Board passes first reading of ordinance setting city greenhouse gas targets

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed on first reading an ordinance amending the Environment Code to add chapters establishing city greenhouse gas emissions targets and department action plans.

Supervisor Mark Herimi introduced the item and described the legislation as a framework intended to reinforce the city's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He said the proposal had attracted support from environmental groups and city departments and would set milestone limits for departments to meet in future years.

Herimi read a set of non‑substantial technical amendments submitted after the committee hearing, which changed target years and corrected cross‑references in the new code language. After the amendments were read into the record, a motion to adopt the ordinance as amended was made, seconded, and approved on first reading "same house, same call," the clerk said.

City staff and supporters told the board the ordinance creates department action plans and reporting requirements intended to help the city meet the targets. The planning and environment departments and several advocacy groups were listed in the meeting record as having supported the legislation.

The measure will return for a second reading before final adoption. The ordinance text, as introduced and as amended on the floor, will be available in the clerk's file and the planning department record for further review.

Less critical details: supervisors noted the measure's compatibility with other municipal climate efforts and that the amendments discussed at the meeting were described as non‑substantial technical corrections.