Mayor Faulconer introduces Climate Action Plan
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Mayor Faulconer released his climate action plan for the city on Tuesday. In a show of unity, Council President Gloria stood with the mayor as he outlined the major provisions of his climate action plan.
In many ways it’s similar to the climate plan that Council President Todd Gloria announced last Winter.
The major difference is there are no mandatory provisions, at least not for now.
The Gloria plan would cut greenhouse gases in the city by 15% by 2020, and 49% by 2035.
Those targets come from a collection of state requirements forcing cities to face their role in climate change.
The Faulconer plan would eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, and require 100% renewable sources for electricity.
“This plan provides the framework to create new jobs in the renewable energy industry with installation of solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations,” said Mayor Faulconer.
It encourages walking, biking, planting trees and reducing landfill waste.
Energy and water will be reduced at city buildings, while also moving the city’s fleet to electric vehicles.
Overall, an ambitious plan, but there was an emphasis on this being a first step.
“Notable steps include creating a renewable energy program. We will be putting forward an ordinance for the disclosure of energy and water to home buyers, a traffic signal master plan to adjust the timing of traffic lights and reduce the time cars are idling in traffic,” said the mayor.
A rather small step, since 55% of greenhouse emissions are from autos.
Council President Todd Gloria released his climate plan last January while he was acting mayor.
His plan included mandatory energy and water reductions in place before a home could be sold, or even upgraded at great cost to the homeowner.
“There was a proposal that said mandatory retrofits, we changed that to provide incentives on disclosures which I think will help from the home owners stand point,” said the mayor.
Simply disclosing the energy and water use is now sufficient, and because these two plans are similar, Gloria came on board saying he was glad the mayor took this step.
“Largely including my vision and reflecting the input of the community, and my council colleagues. It will protect the public health and put us on a path to a clean energy future,” said Gloria.
It’s a 65 page plan to have renewable energy powering homes and businesses by 2035.
It is only a plan right now, a draft plan at that, but there is still a long way to go
