75B - PH - CLIMATE ACTION PLAN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Santa Area. Cl[mateAction Plan IlM The City of Santa Ana has a land area of approximately 27 square miles and a population of over 335,000. It is the third most densely populated city in California and the 57th most - populous city in the United States. Santa Ana is located in the heart of Orange County with City, County, State, and Federal government agencies headquartered near the historic downtown. This Climate Action Plan (CAP) represents the City of Santa Ana's commitment to improv- ing quality of life by reducing carbon pollution, both from its own operations and from the community as a whole. By completing this CAP, Santa Ana joins many other communities in California and throughout the United States that have acknowledged not only that climate action and economic prosperity can coexist, but that efforts to reduce carbon pollution can strongly support the local economy by cutting costs, creating jobs, and attracting investment. More efficient use of energy decreases utility and transportation costs for residents, busi- nesses, and City government, In addition to the direct benefits of these savings, money not spent on energy is more likely to be spent at local businesses and added to the local economy. Moreover, retrofitting homes and businesses to be more efficient creates local jobs for contractors in building testing, insu- lating, air sealing, and installation of energy efficient or renewable energy equipment. 75B -13 Many of the transportation - related measures in this plan increase opportunities for walk- ing and bicycling, and promote the creation of walkable spaces. These increased oppor- tunities are good for residents' health; and walkable spaces increase quality of life and bring economic benefits to local businesses through increased customers. Reducing energy and fossil fuel use also improves air quality, reducing the negative impacts of pol- lution on health. Using electricity and water more efficiently can help support the supply infrastructure, making these systems more resilient. For example, when energy demand is high and supply is short, power interruptions can sometimes be the result. Lowering energy use during peak demand periods reduces the risk of power interruptions and the economic losses associated with such interruptions. By reducing energy use and pollution, Santa Ana also contributes to reducing greenhouse