HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 12132021 - Sustainability Cte MinCONTRA COSTA COUNTY
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
December 13, 2021, 5:00 P.M.
**Meeting Remotely Until Further Notice**
To slow the spread of COVID-19, in lieu of a public gathering, the Sustainability Commission meeting
will be accessible via live-streaming to all members of the public as permitted by Government Code
section 54953(e).
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4, Chair
Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice,
Vice Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2,
Chris Easter, Alternate, District 2
Mike Moore, Member, District 3
Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Luz Gomez, At-Large, Community Group
Howdy Goudey, At-Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, At-Large, Business
Marisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business
Isabella Zizi, At-Large, Environmental Justice
Kim Hazard, At-Large, Education
Agenda
Items:
Items may be taken out of order based on business of the day & preference of the Commission. Persons
who wish to address the Commission during the meeting can indicate they wish to speak by using the
“raise your hand” feature in the Zoom app, or by sending an email to Sustainability@dcd.cccounty.us
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/84447419211
Meeting ID: 844 4741 9211
Or Telephone:
Dial:
USA 214 765 0478 US Toll
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 25, 2021, meeting.
4.RECEIVE presentations from Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission and Delta
Stewardship Council on rising water levels and climate change, and PROVIDE DIRECTION to County
staff, as needed.
5.REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Sustainability Commission 2021 Annual Report and 2022 Work
Plan
6.REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2021
7.RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution
8.RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE
DIRECTION as needed.
9.RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator.
10.RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Ad
Hoc Committee on Sustainability.
11.The next meeting is currently scheduled for February 28, 2022.
12.Adjourn
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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 online 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
Phone (925) 655-2815 · Fax (925) 655-2750 · jody.london@dcd.cccounty.us
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:
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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
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
3.
Meeting Date: 12/13/2021
Subject: APPROVE Record of Action for October 25, 2021, Sustainability Commission
Meeting.
Department: Department of Conservation & Development
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, DCD
Contact: Jody London (925) 655-2815
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 25, 2021, Sustainability
Commission Meeting with any necessary corrections.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
Attachments
10-25-21 Record of Action
Zoom Chat Record
Jamboard from Oct. 25 Agenda Item on Climate Action Goals and Strategies
Comments from Gary Farber
Comments from 350 Contra Costa
Comments from Greenbelt Alliance
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Record of Action
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
Monday, October 25, 2021
5:00 P.M.
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4, Chair
Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice,
Vice Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2
Chris Easter, Alternate, District 2
Mike Moore, Member, District 3
Vacant, Alternate, District 3
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Luz Gomez, At-Large, Community Group
Howdy Goudey, At-Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, At-Large, Business
Marisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business
Isabella Zizi, 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 Commission
Present: Wes Sullens, Member, District 4, Chair
Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice, Vice Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2
Chris Easter, Alternate, District 2
Mike Moore, Member, District 3
Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Marisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business
Chuck Leonard, At-Large, Business
Luz Gomez, At-Large, Community Group
Howdy Goudey, At-Large, Community Group
Kim Hazard, At-Large, Education
Isabella Zizi, At-Large, Environmental Justice
Absent: None
Staff Present: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Dept. of Conservation and Development
Savannah McCarthy, Climate Corps Fellow, Dept. of Conservation and Development
Dan Peddycord, Health Services
Attendees: Brenna Shafizadeh, Caleigh Quist, Carol Weed (Walnut Creek), D’Arcy Trask, Denice Dennis, Fred
Glueck, Gary Farber, Glenn Loveall, Jan Warren, Jean Tepperman, Karen, Lindy Novak, Lisa Jackson,
Susannah Meyer, Jessica Robbins, Tammy Seale, Eli Krispi,
1.Call to Order and Introductions
2.Public Comment
There were no public comments.
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3.APPROVE Record of Action for August 23, 2021 meeting.
The Record of Action for the August 23, 2021, meeting was approved.
MOTION: Smith SECOND: Leonard
4.REVIEW draft goals and strategies for update to the County’s Climate Action Plan (Tammy Seale
and Eli Krispi, Placeworks)
Tammy Seale and Eli Krispi from PlaceWorks presented the draft goals and strategies for the
County’s Climate Action Plan. (The presentation was posted with the meeting agenda.)
The Commission used Jamboard, an online white board, to provide input on each goal, strategy,
and measure of effectiveness. (See attachment for Jamboard). After the Jamboard, the Commission
raised two concerns. First, the difference between carbon neutral, zero carbon, and low carbon
should be specified in the CAP because these terms are not interchangeable. Second, the
Commission raised the concern that some of the goals are not measurable in terms of greenhouse
gas emissions reduction. That is, how will some of these goals aid in reducing GHG? The County’s
explained that some goals are not GHG goals; they are resilience strategies not mitigation.
Public comment included the following:
•Partner with local community partners to cover more ground with outreach related to sea level
rise.
•Use clear and measurable goals. Consider adding a cost table to each goal to show the cost to
the County of the measure compared to the cost of doing nothing.
•Make the Plan more accessible to the public. More information on the timeline and who
oversees the CAP would help the public be more active and engaged.
•Model after Oakland’s CAP - friendly and welcoming, has clear language, short paragraphs,
and compelling photos.
•Collaborate with 350.org. Release the CAP two weeks in advance of meeting date to allow
time for community review. Publish on Envision Contra Costa website for full transparency.
•Provide more explanation on how the CAP fits into the General Plan. Can we map each plan’s
goals onto the other for the community to see?
•Wildfire danger needs to be added to the CAP - why is sea level rise on there but wildfire
doesn’t have its own section? There should be more strategy added on this topic.
•The actions listed are too specific. Need broader actions so the Plan can adapt.
•Concern that GHG emissions may move into other counties. How does the CAP recognize this
big picture?
•With 75,000 union workers in the county, how do we incorporate labor’s perspective into the
Plan? Specifically, jobs in the transportation sector.
•Data transparency and visualization. Create a dashboard that is useful for education and
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community groups.
• The CAP doesn’t include a “just transition” for labor and workers.
• The CAP needs to address GHG emissions from burning biomass in wildfires. This also poses
a solution for carbon sequestration- Could 8.3 be expanded into more categories?
Jody London and the consultants noted that all comments will be taken into consideration. Moving
forward as the Plan becomes solidified, it will be released to the public with ample time (6-8 weeks) to
review and provide comments. London noted that there will be additional community outreach,
including a community meeting, an online web site where people can provide comments, and London
would like to talk with community groups that are interested in learning more and providing input.
Considering the comments on wildfire, the Commission and community should be aware that specific
requirements must be met in the General Plan in conjunction with CalFire and Emergency Services.
5. RECEIVE UPDATE on Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution. (Jody London, Contra
Costa County Department of Conservation and Development)
London referred to the written report in the agenda. She noted that the Interdepartmental Climate
Action Task Force, comprised of Department heads, is focused on helping each department adopt best
practices from the County’s Green Business Program.
6. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE
DIRECTION as needed. (Wes Sullens, Sustainability Commission)
Wes Sullens reported that there are no updates.
7. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator (Jody London, Contra Costa County Department
of Conservation and Development)
Jody London reported that the Electrification Reach Code ordinance is in process, and should go to
the Board of Supervisors in December.
The Health Services Department recently created a new position, the Chief of Climate and Health.
Dan Peddycord was appointed to this position, and in his new role he is focusing efforts at the
intersection of human health and climate change.
On November 16, the Board of Supervisors will consider how to allocate revenues from the
Measure X sales tax. Included in the eligible projects is funding to support additional staff for
sustainability planning in the Department of Conservation and Development.
London also mentioned that the upcoming SB 1383 implementation will be a large component of how
the Waste Goals of the CAP are achieved.
There was no public comment on this item.
8. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to
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Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability.
Wes Sullens noted that an overview of this meeting shall be reported to the Sustainability
Committee at its next meeting.
9.The next meeting is currently scheduled for December 13, 2021.
10.Adjourn
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17:07:48 From Jody London : • 10 to 15 minutes (5:10): Presentation
• 5 minutes (5:25): clarifying questions from Sustainability Commission members and
alternates
• 45 minutes (5:30): use Jamboard to solicit written comments from members and
alternates on each issue area.
• 15 to 20 minutes (6:15): public comment
• 20 minutes (6:30): discussion by Sustainability Commission members and alternates
17:25:41 From Karen (she/her) to Hosts and panelists : Do we have a timeline with actual
dates?
17:30:57 From Marti Roach to Hosts and panelists : What is the comment period on this
draft
17:33:10 From Jody London to Marti Roach and all panelists : We'd like comments in the
next week. One week from today. If you need more time let me know.
17:34:37 From Marti Roach to Hosts and panelists : we request more time
17:35:47 From Jody London to Marti Roach and all panelists : I'll have to get back to you if
you need more than another week.
17:42:12 From Marti Roach to Hosts and panelists : cannot read the post its
17:42:38 From Samantha Moy, D3 Alt. to Hosts and panelists : How do we add a +1?
17:43:24 From Marti Roach to Hosts and panelists : is it ENERGY efficient build
environment?
17:43:41 From Jody London to Marti Roach and all panelists : yes
17:50:22 From Marti Roach to Hosts and panelists : can we see the notes from community
meetings?
17:57:15 From Lindy Novak : How much solid waste is generated per person now?
17:57:25 From Marti Roach to Hosts and panelists : how long will this meeting last?
17:58:05 From Jody London to Lindy Novak and all panelists : I believe it's around 2.75
pounds/person
17:58:56 From Denice Dennis, Ohlone Land, El Cerrito : Good question for each of the
Goals--Where are we now? and how will this reduce GHG?
18:01:57 From Marti Roach : this seems to be a resilience strategy and there is a resilience
goal…?
18:29:51 From Marti Roach : Is my hand raised when it says raise hand?
18:30:35 From CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT DEPT : @ Marti Roach, yes
18:34:33 From Nick Despota Distrct 1 to Hosts and panelists : I like Karen’s idea of
comparing cost of a measure to the cost of doing nothing.
18:35:18 From Kim Hazard (she/her) to CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
DEPT(Direct Message) : I lost editing ability on the jamboard is it closed now?
18:37:03 From Nick Despota Distrct 1 : Oakland’s CAP is more public-friendly than our last
CAP is. Language is clear, paragraphs short, photos are compelling. This supports one of Marti’s
points.
18:37:53 From Kim Hazard (she/her) to Hosts and panelists : I lost editing ability on the
jamboard is it closed now?
18:38:28 From Kim Hazard (she/her) to Hosts and panelists : never mind!
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 9 of 114
18:42:15 From Marti Roach : so, the assumption in the full draft to be taken to the community
is that the goals and strategies can change at that time?
18:43:38 From Marti Roach : okay, that is what I assumed. just wanted to be sure. thank you
Jody
18:47:57 From Nick Despota Distrct 1 to Hosts and panelists : Re: wildfires: Urban-wildland
interface. That’s a Land Use GP issue. Re Wonder if it’s there are provisions there to address limits
on new development.
18:52:13 From Victoria Smith, District 2 to Hosts and panelists : I think fire as a result of
climate change is just like sea level/shoreline flooding, which we do have a strategy to address,
and we should deal with both; Implementation actions could include building code changes to
harden homes when built/remodeled, encourage fire-resistant landscaping, coordinate with
police and fire agencies to plan for safe evacuation, coordinate with PG&E regarding vegetation
management to reduce risk.
18:53:22 From Wes Sullens - Dist 4 to Hosts and panelists : Agree with you Victoria
18:55:23 From Victoria Smith, District 2 to Hosts and panelists : Great comments Marisha!
A lot to explore theee
18:56:47 From Charles Davidson : Low-water/low-fertilizer massive greenhouse build out in CC
County for locally-grown organic foods.
18:57:44 From Charles Davidson : Like Holland, Spain and Israel.
18:58:04 From Marti Roach to Hosts and panelists : by the way, the link in the agenda did not
work. probably many people did not get in
18:58:18 From Charles Davidson : Giant areas in East CC County would be a financial success.
19:01:32 From Marisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business to Hosts and panelists : I agree with
Howdy that jamboard did not allow for much discussion. Would it be permissible to add notes to
jamboard in advance of the meeting and then discuss the notes during the meeting?
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CLIMATE ACTION IDEAS Gary Farber 4/20/21
FOSSIL FUEL FINANCIAL SUPPORT WITHDRAWAL
Withdraw government saving funds from banks that support fossil fuel development.
Withdraw government funds in investments that support fossil fuel development.
Encourage the private sector to not place funds in entities that support fossil fuel development.
PERSONAL AUTOS
Incentivize residents to purchase EVs
By 2030, ban gasoline powered new auto sales. Or ban autos that are not either plug-in hybrid,
electric, or hydrogen fuel cell.
Require EV charging stations in new MF housing. Required quantity of chargers should
account for the state banning new gasoline autos by 2035. Or, if there is a current charging
station requirement, review requirement for expected demand in light of expected EV adoption
rate.
Encourage installation of EV charging stations in existing MF housing.
Educate public on ICEV1 engine warm-up and mid-trip idling (i.e. max. warm-up time 30
seconds, unless longer to defrost windshield, and max. mid-trip idling 30 seconds).
For private autos of government employees: Use government purchasing power to leverage
discount for employees to purchase EVs.
GOVERNMENT AUTOS
Ban purchase of passenger autos without at least partial electric drive, or are fuel cell powered,
by 2022.
Allow only “zero emission” type autos to be purchased by 2028 (i.e. EV or hydrogen fuel cell).
Transition government trucks to either electric or hydrogen fuel cell as soon as trucks meeting
the jurisdiction’s vehicle features criteria, and are life-cycle cost competitive, are available.
Educate government employees on proper fleet vehicle engine warm-up and mid-trip idling
(i.e. max. warm-up time 30 seconds, unless longer to defrost windshield, and max. mid-trip
idling 30 seconds).
RIDE-SHARING AUTOS (including taxis)
In order to discourage private auto ownership, encourage use of cars for hire, and rental cars,
for when an auto is the best choice for a specific trip.
Encourage these vehicles to be zero emission. Consider mandating that these vehicles be zero
emission after a certain date.
CLEAN ENERGY MOTOR VEHICLES
Mandate solar electric (PV2) at new EV charging stations? Incentivize retrofitting PV at
existing charging stations. Encourage battery backup for the PV system. Not only does
incorporating solar at charging stations reduce the load on the grid, it could make the charging
station operable even during grid blackouts.
Public garages: Offer free EV parking for vehicles with 2 or more occupants (only if there is a
way to monitor this). Encourage private parking facilities that charge parking fees for non-EV
vehicles, to accomplish the same.
1 ICEV = Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (i.e. conventional gasoline powered vehicles)
2 PV = Photovoltaic, the type of solar panel that generates electricity.
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No new gas stations. Consider program to encourage existing gas stations to add EV charging.
Monitor developments in hydrogen use for motor vehicles – especially long-distance cargo
trucks. Should hydrogen appear to be gaining favor for vehicle power, encourage – or mandate
if possible – that hydrogen sold locally be generated by renewable energy sources.
ALTERNATIVES TO AUTOMOBILE TRANSPORTATION
Encourage public transit. Example strategies: adequate bus shelters, convenient routes and
schedules.
Accommodate safe bike commuting lanes along convenient routes.
Improve bike parking – racks for short-term parking, lockers for day-long parking
Improve safety for pedestrians – especially at street intersections. If jurisdiction includes streets
without sidewalks, work to add sidewalks on at least one side of every street.
Make safe student access to grade schools, by walking and bicycling, a priority (for children’s
health as well as to reduce auto air pollution and traffic).
Encourage continued use of virtual meetings, for both government agencies and private
companies, to reduce the need for travel.
For very large public and private office facilities where entity has a single office location,
consider adding one or more satellite offices in locations that would reduce worker commute
distances and make alternatives to auto commuting more practical.
Encourage commercial property owners and managers to charge for office parking, while
refunding all proceeds equally to all employees
LAND USE
Encourage high density mixed-use development along arterial streets that already have, or are
good candidates for, public transit. A minimum of 3 stories should be allowed; 4 stories should
be allowed, and encouraged, on main thoroughfares. Consider encouraging, or mandating, that
building levels above the 2nd floor to step back, at building fronts that abut a street frontage, and
that are generally facing west, north, and east (i.e. where upper levels would otherwise create
excessive shade on the street). Where such properties abut lower-density residential zoning,
design zoning rules that protect such adjacent lower-density zoned properties from excessive
shading by new mixed-use buildings.
Allow new buildings in what is considered to be the Central Business District (i.e. ‘downtown’)
to have a maximum height of not less than 5 stories.
No new single-family zoning.
Convert all single-family zoning to a minimum of two dwelling units/lot.
Provide zoning for, or that allows, townhouse style PUD’s.
Replace minimum parking requirements with relatively low maximum auto parking
requirements.
Allow new developments to offer parking only to accommodate those with special needs.
BUILDINGS
Ban natural gas in new buildings – residential and nonresidential.
At new additions to existing buildings, ban natural gas in new equipment that servers the
addition.
Existing buildings that use natural gas: Incentivize retrofitting existing natural gas equipment
(space heaters, water heaters, cooking equipment) with electric systems. Permit fees could be
waived, and low-interest loans could be offered, to encourage these changes. Policy
consideration: Government could require that natural gas equipment change-outs be electric.
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However, this might lead to more equipment upgrades occurring without a building permit, with
inherent resulting issues.
New low-rise residential building energy efficiency: Should a natural gas ban not be adopted
for new residential buildings, incentivize exceeding Title 24 Part 6 requirements for new low-
rise residential buildings. The 2019 energy code requires (with minor exceptions) that the
electricity load of the building be met with solar electric (PV) systems. So the most practical
step to increase energy efficiency is for the these new buildings to be all-electric – in which case
the energy code’s PV requirement will essentially cover the total energy demand.
New nonresidential and new high-rise residential buildings: The energy code is not slated to
require that these types of new be ‘net zero energy3’ until 2030. Therefore, encouraging or
mandating that these building types include solar electric (PV) systems would be one way that
these types of buildings could exceed energy code efficiency requirements. Note: “High-rise
Residential” is dwellings within buildings that are greater than 3 habitable stories above grade.
Consider incentivizing LEED4 compliance for new nonresidential buildings and major
additions. Documentation and certification costs of LEED are moderately high (in terms of
design team time/costs); a lower-cost option is “soft” LEED compliance, where compliance is
documented to the planning or building department, rather than to the USGBC.
Existing residential and nonresidential buildings that are not energy-efficient: Ensure that there
are adequate programs to incentive energy-efficiency improvements, and adequate education
campaigns about these programs.
Improve enforcement of the energy code – at both plan review and construction inspection.
Make energy-efficiency improvements to government facilities.
Use renewable-generated on-site and/or renewable energy grid power at government facilities.
Building materials: New government facilities should use sustainable materials, such as low-
carbon concrete, sustainably-harvested wood. Encourage the private sector use sustainable
building materials. Consider phasing in a mandate for the private sector to use such materials.
Outdoor lights on daytime: Incentivize installing, or repairing, photocell or astronomical timers
to comply with the state’s building energy code. Note: The energy code has required that
outdoor lights not operate during daylight hours (with minor exceptions) for decades. However,
it is not unusual to see outdoor lighting on during daylight hours.
Install graywater plumbing at new government facilities, if found to be practical. Encourage
graywater plumbing at new private-sector buildings. Consider phasing in requirement for
graywater plumbing at private-sector buildings.
LANDSCAP ING AND WATER USE (see Buildings, above, for graywater plumbing)
Add climate-appropriate trees in public spaces, where feasible
Phase in a ban on liquid fuel landscape maintenance equipment. The timeline may differ
between government operations, commercial landscape businesses, and homeowners,
depending on what studies conclude are reasonable time periods for entities to upgrade their
landscape maintenance equipment.
Require drought-tolerant landscaping at new buildings.
Encourage retrofit of drought-tolerant landscaping at older buildings and developments that
currently have water-intensive landscaping.
Encourage retrofit of efficient water plumbing fixtures at older buildings.
3 Net Zero Energy = building generates all the energy it uses – typically from PV systems, sometimes supplemented by
solar thermal systems.
4 LEED = Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, a certification program of USGBC
http://leed.usgbc.org/leed.html
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FOOD
Ban beef from government building dining facilities (public schools, government offices, etc.)
Transition government building dining facilities towards non-animal-based foods (i.e. gradually
move towards lower food chain animal-based products, until animal-based products are phased
out).
Encourage climate-friendly foods at restaurants, and for general public food purchases.
Support private industry working on alternatives to animal-based foods.
Work to end food waste. About 35% of food goes to waste, significantly adding to GHG
emissions. See work by ReFED.
ENCOURAGING CLIMATE-FRIENDLY CHANGES: Examples that governments can take include
low-interest loans, education campaigns, new building zoning incentives, and instituting a ‘Climate
Action Hall of Fame’ to publicize those entities that take meaningful climate actions.
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 29 of 114
From:Marti Roach
To:Jody London
Cc:martiroach@gmail.com; District5; John Gioia
Subject:350 Contra Costa and Greenbelt Alliance comments for an effective CAP 11-9-21
Date:Tuesday, November 9, 2021 3:40:00 PM
Attachments:350CCC_Greenbelt_Ltr on CAP.pdf
PastedGraphic-3.tiff
PastedGraphic-4.png
November 9, 2021
TO: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Contra Costa County, and Placeworks Consultants
FR: Zoe Siegel, representing Greenbelt Alliance and Marti Roach, representing 350 Contra
Costa
RE: Comments on the Climate Action Plan
CC: Sustainability Committee, Contra Costa County
We are providing written suggestions for the development of the full Climate Action Plan for
Contra Costa County. We had intended to provide some specific recommendations on goals
and strategies but learned at the October Sustainability Commission Meeting that this is
simply an interim step and only two weeks were provided for our input on specific goals and
strategies. We will hold these comments until the January public comment period. (some of us
as individuals may send in comments).
Three people spoke at the 10-25-21 Sustainability Commission Meeting, raising concern
regarding format and general content of the draft and the need for advance time for public
review. There is also a history of concern on what an effective CAP is. Here are letters that
have been sent in the past regarding development of the CAP.
We summarize below what we did not see in the draft goals and strategies, as well as our
hopes for what a complete plan will aim for and how it can be best presented to maximize its
role as a guide to County leadership and executed climate action.
All final goals and strategies need consistency and measurability that includes
a date for reaching each goal (or “implementation action”) and who the
responsible lead entity is, e.g. a Unit or Department of the County.
1. In some cases, the goals were measurable; in some cases, more measured detail was in
strategy or strategy description. In some cases, nothing was stated as a measurable
(objective/goal/outcome).
2. We hope and assume the matrix of goals and strategies is a summary table not the full
articulation of the goals and strategies.
Fuller presentation of goals and strategies is needed.
1. Beyond a summary table of goals and strategies, the plan needs to convey: What is the
status of work in these areas? What do we (internal and public stakeholders) need to
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 30 of 114
know to grasp the rationale for this area of desired impact? What will success look like?
2. In the matrix or elsewhere, more detail is needed on the role of partners and how they
contribute to reduced emissions and co-benefits, and how the County will structure in
partnership or already has a structured partnership.
3. Cities were not mentioned as partners and we see this as a missed opportunity for the
County to lead and provide opportunities for more alignment in action, funding, and
public stakeholder engagement.
4. If the “implementation actions” section represents the high-level actions to be taken, the
metrics should have some correspondence with these actions; as was commented in the
meeting, this was not often the case.
County Climate Leadership
1. More clarity on the role of the Interdepartmental Task Force as a mechanism for
achieving emission reduction goals.
2. Create a plan that can arouse deeper understanding and action among diverse internal
and external stakeholders. Frame the urgency of the problem we face and County
commitment to act through an inspiring, accessible case for the action. We see the need
for this CAP to be public friendly and not just an internal technical document.
3. Have a communications plan for dissemination of the CAP and mechanism for
continued engagement of stakeholders, the public and funders.
Funding
1. The plan needs a dedicated section on funding.
2. The cost of the plan, broken down by goals or other measurable metrics should be
present
3. The funding section needs to acknowledge and define staffing needs for mitigation and
adaptation activity, as well as staff for coordination of effort, as this is a critical obstacle
to success of most CAPs.
4. Detail the fund sources being explored and the timeline for fund identification.
5. Funding needs to express how equity in mitigation and adaptation activity is achieved.
6. Importantly, the cost of implementation should highlight benefits of ghg emissions
reductions and co-benefits to health, etc. Costs should also be , compared to the costs of
inaction, i.e. costs related to adaptation and response to climate impacts on humans and
the natural and built environment.
Climate Equity
1. It is great to have explicit equity goals. There is also a need to highlight equity issues
and solutions in all goal areas.
2. One additional solution is that climate equity be a guiding principle for the work,
carrying that principle into all parts of the plan. Other guiding principles would be
helpful as well to frame the context for prioritization of action.
We understand that the next draft will address estimated costs of implementation actions as
well as modeled estimates of ghg emissions reductions possible through these actions.
Thank you for your review of these ideas. We look forward to continuing active participation
in the creation of the CAP and appreciate all the effort that has been and will be committed by
staff and Placeworks to support a great plan.
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 31 of 114
350 Contra Costa and Greenbelt Alliance Letter on CAP, 11-9-21 1
November 9, 2021
TO: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Contra Costa County, and Placeworks Consultants
FR: Zoe Siegel, representing Greenbelt Alliance and Marti Roach, representing 350 Contra
Costa
RE: Comments on the Climate Action Plan
CC: Sustainability Committee, Contra Costa County
We are providing written suggestions for the development of the full Climate Action Plan
for Contra Costa County. We had intended to provide some specific recommendations
on goals and strategies but learned at the October Sustainability Commission Meeting
that this is simply an interim step and only two weeks were provided for our input on
specific goals and strategies. We will hold these comments until the January public
comment period. (some of us as individuals may send in comments).
Three people spoke at the 10-25-21 Sustainability Commission Meeting, raising
concern regarding format and general content of the draft and the need for advance
time for public review. There is also a history of concern on what an effective CAP is.
Here are letters that have been sent in the past regarding development of the CAP.
We summarize below what we did not see in the draft goals and strategies, as well as
our hopes for what a complete plan will aim for and how it can be best presented to
maximize its role as a guide to County leadership and executed climate action.
All final goals and strategies need consistency and measurability
that includes a date for reaching each goal (or “implementation
action”) and who the responsible lead entity is, e.g. a Unit or
Department of the County.
1. In some cases, the goals were measurable; in some cases, more measured
detail was in strategy or strategy description. In some cases, nothing was stated
as a measurable (objective/goal/outcome).
2. We hope and assume the matrix of goals and strategies is a summary table not
the full articulation of the goals and strategies.
Fuller presentation of goals and strategies is needed.
1. Beyond a summary table of goals and strategies, the plan needs to convey: What
is the status of work in these areas? What do we (internal and public
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 32 of 114
350 Contra Costa and Greenbelt Alliance Letter on CAP, 11-9-21 2
stakeholders) need to know to grasp the rationale for this area of desired
impact? What will success look like?
2. In the matrix or elsewhere, more detail is needed on the role of partners and how
they contribute to reduced emissions and co-benefits, and how the County will
structure in partnership or already has a structured partnership.
3. Cities were not mentioned as partners and we see this as a missed opportunity
for the County to lead and provide opportunities for more alignment in action,
funding, and public stakeholder engagement.
4. If the “implementation actions” section represents the high-level actions to be
taken, the metrics should have some correspondence with these actions; as was
commented in the meeting, this was not often the case.
County Climate Leadership
1. More clarity on the role of the Interdepartmental Task Force as a mechanism for
achieving emission reduction goals.
2. Create a plan that can arouse deeper understanding and action among diverse
internal and external stakeholders. Frame the urgency of the problem we face
and County commitment to act through an inspiring, accessible case for the
action. We see the need for this CAP to be public friendly and not just an internal
technical document.
3. Have a communications plan for dissemination of the CAP and mechanism for
continued engagement of stakeholders, the public and funders.
Funding
1. The plan needs a dedicated section on funding.
2. The cost of the plan, broken down by goals or other measurable metrics should
be present
3. The funding section needs to acknowledge and define staffing needs for
mitigation and adaptation activity, as well as staff for coordination of effort, as this
is a critical obstacle to success of most CAPs.
4. Detail the fund sources being explored and the timeline for fund identification.
5. Funding needs to express how equity in mitigation and adaptation activity is
achieved.
6. Importantly, the cost of implementation should highlight benefits of ghg emissions
reductions and co-benefits to health, etc. Costs should also be , compared to the
costs of inaction, i.e. costs related to adaptation and response to climate impacts
on humans and the natural and built environment.
Climate Equity
1. It is great to have explicit equity goals. There is also a need to highlight equity
issues and solutions in all goal areas.
2. One additional solution is that climate equity be a guiding principle for the work,
carrying that principle into all parts of the plan. Other guiding principles would be
helpful as well to frame the context for prioritization of action.
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 33 of 114
350 Contra Costa and Greenbelt Alliance Letter on CAP, 11-9-21 3
We understand that the next draft will address estimated costs of implementation
actions as well as modeled estimates of ghg emissions reductions possible through
these actions.
Thank you for your review of these ideas. We look forward to continuing active
participation in the creation of the CAP and appreciate all the effort that has been and
will be committed by staff and Placeworks to support a great plan.
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 34 of 114
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
4.
Meeting Date: 12/13/2021
Subject: RECEIVE presentations from Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission
and Delta Stewardship Council on rising water levels and climate change, and
PROVIDE DIRECTION to County staff, as needed.
Department: N/A
Presenters: Dana Brechwald, Bay Conservation and Development Commission
Harriett Ross and Sarah Farnsworth, Delta Stewardship Council
Contact: Jody London, DCD, (925) 655-2815
Referral History:
At its June 2018 meeting, the Sustainability Commission received an update from the Bay Conservation and
Development Commission (BCDC) the Adapting to Rising Rides (ART) study of East Contra Costa that
BCDC was commencing at that time.
Referral Update:
This report is prepared at the request of the leadership of the Sustainability Commission. It provides an
update on the current status of research and planning related to rising water levels, both sea waters (Bay) and
inland riverine waters (Delta) that are connected to the Bay.
The East County ART study was completed in April 2020.1 The East County study looked at the area from
Pittsburg to the Contra Costa-Alameda County border at Clifton Court and was funded by the Delta
Stewardship Council. This study complements the study of the area from Richmond to Pittsburg that BCDC
completed in 2016.2 Both reports look at impacts in a range of sectors and identify adaptation actions that
could be taken to reduce risks. Both reports look at flooding scenarios. For the East County study, BCDC
developed an online shoreline flood explorer. The East County study differs from the West Contra Costa
ART study in that East County contains significant subsided land ranging from 0 to -15 feet below sea level,
has much of its coastline protected by levees, has Delta islands, and is a more rural agricultural landscape.
In spring of 2019, County staff commissioned a team from the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public
Policy to develop options the County could pursue to fund and implement the findings from the two ART
studies. The Goldman School team recommended the County start by forming a working group of
government entities, property owners, and other stakeholders.3 To date, no further action has been taken on
1 The East County ART study can be found at http://www.adaptingtorisingtides.org/project/eastern-contra-costa-county/.
2 The West County ART study can be found at http://www.adaptingtorisingtides.org/project/contra-costa-county-adapting-to-rising-
tides-project/
3 The Goldman School report can be found at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7025/Planning-for-our-Future. 12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 35 of 114
the Goldman School report.
In August 2019, the Hazardous Materials Programs in Contra Costa County Health Services prepared a
Commodity Flow Study that brings different data sets to “determine the potential effects/consequences of a
chemical spill on critical and vulnerable populations and facilities in the coastal cities of Contra Costa
County.”4 The study was funded by a grant from the California Office of Emergency Services.
Hazardous Materials Programs presented the Commodity Flow Study to the Transportation, Water, and
Infrastructure Committee (TWIC) of the Board of Supervisors on December 14, 2020. In February 2021, the
County’s Hazardous Materials Commission sent a letter to TWIC encouraging the Committee to take further
action to address the potential impacts of sea level rise on the use, storage and transportation of hazardous
materials and hazardous wastes in Contra Costa County. The Committee directed Hazardous Materials
Commission staff to return to TWIC with specific recommendations on next steps regarding how to proceed,
as well as to conduct a survey of County departments to determine “who is doing what” and document what
state and regional agencies are doing. The Hazardous Materials Commission provided TWIC with 8 specific
recommendations to address sea level rise in a letter dated September 13, 2021 and presented these
recommendations to TWIC at its September meeting.
The Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) is leading a comprehensive climate change vulnerability study and
adaptation study called Delta Adapts. In June 2021, the DSC completed the vulnerability assessment. The
DSC is now preparing an Adaptation Strategy that will develop tools and strategies to address these
vulnerabilities and create a more resilient Delta.5
BCDC and DSC will provide overviews of the ART and Delta Adapts projects for the Sustainability
Commission.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE presentations from Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission and Delta Stewardship
Council on rising water levels and climate change, and PROVIDE DIRECTION to County staff, as needed.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Presentation from BCDC
Presentation from Delta Stewardship Council
4 The Commodity Flow Study can be found at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7025/Planning-for-our-Future.
5 The DSC Vulnerability Assessment can be found at https://deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/delta-plan/2021-06-25-delta-adapts-
vulnerability-assessment.pdf.
Hazardous Materials Commission letter to TWIC - Sept. 12 2021
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 36 of 114
Contra Costa Sustainability
Commission
December 13, 2021
Dana Brechwald, Adapting to Rising Tides Program
Manager, BCDC
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 37 of 114
Who Are We?
Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)
•California state planning and regulatory agency with regional authority over
the San Francisco Bay, the Bay’s shoreline band, and the Suisun Marsh.
Established in 1965.
California's Coastal Management Program
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 38 of 114
Adapting to Rising Tides Program
•How-To Guides: for developing SLR vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans using a detailed, replicable, stakeholder-driven process
•Projects: Our team members both conduct and support ART projects all around the Bay
•Data and maps: We develop and identify best available data, information, and SLR maps. We staff a digital “Help Desk”
•Research: We identify challenging issues or regional priorities that need further assessment
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 39 of 114
ART’s Work, Region Wide
Alameda County
Contra Costa
Hayward
Oakland/Alameda
East Contra Costa
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 40 of 114
ART Contra Costa County
•Completed TWO sea level rise and
flooding vulnerability assessments
(West and East county) to inform
adaptation strategies
•Coordinate with partners: Delta
Stewardship Council, Contra Costa
County, and others
•Collaborative stakeholder-driven
planning process
•Inform parallel processes, including
•ART Bay Area
•Bay Adapt
•Delta Adapts
512-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 41 of 114
ART Bay Shoreline
Flood Explorer
Exposure and Consequence
East Contra Costa
Shoreline Flood Explorer
explorer.adaptingtorisingtides.org
Flood Mapping Tools
eccexplorer.adaptingtorisingtides.org
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 42 of 114
Sector Asset West Contra Costa East Contra Costa
Business and Industry
Industrial Land Use Categories √√
Commercial Land Use Categories √√
Hazardous Materials Sites √√
Contaminated Lands Brownfields √
Landfills √
Community Engagement Community Engagement √
Critical Facilities and
Services
Emergency Response Facilities (Fire
and Police)
√√
Public Healthcare Facilities √√
Faith-Based Organizations √
Solid Waste Disposal Sites √√
Schools √√
Energy
Pipelines √√
Power Distribution √√
Power Generation √√
Oil and Gas Production Fields √
Refineries √
Housing Single and Multi-Family √√
Mobile Homes √√
Sectors and Assets Analyzed
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 43 of 114
Sector Asset West Contra Costa East Contra Costa
Natural Areas
Natural Areas √
Agriculture √
Tidal Marshes √
Parks
Shoreline Parks √√
Water Trail √
Marinas √√
Fishing Piers √
People People √√
Transportation
Rail √√
Roadways √√
Ports √√
Water
Water Treatment Facilities √
Water Conveyance √
Pumps, Diversions and Intakes √
Salinity Barrier Islands √
Mutual Water Companies √
Groundwater Wells √
Wastewater √√
Stormwater √√
Flood Control √√
Delta Islands and Reclamation Districts √
Sectors and Assets Analyzed
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 44 of 114
Contra Costa Key Planning Issues
o Water-dependent/Shoreline Industries
o Vulnerable Communities
o Employment Sites
o Creek-side Communities
o Access to Services
o Ad-hoc Flood Protection
o Parks and Open Space
o Levees, Reclamation and Subsidence
o Worsening Water Quality
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 45 of 114
What is Bay
Adapt?
A regional, consensus-driven
strategy that lays out the actions
necessary to adapt the Bay Area to
rising sea level to protect people
and the natural and built
environment
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 46 of 114
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 47 of 114
Working with and listening to the region
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 48 of 114
•Reduced flood risk
•Protection of natural areas
•Equitable support for low-income
communities
•Community-focused local plans
•Technical assistance
•More funding
What will this mean for Bay Area
communities?
•Accelerated permitting & project construction
Faster, better and more equitable
adaptation to sea level rise12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 49 of 114
5 Categories
9 Actions
21 Tasks
1 Bay Strategy
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 50 of 114
Implementation is a collective effort –
everyone has a role.How do we
get there?
Many agencies, organizations, and leaders
will lead and support various tasks.
Communities, cities, and community-based
organizations will be doing the on-the-
ground work that the Joint Platform
supports.
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 51 of 114
How?
•Send a Letter of Support
•Bring it before your City Council or other
Board
•Model letter and resolution available
16… and many others on their way!12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 52 of 114
Stay involved www.bayadapt.org
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 53 of 114
Delta Adapts Dec. 13, 202112-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 54 of 114
Delta Stewardship Council
•California State agency created in
2009 by the Delta Reform Act
•Mission to implement State’s coequal
goals
•Protect water supply reliability
•Restore ecosystem
In a manner that protects the Delta as an
evolving place
•Develop and implement the Delta
Plan
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 55 of 114
DSC Authority
•One Estuary
•BCDC and DSC have
overlapping jurisdictions in
Suisun Marsh
Suisun
Marsh
Delta
Contra
Costa
County
DSC Jurisdiction
BCDC Jurisdiction
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 56 of 114
Today’s
Meeting
Delta Adapts Update
Key Findings
Adaptation Strategy
Next Steps
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 57 of 114
Delta Adapts =
Overarching goal is to build climate resilience in the Delta
Vulnerability
Assessment
Adaptation
Strategy
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 58 of 114
Climate Stressors
and Hazards
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 59 of 114
Engagement Opportunities
Ongoing collaboration with agency
partners
Stakeholder briefings
Outreach to community-based
organizations
Technical Advisory Committee
Stakeholder Work Group
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 60 of 114
Key Findings
•Climate Stressors and Hazards
•Delta as an Evolving Place
•People
•Places
•Agriculture
•Recreation
•Infrastructure
•Ecosystems
•Water Supply Reliability
•Economic exposure discussedthroughout (asset value andeconomic activity)
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 61 of 114
Equity Analysis
•Executive Order B-30-15
•Consulted with a number of
organizations
•Created social vulnerability index
(comprised of 14 indicators):
•Identified highly socially vulnerable
communities
•Stockton, East Contra Costa County, and
parts of West Sacramento
•Focused on engaging these
communities and prioritizing future
adaptation
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 62 of 114
Vulnerable Community
Workshops
•Partnered with community based
organizations and service providers
•Stockton
•2 workshops –one on Vulnerability
Assessment, one on flooding adaptation
•Led by youth representatives
•West Sacramento
•Joint workshop on climate change
•Focused on adaptation
•East Contra Costa County
•Plan to engage in adaptation
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 63 of 114
Delta Flood Hazard Mapping and Exposure
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 64 of 114
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 65 of 114
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 66 of 114
Energy and Utilities
•$800 M of energy assets
•17 Substations
•5 Power Plants
•600+ Transmission Towers
•170+ miles of Transmission Lines
•90 miles of Natural Gas Lines
•297 Oil and Gas Wells
•33 miles of Oil Pipelines
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 67 of 114
Transportation
•$1.1 B value of roads
•63 miles of State/Federal Highways
•1,200 miles of Local Roads
•$83 M value of rail
•38 miles of Railroad
•Port of Stockton
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 63 of 114
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 63 of 114
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 63 of 114
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 68 of 114
Water Supply
Infrastructure
•50 miles of Water Conveyance
•State and Local Points of Diversion
•3,400 Private Points of Diversion
12-13-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 63 of 114
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 69 of 114
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 70 of 114
Adaptation Approach
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 71 of 114
Next Steps
•Reach out to organizations in East
CCC to design a workshop
•Join in our process by:
•Emailing to join a Focus Group or attend
a Stakeholder Workgroup meeting:
climatechange@deltacouncil.ca.gov
•Visiting our webpage for more info:
https://deltacouncil.ca.gov/delta-
plan/climate-change
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 72 of 114
Connect with us
@deltacouncil
Delta Stewardship Council
@deltastewardshipcouncil
@deltastewardshipcouncilbit.ly/DeltaAdapts
Assistant Planning Director
Harriet Lai Ross
Harriet.Ross@deltacouncil.ca.gov
We want to hear from you!
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 73 of 114
Thank you
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 74 of 114
Significance of Delta Adapts
•First comprehensive climate change
study of the Delta
•Developed comprehensive flood and
water supply models that can be
replicated and updated
•Identifies most socially vulnerable
communities
•Extensive community outreach
•Collaboration between partner
agencies
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 75 of 114
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
5.
Meeting Date: 12/13/2021
Subject: REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Sustainability Commission 2021 Annual Report
and 2022 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 2021 Annual Report and 2022 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 2021 Annual Report and 2022 Work Plan
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 79 of 114
1
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
2021 ANNUAL REPORT and 2022 WORK PLAN
2021 annual report
The current members of the Sustainability Commission are:1
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4, Chair
Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice, Vice
Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2
Chris Easter, Alternate, District 2
Mike Moore, Member, District 3
Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3
T i C Al Di i 4
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Howdy Goudey, At-Large, Community Group
Luz Gomez, At-Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, At-Large, Business
Marisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business
Isabella Zizi, Environmental Justice
Kim Hazard, At-Large, Education
The Commission meets the fourth Monday in February, April, June, August, October, and December.2
Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, is lead staff. All members have completed the mandatory
training. Kim Hazard is the Sustainability Commission representative to the County’s Integrated Pest
Management Advisory Committee.
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 County’s Climate Action Plan. Below is a
summary of the Commission’s work in 2021.
Topic Accomplishments
Building
Electrification
At its February meeting, the Commission received an update on the
development of an all-electric ordinance for new buildings, which is being
brought to the Board of Supervisors in December 2021.
General Plan
Update
At its February meeting, the Commission reviewed and provided input on
environmental justice policies being developed for the General Plan.
Green Benefits
District
At its February meeting, the Commission received a presentation on options for
forming Green Benefits, or “Community Climate Resilience,” Districts. The
Commission provided feedback on this concept.
Solid Waste At its February meeting, the Commission received an update on how Senate Bill
1383’s implementation and enforcement will affect County operations. The
Commission provided feedback about the County’s capacity to handle organic
waste collection.
1Five members of the Sustainability Commission resigned or were not reappointed during 2021. The Commission
thanks Russell Snyder (At-Large, Business), Harry Thurston (At-Large, Community Group), John Sierra (Member,
District 3), Ryan Buckley (Alternate, District 2), and Travis Curran (Alternate, District 4) for their service.
2 The December meeting is earlier in the month.
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2
Topic Accomplishments
Transportation
Planning Priorities
At its April meeting, the Commission received an update from the Contra Costa
Transportation Authority (CCTA) about the CCTA’s Bike and Pedestrian Plan and
Vision Zero. At its June meeting, the Commission received a report on the
County’s Active Transportation Plan being developed by the Public Works Dept.
Just Transition At its February meeting, a working group of the Commission presented
suggestions for how the County might structure Just Transition work. The
Commission receives reports on the status of this work at every meeting.
Green Buildings At its April meeting, the Commission discussed integrating LEED principles into
the Climate Action Plan. A working group of the Commission developed
recommendations regarding green building and procurement best practices
which were adopted by the Commission and sent to the Board of Supervisors.
The Sustainability Committee discussed the status of County work on these
topics at its November 2021 meeting.
Renewable Fuel
Processing
At its June meeting, the Commission received reports from Phillips 66 and
Marathon Petroleum on their pending applications to process renewable fuel.
Four Commission members toured the Marathon and PBF facilities and reported
back.
Water
Conservation
At its August meeting, The Commission received presentations by Contra Costa
Water District, Diablo Valley Water District, and East Bay Municipal Utility
District regarding water issues in the County.
Rising Sea Levels At its December meeting, the Commission received updates on sea level rise,
with presentations from Bay Conservation and Development Commission and
Delta Stewardship Council.
Communication
and Engagement
Commission members provided suggestions to County staff on how to more
effectively present information.
Climate
Emergency
Resolution
The Commission receives a status report on implementation of the Climate
Emergency Resolution as a standing item at every meeting.
Climate Action
Plan Update
The Commission receives status reports on the ongoing update of the County’s
Climate Action Plan. The Commission reviewed Draft Goals and Strategies for the
Climate Action Plan update at its October meeting and provided input.
2022 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
•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.
•Implementation of the Climate Emergency Resolution
•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
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•Just Transition of oil refineries on the Contra Costa County shoreline
•A definition of “sustainability” to use in developing the update to the Climate Action Plan and
related documents
•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
•Outreach and education on sustainability to Contra Costa County residents and businesses
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
6.
Meeting Date: 12/13/2021
Subject: REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2021
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator
Contact: Jody London, Department of Conservation and Development
Referral History:
The Sustainability Commission submits an annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report (Progress Report) to
the Board of Supervisors as part of its Annual Report and Work Plan.
Referral Update:
The Climate Action Plan update will not be completed until 2022, and the 2015 Climate Action Plan
extended through 2020. Staff therefore in March 2021, provided the Sustainability Committee of the Board
of Supervisors with an Interim Climate Action Work Plan for 2021 and 2022. Sustainability staff have been
working to refine the presentation of the information.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2021
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Draft 2021 Climate Action Plan Progress Report
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 83 of 114
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
INTERIM CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
2021 PROGRESS REPORT
DECEMBER 13, 2021
For more information, contact:
Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator
Contra Costa County
Jody.London@dcd.cccounty.us
(925) 655-2815
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Contents
Executive Summary
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Clean and Efficient Built Environment ...................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Increase the number of carbon neutral buildings in Contra Costa County .................................... 1
1.2 Replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable energy .............................................................. 4
Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure ................................................................................... 4
2.1 Sequester carbon in natural lands in Contra Costa County ...................................................... 4
2.2 Address impacts of heat islands ...................................................................................................... 6
No-Waste Contra Costa ............................................................................................................................ 6
3.1 Recover organic waste and edible food (SB 1383/Short lived Climate Pollutants Program) ... 6
3.2 Update the County’s existing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy ...................... 6
Reduce Water Use and Increase Drought Resilience................................................................................ 6
4.1 Reduce water use in unincorporated County and in County facilities ..................................... 6
4.2 Manage groundwater resources sustainably .................................................................................. 9
Clean Transportation Network ................................................................................................................. 9
5.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing number of people who bike,
walk, and take public transit. ................................................................................................................ 9
5.2 Increase percentage of electric vehicles in Contra Costa County fleet ........................................ 10
Climate Equity ......................................................................................................................................... 10
6.1 All residents live in clean, healthy homes and neighborhoods, have access to parks, open space,
and fresh food, and can easily move through the County. ................................................................. 10
6.2 Plan for transition to a local economy that is less reliant on fossil fuels ...................................... 10
Leadership ............................................................................................................................................... 11
7.1 Contra Costa County is a leader among local governments on how it addresses climate issues 11
7.2 Implement Climate Emergency Resolution .................................................................................. 11
7.3 Build Community and County Employee Support for Climate Action Plan .................................. 11
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 11
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Executive Summary
This report provides a progress update on the 2021-2022 Contra Costa County Climate
Action Plan (CAP) Interim Work Plan (Interim Work Plan). The Interim Work Plan serves as a
place holder while the update to the CAP is developed, along with the update to the County’s
General Plan. There are 7 Goals outlined in the 2021-2022 Interim Climate Action Work Plan,
which aim to increase the effectiveness of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
This Executive Summary provides a high-level overview of the County’s progress. More
detail is provided in the main report. In general, the County is making progress toward the
2021-2022 goals. We expect that by next year, the County will have met most of these goals.
Goal Tools Achievements Status
1 Clean and Efficient Built
Environment
* * * The rankings are scored on the ranges indicated
below, the green scale means exceptional perfomance
and scoring in the red indicates improvement needed
· Building electrification ·Electrification reach code will go to
B oard of Supervisors in December
· Energy Efficiency and
weatherization programs
·Participation in energy efficiency and
w eatherization programs by residential
and commercial buildings (including
County facilities), with attention to
participation in impacted communities:
116 Weatherization Projects, 259 Home+
BayREN Projects
·T he Asthma Initiative is an ongoing
effort, 41 clients currently being served
· Energy storage
·There are 3 County buildings with
en ergy storage systems totaling a 2,964
kWh capacity.
Carbon Neutral County Building
· The Sustainability Fund will be used to
install energy efficient lighting and other
appliances and mechanical systems.
· Rooftop Solar
· 18 commercial and 2,469 residential
permits have been issued for rooftop solar.
Increase participation in MCE
Deep Green program by
County facilities
· 100% of County accounts (excluding
sites with solar) are enrolled in MCE Deep
Green. 1.3% of unincorporated County is
enrolled in Deep Green.
· Install more renewable
electricity in County facilities
· In 2021, 5 County facilites have
completed rooftop and parking lot solar
installations totalling 1,431 kW capacity.
1.1
Increase the number of carbon
neutral buildings in Contra Costa
County
1.2 Replace fossil fuel electricity with
renewable electricity
Homes, workplaces, and businesses in Contra Costa County run on
clean energy
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Goal Tools A chievements Status
2 Resilient Communities and
Natural Infrastructure
· Carbon sequestration on
public and
private lands
· County is currently developing a carbon
sequestration feasibility study through
gr ant from CA Dept of Conservation.
·I nstall green infrastructure ·County maintains implementation of
Green Infrastructure Plan.
· Increase use of pervious
paving
·Pervious paving was not installed in
County projects.
2.2 Address impacts of heat islands ·I ncrease number of cool
roofs
·345 permits for cool roofs were
obtained for privately owned structures.
N o cool roof permits were obtained for
County facilites this year.
3 No-Waste Contra Costa
Establish enforceable
mechanism to mandate organic
w aste and edible food recovery
· SB 1383 ordinance will be approved by
Board of Supervisors by statutory deadline
before January 2022.
Outreach and education to
residential and commercial
customers in County franchise
areas
· Proof of documentation provided to
applicable residential and commercial
customers is on track for 2022.
Implement weekly organics
collection services for all
r esidential and commercial
customers served in County
franchise areas
· County has received Board approval and
is updating franchise agreements and is on
track for service implementation in 2022.
Establish Edible Food
Recovery Program
· County has engaged Tier 1 & 2
businesses per adopted ordinance.
Add language addressing per
capita procurement
r equirements for specified
recovered organic waste
products
·County is working to update EPP
Policy. The implementation of AB 1383
Ordinance is being brought to the Board
in Janurary 2022.
Add language addressing
recycled paper content
r equirements
·U pdate EPP Policy expected in 2022.
Add language to address other
sustainability priorities
·Public Works Department is
collaborating with the Waste team in
D CD to update the EPP Policy.
2.1 Sequester carbon in natural lands
in Contra Costa County
Recover organic waste and edible
food
(SB 1383/Short Lived Climate
Pollutants Program)
Update the County's existing
Environmentally Preferable
Purchasing (EPP) Policy
3.1
3.2
Contra Costa County will increase resilience to climate hazards and
foster community health
Contra Costa County generates no more solid waste than 2.25 pounds
per person per day (PPD)
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Goal Tools Achievements Status
4 Reduce Water Use and Increase
Drought Resilience
4.1
Reduce water use in
unincorporated County and in
County facilities
· Promote water conservation
(EBMUD, Contra Costa Water
District)
· County has received reports from water
districts detailing overall water use.
· No new water conservation measures
have been implemented by the County.
This is on track for 2022.
4.2 Manage groundwater resources
sustainably
· Groundwater Sustainability
Plan
· Groundwater Sustainability Plan has
been approved by CA Dept of Water
Resources, and is on track to be adopted
by the Board of Supervisors in Janurary
2022.
5 Clean Transportation Network
∙ Physically separated bicycle
network in the unincorporated
portions of the County that
connects to the countywide
network
· The map of countywide bike network is
currently in progress, and is on track for
2022.
∙ Complete and Adopt Active
Transportation Plan
· The Active Transportation Program is on
track for completion March 2022, and will
track progress made to projects.
∙ Develop and adopt through
the Capital Road Improvement
and Preservation Plan (CRIPP)
process an updated list of
transportation projects that
reduce vehicle miles traveled
∙ There are currently 35 actively funded
projects.
·I dentify strategies and
f unding to implement
recommendations in 2019
Employee Commute Survey of
County employees
· The County adopted a new remote work
telecommute policy for all County
employees
·8 County employees currently use the
pretax commute benefit.
· Increase number of electric
vehicles purchased by County
departments
· 6 EVs were purchased for County fleet.
·2.2% of County fleet is all-electric
· Install EV chargers at County
facilities
· Currently, there are 49 electric vehicle
chargers installed at County facilities.
With the approval in November 2021 of
the Sustainability Fund, this will move
forward as a top priority.
Increase percentage of electric
vehicles in Contra Costa County
fleet.
5.2
Reduce vehicle miles traveled in
Contra Costa County by
increasing number of people who
bike, walk, and take public
transit.
5.1
Contra Costa County's transportation network provides safe and
accessible options for walking, biking, and transit. If residents and
workers are driving, they are in electric vehicles.
Contra Costa County uses less water and communities are prepared for
drought
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Goal Tools Achievements Status
6 Climate Equity
6.1
All residents live in clean, healthy
homes and neighborhoods, have
access to parks, open space, and
fresh food, and can easily move
through the County.
·Complete work on
environmental justice policies
for General Plan
· Evaluate CAP strategies for
equitable benefits for frontline
communities.
· General Plan update will include
environmental justice policies.
· Public Works is creating a map to
analyze funds spent by County
departments on energy efficiency and
other services and physical improvements
in disadvantaged communities compared
to non-disadvantaged communities.
6.2
Plan for transition to a local
economy that is less reliant on
fossil fuels
· Collaborate with stakeholders
to develop an inclusive process · This work is ongoing.
7 Leadership
· Continue work of
Interdepartmental Climate
Action Task Force
· Task Force continues to produce semi-
annual reports to Board of Supervisors.
· Participation by County
departments in County's Green
Business Program
· County departments, and facilities within
each department, will begin work in 2022
to adopt Best Practices from the Green
Business Program.
· Each department will identify volunteer
"champions" to lead this work.
· Participation by eligible
County departments in
EBMUD Water Smart
Business program
· No update on number of County
departments recognized by EBMUD
Water Smart Business program.
7.2 Implement Climate Emergency
Resolution
· Implement 2021 Climate
Emergency Resolution
·I mplmentation of Climate Emergency
Resolution is ongoing. Focus in 2021 has
been on Interdepartmental Climate Action
Task Force and building electrification
ordinance.
7.3
Build Community and County
Employee Support for Climate
Action Plan
·N ewsletters
·M eetings
·Collaboration with
community based organizations
· Sustainability staff publish regular
column in Contra Costa FOCUS
employee newsletter and quarterly
Sustainability Newsletter. Planning staff
are participating events and trainings led
by the Urban Susatinability Directors
Network.
Contra Costa County is a model for how local government can take
action on climate issues.
The CAP will mitigate environmental factors leading to health
disparities, promote safe and livable communities, and promote
investments that improve neighborhood accessibility.
7.1
Contra Costa County is a leader
among local governments on how
it addr esses climate issues
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Contra Costa County
2021 Climate Action Plan Progress Report
Introduction
This report provides a progress update on the 2021-2022 Contra Costa County Climate
Action Plan Interim Work Plan (Interim Work Plan). The Interim Work Plan serves as a place
holder while the 2022 CAP is developed, along with the update to the County’s General Plan.
There are 7 Goals outlined in the 2021-2022 Interim Climate Action Work Plan, which aim to
increase the effectiveness of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Additionally, the
Plan creates an effective tracking mechanism to monitor progress. Under each Goal, there are
sub-goals each with a directed approach targeted at the main goal. For the County to monitor
progress towards these goals, various departments and agencies have been tasked with the
responsibility of reporting out on these measures of effectiveness. The results of the efforts are
summarized below, and detail the progress made under each goal for 2021 1. This is a mid-term
report and final goals outlined in the plan may not yet be met; this report serves as a
benchmark for progress made thus far.
Clean and Efficient Built Environment
Contra Costa County prioritizes the health of its residents; thus, a goal is for homes, workplaces,
and businesses within the County to run on clean energy.
1.1 Increase the number of carbon neutral buildings in Contra Costa County
Building Electrification
The Interim Work Plan calls for the adoption of an all-electric requirement for most new
construction. This is in the process of being adopted by the Board of Supervisors and then the
California Energy Commission. The County is on track to meet this goal in January 2022.
Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Programs
Participation in energy efficiency and weatherization programs by residential and
commercial buildings, with attention to impacted communities, is a priority. So far in 2021, 116
weatherization projects have been completed, along with 259 projects through the Bay Area
Regional Energy Network (BayREN). BayREN is a collaboration of the nine Bay Area counties
that provides energy efficiency programs, services, and resources. See Figure 1 and Figure 2
below.
1 Note the data for this report was collected in November 2021 in order to meet reporting deadlines, so the
numbers cover most, but not all, of the year.
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2
Figure 1
Figure 2
Asthma Initiative
The Asthma Mitigation Project is an on-going effort led by the Contra Costa Health
Department in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Development. The
numbers are constantly growing. Currently, the Initiative is in the process of serving 41 clients.
Ultimately, 150 clients will be served by this program over 3 years (ending in May of 2023).
County Buildings with Energy Storage
The Public Works Department is working with SunPower to identify locations for energy
storage systems. The County has applied for funding through the Self Generation Incentive
Program (SGIP) authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission. There may be
additional funding opportunities through new federal incentives that are expected to become
available in 2022.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
Average Other BayREN
Counties
Contra Costa County
2021 Home+ Projects Completed
2019.
2020.
2021.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
Contra Costa
BayREN Home+ Projects
2019.
2020.
2021.
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Rooftop Solar on County Facilities
Rooftop and parking lot solar was installed at 5 County facilities this year. This is part of a
larger project that is installing solar at 8 facilities. See Figure 3 below for solar installed at the
time this report was prepared.
Figure 3
Location Type Capacity (kW)
30/40 Muir Rooftop 166
30/40 Muir Carport 144
50 Douglas Rooftop 242
50 Douglas Carport 324
595 Center Rooftop 58
595 Center Carport 376
597 Center Rooftop 121
Total 1,431
In terms of solar on commercial properties, 8 commercial ground mount and 10 roof mount
permits have been issued and installed. The residential permits issued can be seen in Figure 4
below.
Figure 4
Public Works maintains a list of County buildings that would benefit from the installation of
LED lights. It is expected this can be funded over time through the recently approved
Sustainability Fund for investments in County facilities.
35
2434 2469
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Residential
2021 Residential Solar Installations
Ground mount Roof mount Total
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1.2 Replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable energy
Participation in MCE Deep Green
Currently, 88.5% of residential accounts are enrolled in MCE. Deep Green enrollment for
the incorporated County is 1.3%, with the total for all County Deep Green enrollment at 1.7%.
There are currently 330,000 Contra Costa County customers served, which equates for 193,000
metric tons of CO2 reduced. In addition, all County facilities, excluding those sites with solar,
are participating in MCE Deep Green. See Figure 5 for community MCE participation.2
Figure 5
Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure
Contra Costa County will increase resilience to climate hazards and foster community health.
2.1 Sequester carbon in natural lands in Contra Costa County
The County is in the process of developing a carbon sequestration feasibility study. This
project is funded through a grant from the California Department of Conservation. The County
is partnering with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and University of California
Cooperative Extension. Rincon Consultants is providing technical support.
See Figure 6 below for progress to date on implementation of the Green Infrastructure Plan for County
facilities.
2 Only cities that participate in MCE are listed
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Project Name and Location Project Description
Planning or
Implementation
Status
Green Infrastructure
Measures Included
San Pablo Dam Road Walkability
Project. Downtown El Sobrante
from Hillcrest Road to Appian
Way.
Reconstruct sidewalk,
relocate bus stops, replace
trees, and provide for potted
landscaping. Provide
sidewalk safety
improvements in downtown
area.
Completed 2017 Street trees (passive infiltration)
El Sobrante Library “mini park”,
4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante
Creation of a mini park with
GI interpretive features
along with conversion of
library parking lot to porous
pavement
Completed 2018 Permeable pavement
Rio Vista Pedestrian Connection
Project, Pacifica Ave., Bay Point
Installation pervious
sidewalk and related
improvements to facilitate
student drop-off and access
to elementary school
Completed 2019 Permeable pavement
Rodeo Downtown Infrastructure
Project (Parker Ave. and 2nd St.)
Improved pedestrian and
bicycle facilities Completed 2020 Bioretention
Fred Jackson Way 1st Mile/Last
Mile Urban Greening North
Richmond Watershed Connection
Project
Sidewalk improvements
from Brookside drive to
Grove Avenue. Includes bulb
outs for Street trees
Construction 2021 StormTree/Filterra C.3 treatment
(2)
Fred Jackson Way Rain Garden at
the Urban Tilth Farm. North
Richmond
Replacement of roadside
ditches along 700 feet of
Fred Jackson Way with
bioretention facilities
Construction
scheduled 2021,part
of the ”North
Richmond Watershed
Connections” project”
Bioretention basin
Marsh Creek Road Bridge
Replacement (Bridge No.
28C0141). On Marsh Creek Road
over Marsh Creek, approximately
1.8 mi east of Morgan Territory
Road.
Bridge replacement. The
existing bridge is
approaching the end of its
useful life.
Planning and design
phase Bio swales
Byron Highway Bridge
Replacement over California
Aqueduct (Bridge No. 28C0121),
on Byron Hwy. 1.4 miles northwest
of the Alameda County Line.
Bridge replacement. The
existing bridge is
approaching the end of its
useful life.
Planning and design
phase TBD
Figure 6
3
3 List each planned (and expected to be funded) public and private green infrastructure project that is not also a Regulated Project
as defined in Provision C.3.b.ii. Note that funding for green infrastructure components may be anticipated but is not guaranteed to
be available or sufficient
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Other updates include the County hosted a “Lunch and Learn” session on the feasibility study of
Community Climate Resilience Districts, which was attended by County staff. In addition, no pervious
paving was installed this year in County projects.
2.2 Address impacts of heat islands
The number of permits for cool roofs obtained by private property owners totaled 345. No
cool roofs were implemented at County facilities this year.
No-Waste Contra Costa
Contra Costa County generates no more solid waste than 2.25 pounds per person per day (PPD).
To generate no more than 2.25 pounds of solid waste per person per day, the County has
established metrics for monitoring waste which will aid in tracking the reduction when the
strategies are implemented.
3.1 Recover organic waste and edible food (SB 1383/Short lived Climate Pollutants Program)
Enforceable Mechanism to Mandate Organic Waste and Edible Food Recovery
Staff are developing an ordinance regarding organic waste and edible food recovery, as
directed by Senate Bill 1383. This will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for adoption in
December 2021.
Outreach and Education
Proof of documentation for organic waste collection for applicable residential and
commercial customers is expected to occur in 2022. This includes focusing on outreach and
educational strategies to encourage the reduction in waste.
Weekly Organics Collection and Edible Food Recovery
Regarding updated franchise agreements and related action, the County has been working
with haulers to determine what changes may be needed to franchise agreements and/or
associated collection rates. The County has engaged with Tier 1 & 2 businesses per adopted
ordinance. This includes developing organic waste reduction and edible food recovery outreach
for distribution in 2022.
3.2 Update the County’s existing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy
The SB 1383 ordinance will update some sections of the County’s purchasing policy. Further
potential amendments to the EPP Policy are in development.
Reduce Water Use and Increase Drought Resilience
Contra Costa County uses less water and communities are prepared for drought.
4.1 Reduce water use in unincorporated County and in County facilities
The County encourages residents and businesses to reduce overall water usage in the
unincorporated County. Two water agencies supply water to the majority of County residents
and businesses, Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) and East Bay Municipal Utility District
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(EBMUD). The area serviced by CCWD can be seen in Figure 7, and the area serviced by EBMUD
can be seen in Figure 8. See Figure 9 for total water usage in the County as reported by CCWD
in gallons per day. This year, the County’s water usage has remained constant across sectors
compared to that of recent years. While 2021 information is not available, Figure 10 depicts
overall reduction as reported by East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) for 2020. The
metrics from each water company are necessary because they serve different areas of the
County. CCWD currently has 4,132 active water accounts within unincorporated county in its
retail service area. There is no new information to report on the Contra Costa Water District
Lawn to Garden Program.
Figure 7
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Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
(CCWD) GPD Water Usage
Unincorporated Area 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total
Non-Residential 4,337,634 4,217,697 4,035,898 3,312,475 15,903,704
Residential 8,233,334 8,159,592 9,083,180 7,453,969 32,930,075
All Accounts 12,570,968 12,377,289 13,119,078 10,766,444 48,833,779
CCF EBMUD
Unincorporated Areas 2017 2018 2019 2020
Non-Residential 3,489,074 3,683,351 3,681,827 3,779,268
Residential 5,350,131 5,488,289 5,394,742 6,012,011
Grand Total 8,839,205 9,171,640 9,076,569 9,791,279
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The reduction of water use at County Facilities is also prioritized. Facilities Services replaces
faucets and toilets with low flow fixtures performs ongoing maintenance. Other water
conservation efforts are on track to begin next year as part of the project list for the
Sustainability Fund.
4.2 Manage groundwater resources sustainably
The Groundwater Sustainability Plan has been approved by California Department of Water
Resources and is on track to be adopted by the County’s Board of Supervisors by the end of
January 2022.
Clean Transportation Network
Contra Costa County's transportation network provides safe and accessible options for walking, biking,
and transit. If residents and workers are driving, they are in electric vehicles.
5.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing number of people who
bike, walk, and take public transit.
To improve the use of active transportation, Public Works is developing countywide bike
network map as part of the ongoing work to develop an Active Transportation Plan. Public
Works is also leading work on a Vision Zero Complete Streets plan, to reduce vehicle accidents
and fatalities on County roads.
A countywide separated bicycled network can help connect the unincorporated portions of
the County. The Marsh Drive Bridge Project partnership with the East Bay Regional Parks
District for separated bike/pedestrian path on the Iron Horse Trail is currently under
construction. In addition, the County continues efforts to update the inventory of bicycle lanes
completed. The Active Transportation Plan, which is scheduled for completion in March 2022,
will track these projects.
The Capital Road Improvement Plan (CRIPP creates an inventory of funded road projects.
The expectation is that the Federal and State grants under the Biden Administration will favor
projects that promote bike/pedestrian/urban greening. Electronic CRIPP includes description
tags for each project to easily determine all bicycle or pedestrian projects. The CRIPP is updated
annually. There are currently 35 actively funded projects.4
The County updated its Remote Work Policy in August 2021. Under the new policy County
employees may apply to work remotely up to 50% of the time, depending on how each
department administers the policy. This should reduce vehicle miles traveled to and from work
by County employees. In addition, there are currently there are 8 employees using the pretax
commute benefit.
4 2020-CRIPP-PDF (ca.gov)
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 98 of 114
10
5.2 Increase percentage of electric vehicles in Contra Costa County fleet
The number of electric vehicles (EV) purchased annually for County fleet has been
around 6 per year, 2021 being no exception. 2.2% of the County’s fleet current is electric
vehicles (including Sherriff and maintenance vehicles). The purchase of EV’s has been slow due
to the lack of EV charging infrastructure. A priority for the Sustainability Fund (recently
approved by the Board of Supervisors in November 2021) is the installation of additional EV
charging infrastructure. The first project is estimated at $2.5 million, with implementation in
the next 18 to 24 months.
MCE’s EV Rebate program offers residents of Contra Costa County up to $3,500 in post-
purchase rebates to help to lower the cost and increase the ease of purchasing new EVs for
income-qualifying customers. The data below is current through November 2021. See Figure
11.
Figure 11
Climate Equity
The CAP will mitigate environmental factors leading to health disparities, promote safe and
livable communities, and promote investments that improve neighborhood accessibility.
6.1 All residents live in clean, healthy homes and neighborhoods, have access to parks, open
space, and fresh food, and can easily move through the County.
Currently, the General Plan update will include environmental justice policies. These
documents and policies can be found on the Envision Contra Costa 2040 website.5
To analyze funds spent by County departments on energy efficiency and other services
and physical improvements in disadvantaged communities compared to non-disadvantaged
communities, Public Works Transportation Engineering will be creating a GIS map of County
projects and Communities of Concern.
6.2 Plan for transition to a local economy that is less reliant on fossil fuels
The Sustainability Committee of the Board of Supervisors discussed economic transition
at its March 2021 meeting. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier submitted a Community Funding
request of $750,000 to support initial planning and engagement work on economic transition in
5 Environmental Justice Documents – envisioncontracosta2040.org
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 99 of 114
11
Contra Costa County. The final federal budget has not been adopted at the time this report was
prepared. Additionally, Assemblymember Tim Grayson sponsored AB 844, which creates a
Green Empowerment Zone along the Northern Waterfront of Contra Costa County, with a goal
of improving the economic vitality of the Northern Waterfront and supporting the development
of a clean energy economy.
Leadership
Contra Costa County is a model for how local government can take action on climate issues.
7.1 Contra Costa County is a leader among local governments on how it addresses climate issues
The County’s Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force began meeting in late 2020.
The Task Force provided two reports to Board of Supervisors, in March and October. The first
report highlighted the large number of County services that are provided virtually (many as a
result of the COVID-19 pandemic), the importance of establishing a Sustainability Fund for
investments in County facilities, and the importance of continuing to permit the public to
participate remotely in County meetings governed by the State’s open meeting laws. The
second report focused on opportunities for County departments to adopt best practices from
the County’s Green Business Program, and the ongoing role of the Task Force in advising on the
Sustainability Fund. Currently, the Task Force is developing a structure to support department
Champions, who will volunteer in their departments to adopt the Green Business Program’s
Best Practices.6
There is no update on the number of County departments recognized by EBMUD’s
Water Smart Business Program.
7.2 Implement Climate Emergency Resolution
The 2020 Climate Emergency Resolution called for adoption of an all-electric ordinance
for new buildings, creation of the Interdepartmental Task Force, and work on a “Just
Transition.” It also called on cities and special districts in Contra Costa County to adopt a similar
resolution, several of which have done so. Implementation of the Climate Emergency
Resolution will be ongoing.
7.3 Build Community and County Employee Support for Climate Action Plan
The County has maintained a regular column in the County’s employee newsletter. In
2020, the County began publishing a quarterly newsletter for the community, which can be
found online.7
Conclusion
The County is working to meet the goals outlined in the Interim Climate Action Work
Plan. The County remains on track to meet the goals set forth in the Plan. Through the
6 The Green Business Program :: Hazardous Materials :: Contra Costa Health Services (cchealth.org)
7 https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6780/
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 100 of 114
12
collaboration of multiple departments, the County remains accountable for its work on climate
change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 101 of 114
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
7.
Meeting Date: 12/13/2021
Subject: RECEIVE UPDATE on Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution
Department: Department of Conservation and Development
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, DCD
Contact: Jody London, (925) 655-2815
Referral History:
On September 22, 2020, the Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution. 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 take 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 Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force
provided its second report to the Board of
Supervisors on October 19. The Task Force is
focused on adopting best practices from the Green
Business Program for County operations, and on
implementing the Sustainability Fund for County
operations. There is a considerable amount of staff
work required to launch these initiatives. The
Board on November 16 directed that $2.5
million/year from the Measure X sales tax support
the Sustainability Fund.
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-
fuel dependent economy, and considers how the
County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can
incorporate the County’s climate goals
The request from Congressman DeSaulnier for
Federal funding to support initial work on how to
facilitate a transition in the County’s economy
away from industries based on fossil fuels has
cleared most procedural hurdles in Congress. We
are awaiting final word.
Staff has been working internally to identify
options for structuring the work that would be
supported if the Federal request is approved.
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 102 of 114
Action Implementation Status
Develop policies to require all new construction to be
fully electric through the adoption of new building codes
that exceed current State codes.
The all-electric ordinance for new construction
will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on
December 14, 2021. Assuming approval by the
Board, it would then need to be approved by the
California Energy Commission before it can go
into effect.
Prioritize implementation of the Climate Action Plan as
soon as possible and consider 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 Healthy Lands, Healthy People carbon
sequestration feasibility kicked off in November.
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 2020, as well as special
districts.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 103 of 114
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
8.
Meeting Date: 12/13/2021
Subject: RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and
PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed
Department: Department of Conservation & Development
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, DCD
Contact: Jody London, (925) 655-2815
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
Commission members and alternates will provide updates to the full Commission.
More information on a proposal from District 4 Alternate Matson for the Sustainability Commission to
define the term “sustainability” is attached.
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)
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 104 of 114
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
9.
Meeting Date: 12/13/2021
Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator
Department: Department of Conservation & Development
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, DCD
Contact: Jody London, (925) 655-2815
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
Key activities since the Sustainability Commission’s last meeting on October 25, 2021, are listed below.
•The Board of Supervisors on November 16, 2021, authorized allocating $2.5 million/year from the
Measure X sales tax to a Sustainability Fund that will support investments in County facilities that
support the County's climate goals. The Department of Public Works will manage the Sustainability
Fund, with oversight from the Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force. The first priority will be
installing around 90 electric vehicle chargers at County facilities.
•The Board of Supervisors on November 16, 2021, also authorized allocating $500,000/year from
Measure X to support additional sustainability planning staff in the Department of Conservation and
Development (DCD). Topics on which DCD anticipates expanding its focus include sea level rise and
climate resilience; community facing clean energy projects and programs; the climate-related aspects of
planning for a Just Transition away from an economy based on fossil fuels; financing programs for
clean energy and energy efficiency; and developing strategies to sequester carbon. See attachment for
further details.
•On December 7, 2021, the Board of Supervisors adopted the East Contra Costa Groundwater
Sustainability Plan. The purpose of the plan, which is developed in accordance with the state’s 2014
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, is for groundwater to be managed by local public agencies
to ensure a groundwater basin is operated within its sustainable yield. See attachment for further
details.
•DCD staff will introduce the all-electric ordinance for all new construction of residential and some new
non-residential construction, such as retail, office, and hotels, at the December 14 Board of Supervisors
meeting.
•Staff from multiple County departments are actively working together to develop the waste and food
recovery ordinance, procurement policy, and associated programs the County is mandated to
implement in 2022 pursuant to the State's SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant regulations.
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 105 of 114
•Staff continue to plan for the launch of a new program for County employees: G3 Champions (Green
Government Group). The G3 Champions will be volunteer County staff who will help their County
departments adopt best practices from the County's Green Business Program and identify opportunities
for further action. This program is being developed on recommendation of the Interdepartmental
Climate Action Task Force. There is a lot of work involved in defining the program’s purpose and
developing materials and agendas.
•Public Works continues developing the Vision Zero Action Plan and the Active Transportation Plan.
o The Vision Zero Action Plan is designed to be an equitable, sustainable, multimodal
transportation system where users of all ages and abilities can travel conveniently, reliably, and
free from harm. The Vision Zero Action Plan is anticipated to go to the Board of Supervisors
for approval in February.
o The Active Transportation Plan, on which the Sustainability Commission received a
presentation in June 2021, will focus on improving walking, biking, and rolling (i.e., wheeled
mobility devices used by people with disabilities, strollers, scooters, skateboards, etc.) in the
unincorporated areas of the County. Staff anticipates having a draft report for public review in
February 2022, and bringing this to the Board of Supervisors for approval in March 2022.
o Vision Zero and Active Transportation projects constructed in the 2021 construction season
included 2021 Countywide Curb Ramp Project, Oak Road Bikeway Project, Rodeo Pedestrian
Enhancement Project, Bailey Road/SR4 Interchange Improvements, and Bel Air Trail Crossing
Project. Two projects currently in construction include the Fred Jackson Way, First Mile/Last
Mile Connection and the Marsh Drive Bridge Replacement Project (bridge includes a separated
bike/pedestrian facility that will provide for the continuation of the Iron Horse Trail).
o Public Works staff continues to coordinate with Bike East Bay to review surface treatment
projects to determine if the existing road facility can accommodate bicycle facilities when the
road is restriped after the surface treatment.
•DCD staff recently submitted two grant applications, with a total funding request of $315,500, to the
CalTrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program:
o Parr Boulevard Complete Street Project – Richmond Parkway to Union Pacific Railroad
(North Richmond)- The project proposes to widen Parr Boulevard from Richmond Parkway to
the Union Pacific Railroad crossing (approximately 0.96-mile study segment) and provide
complete street improvements. This project could also potentially tie into a Complete Streets
effort currently underway on Giant Road in the City of San Pablo.
o Tara Hills Drive Complete Streets Project (Tara Hills) - The project proposes to install
bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Tara Hills Drive from San Pablo Avenue to the end
of Tara Hills Drive and Cornelius Drive (approximately 0.67-mile study segment) to the City of
Pinole.
•Sustainability staff continue to support the General Plan update. Staff is working on a schedule to have
the Sustainability Commission review those parts of the General Plan that are related to the Climate
Action Plan; this is in addition to the environmental justice policies, which the Sustainability
Commission has been reviewing since last year.
•Contra Costa Health Services and Department of Conservation and Development staff continue to
implement two grants to provide in-home asthma trigger mitigations and energy efficiency measures to
Contra Costa Health Plan Medical members with moderate to severe asthma. Both agencies will also
receive funds from a grant recently received by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 106 of 114
provide similar services to Contra Costa Health Plan Medical members with moderate to severe asthma
living near major transportation corridors.
•In early November, staff hosted a kickoff meeting of the partners to Healthy Lands, Healthy People, the
carbon sequestration feasibility study funded through a grant from the California Department of
Conservation. Kay partners in this project are the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and the
University of California Cooperative Extension.
•Staff participated in professional learning opportunities regarding environmental justice, carbon
sequestration, communication and facilitation strategies, race and equity, and related.
•Sustainability staff 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.
•Staff participated in regional activities.
The Commission may be interested in a new program from MCE. MCE is partnering with two other Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) - East Bay Community Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy – to issue California’s first ever municipal non-recourse Clean Energy Project Revenue Bonds through the California Community Choice Financing Authority (CCCFA). Two separate bond issuances, valued at over $2 billion for thirty-year terms, support the purchase of clean electricity to serve over 2.5 million residents and businesses across the Bay Area and Central Valley.
The two Clean Energy Project Revenue Bonds prepay for the purchase of over 450 megawatts of clean electricity – enough to power 163,000 homes and reduce 765,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. These transactions are expected to reduce renewable power costs by almost $7 million annually for the first 5-10 years. For decades, municipal utilities have used the prepayment structure as an industry standard practice to reduce costs for the purchase of natural gas. For the first time, these Revenue Bonds apply this structure to the purchase of clean electricity.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report from Sustainability Coordinator.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
DCD Measure X Request
Groundwater Sustainability Plan
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 107 of 114
1
Attachment B.21
Climate Equity and Resilience Investment in Conservation and Development: $500,000 (On-going)
The Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) has identified investments in sustainability
planning staff that would advance Contra Costa County’s commitment to addressing climate change.
These investments will expand the County’s impact on climate action and sustainability through an on-
going investment of $500,000/year to support additional staff in DCD. Additional staff are needed to
support new community planning initiatives that will advance the County’s progress and leadership on
these issues. These staff will be housed in DCD.
This investment in DCD sustainability planning staff will allow the County to undertake the following.
•Take action to address Sea Level Rise. The County has data from the Adapting to Rising Tides
studies of east and west Contra Costa County, the Vulnerability Assessment prepared for the on-
going update to the County’s General Plan, and other planning documents, including the
preparation of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the East Contra Costa Groundwater
Subbasin. Concurrently, State and Federal agencies – potential partners – are preparing planning
documents the County may leverage to help our communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems
thrive in the face of climate change. There is ample data outlining the threats to health, safety,
and community well-being from sea level rise from the Bay to the Delta. Potential measures to
improve resiliency are also being identified but must be implemented across jurisdictional lines
on a multi-partner basis. We need additional staff for the County to lead work to address these
challenges.
•Develop community facing clean energy projects and programs, including community solar
installations for Impacted Communities, community resilience centers that serve as gathering
spaces during disasters and public safety power shutoffs, and opportunities to advance the
deployment of electric vehicles. This work is expected to occur in collaboration with MCE, PG&E,
and other stakeholders.
•Support on-going work by the Board of Supervisors on the climate-related aspects of planning
for a Just Transition away from an economy based on fossil fuels, as identified in the September
2020 Climate Emergency Resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors. As the work proceeds,
there will be on-going need for staff to research the many issues involved, track similar efforts in
other areas, provide logistical support for meetings, monitor legislation, and support the work of
elected officials to develop plans and programs to implement the emerging vision. Currently
there is no one on County staff tasked with supporting this work.
•Financing programs for clean energy and energy efficiency, with emphasis on low- and
moderate-income homeowners. Retrofitting existing buildings to use resources more efficiently
and lower utility bills is complicated and expensive. The County can help by facilitating programs
that are accessible to low- and moderate-income homeowners.
•Developing strategies to sequester carbon in the many land use types in Contra Costa County.
The County is launching a feasibility study right now through a Sustainable Agricultural Lands
Conservation grant from the California Strategic Growth Council. That study will identify
opportunities for different actions the County can support in every community. A next step after
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 108 of 114
2
the feasibility study is complete will be to develop and implement a Countywide tree master
plan, and to collaborate on urban agriculture projects with other County departments and
community stakeholders.
Recommendation:
The County Administrator’s recommendation is that these efforts fully funded with an on-going annual
allocation of $500,000.
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 109 of 114
PDF Return Previous Next
D.6
To:Board of Supervisors
From:TRANSPORTATION, WATER &
INFRASTRUCTURE
COMMITTEE
Date:December 7, 2021
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Consider Approving the East Contra Costa Groundwater Sustainability Plan
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Contact:Ryan Hernandez, 925-655-2919 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on
the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: December 7, 2021
Monica Nino, County Administrator
BY:, Deputy
RECOMMENDATION(S):
1. OPEN public hearing, RECEIVE testimony, and CLOSE public hearing.
2. ADOPT Resolution No. 2021/397 adopting the East Contra Costa Groundwater Sustainability Plan ("GSP") for the East
Contra Costa Groundwater Subbasin ("Subbasin") in connection with the County's obligations as the groundwater
sustainability agency within those portions of the Subbasin located outside of the Cities of Antioch and Brentwood, Byron-
Bethany Irrigation District, Diablo Water District, Discovery Bay Community Services District, and East Contra Costa
Irrigation District, as recommended by the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee.
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 110 of 114
FISCAL IMPACT:
To date, the Department of Conservation and Development has prepared maps for the cooperating entities use, has facilitated the
preparation of the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") for the preparation of the GSP, prepared staff reports and supporting
materials for the Board's consideration in this matter. The outside technical/consultant costs associated with developing the GSP have
been shared equally among the seven groundwater sustainability agencies ("GSA") responsible for implementing the GSP and the Contra
Costa Water District, except that the County has satisfied its share of GSP preparation costs by providing in-kind services, which included
mapping, graphics and database management services among other things.
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 111 of 114
Each GSA is responsible for implementing the GSP within its GSA boundary. Much of that work can be pooled and costs shared. Contra
Costa County will be asked to pay the one-eighth cost share, rather than in-kind services, for implementing the GSP. Staff estimates the
County's share will be less than $40,000 per year. The County's cost share will be paid for by the County's Water Agency funds. All GSP
implementing costs will be accomplished through existing Water Agency funding and no augmentation to the current budget levels is
anticipated.
A revised MOU is being developed and contains the framework and cost share for implementation of the GSP. This includes the
preparation of mandatory annual reports and establishing funding requirements for the required five-year comprehensive review of the
GSP. We anticipate the Board will consider approving the revised MOU during the first quarter of 2022.
BACKGROUND:
In 2014, a legislative package, referred to as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act ("SGMA"), created a fundamental change in
the governance of California’s groundwater. SGMA required the formation of groundwater sustainability agencies for over 140
groundwater basins, including the East Contra Costa ("ECC") Subbasin. Signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown, and effective January
1, 2015, SGMA set forth a long-term, statewide framework to protect groundwater resources. Under the new law, the seven ECC GSAs,
each charged with the development and implementation of a groundwater sustainability plan, were formed within the ECC Subbasin
("Subbasin").
The purpose and intent of the SGMA mandate is for groundwater to be managed by local public agencies (GSAs) to ensure a groundwater
basin is operated within its sustainable yield through the development and implementation of a GSP. The GSAs, along with partners,
worked collaboratively to prepare a single GSP for the ECC Subbasin in accordance with the codified principle that sustainable
groundwater management is best achieved locally. The Subbasin boundary and GSA areas are shown in Exhibit “A”.
The East Contra Costa Groundwater Subbasin is a medium priority basin, (DWR Basin 5-22.19, San Joaquin Valley) and is located
entirely within Contra Costa County. The seven GSAs listed below, and the Contra Costa Water District make up the “Working Group”
and cover all portions of the ECC Subbasin.
City of Antioch
City of Brentwood
Byron Bethany Irrigation District
Contra Costa County
Diablo Water District
Discovery Bay Community Services District
East Contra Costa Irrigation District
It is worth noting the original boundary of the Tracy Groundwater Subbasin included the jurisdiction of multiple cities and the counties of
Contra Costa and San Joaquin. To streamline the development of the required GSP, the GSAs in Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties
applied to the State to divide the Tracy Subbasin along the border of Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties. On February 11, 2019, the
Department of Water Resources approved dividing the Tracy Subbasin into two subbasins (e.g., East Contra Costa Subbasin and the new
Tracy Subbasin) thereby creating a separate groundwater basin entirely within Contra Costa County.
The Working Group has prepared a final Groundwater Sustainability Plan dated October 15, 2021, attached as Exhibit “B” to be
considered for adoption by the Board of Supervisors and the governing bodies of the six other GSAs.
Groundwater conditions in the ECC Subbasin are favorable and reflect stability over the past 30 years or more. Using various analogies,
the Subbasin can be described as generally full through various water-year types, including drought and is in good “health”. The favorable
conditions are in part due to surface water availability that represents the largest sources of supply for municipal and agricultural uses in
the Subbasin.
The GSP describes the size, location and boundary of the subbasin and the physical features of the aquifer system and groundwater
conditions (Sections 2 and 3). The plan includes a water budget for the Subbasin which is informed by a hydrogeologic groundwater
conceptual model that provides an accounting and assessment of the total annual volume of groundwater and surface water entering and
leaving the Subbasin (Sections 4 and 5). The groundwater model projects the amount of pumping that can occur while avoiding
undesirable results, known as “sustainable yield”. The Subbasin’s sustainable yield is approximately 55% greater pumping of
groundwater than the historical average.
The GSP details the groundwater monitoring networks and data management systems that will be used to ensure the Subbasin continues
to be used in a sustainable manner. This will be achieved by gathering groundwater level data from a network of monitoring wells
(Section 6). The GSP describes sustainable management criteria and establishes a sustainability goal for the Subbasin defining
undesirable results and quantifying minimum thresholds and measurable objectives (Section 7). The sustainability goal for the ECC
Subbasin is to protect and maintain safe and reliable sources of groundwater for all beneficial uses and users in the face of climate change.12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 112 of 114
The GSP concludes with a review of projects and possible management actions that may be implemented if the conditions of the Subbasin
change in the future (Sections 8 and 9).
Development of the GSP was a collaborative effort among the GSP Working Group (seven GSAs and CCWD), technical consultants,
community members, and stakeholders. The Working Group conducted over 40 meetings, from 2018 to 2021. Documents posted to a
publicly accessible website, Working Group meeting notes, surveys, newspaper notices, and direct email outreach were used to keep the
public informed of the GSP development and provide opportunities for public input.
The Working Group members also provided regular updates through individual agency public meetings and websites. Information was
provided through social media by those agencies with a presence on such platforms. Three public workshops, held between July 2020 and
September 2021, were used to inform and engage beneficial users of groundwater in the ECC Subbasin and discuss each section of the
GSP. Stakeholder comments were incorporated into the final GSP, attached as Exhibit “B”.
Water Code section 10728.4 requires the County to: provide notice of proposed groundwater sustainability plan to each city and county
within the area covered by the plan; consult with cities and counties that request consultation within 30 days after said notice is given; and
consider any comments on the proposed plan submitted by cities and counties. The County is the only county covered by the plan. On
June 9, 2021, the County provided the required notices to all cities covered by the plan and no city requested consultation. Additionally,
no written comments were received from any cities in the planning area in response to those notices. The Cities of Antioch and
Brentwood participated in developing the plan, and each will implement the plan within its respective jurisdiction.
Additionally, the Municipal Advisory Councils (Council) in the unincorporated County within the ECC groundwater basin are in Bethel
Island, Byron and Knightsen. Each Council meets regularly to advise the County Board of Supervisors. The County GSA emailed the
draft GSP to individual members of each Council above and presented the draft GSP on the following dates:
Knightsen Town Advisory Council-September 14, 2021
Byron Municipal Advisory Council-September 28, 2021
Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Council-October 12, 2021
To date, the Cities of Antioch and Brentwood, the Diablo Water District, and the Discovery Bay Community Services District Board’s
have adopted the GSP. It’s anticipated that the remaining GSAs and CCWD will adopt the GSP prior to the end of the calendar year.
The Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee recommends the Board of Supervisors, as the Groundwater Sustainability
Agency for portions of the East Contra Costa Subbasin (DWR Basin 5-22.19), adopt the final East Contra Costa Groundwater
Sustainability Plan dated October 15, 2021, within those portions of the Subbasin located outside of the Cities of Antioch and Brentwood,
Byron-Bethany Irrigation District, Diablo Water District, Discovery Bay Community Services District, and East Contra Costa Irrigation
District, and authorize the Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to take all actions necessary to cause the East Contra
Costa Groundwater Sustainability Plan to be submitted to DWR by January 31, 2022.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the Board does not adopt the ECC GSP, the County would be in violation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which
would result in the State Water Resources Control Board intervening in local groundwater management.
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 113 of 114
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
10.
Meeting Date: 12/13/2021
Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for
next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability
Department: Department of Conservation and Development
Presenter: Wes Sullens, Chair
Contact: Jody London, DCD, (925) 655-2815
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 and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Ad Hoc
Committee on Sustainability
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
12-13-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Pkt, Page 114 of 114