CAP Information to be presented to the Planning Commission
 ___________________________________

On Tuesday, August 28, Winters Environmental Services Director Carol Scianna will present an update to the Winters Planning Commission on the Climate Action Plan.The City encourages all citizens that are interested to come hear the discussion.

Ms. Scianna's presentation will cover the results of the Greenhouse Gas Emission study performed by grad students at UCD, which includes total number for various emissions and information on how much gases we produce, and how we track these numbers.

The study is an inventory for the 2005 baseline, which the City will use to reduce emissions going forward, to achieve the goals of Assembly Bill 32.

___________________________________

The text of the staff report:

RECOMMENDATIONS:  Staff recommends that the Planning Commission Accept and provide comments on the Climate Action Plan Update as presented

BACKGROUND:

What is a Climate Action Plan and Why is it Important

A climate action plan (CAP) is a planning document that provides strategies for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in municipal operations and in the community. At a minimum, a CAP should provide the framework for a jurisdiction to meet GHG reduction targets that are consistent with state-established and regional goals. A CAP offers a comprehensive menu of GHG mitigation options that may be incorporated into projects, thereby streamlining planning review and providing the business community with a greater level of certainty about planning and permitting requirements.

Although a CAP is an important component for considering sustainability for municipal planning, the City has lacked the staff and budget to take on the project. However, PG&E, working through the Yolo Energy Watch program, has engaged a University of California, Davis (UCD) professor to conduct the appropriate technical analyses and documentation to provide both Winters and Woodland with CAPs. PG&E will provide funding and staff for this effort directly to UCD through Yolo Energy Watch.

This report is being provided to update the Planning Commission and the community on the CAP development project.

Background on CAP Project

In 2006, the State of California enacted AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. AB 32 established a statewide target for reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In addition, the Governor signed Executive Order S-3-05 requiring reductions of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Implementation of AB 32 calls for increased efficiency in buildings, appliances, vehicles, and energy production as well as the development of renewable energy. The state Scoping Plan outlining the implementation of AB 32 states that local governments should contribute to the state effort by reducing overall energy use by 15% by 2020 and take longer-term actions to meet the 2050 target.

In 2007, the state enacted SB 97, requiring amendments to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines to address the analysis and mitigation of GHG emissions. Those amendments stated that agencies must analyze the emissions of proposed projects, reach a conclusion regarding their significance, and consider potential mitigation measures to reduce those emissions when they are determined significant. The amendments also allow CEQA lead agencies to significantly streamline the GHG analysis on a project level by using a programmatic GHG emissions reduction plan. With the appropriate elements included, a CAP can serve as a programmatic document.

Recognizing its responsibility to participate in meeting state GHG reduction targets, in April 2008 the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2008-27, stating a long-term commitment to increasing energy efficiency and reducing GHG emissions within municipal operations and on a community-wide basis. Through the resolution, the City committed to joining the Yolo County Climate Change Compact to coordinate energy efficiency and emission reduction strategies on a regional basis, and the City further pledged to develop and implement policies for reducing community-wide energy use and GHG emissions.

In 2010, the cities of Winters, Woodland,  Davis, and West Sacramento, along with Yolo County and other Yolo County Climate Compact members, entered into a “local government partnership” with PG&E, which the participants named Yolo Energy Watch. Through Yolo Energy Watch, PG&E has funded a variety of local activities to promote energy efficiency, reduce GHG emissions, and provided technical assistance and training. Yolo County’s Climate Change Advisor, John Mott-Smith, suggested PG&E use the Yolo Energy Watch framework to support the preparation of CAPs for Winters and Woodland. To this end, he brought PG&E into contact with UCD Professor Deb Niemeier, a renowned authority on climate change and planning processes, with the suggestion that PG&E provide funding for Professor Niemeier to engage a student group to prepare CAPs for the two cities. PG&E agreed to this arrangement and through Yolo Energy Watch, the PG&E Green Communities program has contracted with the UCD group to complete the project.

This project provides an excellent opportunity for the City to obtain expert technical assistance in GHG reduction strategies and a technically sound and defensible CAP.

City Efforts thus Far

The City has taken many steps to begin reducing its GHG footprint. These efforts include joining the Climate Registry and completing and verifying the Municipal GHG inventory for years 2008 and 2009.  Energy upgrades to several key City Facilities include the installation of a solar field that operates the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The City has been working with the Climate Compact and PG&E to promote energy savings programs for residential, commercial and industrial users within the City. These efforts are good first steps.

Some of the Planning items that have been implemented to reduce Winters GHG emissions  are:

• Participating in the SACOG Blueprint, which implements smart growth planning.
• Adopting the Form Based Code - promoting smart planning and a pedestrian orientated downtown.
• Caltrans Complete Streets – a conceptual plan developed to reduce vehicle miles traveled.
• Energy Star Standards for new development.
• Roundabouts planning on Grant Ave.
• Currently updating the City’s Bike/Pedestrian Masterplan.

Other programs

• The installation of city-wide water meters will contribute to the City’s Water conservation efforts. 
• Recent Farm to School efforts in the community will also reduce GHG by closing the circle using local grown products when possible.
• The City’s economic development efforts to bring jobs to Winters will provide a much needed economic boost, and by keeping jobs and shopping in town, help to reduce vehicle travel.