Each week PublicCEO will host the Staff Report of the Week. Nominate yourself or a colleague by e-mailing dan@publicCEO.com. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
In 2006, the California Legislature passed AB 32 or more commonly referred, the Global Warming Solutions Act. The measure, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, directs the California Air Resources Board to develop Climate Action Plans (CAP) intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to 1990 levels by 2020. CAPs have been introduced in my localities since the start of 2011.
The City Council of San Luis Obispo has been developing their CAP with this same goal in mind. This proactive approach gives the city the ability to maintain local control of implementing AB 32. The report claims that local governments are in a position to identify specific risks and solutions that could positively impact their communities.
Students at Cal Poly (Cal Poly Climate Team) worked in collaboration with city officials to research, outreach, audit, and strategy development the first draft of the CAP from 2010 through 2012.
Climate change is an issue being addressed by all levels of government. The Council in San Luis Obispo laid the “roadmap” for GHG emissions reduction from the community and government operations. CAP strategies reflect many ongoing best management practices, and are based on significant input from the public, regional agencies, community groups, and Planning Commission.
According to the council report, implementation of the CAP is designed to be a strategy document, adopted by resolution, reflecting the goals of the state, council, and public. The plan focuses on incentives and education rather than regulation.