Title
Receive an update on the status of the Monterey County Community Climate Action Plan; and, provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive an update on the status of the Monterey County Community Climate Action Plan; and, provide direction to staff as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
In 2006, the state of California adopted Assembly Bill (AB) 32, which established a mandate to reduce the State's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. The initial Climate Change Scoping Plan adopted by the California Air Resources Board called for local governments to set municipal and community-wide GHG reduction targets that coincide with the statewide GHG reduction goals and to develop plans to reach these goals. Adopted in 2010, the Monterey County General Plan - Open Space Element (Section OS-10.11), states that the County shall develop and adopt a community-wide GHG emissions reduction plan to reduce emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020. This goal is consistent with the statewide emissions target outlined in AB 32.
Since the adoption of the 2010 General Plan, RMA-Planning Division staff performed several activities related to the development of the Monterey County Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). Activities included the following:
* Preparation and adoption of a Municipal Climate Action Plan (DATE)
* Participation with various cities preparing their Municipal Climate Action Plans
* Organized a community focus group to provide input into the CCAP and to develop a list of potential measures (Attachment A)
* Drafted and released an online community survey to collect information regarding climate change from the public
* Organized a community kick-off meeting in June 2015
* Worked with AMBAG Energy Watch staff to provide the County with a Community Wide GHG Emissions Inventory for 2005
* Established an ongoing agreement between the County and ICF Jones and Stokes to provide consulting services and staff is curren...
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