We are faced with a climate change challenge that will define our nation’s ability to achieve energy independence, economic prosperity and the preservation of our natural resources for generations to come. The response of local governments is critical to addressing this challenge. Localities are in the best position to foster the innovation and new practices that will achieve building efficiencies, cleaner transportation options, development of green jobs and businesses, and more sustainable communities.
About 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions comes from commercial and residential buildings, and more than one-third of green house gas emissions comes from the transportation sector. As early as 2002, Sacramento County began transitioning its garbage trucks from diesel-fueled to a fleet powered by cleaner Liquefied Natural Gas. All future facilities built by the County will strive for certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Three current building projects are the new headquarters for Water Quality, the new Animal Care and Regulation facility, and a new Terminal B for Sacramento International Airport. All three building projects will be LEED Certified Silver. In addition, through the County’s partnership with the University of California Master Gardeners, workshops on eco-friendly gardening are conducted seasonally. Sacramento County is also leading the way with an aggressive business recycling program.
As another example of local actions, the Natomas Unified School District has been a regional and statewide leader in efforts aimed to improve air quality, build environmentally sustainable schools and provide a healthier environment for students, staff and members of the community. The District was the only school district in California to receive the designation as a “Climate Action Leader” by the California Climate Action Registry for participation in one of the country’s most rigorous voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reporting programs.
The new H. Allen Hight Learning Center in Natomas is the first school in Northern California to have a “green roof.” At Inderkum High School, solar panels provide up to 450 kilowatts of electricity, providing between 33 percent and 40 percent of what the school needs during peak operation hours. The “Safe Routes to School” programs offer parents and staff alternative means of transportation to drive to school, such as walking and bicycling. In addition, Twin Rivers Unified School District has plans for the construction of a future green school. This reduces air pollution by cutting down on trips from home to school and increases physical activity.
As a founding member of Climate Communities, a coalition of local governments that advocates for federal support for local climate change action, I am proud to be part of the growing national movement which aims to address these tough environmental and economic decisions. That is why members of Climate Communities will travel to Washington DC early next year to meet with representatives from President-elect Barack Obama’s Administration and key members of Congress to gain their support for our “Climate Action Blueprint,” which will be released this month, providing a list of steps needed to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Our goal is to have more than 500 local elected leaders endorse the “Blueprint,” thereby sending a message to Congress on the need for federal support to empower greater local action to create green jobs and address climate and energy challenges.
Climate Communities members will also work with the Obama Administration and Congress to not only advance the Blueprint, but to encourage and support funding local climate actions in any economic stimulus legislation, through $6 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Conversation Block Grant program, and $9 billion for public transit and green vehicles infrastructure. Additionally, we are calling on Congress and President-elect Obama to include money in any stimulus package for local government climate and energy projects that are “ready-to-go” within a short span of months once funding is secured to help both our environment and our economy. And, we will advocate legislation that will enact a national greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program that will invest the proceeds in local government climate actions and green economic growth.
Climate change presents the greatest social, economic, and environmental challenge of our time. In many ways, we are in the best position at the local level to meet this challenge and build our economy, preserve our environment, and foster social justice. With resources and support supplied by the state and federal governments, we can implement green building codes and sound land use policies, we can create more walkable and sustainable communities, we can increase our energy efficiency and clean our air, all while we improve our quality of life for ourselves and all who will follow us.