REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the overview of the new Sustainability Program and Provide Feedback on Program Priorities [Council Pillar: Sustainability]
Report
BACKGROUND
State, federal, and even international environmental mandates and policies are clear indicators of the commitment local jurisdictions will need to make towards sustainable solutions to the everyday needs of our communities.
There is a clear push for climate action and energy innovation with mandates such as the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill 32 or AB32), aimed at reducing Statewide GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. This was followed by the 2016 Senate Bill 32 expanding on AB 32 by requiring further reduction of GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Additionally, State Executive Orders were passed in 2005 and 2012 targeting reductions in GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. And, the latest California Executive Order (B-55-18) calls for Carbon neutrality by 2045.
During the 2019 Operational and Strategic Priority Setting Sessions, the City Council identified various areas of need related to Sustainability. In February of 2019, the City of Santa Clara adopted Sustainability as one of the City Council's seven strategic pillars. Sustainability is of particular importance as the City addresses the growing challenges related to Climate Change, energy use, transportation, waste management, water conservation, sustainable development, and overall operations. These growing challenges and mandates also offer the City an opportunity to build upon past and current sustainability efforts while looking toward new and innovative approaches to supporting a healthy, livable community and environment.
DISCUSSION
Topics such as climate action planning, Silicon Valley Power energy initiatives and incentive programs, organics and recycling mandates, along with water, sewer, transportation and developme...
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