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Home My WebLink AboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 12142020 - Sustainability Cte Min PktSustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.1 of 13 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors December 14, 2020, 5:00 P.M. To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Health Officer’s Shelter Order of April 29, 2020, prevents public gatherings (Health Officer Order). In lieu of a public gathering, the Sustainability Commission will be meeting via remote access per Governor’s Executive Order N29-20. Howdy Goudey, Chair, At-Large, Community Group Wes Sullens, Vice-Chair, Member, District 4 Nick Despota, Member, District 1 Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1 Victoria Smith, Member, District 2 Ryan Buckley, Alternate, District 2 John Sierra, Member, District 3 Mike Moore, Alternate, District 3 Travis Curran, Alternate, District 4 Charles Davidson, Member, District 5 Reneé Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5 Harry Thurston, At-Large, Community Group Russell Driver, At -Large, Business Marnisha Farnsworth , At-Large, Business Isabella Zizi, At-Large, Environmental Justice Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice Kim Hazard, At-Large, Education Agenda Items: Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the Committee JOIN VIA WEB OR TELEPHONE: Audio will be played over your device’s speakers. If you will not have access to a computer or mobile device and require telephone access, you may dial-in. When: Dec. 14, 2020 05:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Topic: Sustainability Commission October 26, 2020 Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/88574321291 Meeting ID: 885 7432 1291 Or Telephone: Dial: USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free Conference code: 198675 # # 1. Call to Order and Introductions 2. Public Comment 3. APPROVE Record of Action for October 26, 2020 meeting. 4. RECEIVE UPDATE on Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative 5. RECEIVE UPDATE from Just Transition Working Group, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed. 6. RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.2 of 13 7. RECEIVE UPDATE on Development of Building Electrification Ordinance 8. REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan 9. REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2020 10. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed. 11. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator. 12. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability. 13. The next meeting is currently scheduled for February 22, 2021. 14. Adjourn The Sustainability Commission will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to attend Commission meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 72 hours before the meeting. Any disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and distributed by the County to a majority of members of the Commission less than 96 hours prior to that meeting are available for public inspection at 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA during normal business hours. Staff reports related to items on the agenda are also accessible on line at www.co.contra -costa.ca.us. Public comment may be submitted via electronic mail on agenda items at least one full work day prior to the published meeting time. For Additional Information Contact: Jody London, Commission Staff · jody.london@dcd.cccounty.us · Phone (925) 674-7871 · Fax (925) 674-7250 Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.3 of 13 Glossary of Acronyms, Abbreviations, and other Terms (in alphabetical order): Contra Costa County has a policy of making limited use of acronyms, abbreviations, and industry-specific language in meetings of its Board of Supervisors and Committees. Following is a list of commonly used abbreviations that may appear in presentations and written materials at meetings of the Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee: AB Assembly Bill ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments ACA Assembly Constitutional Amendment ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District BART Bay Area Rapid Transit District BAYREN Bay Area Regional Energy Network BGO Better Government Ordinance (Contra Costa County) BOS Board of Supervisors CALTRANS California Department of Transportation AO County Administrative Officer or Office CAP Climate Action Plan CARB California Air Resources Board CCA Community Choice CCE Community Choice Energy Aggregation CCWD Contra Costa Water District CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CSA County Service Area CSAC California State Association of Counties DCC Delta Counties Coalition DCD Contra Costa County Dept. of Conservation & Development DPC Delta Protection Commission DSC Delta Stewardship Council DWR California Department of Water Resources EBEW East Bay Energy Watch EBMUD East Bay Municipal Utility District EIR Environmental Impact Report (a state requirement) EIS Environmental Impact Statement (a federal requirement) FTE Full Time Equivalent FY Fiscal Year GHG Greenhouse Gas GGRF Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds GIS Geographic Information System HSD Contra Costa County Health Services Department IPM Integrated Pest Management JPA/JEPA Joint (Exercise of) Powers Authority or Agreement LAMORINDA Area of Lafayette-Moraga-Orinda MAC Municipal Advisory Council MBE Minority Business Enterprise MOA Memorandum of Agreement MOE Maintenance of Effort MOU Memorandum of Understanding MTC Metropolitan Transportation Commission NACo National Association of Counties NEPA National Environmental Protection Act PDA Priority Development Area PV Photovoltaic PWD Contra Costa County Public Works Department RDA Redevelopment Agency or Area RFI Request For Information RFP Request For Proposals RFQ Request For Qualifications SB Senate Bill SGC Strategic Growth Council SR2S Safe Routes to Schools TWIC Transportation, Water, and Infrastructure Committee U.S. EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency WBE Women-Owned Business Enterprise Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.4 of 13 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 3. Meeting Date: 12/14/2020 Subject: APPROVE Record of Action for October 26, 2020, Sustainability Commission Meeting Department: Conservation & Development Presenter: Jody London, DCD Contact: Jody London, (925) 674-7871 Referral History: County Ordinance (Better Government Ordinance 95-6, Article 25-205, [d]) requires that each County Body keep a record of its meetings. Though the record need not be verbatim, it must accurately reflect the agenda and the decisions made in the meeting. Referral Update: Any handouts or printed copies of testimony distributed at the meeting will be attached to this meeting record. Links to the agenda and minutes will be available at the Committee web page, to be announced. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): Staff recommends approval of the attached Record of Action for the October 26, 2020, Sustainability Commission Meeting with any necessary corrections. Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A ATTACHMENT(S) October 26, 2020 Draft Record of Action Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.5 of 13 D R A F T Record of Action CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors October 26, 2020, 5:00 P.M. This meeting occurred via remote access per Governor’s Executive Order N-20- 20. Howdy Goudey, Chair, At-Large, Community Group Nick Despota, Vice-Chair, Member, District 1 Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1 Victoria Smith, Member, District 2 Ryan Buckley, Alternate, District 2 John Sierra, Member, District 3 Mike Moore, Alternate, District 3 Wes Sullens, Member, District 4 Travis Curran, Alternate, District 4 Charles Davidson, Member, District 5 Reneé Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5 Harry Thurston, At-Large, Community Group Russell Driver, At -Large, Business Vacant, At-Large, Business Vacant, At-Large, Environmental Justice Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice Kim Hazard, At-Large, Education Agenda Items: Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the Committee Present: Howdy Goudey, Chair, At-Large, Community Group Wes Sullens, Vice Chair, Member, District 4 Nick Despota, Member, District 1 Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1 Victoria Smith, Member, District 2 Ryan Buckley, Alternate, District 2 Mike Moore, Alternate, District 3 Travis Curran, Alternate, District 4 Charles Davidson, Member, District 5 Reneé Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5 Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice Russell Driver, At -Large, Business Kim Hazard, At-Large, Education Absent: John Sierra, Member, District 3 Harry Thurston, At-Large, Community Group Staff: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator John Cunningham, Senior Transportation Planner Nicole Shimizu, Climate Corps Fellow 1. Call to Order and Introductions Howdy Goudey called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm. Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.6 of 13 2. Public Comment There were no public comments. 3. APPROVE Record of Action for August 24, 2020 meeting. The Record of Action was approved unanimously. Motion: Foster Second: Moore 4. RECEIVE Report from the Transportation Planning Section. John Cunningham, Senior Transportation Planner, presented on two main topics relating to Contra Costa’s transportation system: accessible transit and bicycle transportation. Cunningham explained that transportation planning for the Bay Area’s transportation system emphasizes efficiency in freeways and streets, but neglects progress in accessible transit and bicycle transportation. Cunningham stated that accessible transit progress has been historically stagnant, though current initiatives on the county, region, and state level are indicative of progress being made. The Sustainability Commission asked for clarification on the scope of the initiatives including whether the studies involved a geographical equity lens or investigated the feasibility of connecting paratransit to fixed route public transportation. Cunningham clarified that the focus population for accessible transit studies is defined as individuals with disabilities, veterans, and older adults. Cunningham answered affirmatively that paratransit is making efforts to connect people to fixed route public transportation, but the problem is physical infrastructure. In general, plans need to be on a larger scale and more intersectional in scope. Cunningham went on to detail the high potential that Contra Costa has to improve bicycle transportation through efforts to improve bike facilities. This includes creating protected bike lanes and connecting existing trails within the county to one another. Wes Sullens commented upon the low-hanging fruit in the transportation system and how these could be tied to Climate Action Plan (CAP) actions. Sullens noted that it would be beneficial to demonstrate the economic benefits of transportation and to look in to jurisdictional coordination of transportation for public use. There was no public comment on Item 4. 5. RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution. Jody London congratulated the Commission for its leadership regarding the Climate Emergency Resolution (CER). London referred the Sustainability Commission to the action item progress chart included in the agenda for updates regarding implementation of the CER. London reported on the interest from some leaders of County departments interest in the interdepartmental task force. London recommended that the Commission create a report on Just Transition to start the conversation on this topic with the Sustainability Committee. Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.7 of 13 Shoshana Wechsler noted that a community organization is currently circulating a letter within the labor community addressing opportunities that have come with Marathon’s announcement to transition to renewable fuels. Wechsler suggested the Sustainability Commission get involved as there is already community movement. Mike Moore highlighted the timeliness of Just Transition work as two of the four refineries in the county are closing down. Moore recommended that there be an effort to harmonize the economic development plan of the Northern Waterfront, Just Transition work, and CAP goals. Wes Sullens requested that the CER progress report be made a permanent item to keep the Sustainability Commission informed on current efforts on implementation of the CER. Howdy Goudey suggested the creation of an ad-hoc group to focus on Just Transition work. Goudey asked the working group to at the next Sustainability Committee meeting to state its purpose and discuss specific actions. Charles Davidson, Mike Moore, Shoshana Wechsler, Nick Despota, and Reneé Fernandez-Lipp volunteered to be part of the working group led by Shoshana Wechsler. 6. RECEIVE UPDATE on Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. Colleen Noland from Sustainable Contra Costa gave an update on the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge including the motivation behind the challenge, its goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 500 tons by the end of 2020, and how the challenge operates. The main purpose of the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge is to connect residents, communities, and small businesses to climate actions. The challenge gives participants the ability to combat climate anxiety and give people of all backgrounds the resources to make a real impact on climate change, save resources, and save money. Noland encouraged Sustainability Commission to form teams and take the challenge. 7. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed. Sarah Foster announced that October 2020 is the first National Pedestrian Safety Month. Kim Hazard reported that the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Committee has ended its hiatus and is back to meeting regularly. Hazard stated that the IPM Committee’s recent work includes a decision-making document on reducing glyphosate use around the county. 8. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator. Jody London gave a report on the progress on the environmental justice element of the General Plan, her work on the Climate Emergency Resolution, the Contra Costa Asthma Initiative’s grant funding from the Sierra Health Foundation, Public Work’s work on solar and EV chargers on county facilities, and the implementation Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.8 of 13 of bioswales on County sites in East County. 9. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability. Howdy Goudey reported that the Sustainability Committee took up the environmental justice goals that the Sustainability Commission discussed at its last meeting and concluded by saying there would be more discussion around Just Transition during the next Commission meeting. 10. The next meeting is currently scheduled for December 14, 2020. 11. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM. Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.9 of 13 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 4. Meeting Date: 12/14/2020 Subject: RECEIVE UPDATE on Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative Department: Conservation and Development Presenter: Amalia Cunningham, Department of Conservation and Development Contact: Amalia Cunningham, Department of Conservation and Development Referral History: At the October 26, 2020 meeting, the Sustainability Commission formed an ad hoc working group to focus on procedural options for the County to follow as it begins to discuss a “Just Transition” away from fossil fuel industries. Referral Update: The ad hoc working recommends the Commission receive an update from the County’s Economic Development Manager on the Northern Waterfront Developing Initiative. This will be an oral presentation. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE UPDATE on Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative. Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A. ATTACHMENT(S) Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.10 of Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 5. Meeting Date: 12/14/2020 Subject: RECEIVE UPDATE from Just Transition Working Group, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed Department: Conservation and Development Presenter: Shoshana Wechsler, Sustainability Commission Contact: Shoshana Wechsler, Sustainability Commission Referral History: At the October 26, 2020 meeting, the Sustainability Commission formed an ad hoc working group to focus on procedural options for the County to follow as it begins to discuss a “Just Transition” away from fossil fuel industries. Referral Update: At the November 9, 2020, Sustainability Committee meeting, Supervisor Gioia spoke of the need to put together a table to begin discussion about a transition away from fossil fuel industries. Such a table would necessarily include a diversity of stakeholders, including community members. One role for our Commission, he said, would be to encourage and broaden community participation. The attached letter indicates that the community has already begun self-organizing. The working group feels it is important that commissioners become familiar with emerging developments. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE UPDATE from Just Transition Working Group, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed. Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A. ATTACHMENT(S) Letter from Community Organizations Regarding Just Transition BY ELECTRONIC MAIL 11/20/2020 Candace Anderson, Diane Burgis, John Gioia, Karen Mitchoff, and Federal D. Glover Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors 651 Pine Street, Room 107 Martinez, CA 94553 Dear Chair Anderson, Vice-Chair Burgis, and Supervisors Gioia, Mitchoff, and Glover, The undersigned organizations applaud your recent Declaration of a Climate Emergency in Contra Costa County, which underlines the need to "plan for a 'Just Transition' away from a fossil-fuel dependent economy." In furtherance of this goal, we seek your immediate action to ensure just transitions for workers and communities threatened with sudden abandonment by refineries located in the County. We believe climate protection must go hand in hand with environmental and economic justice. All of this is now at risk in the Contra Costa County oil belt. As you know, Marathon abruptly announced in August the immediate permanent end to crude processing at its Martinez refinery. Phillips 66 followed suit with notice of the impending partial closure of its San Francisco Refinery Complex facilities in Rodeo, Franklin Canyon, and Arroyo Grande. Both companies proposed switching to significantly downsized production of non-petroleum fuels, which will involve fallowing of large portions of the refineries. Neither announcement identified any explicit commitment to full cleanups of the contaminated industrial sites. Of even more immediate concern, neither company committed to support the wages, health care, or pensions of all whose jobs these facility closures threaten. These refinery downsizings—which may well be a harbinger of additional closures in the future—will jeopardize not just the livelihoods of the refinery employees, but those of thousands of families in the surrounding communities whose jobs are indirectly dependent upon the existence of the refineries. Refinery downsizing and shutdown also threaten a significant portion of the tax base upon which community government and essential services depend. Ultimately at risk are future prospects for environmentally healthy and economically sustainable development in communities hosting the decommissioned plant sites. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to take three immediate actions: First, we urge you to use your local land use authority to secure commitments from Marathon and Phillips 66 to cover direct and indirect costs associated with downsizing and ultimate decommissioning; and to pay their fair share of the cost for just transitions for workers and communities. At this critical juncture, when the companies are submitting permit applications seeking your approval of unprecedented land use changes in your jurisdiction, you should establish permit conditions setting stringent cleanup standards, requiring financial accountability for meeting those standards, and assessing fees to fund a just transition. Specifically, permit conditions should require that decommissioned refinery sites be remediated to a level allowing unrestricted use. Your decisive action in this regard would echo in concept the requirement under California state law (Public Resources Code §§ 3204–5) that owners of oil wells and other fossil fuel facilities post bonds or otherwise establish financial accountability up front to cover costs of decommissioning and remediation. The County should take like steps to ensure that Marathon and Phillips 66 demonstrate up-front accountability for closure-related costs. Second, to prepare for the anticipated rising tide of future decommissioning, we urge you to pass an ordinance or resolution similar to those passed in King County 1 (Seattle) and Multnomah County 2 (Portland) that aim to establish financial accountability requirements for refineries and other fossil fuel infrastructure as part of a holistic risk management and just transition strategy. The new plans by Marathon and Phillips 66 to transition from oil to biofuels production highlight the financial shakiness of California's fading oil industry, and the risk that further downsizing of oil refining capacity—which will ultimately be essential in any case for a livable climate—may leave the County and its taxpayers holding the bag for decommissioning-related costs and economic losses. Third, we urge you to strongly advocate for state action supporting just transitions for fossil fuel workers and communities, as well as full site cleanups to unrestricted use. Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-79-20 provides for your consultation on state oil facility transition policy. Your Climate Emergency Declaration, Resolution 2020/256, calls for "urgent action by all levels of government" to address our climate emergency, while committing the County to develop just transition strategies locally. And as shown by the County's landmark Industrial Safety Ordinance, upon which statewide refinery process safety management policies are now largely modeled, your leadership is important. The large oil companies who have for so long made their profits in our communities ought to be the ones to pay the steep cost associated with their departure. All levels of government should consider taking action akin to the State of Colorado’s Draft Just Transition Plan 3 to assist dislocated coal workers and affected communities. California also reached a collaborative agreement 4 with workers, PG&E and the community for the safe and responsible closure of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant. Governments around the world provide additional examples of just transition strategies, having supplemented unemployment or paid full salaries to workers laid off due to COVID, and, in some cases, supported COVID-idled workers at full salary. We look forward to your response to this request for worker and community protection and stand ready to further support immediate action to address these urgent environmental and economic needs. Sincerely, Corresponding authors: Andrés Soto Communities for a Better Environment andres@cbecal.org Ann Alexander NRDC aalexander@nrdc.org 1 King County, https://tinyurl.com/y2pd6d58 2 Multnomah County , https://tinyurl.com/y569d4x3 3 State of Colorado House Bill 19-1314, May 28, 2019, https://tinyurl.com/y476scfx ; Draft Colorado Just Transition Plan, https://tinyurl.com/y6crujwa 4 Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, https://tinyurl.com/zegu5p7 Signatories: Ann Alexander NRDC Greg Karras Community Energy reSource Janet Pygeorge Rodeo Citizens Association Ben Eichenberg San Francisco Baykeeper Matt Krogh Stand.earth Steve Nadel Sunflower Alliance Nancy Rieser Crockett-Rodeo United in Defense of the Environment Gary Hughes Biofuelwatch Jan Warren Interfaith Climate Action Network of Contra Costa County Laura Neish 350 Bay Area Ellie Cohen The Climate Center Jackie Garcia Mann 350 Contra Costa Janet Johnson No Coal In Richmond Marilyn Bardet Good Neighbor Steering Committee (Benicia) Zoe Siegel Greenbelt Alliance Kathy Dervin 350 East Bay Councilmember Eduardo Martinez Richmond City Council Liore Milgrom-Gartner California Interfaith Power and Light Sylvia Chi Asian Pacific Environmental Network Isabella Zizi Idle No More SF Bay Neena Mohan California Environmental Justice Alliance Ernesto Arevalo Communities for a Better Environment Kevin Hamilton Central California Asthma Collaborative Tom Kelly KyotoUSA Pennie Opal Plant Movement Rights Gopal Shanker Récolte Energy Jennifer Thompson Sustainable Silicon Valley Carol Cross Fossil-Free Mid Peninsula Sean Armstrong Redwood Energy Paulina Torres Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment Alexandra Nagy Food & Water Watch Don Osborne Fresh Air Vallejo Sabrina Hall Bayview Hunters Point Mothers and Fathers Committee Cynthia Mahoney Climate Health Now Desmond D'sa South Durban Community Environmental Alliance Lauren Weston Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet Jacob Klein Sierra Club, San Francisco Bay Chapter David Gassman Bay Area-System Change not Climate Change (BA-SCnCC) Jennifer Krill Earthworks Nicole Ghio Friends of the Earth David Braun Rootskeeper Jovita Kerner Social Justice Alliance of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County Mary Alice Lucchetti Climate Action Committee on behalf of Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church Bob Joe Sustainable Walnut Creek Rochelle Towers 1000 Grandmothers for Future Generations Barbara Sattler Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments Sherri Norris California Indian Environmental Alliance Stew Plock Silicon Valley Climate Action Now (SV-CAN!) Frances Aubrey Alameda Interfaith Climate Action Network Marj Plumb Breast Cancer Action Sheilah Fish Contra Costa MoveOn Amanda Bancroft 350 SV San Jose Elaine Maltz SanDiego350 Alyssa Kang California Nurses Association Sandy Emerson Fossil Free California Brian Haberly 350 Silicon Valley Benjamin Smith Greenpeace USA Patty Purvis-Thielman Climate Action Task Force of Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church Copy: U.S. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson John Kopchik, Director, Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development Jody London, Contra Costa County Sustainability Coordinator Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.11 of Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 6. Meeting Date: 12/14/2020 Subject: RECEIVE UPDATE on Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution Department: Conservation and Development Presenter: Jody London, Department of Conservation and Development Contact: Jody London, Department of Conservation and Development Referral History: On September 22, 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution. The Sustainability Commission recommended this to the Board last year, and after much work by the Sustainability Commission and the Sustainability Committee, in consultation with community members, the Resolution was adopted unanimously. The Sustainability Commission has requested that an update on implementation of the Climate Emergency Resolution be a standing item on its agenda. Referral Update: The Board of Supervisors took several actions with the resolution. Below we list the actions and progress by staff to implement each. These include: Action Implementation Status Declare a climate emergency Completed. Support the State’s recent climate goals and taking action to achieve them Ongoing. Establish an interdepartmental task force of all Department heads, or their senior deputies, that will focus on urgently implementing the County’s Climate Action and identifying additional actions, policies, and programs the County can undertake to reduce and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. The task force will report to the Board through the Sustainability Commission and the Sustainability Committee on a semi-annual basis starting in March 2021 The first meeting will occur December 16. Seek input from the community (with a special focus on highly impacted Environmental Justice communities), workers (especially impacted workers), and business/industry to help the County anticipate and plan for an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels, helps plan for a “Just Transition” away from a fossil- Staff continue to research how other jurisdictions have addressed this same or similar issues. Staff are supporting the ad hoc working group from the Sustainability Commission. County staff met with staff from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), which is Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.12 of fuel dependent economy, and considers how the County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can incorporate the County’s climate goals developing a roadmap for statewide Just Transition work. OPR anticipates releasing the roadmap in June 2021. Develop policies to require all new construction to be fully electric through the adoption of new building codes that exceed current State codes Ongoing. Update is on December 14, 2020 agenda of Sustainability Commission. Prioritize implementation of the Climate Action Plan as soon as possible and considering equity and social justice issues in the implementation of the Plan Ongoing. Include health, socio -economic, and racial equity considerations in policymaking and climate solutions at all levels and across all sectors This work is beginning with the development of the environmental justice policies for the General Plan. Include land use policies and actions that will facilitate greater availability of fresh food to County residents by creating more opportunities for community gardens, urban gardens, farmers markets, and related policies and programs. The County’s proposal to the California Department of Conservation for a planning grant to develop a carbon sequestration feasibility study is scheduled for adoption by the Strategic Growth Council on December 17. The County is partnering with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and the University of California Cooperative Extension to develop the feasibility study. A primary focus for the feasibility study will be how to increase community gardens. Call for all Contra Costa cities and agencies, as well as regional agencies, to also approve a Climate Emergency Declaration The Climate Emergency Resolution was sent to City Councils and City Managers in Contra Costa County in October, as well as leadership of the East Bay Municipal Utility District, Contra Costa Water District, and Central Sanitary District. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A. ATTACHMENT(S) Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 7. Meeting Date: 12/14/2020 Subject: RECEIVE Update on Development of Building Electrification Ordinance Department: Conservation & Development Presenter: Demian Hardman, DCD Contact: Demian Hardman, DCD Referral Building electrification has been an item of interest by the Sustainability Commission and has been identified as a potential strategy to include in the update to the County’s Climate Action Plan. History: On September 23, 2019, the Sustainability Committee requested that staff provide a report on building electrification, including its benefits to existing homeowners. On December 9, 2019, DCD staff provided a report to the Sustainability Committee on building electrificat ion. On September 22, 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution, which stated that the County should develop policies to require all new construction to be fully electric through the adoption of reach building codes. Referral Update: DCD staff is preparing a full report expected to be presented to the Sustainability Committee in early 2021 to consider options for developing a building electrification ordinance. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE Update on Development of Building Electrification Ordinance Fiscal Impact (if any): None. ATTACHMENT(S) Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.14 of Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 8. Meeting Date: 12/14/2020 Subject: REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan Department: Conservation and Development Presenter: Jody London, Department of Conservation and Development Contact: Jody London, Department of Conservation and Development Referral History: Advisory bodies to the Board of Supervisors are required to submit an annual report and work plan every year. Referral Update: Staff has prepared the draft 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan to the extent possible, in consultation with the Chair of the Sustainability Commission. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan. Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A. ATTACHMENT(S) Draft 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.15 of Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 2019 ANNUAL REPORT and 2020 WORK PLAN 2020 annual report The current members of the Sustainability Commission are:1 Howdy Goudey, At-Large, Community Group, Chair Wes Sullens, Member, District 4, Vice Chair Nick Despota, Member, District 1 Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1 Victoria Smith, Member, District 2 Ryan Buckley, Alternate, District 2 John Sierra, Member, District 3 Mike Moore, Alternate, District 3 Travis Curran, Alternate, District 4 Charles Davidson, Member, District 5 Renee Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5 Harry Thurston, At-Large, Community Group Russell Driver, At-Large, Business Marnisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business Isabella Zizi, Environmental Justice Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice Kim Hazard, At-Large, Education The Commission meets the fourth Monday in February, April, June, August, October, and December. The December meeting is earlier in the month. The Commission did not meet in April as the County moved to online meetings necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, is lead staff. All members, except those recently named, have completed the mandatory training. The Sustainability Commission has been asked to provide a representative to the County’s Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee; Kim Hazard is filling that role. The Chair and other members of the Commission participate in meetings of the Board of Supervisors’ Sustainability Committee. The Commission receives briefings from County staff and representatives of other agencies and groups on a range of issues related to the Climate Action Plan. Below is a summary of the Commission’s 2020 accomplishments. Activity Accomplishments Building Electrification The Commission received an update at its February meeting on staff efforts to develop a building ordinance that would require new buildings to be all-electric or electric-preferred. Adoption of a building electrification ordinance was included as an action in the Climate Emergency Resolution adopted by the Board in September. Staff provided another update in December. General Plan Update The Commission reviewed and provided input on environmental justice policies being developed for the General Plan. Climate Emergency Resolution At its February and June meetings, the Commission made recommendations for a declaration of a climate emergency by the Board of Supervisors. Commission members participated in Sustainability Committee meetings at which the draft Resolution was discussed, and at the September 22 meeting at which the Board of 1Two members of the Sustainability Commission resigned during 2020. The Commission thanks Nicholas Snyder (At-Large Business) and Doria Robinson (At-Large, Environmental Justice for their service. The Sustainability Committee interviewed applicants for those seats on November 9, 2020; on December 8, 2020, the named Marisha Farnsworth (At-Large, Business) and Isabella Zizi (At-Large, Environmental Justice) to the vacant seats. Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.16 of Activity Accomplishments Supervisors adopted the Climate Emergency Resolution. The Commission has asked for a status report on implementation of the Climate Emergency Resolution as a standing item at every meeting. Climate Action Plan Update The Commission received reports on the ongoing update of the County’s Climate Action Plan. This project was put on hold during 2019. Tree Ordinance The Commission received a briefing at its February meeting on work to update the County’s Tree Ordinance, and provided input, particularly ideas for how to use the mitigation fund. Transportation Planning Priorities The Commission received an update at its October meeting from the County’s lead Transportation Planner on transportation priorities in the County, particularly accessible transit and bicycle facilities. County Policy on Oil Drilling At its June meeting, the Commission discussed a proposal for the Board of Supervisors to modify the policy regarding oil drilling in Contra Costa County. The Commission sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors requesting the Board enact a moratorium on oil and gas drilling while the General Plan and Climate Action Plan are being updated, and consider revisions to the conservation element of the General Plan. Communication and Engagement The Commission received an update at its October meeting on the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. Some members agreed to participate in the Challenge and encourage their networks to do the same. 2021 Work Plan The Commission will continue to report to the Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability, as well as to the full Board. Projects and initiatives related to the Climate Action Plan on which the Commission anticipates it may advise the Board of Supervisors and staff include: • General Plan Update, particularly integrating equity and environmental justice • Climate Action Plan update • Implementation of the Climate Emergency Resolution, particularly planning for a Just Transition to a clean energy economy • Identifying and pursuing opportunities to develop green benefits districts throughout the County • Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint implementation • Advocacy on issues related to the Climate Action Plan • Potential health impacts of climate change • Building electrification • Carbon-neutral building materials • Increasing resilience to climate-related disasters and incidents, including the Adapting to Rising Tides studies for Eastern Contra Costa County and the Bay Area region and Public Safety Power Shutoffs • Outreach and education on sustainability to Contra Costa County residents and businesses • Other issues in the Climate Action Plan, including water conservation and drought; land use and public transportation, including pedestrian and bicycle access; energy efficiency and renewable energy; and recycling and composting. Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.17 of Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 9. Meeting Date: 12/14/2020 Subject: REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2020 Department: Conservation and Development Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator Contact: Jody London, Department of Conservation and Development Referral History: The Sustainability Commission for past two years has submitted an annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report (Progress Report) to the Board of Supervisors. Referral Update: In 2018, the Progress Report consisted of a large spreadsheet that addressed every measure in the Climate Action Plan. In 2018, the Commission combined this spreadsheet with a narrative that provides data on numeric targets. The Commission found that this document was easier to follow. The 2019 Progress Report used a narrative format. 2020 has been an unusual year. Work on the Climate Action Plan Update has been on hold since earlier this year, due to delays in the General Plan schedule because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. As that work resumes in 2021, staff will be focused on developing measures that will be easier to monitor and report on. Staff has been researching how other jurisdictions report on CAP progress; the challenges that Contra Costa County encounters in CAP monitoring and reporting are not unique. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2020 Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A. ATTACHMENT(S) Draft 2020 Climate Action Plan Progress Report 0 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, 2020 PROGRESS REPORT December 2020 Jody London For more information, contact: Jody London Sustainability Coordinator Contra Costa County Jody.London@dcd.cccounty.us 925-674-7871 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 1 Energy Efficiency ......................................................................................................................................... 1 Measures EE 1: Energy-Efficient Retrofits – Residential Buildings, EE 2: Energy-Efficient Retrofits – Nonresidential Buildings and EE 3: Energy Conservation Awareness ..................................................... 1 Measure EE 4: Urban Forestry and Paving and Roofing Materials .......................................................... 4 Renewable Energy ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Measure RE 1: Alternative Energy Installations ...................................................................................... 5 Measure RE 2: Alternative Energy Facilities ............................................................................................ 5 Measure RE 3: Alternative Energy Financing .......................................................................................... 5 Land Use and Transportation ...................................................................................................................... 7 Measure LUT 1: Mobility and Land Uses ................................................................................................. 7 Measure LUT 2: Alternative-Fuel Infrastructure ..................................................................................... 8 Measure LUT 4: Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction ................................................................................. 9 Solid Waste ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Measure W 1: Waste Reduction and Recycling....................................................................................... 9 Water Conservation .................................................................................................................................... 9 Measure WE 1: Water Conservation ....................................................................................................... 9 1 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 2020 Climate Action Plan Progress Report Introduction The 2020 Climate Action Plan (CAP) progress report provides information on the actions Contra Costa County has taken in the past year to advance the goals of the County’s 2015 Climate Action Plan. Due to the events that have transpired over the course of 2020, the data that is enclosed in this report reflects the unusual year. Information on County operations is included in the attached progress report from the County’s Public Works Department. Energy Efficiency Measures EE 1: Energy-Efficient Retrofits – Residential Buildings, EE 2: Energy-Efficient Retrofits – Nonresidential Buildings and EE 3: Energy Conservation Awareness Overview of GHG Emissions Targets as Established by 2015 CAP GHG Emissions Reductions Target by 2035 for All EE Measures1 GHG Emissions Reductions Expected by 2020 for All EE Measures Percentage of 2020 GHG Emissions Reduction Target Achieved to Date 14,000 MTCO2e 2 7,510 MTCO2e 88% Breakdown of 2020 GHG Emission Totals and CAP Targets for Measures EE 1, EE 2, and EE 3 Measure 2020 GHG Reduction Target (MTCO2e) Total GHG Emissions Reduction Completed by 2020 3 (MTCO2e) EE 1 Provide opportunities for residential buildings to become more energy efficient. 2,140 937 1 Refers to Measures EE 1, EE 2, EE 3, EE 4, EE 5, and EE 6 2 MTCO2e2 = carbon dioxide equivalent 3 Percentages are calculated using the 2015 Contra Costa CAP Monitoring Tool provided by Michael Baker International. The percentages included remain tentative until additional requested data is provided. 2 Measure 2020 GHG Reduction Target (MTCO2e) Total GHG Emissions Reduction Completed by 2020 3 (MTCO2e) EE 2 Provide opportunities for nonresidential buildings to become more energy efficient. 4,630 332 EE 3 Provide education and outreach highlighting the benefits of energy conservation 430 5,358 The CAP calls for continued expansion of single-family and multi-family participation in established energy efficiency rebate programs to retrofit 3,000 single-family and 700 multi-family homes. In 2019 and 2020, under the BayREN Home+ and Multifamily programs, 57 single-family and 14 multi-family units were retrofitted. All estimated emission reductions are dependent on multiple data sets from various energy efficiency programs, such as the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) program, County Weatherization program, PG&E Commercial Business program, and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) projects. County staff is working with PG&E and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to obtain outstanding data for Commercial customers that is not yet available. There are also additional PACE projects for which data is still being collected. Therefore, GHG emissions reductions (expected percent to be completed by 2020) may be higher than is estimated in this report. For Measure EE 1, there was a significant drop in energy efficiency home retrofits completed for calendar year 2020, likely due to COVID-19. Actual expected GHG reductions under Measure EE 3 are much higher than originally expected/allocated under the current CAP, due to extensive community outreach conducted by County staff to educate residents on the benefits of energy conservation. A geographic breakdown of where projects qualifying for energy efficiency rebate programs were carried out in the unincorporated County is provided below. The data on the single-family energy efficiency retrofits completed in unincorporated Contra Costa County for 2020 was last updated on November 4, 2020. 3 2019 Energy Efficiency Single-Family Homes Completed - Unincorporated Community # Homes Retrofitted Total kWh Savings Total Therms Savings Alamo 49 2698.3 985.18 Bay Point 2 0 47.38 Byron 9 672.44 109.88 Crockett 9 542.47 49.78 Discovery Bay 3 203 79.53 El Sobrante 21 843.91 749.99 Kensington 33 824.56 719.38 Rodeo 20 491.37 489.96 PACE Projects - HERO 15 not available not available Totals 161 6276.05 3231.08 2020 Energy Efficiency Single-Family Homes Completed -- Unincorporated Community # Homes Retrofitted Total kWh Savings Total Therms Savings Alamo 25 2479.13 493.46 Diablo 1 192.3 24.49 El Sobrante 2 1888.97 49.94 Rodeo 3 116.42 116.64 PACE Projects - HERO 11 not available not available Totals thru Nov 2020 42 4676.82 684.53 Below is the data for multi-family projects in the unincorporated County in 2019 and 2020; to-date there are no multi-family projects in the unincorporated County in 2020. Data on the specific communities in which multi-family projects were implemented is not available; PG&E claims that providing this information violates consumer privacy rules. 4 Multi-Family Projects completed Units kWh Savings Therms Savings 2019- Unincorporated 14 5951 492.9 2020- Unincorporated 0 0 0 Totals thru Nov 2020 14 5951 492.9 Measure EE 4: Urban Forestry and Paving and Roofing Materials The CAP sets a goal to plant 500 new shade trees by 2018. The exact number of trees planted and removed is not currently tracked by the County, so it is not possible to conclude if this measure has been met. However, actions being developed this year by County staff will make it easier to maintain the number of trees in the County. The County Off-Street Parking Ordinance (Chapter 82-16) contains provisions for parking lots of a certain size to provide landscaping and shade trees. The County’s Tree Ordinance is in the process of being updated where an in-lieu tree planting fee program will be considered. County staff is exploring other models that allow in-lieu fees to be paid when replanting is infeasible. Said fees would be used to plant trees in other areas of the County. Factors for determining how plantings from in-lieu fees are designated are also being developed. The CAP aimed to have 1,790 existing homes and 9 existing businesses complete cool roof retrofits by 2018. From January 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020, 600 homes and 15 businesses have completed cool roof retrofits. The target for cool roof installations has been well-exceeded. Residential Cool Roof Installations Year # Cool Roofs Installed 2010 54 2011 46 2012 31 2013 10 2014 44 2015 73 2016 226 2017 335 2018 482 2019 527 2020 600 Total 2,328 Commercial Cool Roof Installations Year # Cool Roofs Installed 2014 2 2016 3 2017 2 2018 8 2019 15 2020 15 Total 45 5 Renewable Energy Measure RE 1: Alternative Energy Installations The CAP sets a goal of 50 new homes, 2,500 existing homes, 10 new businesses, and 60 existing businesses with solar arrays by 2020. This target has been far exceeded with over 5,000 residential PV permits issued in the past three years alone. From January 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020, 966 residences and 4 businesses in the unincorporated County installed solar PV. In 2015, the County implemented the online permitting tool. Because of COVID-19, the majority of applicants this year took advantage of this service with 83% of permits being issued online. Year Total # Residential PV Permits # Residential PV E-Permits 2018 1482 414 2019 1759 323 2020 1829 1525 Measure RE 2: Alternative Energy Facilities The CAP sets a goal to install 1 MW of solar on public facilities in the unincorporated area by 2018. As noted in past CAP progress reports, this target has long been surpassed. The County continues to increase its solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity with installation at various sites around the county. Currently, the County has 22 PV systems that have a total capacity of 4.5 MW and produce 6.5 million kilowatt-hours per year (6,500,000 kWh/year). In 2019, Contra Costa County signed a Power Purchase Agreement for the installation of an additional nine solar PV systems; three of these solar PV systems include energy storage. The first phase of this new Distributed Energy Resources project will be completed by the end of 2020 and the second phase by mid-year 2021. When complete, the County will have added that will produce an additional 6,000,000 kWh/year. Over the 25-year contractual period the County is estimated to save $16,000,000. Measure RE 3: Alternative Energy Financing Measure RE 3 is supportive and does not have a quantitative target. The CAP identifies community choice aggregation as a strategy for increasing the amount of renewable energy consumed in the County. Unincorporated Contra Costa has reduced a total of 3,554 MTCO2e through its participation with MCE since 2018. Unincorporated County has an 89.1% participation rate with a Deep Green participation rate of 1.3% as of October 1, 2020. 6 7 Municipal Accounts Opted Up to Deep Green (As of October 1, 2020) The CAP also calls for improving participation in programs that help financial investments in renewable energy and energy storage systems which includes programs such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and BayREN. PACE in particular allows property owners to voluntarily join an assessment district and borrow money for the purpose of making energy or water efficiency improvements to their project. In 2019, the Sustainability Commission suggested the County identify financing mechanisms that would be more accessible to low- and medium-income homeowners. This fall staff submitted a proposal to the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy to perform this research. Starting in January, this topic will be the capstone project for a Goldman School student, to be completed by May 2021. Land Use and Transportation Measure LUT 1: Mobility and Land Uses The CAP calls for 33,630 countywide bike trips per weekday on average by 2020. This is not a metric that staff has explicitly tracked due to the cost of data collection and the inherent limitations of this data across the unincorporated County. The following studies and programs directed by County staff facilitate easier access to transportation alternatives and improved safety conditions, which both encourage non-vehicular mobility. 8 Bike and Pedestrian Access In June 2020, the Board of Supervisors accepted the Iron Horse Corridor Active Transportation Study, which identifies improvements throughout the 22-mile Corridor for increasing safety, access, and the trail user experience. The County collaborated with all Corridor cities, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, East Bay Park District and local communities and trail users to develop the Study. County staff is currently developing the Marsh Creek Corridor Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study which explores the concept of a new multi-use trail within the 12+ mile corridor from Clayton to the Round Valley Regional Preserve (near Brentwood). The purpose of the path would be to provide a safe, useful and enjoyable transportation corridor for various forms of non-motorized travel, including pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle users (including serious bicycle enthusiasts). Vision Zero The County’ Vision Zero Program, which seeks to reduce fatalities and significant injuries on unincorporated roadways is currently in development. The Program will result in engineering, education and enforcement strategies that will be implemented to help reduce roadway incidents and increase user safety. Active Transportation Plan The Contra Costa County Active Transportation Action Plan (“ATP”) will create a detailed inventory of the County’s roadways and identify opportunities to build active transportation facilities with an emphasis on projects that can be installed quickly through re-striping and repaving. Staff will create a three-tiered priority list of projects based on ease of implementation, location in disadvantaged communities, and overlap with a travel demand model. Staff will conduct extensive public outreach in each of the 13 unincorporated communities and develop an interactive web map tool for ongoing outreach and evaluation. With more detailed data on roadway opportunities and constraints, staff can expand upon CCTA’s 2018 Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and support concurrent planning efforts such as the County’s Vision Zero program, which will in turn support regional and state planning goals. The County was awarded a $380,000 Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant to develop the ATP. Measure LUT 2: Alternative-Fuel Infrastructure The CAP targets specific outcomes regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging station use, including 14,220 vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per EV by 2020. MCE has contributed to the network of EV charging stations distributed throughout the county through its rebate program. Through this rebate program, as of October 4, 2020, MCE has installed 317 charging stations within the county. 9 The number of EV charging stations around the county has grown tremendously thanks to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s (CCTA) work on the Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint completed in July 2019 and the Board of Supervisors’ adoption of a streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle chargers on December 17, 2019 (Ordinance No. 2019-39). These two efforts contributed to the 1,325 charging stations currently distributed throughout the county. Measure LUT 4: Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction This measure establishes targets for BART and bus trips taken by residents of the unincorporated County, and decreases in vehicle miles travelled in high occupancy vehicle lanes to be met by 2035. For reasons similar to bike trip data, this is not something staff tracks. Such an effort would require significant coordination with BART, bus operators, and other agencies to measure. In June 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted new guidelines for evaluating transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Specifically, the new guidelines implemented Senate Bill (SB) 743 which shifted the transportation analysis metric for measuring environmental impacts from congestion and delay-based metrics (e.g. Level of Service or LOS) to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). The guidelines introduced new thresholds of significance for land use and transportation projects. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies are typically required mitigation where necessary. County staff is also working with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority on development of a regional VMT mitigation program. Solid Waste Measure W 1: Waste Reduction and Recycling Since 2007, the State measures jurisdictional waste reduction based on the amount disposed using a pounds of disposal Per Person per Day (PPD) metric. In 2019, the unincorporated County area disposal was 2.46 PPD, which is a reduction of 0.74 PPD from the 2007 baseline of 3.2 PPD, equivalent to an overall diversion rate of 77%. The CAP set a goal to achieve a local waste diversion rate of 75% and reduce tons of waste by 90,850, so the goal was achieved. Water Conservation Measure WE 1: Water Conservation Contra Costa County is served by a number of water purveyors. The majority of residents receive service from the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), which serves the southern and western areas, and the Contra Costa Water District, which serves central and eastern areas. The CAP aims to reduce potable water use by 20% from 2013 water use by 2020. The East Bay Municipal Utility District has provided high-level data on water use in the unincorporated County. As of 2019, unincorporated county’s water use was 3,681,827 CCF 4 for non-residential use and 5,394,742 CCF for 4 Each CCF is 748 gallons of water 10 residential use. Total potable water use for the county was 9,076,569 CCF, or a 7.86% increase in water consumption from 2015 levels. See table below. Total CCF Years Unincorporated Area 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Grand Total Non- Residential 3,783,241 3,432,147 3,489,074 3,683,351 3,681,827 18,069,640 Residential 4,631,907 4,787,355 5,350,131 5,488,289 5,394,742 25,652,424 Grand Total 8,415,148 8,219,502 8,839,205 9,171,640 9,076,569 43,722,064 Contra Costa County Public Works Department 2020 Sustainability Report December 2020 1 Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 2 Road Program ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Traffic Signals .......................................................................................................................................... 2 Street Lights ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Street Tree Program ............................................................................................................................... 3 Complete Streets .................................................................................................................................... 3 Increase multi-modal access to parks and open space ........................................................................... 6 Vision Zero .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Green Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................... 7 Cool Pavements ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Irrigation/Landscaping .......................................................................................................................... 10 Cold-in-Place Recycling ......................................................................................................................... 11 County Buildings ....................................................................................................................................... 11 MCE Deep Green Program .................................................................................................................... 11 Distributed Energy Resources Plan ....................................................................................................... 11 Recycle .................................................................................................................................................. 13 Green Products for Custodial Services .................................................................................................. 13 Cool Roofs ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Low Impact Development/Green Infrastructure (GI) ............................................................................ 14 Purchasing Services................................................................................................................................... 15 Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy ...................................................................................... 15 Fleet Services ............................................................................................................................................ 15 Electric Vehicles .................................................................................................................................... 15 Charging Stations .................................................................................................................................. 15 County Watershed Program ..................................................................................................................... 16 Flood Control Program.............................................................................................................................. 17 Improving Watersheds .......................................................................................................................... 19 2 Sustai nability Efforts at Public Works Summary Report (As of December 2020) Introduction The Public Works Department is responsible for several programs that have been identified as opportunities for more sustainable operations to help reduce our impact on the environment. The Department is responsible for programs that deliver services directly to the public, such as the Road Program, Flood Control Program, Airports, and Parks and Recreation. The Department is also responsible for programs that deliver services to other County Departments, such as County Buildings, Fleet Services, Recycle and Surplus (Materials Management), Purchasing, and Print & Mail. Below is a summary of some efforts that have been accomplished, are in process, or are planned to address the County’s Climate Action Plan. Road Program Traffic Signals - All 88 unincorporated County Traffic Control Signals and 27 warning flashers have been converted to LEDs resulting in energy savings. We are exploring using fuel cell technology for power backup during Public Safety Power Shutdowns (PSPS) and other power outages at critical intersections. We currently have one signal that has a diesel generator back up and some signals that have battery backup. The battery backup system only lasts a couple of hours and is not sufficient for an average PSPS event. The diesel system can last 24 hours and then needs to be refueled. The diesel system also requires more on-going maintenance versus the fuel cell technology and emits diesel emissions into the environment. The fuel cell technology will provide 6-9 days of uninterrupted power before needing to refuel. The only byproduct is heat and water as long as we use hydrogen fuel, making it better for the environment. CAP Reference: 1.1 Increase the number of carbon neutral building in Contra Costa County – Energy Efficiency and weatherization programs; 1.2 Replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable electricity 3 Street Lights – All county owned street lights have been retrofitted with LED bulbs. PG&E street lights in unincorporated Contra Costa County have been replaced with LED bulbs. The retrofit has reduced energy consumption. CAP Reference: 1.1 Increase the number of carbon neutral building in Contra Costa County – Energy Efficiency and weatherization programs Street Tree Program - We currently don’t have an official street tree program. We have worked with specific community members wishing to place trees in the road right-of-way in areas such as Byron and Tara Hills. There are various Landscape Districts that fund the maintenance of landscaping, including trees, either in the road right-of-way or adjacent to the road. There are currently no plans to develop and implement a Street Tree Program for unincorporated County roads. Special Districts has several parks and Landscape Zones that have trees. To help manage the trees, Special District staff is implementing a tree inventory program for parks. CAP Reference: 2.2 Sequester carbon in natural lands in CCC. Track number of native trees planted by County and public and private partners Complete Streets – The Board of Supervisors adopted a Complete Streets policy and the Public Works Department has been implementing this policy where it is realistic, beneficial, and resources are available. Complete Streets facilitate opportunities for various modes of travel, such as pedestrian, bicycles, transit, and vehicles, within the public road right-of-way. The Public Works Department has numerous completed, on-going, and planned projects that implement the various components of complete streets. The projects are listed below. In 2020, we added only 0.10 miles of bike lanes and 0.10 miles of sidewalk. Although this may seem insignificant, these additions were gap closures that now create a longer uninterrupted bike or pedestrian facility. Although we are adding to our inventory of sidewalks and bike lanes, we are lacking good metrics and goals to show our progress on achieving the goals of the Board of Supervisors Complete Streets policy. To address this shortfall, we are developing metrics to show our progress for curb ramps, sidewalks, and bike lanes. We plan to develop GIS layers that show sidewalks, bike lanes, and ADA ramps to help keep inventory of our existing and newly constructed facilities. We need to show which streets have all modes of travel or two modes of travel. We may color code roads with Red (Vehicles only), Yellow (Vehicles, Bike Lanes), Orange (Vehicles, Sidewalk), and Green (Vehicles, Sidewalks, Bike Lanes). We may want to couple this information with the “stress level” information from CCTA. The inventory of sidewalks and bike lanes is currently being worked on by our Transportation Engineering Division. Transportation Engineering has contracted with a company through CCTA to map pedestrian and bicycle facilities into GIS. To prioritize funding for the most likely routes to be used by pedestrian and bicyclists, we are looking to develop a Local Access Score (http://localaccess.mapc.org/) for roads that will prioritize the development of certain roads into complete streets. We feel that by addressing the high target routes, we will see the greatest decline in Vehicle Miles Traveled. If we develop the Local Access Score, a metric to measure progress in implementing complete streets might be the percentage of those roads with a High Local Access Score that have been improved to allow for multi-modal travel. Overall, the goal is to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled. The Local Access Score metric would be the lead measure and the Vehicle Miles Traveled metric would be the lag measure. 4 The following are recent examples of complete street projects completed and planned projects for the near future. Completed 2018 • Tice Valley Linear Park and Pedestrian Improvements (2018?) Completed 2019 • Tara Hills Pedestrian Infrastructure Project 5 • Camino Tassajara Bike Lane Gap Closure Project Completed 2020 • San Pablo Dam Road Sidewalk Gap Project • Walnut Creek Crosswalk Improvements 6 • Rodeo Downtown Infrastructure Improvements (includes green infrastructure – bio-swale) Upcoming 2021 • Fred Jackson Way First Mile/Last Mile Connection Project • Marsh Drive Bridge Replacement (includes EBRPD trail on new bridge/partnership, bike lanes and sidewalk) • Bailey Road/SR4 Interchange Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Improvements • Bel Air Trail Crossing Safety Improvements • Oak Road Bikeway Project • Rodeo Pedestrian Enhancement Project Upcoming 2022-2024 • Danville Boulevard/Orchard Court Complete Streets Improvements (2022) • Alves Lane Trail Crossing (2022) • Imhoff Drive Bicycle Shoulder Restriping (2022) • Westminster and Kenyon Avenue Accessibility Project (2022) • Central County AOB Pedestrian Project (2023) • Mayhew Way and Cherry Lane Trail Crossing Enhancement (2023) • Treat Boulevard Corridor Improvements (2024) • Appian Way Complete Streets Project – submitted ATP grant for partial project (TBD) CAP Reference: 5.1 – Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing number of people who bike, walk, and take public transit. Increase multi-modal access to parks and open space – As mentioned in the Complete Streets section above, we are considering developing a Local Access Score for our road network. The process of developing the score requires input of destinations. We would make sure that parks and open spaces are included in the model when calculating the Local Access Score. This will help us prioritize which facilities would most likely be used and which facilities we need to improve. The following links provide additional detail on how the State of Massachusetts implemented a statewide Local Access Score to help prioritize funding for complete street components. All jurisdictions were included; therefore, an equal evaluation method was in place to target the high priority areas. 7 http://localaccess.mapc.org/methodology.html http://localaccess.mapc.org/assets/pdfs/LocalAccess_Technical_Report.pdf CAP Reference: 6.3 – Increase access of County residents to parks and open space. Vision Zero - The idea is that if we have safer streets, then more people will use bikes and walk or other non-vehicle modes to travel. The program is currently underway with the High Incident Network identified. We are working on finalizing the countermeasures to address the HIN roads. Metrics for this is overall collisions, Major Injury and Fatal collisions, bike collisions, and pedestrian collisions. There was a suggestion of the low-stress designation. This metric may be incorporated into the complete streets effort and/or the Vision Zero effort. Completed 2019 • Byron Highway Traffic Safety Improvements • Marsh Creek Road Traffic Safety Improvements Completed 2020 • Kirker Pass Road Northbound Truck Climbing Lane • Crockett Area Guardrail Upgrade • San Pablo Dam Road Traffic Safety Improvements Upcoming 2021 • Byron Highway/Byer Road Safety Improvements (near school) Upcoming 2022-2024 • Norris Canyon Road Safety Improvements (includes shoulders for bikes) • Kirker Pass Road Safety Project • Vasco Road Safety Project (Phase II) • Camino Tassajara Safety Improvements – South of Windemere Pkwy to County Line (includes bicycle facilities) CAP Reference: 5.1 – Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing number of people who bike, walk, and take public transit. Green Infrastructure – The County is a permittee under the San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit (MRP). All of our new projects comply with the requirements as set forth in the MRP. For example, we just completed a multi-million dollar safety project on Kirker Pass Road that incorporated two large bio-retention facilities to filter and slow the flow of rainwater from the impervious pavement added by the project. The facilities were oversized to go above the required permit requirements. In addition to Kirker Pass Road, we have completed the Rodeo Pedestrian Improvements Project that incorporated an oversized bio-retention facility to treat and slow rainwater runoff in the area. The project also included landscaping. 8 As part of our efforts to incorporate greener infrastructure into our projects, we have tested pervious concrete on a sidewalk project in Bay Point. We will evaluate how it performs and will need to direct staff on whether to continue to use this method of water treatment and slowing. Another possible application of pervious pavement would be in parking lanes along roadways. The County was required to put together a Green Infrastructure Plan. We will need to review the plan and educate staff on the requirements of the plan. We have discussed this issue with Transportation Engineering on allocating a set amount of budget towards implementation of the Green Infrastructure Plan. We are trying to incorporate as many green components into our road projects as required by the Clean Water Permit. 9 One area of concern is that some green infrastructure, such as bio-swales, require vegetation. The vegetation will increase water usage to keep the plants alive. One of the Climate Action Plan goals is to reduce water usage which conflicts with adding more landscaping that requires irrigation. We will need to research what types of low-irrigation landscaping we could use to meet clean water filtration specifications while keeping operations and maintenance costs down. The MRP requires 100% reduction of trash flowing from the municipal separate storm sewer system to creeks and the San Francisco Bay by 2022. As part of the County’s Trash Reduction Program, the County has installed full trash capture devices in individual storm drain inlets to capture trash and debris carried by rain water before it flows to creeks and the Bay. In the past 2 years, Contra Costa County has installed 177 trash capture devices that collect rain water from 518 acres. In addition, Contra Costa County entered into a Cooperative Implementation Agreement (CIA) with Caltrans in June 2020 to install large full trash capture devices in a section of unincorporated San Pablo. This project will be designed and constructed over the next several years. The trash capture devices will collect trash flowing through the storm sewer system from both Caltrans Interstate 80 and the County right-of-way. CAP Reference: 2.2 Sequester carbon in natural lands in CCC. Install Green Infrastructure Cool Pavements – The County currently does not have a Cool Pavement Program. We have looked into the topic and have found some concerns that need to be addressed prior to recommending such a program. The City of Los Angeles has a cool pavement program. Studies by UCLA are showing that the benefit of white pavement may not be all that beneficial. Although the surface may be cooler, the air temperatures in the vicinity of the road may have increased. We would like to continue to monitor cool pavements performance before we implement this program since it will be an additional cost to implement and may not necessarily yield desirable outcomes. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-03/reflective-pavement-may-be-less-cool-than-it- seems 10 Public Works inquired to the City and County Pavement Improvement Center (John Harvey) asking for his expertise on cool pavements and specifically the use of hydrated lime to improve the albedo of asphalt concrete and reduce heat island effects. Mr. Harvey confirmed that cool pavements may actually increase the air temperature in the area and that more studies need to happen. The benefits of cool pavements may also be location-specific. The Public Works Department, through its Engineering Services Division, will need to look at Sustainable standards for roads to make sure the development community is constructing sustainable infrastructure that can be maintained. CAP Reference: 2.3 Address impacts of heat islands Irrigation/Landscaping – The Public Works Department is working on creative solutions to reduce water usage and meet community expectations for landscaping. We have completed two projects that installed artificial turf that allows stormwater to percolate through to recharge groundwater, while reducing water use for irrigation and meeting community desires for pleasant landscaping. The following pictures are examples of projects completed in Bay Point and Pacheco. The project in Pacheco (picture on the right) was installed approximately 10 years ago and has weathered well. The Pacheco project was done as a pilot project to determine how the installation would do through time. Aside from someone trying to pull up the turf the first week it was installed, the island still looks great. 11 CAP Reference: 4.1 – Reduce water use in unincorporated County and in County facilities. Cold-in-Place Recycling – The Public Works Department is using cold-in-place recycling as a method to rehabilitate unincorporated County Roads. Cold-in-place recycling grinds up the existing roadway, adds rejuvenating oil, and is placed back down on the roadway. This layer is usually capped with a thin layer of new asphalt concrete. This technique is less expensive and reduces the need for natural resources (rock) and reduces the overall truck trips during construction. We have completed three large projects using cold-in-place recycling: Buchanan Field Airport Taxiway, Kirker Pass Road Rehabilitation, and Balfour Road (approximately a three mile stretch of road). County Buildings (Facilities/Capital Projects/Custodial Services/Materials Management) MCE Deep Green Program – The County participates in MCE’s renewable electricity program. The Board of Supervisors approved moving to MCE’s Deep Green Program starting in FY 21/22. Distributed Energy Resources Plan - Contra Costa County is a pioneer and leader in the distributed energy resource arena having started in nearly two decades ago with two rooftop solar energy photovoltaic systems on two of its most important buildings. Since then the County has added 20 more 12 ground-mounted, rooftop and parking lot canopy solar energy systems. These PV systems have a total capacity of 4.5 MW and produce 6.5 million kilowatt-hours per year (6,500,000 kWh/year). Looking forward, in 2019 Contra Costa County signed a Power Purchase Agreement for the installation of an additional nine solar PV systems, three of which include energy storage. The first phase of this new DER project will be completed by the end of 2020 and the second phase by mid-year 2021. When complete, the County will have added an additional 6,000,000 kWh per year of solar production potential. Over the 25-year contractual period the County is estimated to save $16,000,000. The County’s latest two major construction projects resulted in all-electric solar powered buildings that include 30 new Level 2 electric vehicle chargers. Both buildings were certified LEED Gold status. Projects pursuing LEED certification earn points for various green building strategies across several categories based on the number of points achieved, a project earns one of four LEED rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum. The County Public Works department has been methodically retrofitting LED lighting and associated lighting controls for interior and exterior building lighting. The most recent lighting project completed in 2020 is a fluorescent-to-LED lighting retrofit project using a Job Order Contractor (JOC) at the County’s DOiT Headquarters at 30 Douglas. The building has the County’s highest electricity user per square foot, usage associated with the servicers and requisite cooling. Nearly five hundred new fixtures were installed in the 35,000 square foot building. At an installed cost of approximately $200,000, the LED retrofit will save over $40,000/year in reduced electricity, maintenance and cooling costs (LED lights put of significantly less heat per lumen than fluorescent). The project will pay for itself in five years. 13 In addition to saving money and energy, the new lighting is brighter, more evenly distributed, and dimmable through a wall switch. Each overhead LED light fixture has a built-in sensor for motion and light detection and is programmable through a phone app so customization is straight-forward. LED fixtures near to windows automatically dim when sunlight is high, clearly the most efficient mode of operation. The County’s intention is to systematically continue the retrofit process until all County- owned buildings have the best available and most efficient lighting technology. CAP Reference: 1.1 Increase the number of carbon neutral buildings in CCC Recycle - The Materials Management Division of Public Works provides collection of recyclable materials generated by County department operations to reduce waste that goes to landfills and to help preserve our natural resources. An average of 750 tons per year of paper, cardboard, and scrap metal is collected, baled, and recycled from County operations. • Horizontal balers and bales of cardboard bales Green Products for Custodial Services – One goal of the Department is to construct County buildings to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard and continue to follow green practices to keep building operations clean once occupied by staff. The County is considered a Green Cleaning Agency. Green Cleaning refers to using cleaning methods and products with environmentally friendly ingredients and procedures which are designed to preserve health and environmental quality. Green Cleaning techniques and products avoid the use of products which contain toxic chemicals and other conditions. Green Cleaning can also describe the way industrial 14 cleaning products are manufactured, packaged and distributed. If the manufacturing process is environmentally friendly and the products are biodegradable, then the term “Green” or “Eco-Friendly” may apply. The Custodial Services Division of Public Works ensures that the County follows Green Cleaning practices when purchasing cleaning supplies and following proper procedures for cleaning buildings. CAP Reference: 3.2 – Reduce waste from County operations, including contracts for services and products. Cool Roofs – The Public Works Facilities Services continues to take the opportunity to incorporate “cool roofs” on county facilities as roof replacements are needed. Below are just two examples of “cool roofs” being installed at 40 and 50 Douglas Drive in Martinez. CAP Reference: 2.3 – Address impacts of heat islands. Low Impact Development/Green Infrastructure (GI) - The Clean Water Act Municipal Regional Permit (MRP) requires new projects that create or replace 10,000 square feet of impervious surface and other special categories such as uncovered, stand-alone parking lots that create 5,000 square feet of impervious surface to install stormwater treatment facilities. These facilities often include native grasses, shrubs, and trees. The acreage of added GI will be tracked and reported annually through the use of GIS. The goal is to reduce stormwater pollutants and erosion of our creeks and channels. CAP Reference: 2.2 Sequester carbon in natural lands in CCC. Install Green Infrastructure 15 Purchasing Services Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy – The Purchasing Division will work with the Sustainability Coordinator and the Sustainability Commission to update the policy. Work will begin in early 2021. Environmentally preferable procurement (EPP) involves purchasing products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. Attributes can include a long list of factors that evaluate the purchaser's need, the cost and functionality of the product, and its environmental effect. Attributes to consider are: • Recycled content • Durability • Maintenance • Recyclability • Disposal • Energy efficiency • Water efficiency • Raw materials acquisition • Production • Manufacturing • Packaging • Distribution and transportation methods • Operation Fleet Services Vehicles are the main source of greenhouse gases that impact our global environment. Through guidance provided by the Board of Supervisors, the Fleet Services Division’s goal is to green the County’s fleet by acquiring alternative fuel vehicles and ensuring that the infrastructure is available to support these vehicles, such as charging stations. Electric Vehicles – Fleet Services continues to promote building a “Green Fleet” by purchasing 5 electric and 3 plug-in hybrid vehicles as replacement vehicles in FY 2019-20. The Chevy Bolts purchased have a range in excess of 200 miles which has helped staff overcome range anxiety. Charging Stations – To date the County has installed 39 smart EV charge ports for employees, the public and fleet and pool vehicles. In addition, it has 10 non-billable EV charges used for fleet and pool at the maintenance yard and Public Works headquarters. The County is piggy-backing on the new solar PPA program to get EV charger infrastructure installed in conjunction with the parking lot solar canopy projects, significantly reducing the economic and logistical impacts of this work that involves concrete 16 trenching and subsequent patching. This new effort will lead to a potential quadrupling of EV charge capacity in the County within the next 12 months. County Watershed Program The MRP requires projects that create new impervious surfaces such as buildings, parking lots, and streets of a certain size to install stormwater treatment facilities (low impact development/GI). The County Watershed Program ensures that the design, installation, and maintenance of GI for County and developer projects complies with the Permit. The data for those facilities is reported to the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board each fall with our Annual Report. The County’s Municipal Stormwater Permit required development of a long-term GI Plan. This plan was submitted on 8/30/19 and included projects not only adding new GI at County facilities, but also retrofitting existing County facilities to provide additional GI. We are currently prioritizing the project list and pursuing grant opportunities. Our first pilot project is the North Richmond Watershed Connections Project in North Richmond. One component of the project is to plant approximately 90 trees in the community with State Coastal Conservancy Grant funds. The tree plantings are scheduled for 2022. 17 The North Richmond Watershed Connections Project is also installing approximately 1,700 square feet of green infrastructure bio-swales along Fred Jackson Way with State Coastal Conservancy Grant funds. The work is scheduled for 2021. CAP Reference: 2.2 Sequester carbon in natural lands in CCC. Track number of native trees planted by County and public and private partners Flood Control Program The Flood Control District has adopted a “50-year Plan” which encourages investigating opportunities to convert concrete flood control channels into earthen channels as the infrastructure reaches the end of its life, or as redevelopment occurs. The District works with cities on this effort. No city has proposed a project that fits the 50-year Plan model yet. 18 District Hydrology data collection units use batteries with solar panels for operating power rather than fossil fuel power sources. CAP Reference: 1.2 Replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable electricity The Three Creeks Parkway Restoration Project on Marsh Creek in Brentwood is planting 71 15-gallon native trees, 953 1-gallon native trees, 772 willow poles, and 255 cottonwood poles. EPA, State Coastal Conservancy, and Delta Conservancy grant funding was obtained. Plantings will be done between 2020 and 2023. CAP Reference: 2.2 Sequester carbon in natural lands in CCC. Track number of native trees planted by County and public and private partners One of the main objectives of the District’s Lower Walnut Creek Restoration Project is the sustainability of benefits in the face of sea level rise. The project has been designed with accommodation space for upslope habitat migration, and with ample room for new wetland establishment. This project, scheduled for construction in 2021, restores and enhances approximately 303 acres of coastal habitat, including 89 acres of tidal wetlands and 15 acres of non-tidal wetlands, 12 acres of tidal waters. The project is located in unincorporated County just east of the City of Martinez. Rain Gauge Setup 19 CAP Reference: 2.2 Sequester carbon in natural lands in CCC. Track number of native trees planted by County and public and private partners Improving Watersheds Giving Natives a Chance Native Planting Since 2013, the Flood Control District has coordinated annual native plantings at Clayton Valley Drain in Concord to promote native plant populations. Working with the non-profit, The Restoration Trust, typically 5,000 or more grass plugs of native creeping wild rye, Santa Barbara sedge, or Baltic rush are planted each year by volunteers or a contractor. These species provide natural erosion control, fire suppression, and are compatible with flood control objectives. They spread from underground rhizomes that anchor the soil and are all perennial species, meaning they stay green all year. They do not have woody stems, so during floods, they lay down on the slope, which does not impede the flow of water during high-flow events. These species also provide carbon sequestration, unlike non-native annuals, and remove as much as 500,000 gC/acre a year or about ½ ton of carbon per acre per year. The planted areas are approximately ¾ of an acre. Prior to 2013 and the annual restoration work, the site had less than 5% native cover. Native cover is now over 50% and is likely to continue to increase as the native vegetation grows and expands. Arundo Removal Since 2019, the Flood Control District partnered with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and the Walnut Creek Watershed Council to support removal of the invasive plant, arundo donax, from the Walnut Creek Watershed. The member groups of the Council focus on removal within each of their respective sub-watersheds (e.g. Lafayette, San Ramon Creeks) while the District focused on removing 20 arundo at its Kubicek Basin facility on Pine Creek in Walnut Creek. Multiple visits are necessary to effectively remove this invasive plant. This aggressive plant can grow four inches a day and up to 30 feet tall crowding out native plants very quickly. They consume large amounts of water without providing food or habitat for insects, birds or other wildlife, and are flammable year-round which makes them a constant fire hazard. Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.18 of 13 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 10. Meeting Date: 10/26/2020 Subject: RECEIVE report s from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed Department: Conservation & Development Presenter: Sustainability Commission Members Contact: Jody London, DCD Referral History: This is a standing item of the Commission. Referral Update: Commission members and alternates will provide updates to the full Commission. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed. Fiscal Impact (if any): None. ATTACHMENT(S) No file(s) attached. Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.13 of 13 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 11. Meeting Date: 12/14/2020 Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator Department: Conservation & Development Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator Contact: Jody London, DCD Referral History: This is a standing item of the Commission. Referral Update: Key activities since the Commission’s last meeting on October 26, 2020 are listed below. • Staff is working on implementation of the many actions directed in the Climate Emergency Resolution (see earlier item). • Sustainability staff continue to support the General Plan team in developing the draft environmental justice policies for the General Plan. • Worked with Sustainability Commission leadership to write the Triennial Review report required of all County advisory bodies every three years. See attached. • Our proposal to the California Department of Conservation for a planning grant to develop a carbon sequestration feasibility study for Contra Costa County is being recommended for approval. This item will go to the Strategic Growth Council for approval on December 17. The County is partnering with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and t he University of California Cooperative Extension to develop the feasibility study. The grant award is $250,000. That does not include a required 10% match, 5% of which is a cash match, the remainder of which is in-kind and will be provided by County and partner organization staff. • The Contra Costa Asthma Initiative project is expected to be launched in January 2021, through a $527,558 grant from the California Department of Health Care Services and $100,000 grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Contra Costa Health Services and DCD staff are currently working to establish the appropriate agreements to begin implementation of the project. • DCD staff is expected to complete its last BayREN homeowner workshops in mid-December. A total of eight (8) homeowner ZOOM workshops for county residents and one contractor informational webinar are planned to be completed by calendar year 2020. Four (4) of the eight (8) workshops were conducted in Spanish with an average attendance of 60 per workshop. Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.13 of 13 • Hosted an online meeting of the Sustainability Exchange on December 10 for local government staff in Contra Costa and Alameda Count ies. Over 30 people participated to discuss climate action plans. • Continued to administer the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. • Participated in professional learning opportunities regarding environmental justice, carbon sequestration, communication and facilitation strategies, race and equity, and related. • Collaborated with County staff working on topics including land use and transportation, hazardous materials, green business program, the County’s state and federal legislative platforms, economic development, health, codes, solid waste, energy, and related. • Participated in regional activities. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE report from Sustainability Coordinator. Fiscal Impact (if any): None. ATTACHMENT(S) Triennial Review Report Page 1 of 7 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Triennial Sunset Review of Appointed Boards, Committees, & Commissions Part I: Questions Name of Advisory or Independent Body (i.e. Committee, Commission, Council, or Board): Sustainability Commission Name of Person Completing the Triennial Review Survey: Jody London Chairperson Name: Howdy Goudey Staff Person Name: Jody London Staff Agency/Department: Department of Conservation and Development Staff Telephone Number: 925-674-7871 Staff Email: Jody.London@dcd.cccounty.us Website Address (write “N/A” if the body does not have a website): https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6393/Sustainability-Commission 1. How many authorized, voting seats are on the body? 12 members, 5 alternates 2. How many authorized, voting seats are currently filled? 10 voting seats are currently filled. The Sustainability Committee of the Board interviewed candidates for the vacancies on November 9 and will be recommending people to fill the vacancies at the December 8, 2020 Board meeting. 3. Does the body have a sufficient number of members to achieve its mission? ☒Yes ☐No If “No”, do you recommend an adjustment to the number of seats (an increase, decrease, or other restructuring)? CONTACT INFORMATION MEMBERSHIP Page 2 of 7 4. Does the body have a sufficient composition of members/types of seats to achieve its mission? ☒Yes ☐No If “No”, please indicate which seats you would modify and why. 5. Has the body experienced any membership challenges (i.e. high vacancy rates, trouble filling seats, high member turnover, difficulty meeting quorum, or issues with recruitment and retention)? ☐Yes ☒No If “Yes”, please describe the membership challenges experienced. 6. Are there special qualifications, requirements, or prerequisites for members to serve on the body? ☒Yes ☐No If “Yes”, please explain whether the requirements are important and necessary, or describe any issues where these requirements have limited recruitment of potential candidates. 7 of the 12 seats on the Sustainability Commission are At-Large. 2 of the At-Large seats are for people who represent community groups whose mission includes sustainability and/or environmental issues; 2 of the seats are for people who represent commercial groups or organizations whose business focuses on sustainability and/or environmental issues; 2 of the seats are for people representing environmental justice issues and who live in a disadvantaged community, and who represent the geographic diversity of the County; 1 seat is for someone who represents an education or research institution. 1. How many meetings were scheduled during the last 36 months? 20 2. During the last 36 months, how many meetings were held? 17 3. How many meetings were cancelled during the last 36 months? One in April 2020 due to COVID; one in April 2019 due to medical leave of key staff. 4. How many meetings were cancelled during the last 36 months specifically due to a lack of quorum? One meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum. It was a special joint meeting with the Hazardous Materials Commission, which had quorum, so the meeting was able to proceed. MEETINGS Page 3 of 7 1. How does the body engage stakeholders and the general public on issues and programs within the body’s area of responsibility? Sustainability Commission meetings are open to the public. There are usually at least 3 members of the public at each meeting, sometimes many more, depending on the topic. The Sustainability Commission in 2019 held a series of community meetings across the County to obtain input for the ongoing update to the County’s Climate Action Plan. 2. How are stakeholder and public input incorporated into the body’s mission and objectives? Stakeholder and public input are incorporated into the Sustainability Commission’s deliberations. The Commission’s mission and objectives have remained the same since the Commission was formed in 2016. In 2019, the Board of Supervisors created an additional environmental justice seat on the Sustainability Commission to address community interest in serving on the Commission and the need to recognize that environmental justice is important across the County. 3. What outreach efforts are undertaken to encourage public participation in meetings and sponsored activities? Meeting agendas are published in accordance with County Better Governance Ordinance requirements. Sponsored activities are advertised through communication to the Sustainability Commission subscription list, Supervisors’ newsletter, and the Department of Conservation and Development Facebook page. Individual Commission members coordinate with the community on issues of particular interest. 4. How far in advance of the meeting date does the body post its meeting notice? 96 hours. 5. Where are meeting notices posted? Please note all locations, both physical and electronic. Agendas are posted electronically at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6393/Sustainability- Commission. Agendas are physically posted at 30 Muir Road, Martinez, the office of the Department of Conservation and Development and the location for in-person meetings of the Sustainability Commission. 6. What information is regularly presented to the body’s members to keep them informed of the body’s performance? Every Sustainability Commission agenda includes the following standing items: reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates; report from the Sustainability Coordinator on the work of County staff; and a report from the Sustainability Commission Chair. The Sustainability Commission receives reports from County staff on the programs that comprise the Climate Action Plan. 1. What is the original purpose and responsibility of the body, as prescribed in its establishing documents? COMMUNITY INFORMATION, OUTREACH, & MEETING NOTICES MISSION & PURPOSE Page 4 of 7 Provide Advice to staff and the Board on successful implementation of the Climate Action Plan, including suggestions on how that work can be performed more efficiently and effectively. Advise the Board on opportunities to realize equity and fairness across the diverse communities of Contra Costa County in sustainability programs that support the Climate Action Plan. Provide suggestions to staff and the Board on how to better engage Contra Costa County residents and businesses on sustainability issues and implementation of the Climate Action Plan. 2. Have there been major changes to the body’s responsibility (such as changes in legal mandates or in the major activities that it has undertaken)? ☐Yes ☒No If “Yes”, please describe these changes. Click or tap here to enter text. 3. Are the body’s bylaws reflective of the body’s current mission, purpose, and focus? (Alternatively, use this space to indicate if the body does not have bylaws.) ☒Yes ☐No ☐N/A - body does not currently have bylaws If “No”, please describe how the body’s current mission, purpose, or focus differ from the existing bylaws. Click or tap here to enter text. 4. Do you recommend changes to the body’s mission, purpose, or focus? ☐Yes ☒No If “Yes”, please explain the changes you would suggest and why. Click or tap here to enter text. 5. What target population or priority communities are served by the body? The Sustainability Commission serves the entire County. Its mission also includes “Advise the Board on opportunities to realize equity and fairness across the diverse communities of Contra Costa County in sustainability programs that support the Climate Action Plan.” The Sustainability Commission is mindful in its deliberations of the impact of County sustainability initiates on communities that have been disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution and climate change, and how those communities can be better engaged and served. 6. List activities, services, programs, and/or special projects the body delivers to achieve its current mission. The Sustainability Commission is not engaged in direct service of programs or projects. Its purpose is to advise the Board of Supervisors. 1. Does the body have an annual operating budget? ☐Yes BUDGET Page 5 of 7 ☒No 2. Does the body collaborate with any private organization (not the county or an associated governmental agency) that provides, holds, and/or disburses funds on behalf of the body, such as a “Friends” committee or other organization? ☐Yes ☒No If “Yes”, please list the organization. Click or tap here to enter text. 1. Are there any additional challenges or problems that the body has been unable to resolve or wishes to bring to the attention of County Administration and/or the Board of Supervisors? ☐Yes ☒No If “Yes”, please provide a description of the challenge or concern. If “Yes”, please also list who is affected by this challenge or problem. If “Yes”, please also list what changes or other recommendations the committee has considered in response. 1. Describe the specific impact of the work of the body and its work in achieving its mission. The Sustainability Commission began meeting in June 2017. The attached chart chronicles the Commission’s accomplishments and effects on the community. 2. Describe any effects the body has had on the target population or community. The Sustainability Commission began meeting in June 2017. The attached chart chronicles the Commission’s accomplishments and effects on the community. 3. Optional: Describe any additional comments on the accomplishments and impact of the body. You may use this space to share additional comments about the work of the body, its effectiveness, the services it provides, or any other related achievements. CHALLENGES ACCOMPLISHMENTS & IMPACT Page 6 of 7 Part II: Materials Please attach or provide links to the following materials.  Agendas from the last 12 meetings ☐Attached; or ☒Link to Agendas from last 12 meetings: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/AgendaCenter/Sustainability-Commission-145  Minutes (or records of action) from the last 12 meetings ☐ Attached; or ☒ Link to Minutes from last 12 meetings: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/AgendaCenter/Sustainability-Commission-145  Bylaws currently in effect ☐ This body does not have bylaws; or ☒ Attached; or ☐ Link to current bylaws:  Annual Reports for years 2017, 2018, and 2019 if available, as submitted to the Board of Supervisors ☐ There are no annual reports for the years 2017-2019; or ☐ Attached; or ☒ Link to most recent Annual Report: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6393/Sustainability-Commission Page 7 of 7 Part III: Signatures & Certification Please print, handwrite, and sign this section after reading the certification below: I certify that I have reviewed this survey and believe that our board, committee, or commission’s (body’s) responses to the Triennial Review Phase 1 survey are complete and accurate. Name of Board, Committee, or Commission (body) Chairperson: Howdy Goudey Signature of Chairperson: Date: 11/30/2020 Name of Board, Committee, or Commission (body) Staff Person: Jody London Signature of Staff Person: Date: 11/30/2020 Attachment – Page 1 ATTACHMENT SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND IMPACT 2018-2020 Topic Accomplishments 2018 Polystyrene Ban In April, Commission members met with Public Works staff to learn about the proposed ban and provide input. Public Works provided an update at the August 2018 Commission meeting. The Board of Supervisors on December 9 directed staff to develop a polystyrene ban that includes restaurants and other food service businesses, private care facilities, and private service providers and bans the sale of polystyrene food containers. Carbon Fee and Dividend The Commission asked the Board of Supervisors to incorporate into the County’s federal legislative platform support for a carbon fee and dividend. The Board on October 9 indicated its support for a carbon fee to be added to the federal legislative platform. Celebrating Success The Sustainability nominated two groups for Sustainable Contra Costa Leadership awards: the North Richmond Watershed Connections Project, and the Public Health Academy at Alhambra High School. Both won and were recognized in September. Realizing Equity and Fairness The Commission discussed how it could better achieve this purpose at its August retreat. In October, the Commission met with the Asian Pacific Environmental Network to learn more about environmental justice and climate planning. This work is ongoing. Communication and Engagement Members of the Commission are working with staff on how to better engage County residents and businesses. Commission members participated in a Countywide workshop in November with ecoAmerica on Let’s Talk Climate! Fix-It Clinics One member of the Commission partnered with staff from the County Library to host a Fix-It Clinic at the El Cerrito Library, and to plan additional clinics at other libraries. Adapting to Rising Tides A member of the Commission researched sea level rise. She reached out to the Bay Conservation and Development Commission regarding the ART study. BCDC presented to the Commission in June. Members of the Commission participated in the August kickoff meeting for the ART-Eastern Contra Costa project. 2019 Climate Action Plan Update The Commission received reports from staff and consultants on components of the Climate Action Plan. Commission members developed recommendations for goals and strategies for the Climate Action Plan. Commission members assisted the Sustainability Coordinator in planning and conducting four community engagement meetings specific to the Climate Action Plan. Nearly 75 people attended one of the four meetings, which were held across the County. General Plan Update The Commission appointed one of its members to the Technical Advisory Working Group for the General Plan Update. The Commission provided input to staff and consultants on outreach, environmental justice, sustainability, and health aspects of the General Plan Update. The Commission provided input to the vulnerability assessment. Commission members participated in General Plan community meetings. Transportation Expenditure Plan The Commission recommended to the Board of Supervisors priorities for the Transportation Expenditure Plan developed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. These priorities were conveyed to the CCTA Board. Attachment – Page 2 Topic Accomplishments Polystyrene Ban The Commission continued to provide recommendations to staff and the Board of Supervisors regarding the polystyrene ban adopted by the Board in September 2019. Electric Vehicle Deployment The Commission received updates on the Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint developed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. Members of the Commission participated in the stakeholder meetings for the project. Carbon-Neutral Building Materials The Commission recommended County staff explore options for using carbon- neutral materials in buildings and roads. Commission members assisted County staff in identifying pilot programs in other jurisdictions and becoming more familiar with options. Realizing Equity and Fairness The Commission adopted an environmental justice assessment tool and recommended it to County staff for use in updating the General Plan and Climate Action Plan. (See attached.) Communication and Engagement Commission members helped promote the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. Climate Emergency Mobilization Resolution The Commission researched climate emergency mobilization resolutions adopted by other jurisdictions. The Commission recommended the Board refer deliberation on whether to adopt a similar recommendation to the Sustainability Committee, which referral happened on November 19, 2019. Adapting to Rising Tides Members of the Commission have monitored the ongoing ART-East Contra Costa project. 2020 Building Electrification The Commission received an update at its February meeting on staff efforts to develop a building ordinance that would require new buildings to be all-electric or electric-preferred. Adoption of a building electrification ordinance was included as an action in the Climate Emergency Resolution adopted by the Board in September. Staff provided another update in December. General Plan Update The Commission reviewed and provided input on environmental justice policies being developed for the General Plan. Commission members participated in community meetings on this issue. Climate Emergency Resolution At its February and June meetings, the Commission made recommendations for a declaration of a climate emergency by the Board of Supervisors. Commission members participated in Sustainability Committee meetings at which the draft Resolution was discussed, and at the September 22 meeting at which the Board of Supervisors adopted the Climate Emergency Resolution. The Commission has asked for a status report on implementation of the Climate Emergency Resolution as a standing item at every meeting. Climate Action Plan Update The Commission received reports on the ongoing update of the County’s Climate Action Plan. This project was put on hold during 2019. Tree Ordinance The Commission received a briefing at its February meeting on work to update the County’s Tree Ordinance, and provided input, particularly ideas for how to use the mitigation fund. Transportation Planning Priorities The Commission received an update at its October meeting from the County’s lead Transportation Planner on transportation priorities in the County, particularly accessible transit and bicycle facilities. County Policy on Oil Drilling At its June meeting, the Commission discussed a proposal for the Board of Supervisors to modify the policy regarding oil drilling in Contra Costa County. The Commission sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors requesting the Board enact a moratorium on oil and gas drilling while the General Plan and Climate Action Plan are being updated, and consider revisions to the conservation element of the General Plan. Attachment – Page 3 Topic Accomplishments Communication and Engagement The Commission received an update at its October meeting on the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. Some members agreed to participate in the Challenge and encourage their networks to do the same. Sustainability Commission Mtg. Agenda Packet - Pg.13 of 13 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 12. Meeting Date: 12/14/2020 Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability Department: Conservation & Development Presenter: Howdy Goudey, Chair Contact: Jody London, DCD Referral History: This is a standing item of the Commission. Referral Update: The Sustainability Commission Chair provides an update at each meeting to Commission members on the administration of the Commission, meetings of the Board of Supervisors Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability, and other issues of interest to the Commission. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE report from Sustainability Commission Chair. Fiscal Impact (if any): None. ATTACHMENT(S) No file(s) attached.