San Diego City Wire

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2024 Climate Action Plan (2024 CAP) on Wednesday, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in unincorporated areas and at County facilities to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.

The plan includes 70 actions designed to reduce GHG emissions, protect public health and safety, support the environment, and improve residents' quality of life. The 2024 CAP is a community-driven initiative with measurable performance outcomes that can be monitored over time. Implementation will involve nine County departments through various programs, policies, and incentives.

"The 2024 CAP was developed through a public engagement process to ensure the plan is shaped by community input and centered on environmental justice," said a spokesperson for the Board of Supervisors.

In January 2021, the Board called for a new CAP using updated data and modeling, prioritizing environmental justice and equity while setting a net-zero GHG emissions goal. The previous 2018 CAP was rescinded due to issues with its environmental impact report; however, many measures from that plan continued as part of the County's ongoing commitment to the environment. These efforts have allowed the County to meet or exceed its GHG-reduction goals in areas such as agricultural land conservation, tree planting, and permitting solar use on existing homes.

Additionally, the County is working on increasing sustainability through developing a Sustainable Land Use Framework and Regional Decarbonization Framework. According to the 2023 Annual Report, significant progress has been made in climate action efforts.

Public engagement played a crucial role in developing the 2024 CAP. Staff received input from approximately 700 participants through 21 public workshops and over 230 meetings and events. The engagement portal saw over 2,000 visits during the public review period since October 2023.

For more information about the County’s 2024 CAP Update, visit their project website or contact them via email at communications@sdcounty.ca.gov or phone at 619-595-4633.