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Board urges stronger renewable-energy and electrification language in comp plan
Summary
Board members and staff discussed adding clearer comp-plan language to support on-site renewable energy, wind and solar, and to plan for transportation electrification and EV infrastructure in new development.
Board members asked planning staff to strengthen language on renewable energy and electrification in the comprehensive-plan update. A board member noted that sections 4.04 and 4.06 in the draft were phrased as "encouraged" and suggested stronger language to support on-site generation (solar and wind) and energy diversity. Staff acknowledged land-use and regulatory constraints for large solar or wind farms but said the comp plan is an opportunity to advance supportive policy language.
Participants also discussed transportation electrification. Board members asked staff to consider requirements or incentives in the comp plan and development standards for charging infrastructure in new construction and for the city to consider policies that would discourage new long-term fossil‑fuel infrastructure. Jonathan Cohen suggested possible policy levers such as requiring fast charging at gas stations or moratoria on new gas infrastructure to avoid locking in fossil investments. Staff described existing and planned incentives for electric bikes and other forms of active, electric mobility and discussed how comp-plan recommendations could inform utility/charging planning.
Staff said they will consider stronger, clearer comp-plan wording on renewable-energy generation and electrification, and will return with draft policies in the next engagement cycle.
