000 levels by 2010. The city set its target in 2005 through Resolution No. 26341 and has been taking steps to reduce GHG since that time. In addition, the City is also part of Sonoma County’s Community Climate Action Plan, spearheaded by the Climate Protection Campaign, and is working with other local cities to facilitate the reduction of GHG emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2015. Through this process, the city will measure its progress towards the 2010 and 2015 targets, and set additional targets for 2020 and beyond.
Additionally, California has set GHG reduction targets for statewide emissions. Assembly Bill (AB) 32, known as the California Global Warming Solutions Act, as noted above, sets a GHG reduction target of 1990 levels by 2020. As governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger also set a 2050 reduction target of 80% below 1990 levels. Additional City specific targets may be set as a part of this process.
What is the City doing already?
The City has numerous policies, programs, and projects in place or underway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.