During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the ongoing update to the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and the climate action plan (CAP) aimed at reducing emissions in Redlands. The meeting, led by project manager Jasmine Serrato and consultant Maya Tanaka, highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the city's climate strategies in light of new state regulations and goals.

The city's original climate action plan, adopted in December 2017, set ambitious GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2035. However, with the passage of Assembly Bill 1279 in 2022, which mandates statewide carbon neutrality by 2045, local plans must now be more aggressive. The city aims to align its updated CAP with these new state objectives, which include transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045.

Tanaka presented data showing that while the city has made progress, emissions have increased from 7.1 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita in 2015 to 7.7 in 2022. The primary contributors to this rise are on-road vehicle emissions and energy consumption. Despite this upward trend, projections indicate a potential decrease in emissions due to state-level actions already in motion, such as stricter energy efficiency standards and cleaner electricity mandates.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of community engagement in the update process. Stakeholder meetings are scheduled for late July and early August, with community workshops planned for late summer. A public review draft of the updated CAP is expected by winter 2024, with final adoption anticipated in early 2025.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support and concern regarding the city's climate initiatives. Some residents urged the council to advocate for the repeal of recent changes to solar compensation rates, which they argue have hindered solar adoption and, consequently, GHG reduction efforts. Others stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for a robust and actionable plan.

As the city moves forward with its climate action plan update, officials are tasked with balancing local strategies with state mandates, ensuring that Redlands remains on track to meet its environmental goals while engaging the community in meaningful ways.