NEW REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN TAKES UNPRECEDENTED REACH

A sweeping plan approved this week by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to address climate change takes unprecedented reach in cracking down on regional carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions. The plan outlines 85 measures that seek to reduce pollutants from industry, transportation, agriculture, homes and businesses. Among the measures is imposing new or higher tolls on roadways to discourage driving, completely eliminating natural gas from home heating and other domestic uses, requiring rooftop solar on new homes and reducing consumer consumption of carbon-intensive meat products. The Bay Area Council has long supported efforts to address climate change that also balance the region’s need for affordable housing, sustained economic growth and mobility. Many of the proposed measures require additional regulatory or legislative action before they can be implemented and the Bay Area Council will be working to shape how the plan is enacted. To engage in our regional governance work, please contact Senior Vice President Matt Regan at mregan@bayareacouncil.org.