19E - GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS STUDY

Home Browse Search

32 requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to prepare a Scoping Plan to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in California. The Scoping Plan document was approved by the CARB Board in December 2008. The AB 32 Scoping Plan contains the main strategies California will use to reduce the greenhouse gases (GHG) that cause climate change. The Scoping Plan has a range of GHG reduction actions which include direct regulations, alternative compliance mechanisms, monetary and non-monetary incentives, voluntary actions, and market-based mechanisms such as a cap-and-trade system. In October 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) created a framework to make energy efficiency a way of life in California by refocusing ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs on achieving long-term savings through structural changes in the way Californians use energy. In 2008, the Commission prepared and adopted the long-term strategic plan for California energy efficiency through 2020 and beyond. This Energy f~ciency Strategic Plan sets forth a roadmap for energy efficiency in California. It articulates a long-term vision and goals for each economic sector and identifies specific near-term, mid-term and long-term strategies to assist in achieving those goals. In 2008, SB 375 was enacted to focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) from automobiles and light trucks, through better integration of transportation, land use, and environmental planning. Orange County communities worked together to develop the 2011 Orange County Sustainable Communities Strategy (OC SCS) - identifying local policies, plans and best management practices that promote reduction of GHG emissions in Orange County. This sub-regional OC SCS will be incorporated into the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Sustainability Plan and SCAG Regional Transportation Plan, as required by SB 375. Santa Ana has implemented a number of environmental programs including energy conservation, water conservation, recycling, alternative fuel vehicles, and climate protection. A Tree City USA since 1998, Santa Ana continues to develop new programs to fulfill its strategic environmental goals, and has launched its Santa Ana Green website filled with extensive educational material and programs in which citizens and business are involved to help protect the environment. Presently, these programs are not fully integrated and not part of a formalized strategic plan. Page 2 of 15 19E-4