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Montclair climate action plan points to transportation as largest emissions source
Summary
Rincon consultants presented a climate action plan tied to the general plan update: a 2017 greenhouse gas inventory totals ~283,374 metric tons CO2e with transportation responsible for about 69% of emissions; recommended measures emphasize mode shift, electrification of new construction and building-efficiency programs.
Consultants for Montclair presented a climate action plan intended to mitigate greenhouse-gas emissions expected from buildout under the draft general plan. Eric Feldman (Rincon) told council and commissioners the community's 2017 greenhouse-gas inventory totaled about 283,374 metric tons of CO2e and that nearly 69% of that total comes from on-road transportation.
"Transportation emissions are mitigated usually through three different methodologies: get people out of their vehicles and into public transit, encourage active transportation and emphasize alternative-fuel vehicles," Feldman said. The plan couples those transportation measures with building electrification for new construction, energy-efficiency upgrades for existing buildings and organic-waste diversion consistent with state law.
Feldman said the plan uses a forecast-based approach aligned with state goals (including SB 32 and SB 100) and identifies mitigation measures that could be used in program-level CEQA review to streamline later project approvals. "Based on this inventory it was important that we emphasize measures to mitigate emissions associated with your largest emission sources," he said.
Council members asked about co-benefits and implementation. Feldman highlighted air-quality, public-health and economic advantages from green-economy investments. The plan will be part of the materials returned to the Planning Commission in November and to the City Council in December for further action.
