San Rafael accepts 2023 greenhouse gas inventory; transportation is largest local source
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Summary
Council accepted the 2023 community greenhouse gas inventory and sustainability priorities; presenters said two-thirds of San Rafael emissions come from transportation (about 80% of that from passenger vehicles) and the city is about 24% below 1990 levels toward the 40% by-2030 goal.
The San Rafael City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to accept the city's 2023 community greenhouse gas inventory, accompany- ing updates on sustainability priorities and the next multi-year work plan.
Corey Bittoff (sustainability staff) framed the presentation and introduced Christine O'Rourke of the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership, who presented the 2023 inventory. "Two-thirds are coming from the transportation sector," O'Rourke said, adding that "about 80% come from passenger vehicles." The inventory shows electricity emissions fell substantially between 2022 and 2023 due to more renewable energy on the grid, while natural gas-related emissions rose slightly in 2023 because weather-driven heating demand was higher.
O'Rourke noted that the city's emissions in 2023 were approximately 24% below 1990 levels, and the local goal mirrors the state: 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. She warned the council that most of the "low-hanging fruit" reductions have been realized, and future gains will require more difficult measures, including building electrification, expanded EV charging infrastructure, and scaled sequestration or removal strategies.
Public commenters from Sustainable San Rafael and other local groups commended staff for progress and urged ongoing monitoring and efforts to expand charging infrastructure, building electrification outreach, and composting programs tied to SB 1383 implementation. The council thanked staff, discussed funding and regional partnerships, and then voted 5-0 to accept the inventory and the two-year work-plan update along with the countywide building electrification roadmap.
The accepted reports will guide staff priorities and implementation tasks in the coming year; staff highlighted planned community assemblies and continued county coordination on sea-level rise and electrification.