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Home My WebLink AboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 02272023 - Sustainability Cte Min CONTRA COST A COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors February 27, 2023, 5:00 P.M. **Meeting Remotely Until March 1, 2023** 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). PERSONS WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION DURING PUBLIC COMMENT OR WITH RESPECT TO AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA please “raise your hand” in the Zoom app. You may also send written comments to Sustainability@dcd.cccounty.us. Mike Moore, Member, District 3, Chair Nick Despota, Member, District 1, Vice‐Chair Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1 Victoria Smith, Member, District 2 Christopher Easter, Alternate, District 2 Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3 Wes Sullens, Member, District 4 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 Sarah Foster, 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. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/84209078212 Or Telephone, Dial: USA 214 765 0478 US Toll USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free Conference code: 841892 1. Call to Order and Introductions 2. Public Comment 3. APPROVE Record of Action for December 12, 2022, meeting 4. ELECT OFFICERS for the Sustainability Commission for 2023 5. ADOPT CALENDAR for 2023 6. RECEIVE Report on Changes to Brown Act that take effect on March 1, 2023 7. CONSIDER Proposal from the Single-Use Plastics Working Group 8. REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of 2022 Climate Action Plan Progress Report 9. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION, as needed 10. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator 11. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Sustainability Committee 12. The next meeting is currently scheduled for April 24, 2023. 13. Adjourn The Sustainability Commission will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to attend Commission meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 72 hours before the meeting. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 1 of 56 Any disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and distributed by the County to a majority of members of the Commission less than 96 hours prior to that meeting are available for public inspection at 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA during normal business hours. Staff reports related to items on the agenda are also accessible on line at www.co.contra- costa.ca.us. Public comment may be submitted via electronic mail on agenda items at least one full work day prior to the published meeting time. For Additional Information Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Commission Staff Phone (925) 655-2816 ∙ Fax (925) 655-2750 ∙ demian.hardman@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: AB Assembly Bill ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments ACA Assembly Constitutional Amendment ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District BART Bay Area Rapid Transit District BAYREN Bay Area Regional Energy Network BGO Better Government Ordinance (Contra Costa County) BOS Board of Supervisors CALTRANS California Department of Transportation AO County Administrative Officer or Office CAP Climate Action Plan CARB California Air Resources Board CCA Community Choice CCE Community Choice Energy Aggregation CCWD Contra Costa Water District CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CSA County Service Area CSAC California State Association of Counties DCC Delta Counties Coalition DCD Contra Costa County Dept. of Conservation & Development DPC Delta Protection Commission DSC Delta Stewardship Council DWR California Department of Water Resources EBEW East Bay Energy Watch EBMUD East Bay Municipal Utility District EIR Environmental Impact Report (a state requirement) EIS Environmental Impact Statement (a federal requirement) FTE Full Time Equivalent FY Fiscal Year GHG Greenhouse Gas GGRF Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds GIS Geographic Information System HSD Contra Costa County Health Services Department IPM Integrated Pest Management JPA/JEPA Joint (Exercise of) Powers Authority or Agreement LAMORINDA Area of Lafayette-Moraga-Orinda MAC Municipal Advisory Council MBE Minority Business Enterprise MOA Memorandum of Agreement MOE Maintenance of Effort MOU Memorandum of Understanding MTC Metropolitan Transportation Commission NACo National Association of Counties NEPA National Environmental Protection Act PDA Priority Development Area PV Photovoltaic PWD Contra Costa County Public Works Department RDA Redevelopment Agency or Area RFI Request For Information RFP Request For Proposals RFQ Request For Qualifications SB Senate Bill SGC Strategic Growth Council SR2S Safe Routes to Schools TWIC Transportation, Water, and Infrastructure Committee U.S. EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency WBE Women-Owned Business Enterprise Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 2 of 56 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 3. Meeting Date: February 27, 2023 Subject: APPROVE Record of Action for December 12, 2022, Sustainability Commission Meeting. Department: Conservation & Development Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816 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 December 12, 2022, Sustainability Commission Meeting with any necessary corrections. Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A 12-12-22 Record of Action Attachments Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 3 of 56 12/12/22 Record of Action Page 1 of 7 Draft Record of Action CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors December 12, 2022, 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 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. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/85959534155 Or Telephone, Dial: USA 214 765 0478 US Toll USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free Conference code: 841892 Present: Mike Moore Victoria Smith Wes Sullens Luz Gomez Howdy Goudey Charles Davidson Isabella Zizi Renee Fernandez-Lipp Shoshana Wechsler Chris Easter Marisha Farnsworth Brandon Matson Sarah Foster Absent: Samantha Moy Nick Despota Chuck Leonard Kim Hazard Staff Present: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development; Alyson Greenlee, Economic Development Manager, Dept. of Conservation and Development; Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Dept. of Conservation and Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 4 of 56 12/12/22 Record of Action Page 2 of 7 Development; Adam Scarbrough, Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development; Nicole Shimizu, Planner, Department of Conservation and Development; Emily Groth, Climate Corps Fellow, Department of Conservation and Development; George Carter, Economic Development Project Manager, Dept. of Conservation and Development; David Brockbank, Conservation Programs Manager, Dept. of Conservation and Development Attendees: Alfredo Angulo Floy Andrews Lynda Deschambault Maureen Brennan Denice Dennis AA Marti Roach Carol Weed Jan Warren Justine Burt Sunflower Alliance 1. Call to Order and Introductions Mike Moore calls meeting to order. No new members to introduce. 2. Public Comment for items not on Agenda No public comment on items not on the agenda. 3. APPROVE Record of Action for October 24, 2022, meeting Moved: Foster Second: Smith Minutes approved unanimously. No public comment. 4. RECEIVE Report from County Economic Development Manager on submittal of Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan Grant Materials The Commission received a public comment letter from 350 Contra Costa Action prior to the meeting that included comments on items 4 through 6 (attached). Alyson Greenlee from the Department of Conservation and Development provided an update on the County’s acceptance of a grant to develop a Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan (JTERP). The County was on track to submit its project narrative and budget to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by the end of the year. The materials were presented to the Sustainability Committee during a special meeting, and the Board of Supervisors approved the materials at the Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 5 of 56 12/12/22 Record of Action Page 3 of 7 November 29th Board meeting. The $750,000 grant, supported by Congressman DeSaulnier, will consider how the County will plan for an economy less dependent on fossil fuels, including how the County’s COVID-19 recovery can support this transition. Next steps include submitting the materials, reviewing the landscape of the County’s current initiatives related to Just Transition, determining what type of work will be part of this process, and structuring the stakeholder engagement process. Commission discussion: The Commission expressed interest in participating in the JTERP process. Additionally, the Commission noted that the California legislator created the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) in 2021 to support the transition away from fossil fuels and asked how the County will be involved with this initiative. Greenlee noted that the County requested to get its own segment of CERF, which did not materialize, but staff will be closely monitoring CERF efforts as the grassroots planning process will need to align with the JTERP. Questions included the prospects of funding implementation of the JTERP; how much attention would be directed towards helping existing businesses implement electrification measures and other investments; and what project details have been finalized. Greenlee noted that the JTERP grant does not fund implementation but hopes the plan will lead to future opportunities for funding. Additionally, stakeholder engagement is a foundation of the JTERP, so projects like those described for existing businesses could be part of the process. The project narrative and budget are the only finalized JTERP items with Board approval; additional project details are to be determined. The Commission suggested that other funding pathways, such as those at the state and federal level, also be explored to achieve a multiplication effect. Jody London from the Department of Conservation and Development noted that this grant is the first installment of many opportunities to come and that staff will be looking at grant opportunities that fit the County’s priorities while completing the JTERP planning work. Public comment expressed support for staff’s work identifying additional funding opportunities for implementation and included a request for a staff point-of-contact regarding these funding opportunities as they relate to the JTERP. Greenlee will serve as that staff contact. 5. RECEIVE Report on Development of Roadmap to Convert Existing Residential Buildings to All- Electric, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed Demian Hardman-Saldana from the Department of Conservation and Development provided an update on the County’s efforts to develop a roadmap to convert existing buildings to all-electric. The draft roadmap is estimated to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. The Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA) has been collaborating with the County on this project through a program run by the Rocky Mountain Institute and the Emerald Cities Collaborative. The roadmap is focused on residential buildings since these make up the majority of the County’s built environment infrastructure and the residential energy sector has the largest greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential in the County. Benefits of transitioning to all-electric include cost savings, cleaner air inside homes, and achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets. The roadmap focuses on three major areas: staff research and analysis, equity-focused community Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 6 of 56 12/12/22 Record of Action Page 4 of 7 engagement, and example policy options. Staff research and analysis will cover existing policy and initiatives, a cost-benefit analysis, financing options, County demographics, and the building stock. Floy Andrews and Alfredo Angulo from the RPA provided additional information on the impact of transitioning to all-electric and equity-focused community outreach. As part of this work, the County will identify a site to serve as a demonstration project in transitioning buildings to all-electric, which will help identify costs and impacts on underresourced communities. Additionally, the roadmap will consider policies to protect renters from costs associated with all-electric upgrades. Equity-focused engagement will include outreach in impacted communities, assembling core partnerships to connect with community members, mapping out stakeholders, understanding community demographics, ensuring benefits are distributed equitably, and establishing well-managed financial and technical support. Processes will also be established to expand pathways for outreach, ways to receive feedback from the community, and opportunities for community-led education and decision making. Example policy options include a local all-electric ordinance for existing buildings, a local incentive program to replace gas infrastructure with all-electric equipment, and aligning policies with those of state and regional agencies. Hardman-Saldana expressed appreciation for Andrew’s and Angulo’s partnership and Adam Scarbrough’s work on the project. Commission discussion: The Commission appreciated that the roadmap is examining grid infrastructure and requested more information on the scope of this analysis. Hardman-Saldana explained that the roadmap will be an outline that will give authority to staff to do more to address infrastructure concerns and that the analysis will include a statewide analysis of grid infrastructure at a minimum, with potential neighborhood-level analysis. The Commission also noted that storage can play an important role in managing infrastructure bottlenecks, that an examination of all-electric subdivisions in the 1970s could provide an opportunity to learn about all-electric infrastructure, and that work should be done to ensure property taxes will not increase as a result of all-electric installations. Utilities are also preparing for future higher electricity demand by implementing new programs, like bi-directional electric vehicle (EV) charging, and some local organizations, including Rising Sun and Cypress Mandela, provide green construction job training for low-income individuals. Questions included whether an incentive program would be applicable only to cities with an all- electric ordinance. Hardman-Saldana explained that the details of an incentive program are yet to be determined and will depend on the demonstration project’s findings. The Commission also expressed appreciation for staff’s visionary and inspiring work and asked how the Commission can help make progress on this topic given that federal Inflation Reduction Act funding may not be available until 2024. Hardman-Saldana said there are lots of ways the Commission can support, such as choosing to take a letter to the Board, and noted that staff is working to align the roadmap’s timeline with the updated Climate Action Plan. Regarding workforce development, the Commission identified a need to increase knowledge about all-electric appliances among retailers and support training to install new all-electric technology. The Commission suggested exploring nonresidential buildings in the roadmap and noted some particular considerations with multi-family buildings, such as cost burdens for small landlords. Additionally, the Commission suggested exploring ways to improve indoor air quality for those who cannot make all-electric upgrades quickly, looking into the infrastructure needed to recycle old equipment, and considering the most comprehensive requirements possible to apply to all buildings Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 7 of 56 12/12/22 Record of Action Page 5 of 7 with a waiver policy to address contingencies. Hardman-Saldana said staff can collaborate with the Health Department on indoor air quality, will look to the Commission as a guide for providing education on indoor air quality, and will explore ways to include nonresidential buildings in the roadmap. Public comment: Marti Roach from 350 Contra Costa Action expressed the organization’s willingness and desire to partner however they can on work related to the roadmap; Lynda Deschambault from Contra Costa County Climate Leaders pointed out a 2010 workshop on Residential Energy Conservation Ordinances (RECOs) hosted by Contra Costa Climate Leaders and additional electrification policy resources available on the organization’s website and expressed the organization’s openness to partner on this effort. Multiple members of the public expressed appreciation for the work being done. One suggestion included ensuring that the timeline for implementation reflects the urgency of the climate emergency. Questions included a request for an example of community decision making and more information on whether the County is considering providing hubs for electrification as part of the roadmap. Angulo provided community advisory groups, trainings for community members, incentives for providing feedback, and community education as examples of community decision making and identified Solar Richmond, which was nationally recognized for training community members on solar installations at home, as an example of ways to support job growth. Additional questions referenced whether there is an opportunity for the County to serve as an educator that supports other cities in hosting trainings. 6. RECEIVE Update on Interim Climate Action Work Plan for 2023-2024 London provided context behind the Interim Climate Action Work Plan, explaining that new State greenhouse gas reduction targets will need to be incorporated into the update of the County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). The Interim Climate Action Work Plan identifies a portion of the full CAP actions that the County will focus on in the next two years, and staff may pursue other additional opportunities that arise. Topics include buildings related to County operations and the community, including low- carbon concrete and reducing construction waste; climate resilience; solid waste related to implementation of Senate Bill 1383 and the updated Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy; water use; the transportation network; climate equity, including Just Transition; and having the County serve as a leader on these topics. Commission discussion: The Commission congratulated staff on the document and highlighted action 7.4 regarding the County Treasurer’s Office’s commitment to divest from fossil fuels. Suggestions for additions to the Interim Climate Action Work Plan included an expanded foodware ordinance to reduce single-use plastics and require BPI-certified, fiber-based compostable foodware, similar to ordinances that have been adopted in El Cerrito and Berkeley. The ordinance would allow the County to remove a lot of fossil fuels from the waste stream, help sorting at composting facilities, and keep plastics out of waterways. There would be some costs in staff time, but the policy could also offer cost savings related to waste sorting and some carbon reductions. London shared that County solid waste staff would be happy to meet with interested Commissioners to discuss this proposal, Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 8 of 56 12/12/22 Record of Action Page 6 of 7 specifically regarding enforcement considerations. The Commission also suggested including the implementation of more public EV chargers across the County, noting that some jurisdictions have achieved this by requiring EV chargers as part of gas station permits or passing ordinances to ban new gas stations. London noted that County staff is meeting with interested staff from cities and public agencies across the county to discuss EV deployment. Public comment: David Brockbank from the Department of Conservation and Development reiterated that solid waste staff would be happy to have further discussions with interested Commissioners regarding an expanded foodware ordinance and explained that Contra Costa Environmental Health, which serves as the local enforcement agency for Assembly Bill 1276, would likely be responsible for enforcement of this type of ordinance. Brockbank noted that compostable plastics are difficult to process at large-scale composting facilities since they take longer to breakdown compared to other materials. The Commission clarified that ordinances in El Cerrito and Berkeley only allow fiber-based compostable products, not compostable plastics. Commissioners Farnsworth, Goudey, Sullens, and Fernandez-Lipp formed a subgroup to be part of further discussions with County solid waste staff and report on this topic at a future Commission meeting. County staff will facilitate this subgroup. 7. REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Sustainability Commission 2022 Annual Report and 2023 Work Plan Hardman-Saldana reviewed the Commission’s 2022 Annual Report for the Board of Supervisors and 2023 Work Plan and requested feedback from the Commission. The workplan is very broad to cover all aspects of sustainability and was developed in collaboration with the Commission Chair and Vice Chair. Commission discussion: The Commission expressed support for the materials as is. There was no public comment. Moved: Smith Second: Sullens The Sustainability Commission 2022 Annual Report and 2023 Work Plan were approved. Goudey abstained. 8. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed There were no reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates. There was no public comment. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 9 of 56 12/12/22 Record of Action Page 7 of 7 9. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator London noted that the Commission’s annual report and workplan will be put on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda in January and provided an overview of the County’s ongoing sustainability projects. In addition to the Just Transition and all-electric work discussed earlier, staff is continuing work on a carbon sequestration study; the G3 Champions have plans to discuss solid waste at their upcoming meeting; and both the Health Department and libraries are very active. Hardman-Saldana made the Commission aware that some Commissioners’ terms will be expiring at the end of March and staff will contact these Commissioners. Commissioners for Districts 1 and 4 will be appointed by Supervisor Gioia and Supervisor-elect Carleson. The notice for open at-large seats will be released soon with applications closing on January 15, 2023, and interviews occurring during the Sustainability Committee’s January meeting. There was no Commission discussion. There was no public comment. 10. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability Moore provided a summary of the November 28 Sustainability Committee meeting. During this meeting, the Committee reviewed the County’s updated Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPP) and requested staff reexamine the use of the language “when practicable” and other similar language in the EPP. Public Works staff will be making revisions and taking the EPP to the Board. Public Works also sought approval from the Board to participate in EV charger rebate programs from MCE and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, as well as a battery services program. Additionally, Moore provided a summary of a workshop covering the implementation of Senate Bill 1137, which was passed by the California legislature and signed in September 2022. This bill requires a 3,200 foot setback from oil and gas wells, as well as other public health regulations regarding drilling for fossil fuels. There is an effort to put the law up for voter approval in 2024. Moore also informed the Commission of an upcoming webinar (https://berkeley.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EG6jdTL4T3q6UyGuPJDZfA) hosted by the UC Berkeley Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment on the Center’s newly released report Supercharging Electrolyzers: Boosting Zero-Emission Hydrogen Production and Deployment in California that will discuss pathways how green hydrogen can be more cost effective. The Commission will be selecting a new Chair and Vice Chair at its February meeting. Elections will be held at the beginning of the meeting, and the new Chair will run the remainder of the meeting. There was no public comment. 11. The next meeting is currently scheduled for February 27, 2023 12. Adjourn Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 10 of 56 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 4. Meeting Date: February 27, 2023 Subject: ELECT OFFICERS for the Sustainability Commission for 2023 Department: Conservation and Development Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816 Referral History: On August 28, 2017, the Sustainability Commission adopted Bylaws. These Bylaws were approved by the Board of Supervisors on September 26, 2017. Section IV.A of the Bylaws regarding Organization states: “The Commission shall annually at its first meeting in the calendar year elect its Chair and Vice-Chair.” The duties of the Chair are defined in the Bylaws as conducting meetings, developing agenda, and serving as the official spokesperson for the Commission. The duties of the Vice-Chair are defined as acting for the Chair in the Chair’s absence. Referral Update: The February 27, 2023, meeting is the first meeting in the calendar year of the Sustainability Commission. It is therefore the meeting at which the Commission should elect its officers for 2023. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): ELECT OFFICERS for the Sustainability Commission for 2023. Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A. ATTACHMENT(S) N/A Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 11 of 56 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 5. Meeting Date: February 27, 2023 Subject: ADOPT CALENDAR for 2023 Department: Conservation and Development Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816 Referral History: N/A Referral Update: The Sustainability Commission meets on the fourth Monday in the months of February, April, June, August, October, and December. In the alternate months, the Sustainability Committee of the Board of Supervisors holds its meetings. The Sustainability Committee has the option to modify a meeting date. Given the winter break, staff recommends the attached meeting calendar for 2023; the Commission should indicate whether it prefers to hold the December meeting on December 11th or 18th. The calendar lists potential topics for meetings, with room for the calendar to evolve as the year progresses. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): ADOPT CALENDAR for 2023 Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A. ATTACHMENT(S) Sustainability Commission 2023 Calendar Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 12 of 56 Sustainability Commission 2023 DRAFT Calendar Subject to revision Meeting Date Topic February 27, 2023 Elect Officers for 2023 Set Meeting Dates for 2023 Changes to Brown Act effective March 1, 2023 Single-Use Plastics Working Group Proposal Report on the County's Interim Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2022 April 24, 2023 Update on Draft Existing Buildings All-Electric Roadmap Climate Action Plan Update* Sustainability Coordinator Report and Climate Emergency Resolution Update* June 26, 2023 Update on Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan Climate Action Plan Update* Sustainability Coordinator Report and Climate Emergency Resolution Update* August 28, 2023 Grant Funding Opportunities Update? BayREN Programs Update? Climate Action Plan Update* Sustainability Coordinator Report and Climate Emergency Resolution Update* October 23, 2023 Report on Regional and/or Local Sea Level Rise Work? Climate Action Plan Update* Sustainability Coordinator Report and Climate Emergency Resolution Update* December 11, 2023 Review and Adopt 2023 Annual Report and 2024 Work Plan Review and Adopt Climate Action Plan Progress Report Climate Action Plan Update* Sustainability Coordinator Report and Climate Emergency Resolution Update* * Standing Item Topics identified in 2023 Work Plan: • 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, wildfires, and Public Safety Power Shutoffs • Review of Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan • County investment policy to eliminate investment in fossil fuel companies. • Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint implementation • Advocacy on issues related to the Climate Action Plan • Potential health impacts of climate change (i.e., wildfires) • Building electrification of existing buildings • Low‐Carbon Concrete Policy • Outreach and education on sustainability to Contra Costa County residents and businesses Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 13 of 56 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 6. Meeting Date: February 27, 2023 Subject: Report on Changes to Brown Act that take effect on March 1, 2023 Department: Conservation and Development Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816 Referral History: On March 4, 2020, the Governor issued a State of Emergency in response to the global COVID-19 outbreak, which allowed, among other things, all County boards, commissions, and committees, such as the County’s Sustainability Commission, that is subject to the Brown Act to be allowed to hold public meetings remotely. This was allowed first under the emergency declaration, and then Assembly Bill 361 (2021). Referral Update: The current state of emergency that allowed public meetings, subject to the Brown Act, to be held remotely will end on February 28, 2023. Effective March 1, 2023, all Commission meetings must once again be conducted in a physical location accessible to the public. Members of the Sustainability Commission must also attend in-person, unless the member meets some limited exceptions that would allow them to participate remotely, or they comply with the traditional Brown Act rules that regulate teleconference meetings. A quorum of members must also be physically present at the meeting location regardless of whether one or more of the new limited exceptions allows one or more members to participate remotely at a particular meeting. Attached is a memo from the Conservation and Development Director summarizing the changes to the Brown Act that take effect on March 1, 2023. The memo also includes two attachments prepared by County Counsel with details on the exceptions that would allow Commission members to participate in public meetings remotely. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE Report on Changes to Brown Act that take effect on March 1, 2023 Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A. ATTACHMENT(S) Memo from Conservation and Development Director on Brown Act Changes Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 14 of 56 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT 30 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553 Telephone: (925) 323-2626 TO: DCD colleagues who staff legislative bodies subject to the Brown Act FROM: John Kopchik, Director DATE: February 16, 2023 SUBJECT: Changes to Brown Act that take effect on March 1, 2023 I am writing to alert you and the committees and commissions you staff to changes in law and policy that will affect the logistics of your meetings starting on March 1, 2023. The changes in law are explained in detail in the attached 2/1/23 memo from County Counsel and the attached table comparing teleconferencing options (also prepared by County Counsel). I wish to highlight a few critical elements of the changes that will commence on March 1, 2023:  All meetings subject to the Brown Act must once again be conducted in a physical location accessible to the public.  Members of the committees and commissions must attend in-person, unless one of the limited exceptions described in the attached 2/1/23 memo from County Counsel applies or the traditional Brown Act rules regulating teleconference meetings are complied with.  A quorum of members must be physically present at the meeting location regardless of whether one or more of the new limited exceptions allows one or more members to participate remotely at a particular meeting.  On February 7, 2023, the Board of Supervisors directed that all countywide committees and commissions enable the public to participate virtually in addition to the legally-mandated option to participate in-person. I request that you please place an item on the agenda of the next meeting of your committee or commission to discuss the new requirements and logistics. Thank you and please contact me with any questions. Attachments:  2/1/23 memo from County Counsel  Table prepared by County Counsel comparing teleconferencing options JK Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 15 of 56 Office of the County Counsel 1025 Escobar Street, 3rd Floor Martinez, CA 94553 Date: February 1, 2023 To: Board of Supervisors From: Thomas L. Geiger, Chief Assistant·County Counsel y?- Contra Costa County Phone: (925) 655-2200 Fax: (925) 655-2263 Re: Teleconferencing Options Under the Brown Act for Members of County Boards, Commissions, and Committees SUMMARY Members of the Board of Supervisors may continue attending meetings remotely until the current statewide state of emergency ends on February 28, 2023. Once the state of emergency ends, Board members may participate in meetings remotely under new Brown Act teleconferencing rules that allow Board members to attend remotely for limited reasons and a limited number of times per year. Specifically, these new rules allow individual members of the Board to participate in Board meetings by teleconference for "just cause" reasons or due to "emergency circumstances" when certain legal requirements are met. Board members may also participate in meetings remotely under the traditional Brown Act teleconference option. This option allows individual Board members to participate in meetings by teleconference if the location from where they are participating is listed on the agenda and other legal requirements are met. In addition to applying to the Board of Supervisors, the new teleconferencing rules and the traditional teleconferencing option apply to all County boards, commissions, and committees that are subject to the Brown Act. These County boards, commissions, and committees are considered "legislative bodies" under the Brown Act and include, in addition to the Board of Supervisors: (1) committees created by statute; (2) committees created by formal action of the Board of Supervisors, whether composed of lay persons or a combination of lay persons and Board members; (3) standing committees, composed solely of members of the Board, that have a continuing subject matter jurisdiction (for example, the Board's Internal Operations committee); and (4) standing committees created by a Board-appointed committee and composed solely of members of that body (for example, a subcommittee of the Mental Health Commission). Once the state of emergency ends on February 28, all members of County legislative bodies will be required to meet in person unless they attend remotely under the new or traditional Brown Act teleconferencing rules. The Board of Supervisors previously directed that meetings of County legislative bodies provide for remote attendance by the public. These "hybrid" meetings, which allow in-person and remote attendance, may continue unless the Board of Supervisors directs otherwise, but as discussed below, some form of remote public participation must be in place for members of legislative bodies to use the new "just cause" or "emergency circumstances" options. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 16 of 56 Board of Supervisors February 1, 2023 Page 2 of 4 TELECONFERENCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL COUNTY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES 1. Teleconferencing Is Allowed Under the Brown Act for "Just Cause" Reasons or Under "Emergency Circumstances" Assembly Bill 2449 amended the Brown Act (Government Code sections 54950-54963) to provide an alternative to the traditional Brown Act teleconferencing rules. Specifically, AB 2449 amended Government Code section 54953 to permit individual members of a County legislative body to participate in meetings by teleconference for "just cause" or due to "emergency circumstances" when certain legal requirements are met. (Gov. Code, § 53953(£).) Teleconference Participation for Just Cause. If a member of a County legislative body wishes to attend a meeting remotely for "just cause," the member must notify the County legislative body at the earliest opportunity, up to and including the start of a regular meeting, of the need to participate remotely. The member must provide a general description of one of the following "just cause" circumstances: • There is a childcare or caregiving need for a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner. • A contagious illness that prevents the member from attending in person. • A need related to a physical or mental disability that is not otherwise accommodated for. • Travel while on official business of the County legislative body or another state or local agency. Teleconference Participation for Emergency Circumstances. If a member of a County legislative body wishes to attend a meeting remotely due to "emergency circumstances," the member must provide a general description of the need to appear remotely, which need not exceed 20 words or include any personal medical information. The member must make the request to participate remotely as soon as possible. "Emergency circumstances" means a physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person. Legislative Body Action Requirements. The County legislative body need not take action to allow a member to attendremotely for "just cause." To allow a member to attend remotely for "emergency circumstances," the County legislative body must take action on the request at the meeting. If there is insufficient time to include the item on a posted agenda, the County legislative body may take action on the request at the beginning of the meeting. Approval for the member to participate remotely based onthe "emergency circumstances" exception must be by majority vote. The member requesting the remote appearance may not vote on the request or be counted as part of the quorum until the legislative body approved the "emergency circumstances" exception. Participation Requirements. A member appearing by teleconference under one of the AB 2449 options must participate in the meeting through both audio and visual technology. Disclosure Requirements. A member appearing by teleconference under an AB 2449 option must publicly disclose at the meeting whether any other individuals 18 years or older are in the room at the remote location withthe member and must publicly disclose the general nature Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 17 of 56 Board of Supervisors February 1, 2023 Page 3 of 4 of the member's relationship with these individuals. This disclosure must occur before any action is taken. Quorum Required. If a teleconference meeting is conducted with a member participating under an AB 2449 option, at least a quorum of the County legislative body must participate in person, and the quorum must meet in a single, physical location identified on the agenda that is open to the public and situated within the County. Limitations on Number of Remote Appearances. A member may not use a "just cause" reason to appear remotely for more than two meetings per calendar year. In total, a member may not participate remotely under an AB 2449 option for more than three consecutive months or 20 percent of the regular meetings of the County legislative body within the calendar year, or for more than two meetings if the body regularly meets less than 10 times per year. Roll Call. All votes taken during a teleconference meeting conducted under this option must be by roll call. Technological and Access Requirements. If a member participates remotely under an AB 2449 option, the County legislative body must also provide either a two-way audiovisual platform, or a two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting, so that the public may remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the legislative body. The body must provide notice and post agendas as otherwise required under the Brown Act and must indicate on the notice how the public may access the meeting and offer comment. The agenda must include an opportunity for all persons to attend and address the legislative body via a call-in option, via an internet-based service option, and at the in-person location of the meeting. If the broadcasting of the meeting to the public by phone or internet service is disrupted, or a disruption within the local agency's control prevents members of the public from commenting using the phone or internet service, the legislative body may not take any action at the meeting until public access to the meeting via the phone option or the internet service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the legislative body from broadcasting the meeting may be subject to legal challenge. When a member appears remotely for a just cause or emergency circumstances reason, the Brown Act does not require that the agency post an agenda at the remote location, include the address of the remote location, or provide for public access to the remote location. The body may not require public comments to be submitted in advance of the meeting and must allow the public to address the body and comment in real time. An individual may be required to register for public comment before being allowed to provide comment, where the body uses a third-party platform (like Zoom) for the meeting. The Brown Act rules allowing "just cause" or "emergency circumstances" participation remain in effect through 2025. Beginning January 1, 2026, only the traditional Brown Act teleconference rules will be available (unless further legislation is adopted in the meantime). Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 18 of 56 Board of Supervisors February 1, 2023 Page 4 of 4 2. Teleconferencing Under Traditional Brown Act Rules Members of County legislative bodies also may continue to participate remotely under the traditional Brown Act teleconferencing rules in Government Code section 54953(b). Under these rules: TLG: • At least a quorum of the legislative body must participate from locations in the County. • Each telephone conference location and the meeting location must be shown on the agenda for the meeting. In addition, the agenda must provide an opportunity for members of the public to give public comment from each teleconference location. • In addition to the usual agenda-posting agenda locations and the County website, an agenda must be posted at each teleconference location at least 96 hours in advance of the meeting under the County's Better Government Ordinance, or at least 24 in advance for a special meeting. • Each teleconference location must be open and accessible to members of the public. • All votes taken during a teleconference meeting must be by roll call. H:\2023\Board of Supervisors\teleconferencing memo -boards and commissions.BOS 2.7.23.docx Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 19 of 56 Traditional Teleconferencing (Gov. Code, § 54953(b).) AB 2449 Teleconferencing (Gov. Code, § 54953(f); becomes (e) on 1/1/24.) Applicable Timeframe ▪ Available anytime. ▪ Available between January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2026. Who May Appear Remotely and Quorum Requirements ▪ Individual board members, if at least a quorum of the members of the body participate from locations within the jurisdictional boundaries of the body. ▪ Individual board members if: (1) a quorum of the members of the body participates in person; and (2) the quorum meets in a single, physical location clearly identified on the agenda that is open to the public and situated within the agency’s jurisdiction. Bases for Remote Appearance ▪ Applies when a board member is unable to attend in person. ▪ A member may appear remotely for “Just Cause” or “Emergency Circumstances”: ► “Just cause” is any of the following: (1) A need to care for a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner; (2) A contagious illness that prevents a member from attending in person; (3) A need related to a physical or mental disability that is not otherwise accommodated for; or (4) Travel while on official business of the body or another state or local agency. ► “Emergency circumstances” is a physical or family medical emergency that prevents a member from attending in person. Notification and Approval Requirements ▪ No additional requirements. ▪ To attend remotely for: ► “Just Cause” ▪ The member must notify the body at the earliest possible opportunity, including at the start of a regular meeting, of the need to participate remotely. ▪ The member must provide a general description of the circumstances necessitating the remote appearance. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 20 of 56 Traditional Teleconferencing (Gov. Code, § 54953(b).) AB 2449 Teleconferencing (Gov. Code, § 54953(f); becomes (e) on 1/1/24.) ▪ The body need not take action in response. ► “Emergency Circumstances” ▪ The member’s request to appear remotely must include a general description of the need to appear remotely, which need not exceed 20 words, and need not include any personal medical information. ▪ The member must make the request to participate remotely as soon as possible and must make a separate request for each meeting. ▪ The body must take action on the request at a public meeting. ▪ If there is insufficient time to include the item on a posted agenda, the body may take action at the beginning of the meeting. ▪ Approval must be by majority vote. Agenda and Public Access and Comment Requirements ▪ The teleconference location must be open to the public. ▪ The agenda must be posted at all meeting locations, including the teleconference location. ▪ The agenda must identify all meeting locations, including the teleconference location. ▪ The agenda must provide for public comment at all meeting locations, including the teleconference location. ▪ Must provide notice and post agendas as otherwise required under the Brown Act and must indicate on the notice how the public may access the meeting and offer comment. ▪ The agenda must include an opportunity for all persons to attend and address the body via a call-in option, an internet-based service option, and at the in-person location. ▪ The law does not require that the agency post an agenda at the remote location, include the address of the remote location, or provide for public access to the remote location. ▪ The body may not require public comments to be submitted in advance and must allow the public to address the body and comment in real time. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 21 of 56 Traditional Teleconferencing (Gov. Code, § 54953(b).) AB 2449 Teleconferencing (Gov. Code, § 54953(f); becomes (e) on 1/1/24.) ▪ An individual may be required to register for public comment before being allowed to comment, where the body uses a third-party platform (like Zoom) for the meeting. Voting Requirements ▪ Members must vote by rollcall. ▪ Members must vote by rollcall. Technological Requirements ▪ The public must be able to remotely hear and visually observe the meeting, and remotely address the body. Thus, the body must provide either: (1) a two-way audiovisual platform; or (2) a two-way telephonic service and a live webcasting of the meeting. Other Requirements ▪ If a member participates remotely, the member must also: (1) Publicly disclose at the meeting before any action is taken, whether any other individuals 18 years or older are in the room at the remote location with the member and the general nature of the member’s relationship with such individuals; and (2) Participate through both audio and visual technology. ▪ If the broadcasting of the meeting to the public by phone or internet service is disrupted, or a disruption within the local agency’s control prevents members of the public from commenting using the phone or internet service, the body shall not take any action at the meeting, until public access to the meeting via the phone option or the internet service option is restored. Actions taken on agenda items during a disruption that prevents the body from broadcasting the meeting may be challenged pursuant to Section 54960.1. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 22 of 56 Traditional Teleconferencing (Gov. Code, § 54953(b).) AB 2449 Teleconferencing (Gov. Code, § 54953(f); becomes (e) on 1/1/24.) ▪ The body must have and implement a procedure for receiving and quickly resolving reasonable accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities. Any doubt should be resolved in favor of accessibility. Limitations on Frequency of Remote Appearances ▪ None. ▪ A member may participate remotely for “just cause” no more than two times per calendar year. ▪ A member may not participate remotely for more than three consecutive months or 20 percent of the regular meetings for the local agency within the calendar year, or more than two meetings if the body regularly meets less than 10 times per year. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 23 of 56 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 7. Meeting Date: February 27, 2023 Subject: CONSIDER Proposal from the Single-Use Plastics Working Group Presenter: Marisha Farnsworth, Sustainability Commission Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816 Referral History: At its December 12, 2022, meeting the Sustainability Commission made suggestions for additions to the Interim Climate Action Work Plan to include an expanded foodware ordinance to reduce single-use plastics and require BPI-certified, fiber-based compostable foodware, similar to ordinances that have been adopted in El Cerrito and Berkeley. The Commission formed a working group comprised of Commissioners Farnsworth, Goudey, Sullens, and Fernandez-Lipp to have discussions with County solid waste staff and report on this topic at a future Commission meeting. Referral Update: The working group has met with County staff from solid waste environmental health and recommends the attached for consideration by the Commission. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): CONSIDER Proposal from the Single-Use Plastics Working Group Fiscal Impact (if any): No fiscal impact has been determined at this time. ATTACHMENT(S) Expanded Plastics Ordinance Proposal Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 24 of 56 Proposed recommendations to the Board Regarding Single-Use Foodware The “Singe-Use Plastics” working group of the Sustainability Commission proposes the following recommendations to be considered by the full Commission. The recommendations aim to reduce the amount of single-use plastic entering our waste stream and remove compostable organic food waste from landfills (as required by SB 1383). These recommendations closely follow expanded foodware ordinances already adopted by the cities of Berkeley, El Cerrito, and Richmond. We have been advised by sta that a period of study may be required to assess the impacts of implementing the recommendations. If so, the Commission is willing to host public dialog on this topic and/or otherwise assist sta in researching and evaluating impacts. This letter briefly states the single-use plastic problem and our proposed recommendations. The problem: Municipalities are increasingly recognizing the problems associated with the use of single-use plastics. ● Single-use plastics pollute our waterways and oceans harming wildlife and increasing costs for Public Works and the County Watershed Program. ● Many single-use plastics are made from fossil fuels, which is contributing to climate change. As LA County projected when implementing its foodware ordinance: “if left unchecked, the plastics industry is projected to account for 20% of total oil consumption and 15% of the global annual carbon budget by 2050. Given falling demand for gasoline, plastics will be the greatest growth market for oil in the next decade, with plastic production expected to double by 2040. 1 ” ● Single-use “compostable” plastics are not composted at most facilities. Many residents are unaware of this and mistakenly place “compostable” plastics in the compost bin causing contamination and increased costs at composting facilities. ● While some single-use plastics are recyclable very little actually gets recycled due to food contamination. Only 15% of single-use plastic items in California are actually recycled 2 . ● Plastic single-use foodware takes extra work to separate from compostable food waste, which leads to non-compliance and contamination problems in all three waste streams (landfill, compost, and recycling). Fiber-based single-use foodware 2 https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2022-04-17/fight-brews-over-california-measure-to-r educe-plastic-waste 1 https://ceo.lacounty.gov/2022/03/11/sustainability/putting-a-fork-in-it/#:~:text=Unfortunately%2C %2085%25%20of%20single%2D,of%20their%20size%20and%20contamination . Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 25 of 56 and the food residues on it can be handled in the compost stream for the best compliance with requirements for organic diversion from landfills (SB 1383). Each city and municipality has its own requirements around single-use plastics and foodware. Some cities with dierent requirements share the same waste management facilities. This can cause confusion for residents and increased costs for waste management facilities. We are proposing to align with the nearby City of Berkeley because it has the most robust ordinance 3 . One diversion from other ordinances is that we require fiber-based products. This is because BPI products that appear to be plastic will not be composted at our composting facilities, but will cause contamination problems and ultimately be thrown away. The Recommendations: On-site Dining: 1. No single-use disposable foodware is allowed for on-site dining, with the following exceptions: ○ Paper tray liners, paper wrappers, napkins, and paper straws are allowed for dining on-premises. Paper napkins and paper straws should be oered upon request or at self-serve stations. ○ Recyclable aluminum foil is allowed for wrapping items (i.e. burritos/wraps). ○ Programs should be established to help small restaurant businesses to install dishwashers, if they don’t have them, and point out the long-term financial savings of reusables over purchasing single-use products. Takeout Dining: 1. Disposable foodware is allowed for “to-go” orders, but all take-out foodware must be fiber-based and BPI-Certified Compostable. 2. Disposable accessory items (provided only on request per AB 1276) must be fiber-based and BPI-Certified compostable, with the exception of paper napkins or natural wood accessories (i.e. wood utensils, toothpicks, stirrers) which are accepted in the compost program without any certification necessary. County Operations: 1. The county will prioritize reusable foodware items over single-use in county operations and lead by example, demonstrating compliance well ahead of the enforcement date chosen in the ordinance ○ County Jails and hospitals should avoid single-use foodware to the fullest extent possible. 2. County-sponsored/hosted events will feature reusable foodware to the fullest extent possible and use only compliant fiber-based single-use products when reusable foodware can not be used. 3 https://berkeleyca.gov/doing-business/operating-berkeley/food-service/single-use-foodware-rules Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 26 of 56 Communication and Enforcement: ● Enforcement of this ordinance would be complaint-based to minimize sta time. Implementation could include a grace period when the requirement is in place, but will not be enforced until a certain date. ● County compliance should begin on adoption to show leadership during the grace period. ● A succinct sheet should be available online summarizing the various ordinances and state laws including AB 827 and AB 1276. ● A waiver could be provided such as this one from the city of Berkeley: https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Waiver%20Request%20Single %20Use%20Foodware%20and%20Litter%20Reduction%20Ordinance%201.3.23.pdf We believe that these recommendations will help our community be more sustainable, reduce our carbon footprint, reduce waste management costs, and bring us closer to alignment with policies in some neighboring cities. More resources: https://www.el-cerrito.org/803/Foodware-Ordinance-Summary https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/Berkeley-Foodware-Ordinance-One-Pa ge-Flyer.pdf https://www.mountainview.gov/depts/pw/recycling_and_zero_waste/zero/foam.asp https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1824/Food-Ware-Ordinance#:~:text=Food%20Providers%2 0must%20use%20disposable,to%20cover%20the%20cost%20dierence . Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 27 of 56 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 8. Meeting Date: February 27, 2023 Subject: REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of 2022 Climate Action Plan Progress Report Department: Conservation and Development Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator Contact: Jody London, (925) 655-2815 Referral History: The Sustainability Commission submits an annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report (Progress Report) to the Board of Supervisors. Historically, this has happened as part of the submittal of the Annual Report and Work Plan. In 2022, staff recommended to the Sustainability Commission that the Progress Report be submitted in March, concurrent with the submittal of annual reports for other planning documents submitted by the Department of Conservation and Development. This also has the benefit of allowing the report to include data for the entire calendar year. Referral Update: Completion of the Climate Action Plan update has been extended to 2024. The 2015 Climate Action Plan extended through 2020. Staff in March 2021, provided the Sustainability Committee of the Board of Supervisors with an Interim Climate Action Work Plan for 2021 and 2022 (Attachment A). The attached report (Attachment B) addresses progress in 2022. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of 2022 Climate Action Plan Progress Report Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A. ATTACHMENT(S) Attachment A – 2021-22 CAP Interim Work Plan Attachment B – 2022 Interim Climate Action Plan Progress Report Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 28 of 56 Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan Interim Work Plan March 2021 Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County Department(s)Notes Clean and Efficient Built Environment · Building electrification · Adopted electrification reach code DCD · Energy Efficiency and weatherization programs · Participation in energy efficiency and weatherization programs by residential and commercial buildings (including County facilities), with attention to participation in impacted communities · Implement Asthma Initiative DCD Health · Energy storage · # County buildings with energy storage systems, and capacity of each system Public Works · Carbon Neutral County Buildings · Energy efficient lighting and other appliances and mechanical systems installed annually in County facilities Public Works CAO · Rooftop Solar · # Permits issued · MW installed on County facilities DCD Public Works · Increase participation in MCE Deep Green program by County facilities · # and percent of County accounts enrolled in MCE Deep Green Public Works (for County facilities) · Install more renewable electricity in County facilities · MW rooftop and parking lot solar installed in unincorporated County, including County facilities and impacted communities Public Works (for County facilities) Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts. Increase the number of carbon neutral buildings in Contra Costa County Replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable electricity Homes, workplaces, and businesses in Contra Costa County run on clean energy CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 1 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 29 of 56 Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan Interim Work Plan March 2021 Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County Department(s)Notes Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts. Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure · Carbon sequestration on public and private lands ·Develop carbon sequestration feasibility study through grant from CA Dept of Conservation DCD · Install green infrastructure · Progress report on implementation of County's green infrastructure plan for County facilities · Take action on feasibility study of Community Climate Resilience Districts Public Works CAO · Increase use of pervious paving · Miles or square feet pervious paving installed in County projects Public Works Address impacts of heat islands · Increase number of cool roofs · # permits for cool roofs, both private and County DCD Public Works No-Waste Contra Costa Establish enforceable mechanism to mandate organic waste and edible food recovery · Adopted ordinance DCD Outreach and education to residential and commercial customers in County franchise areas · Proof of documentation provided to applicable residential and commercial customers DCD Implement weekly organics collection services for all residential and commercial customers served in County franchise areas · Updated franchise agreements or other appropriate action approved by the Board directing service implementation DCD Establish Edible Food Recovery Program · Engage Tier 1 & 2 businesses per adopted ordinance Health Services - Environmental Health Division Add language addressing per capita procurement requirements for specified recovered organic waste products · Updated EPP Policy Public Works 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 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) CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 2 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 30 of 56 Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan Interim Work Plan March 2021 Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County Department(s)Notes Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts. Add language addressing recycled paper content requirements · Updated EPP Policy Public Works Add language to address other sustainability priorities · Updated EPP Policy Public Works Reduce Water Use and Increase Drought Resilience Reduce water use in unincorporated County and in County facilities · Promote water conservation · Reduction in overall water use as reported by water companies · Reduction in water use at County facilities DCD Public Works Manage groundwater resources sustainably · Groundwater Sustainability Plan · Groundwater Sustainability Plan is approved by CA Dept of Water Resources DCD Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy Contra Costa County uses less water and communities are prepared for drought CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 3 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 31 of 56 Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan Interim Work Plan March 2021 Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County Department(s)Notes Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts. Clean Transportation Network · Physically separated bicycle network in the unincorporated portions of the County that connects to the countywide network · Develop map of countywide bike network · Identify percentage complete Public Works Requires partnership with other agencies and jurisdictions · Complete and Adopt Active Transportation Plan · Develop and begin using tool to measure progress Public Works DCD · Develop and adopt through the Capital Road Improvement and Preservation Plan (CRIPP) process an updated list of transportation projects that reduce vehicle miles traveled · Updated Project List · Grant awards (# and $$ amount) Public Works DCD Expectation that Federal and State grants under Biden Administration will favor projects that promote bike/ped/urban greening · Identify strategies and funding to implement recommendations in 2019 Employee Commute Survey of County employees · Introduce County telecommute policy to labor groups and implement as appropriate · # and percentage of County employees using pretax commute benefit CAO, HR HR · Increase number of electric vehicles purchased by County departments · # EVs purchased annually for County fleet · Percentage of County fleet that is all-electric Public Works CAO DCD · Install EV chargers at County facilities · # of electric vehicle chargers installed at County facilities, both for County fleet and public use Public Works CAO DCD 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. Increase percentage of electric vehicles in Contra Costa County fleet. Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing number of people who bike, walk, and take public transit. CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 4 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 32 of 56 Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan Interim Work Plan March 2021 Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County Department(s)Notes Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts. Climate Equity 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 environmental justice policies · Analyze funds spent by County departments on energy efficiency and other services and physical improvements in disadvantaged communities compared to non-disadvantaged communities CAO DCD Health Public Works Plan for transition to a local economy that is less reliant on fossil fuels · Collaborate with stakeholders to develop an inclusive process · Ongoing reports Board of Supervisors (via Sustainability Cmte) DCD Leadership Contra Costa County is a model for how local government can take action on climate issues. · Continue work of Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force · Twice yearly reports to Board of Supervisors DCD Public Works · Participation by County departments in County's Green Business Program · # of County departments, and facilities within each department, recognized by the Green Business Program · Share impacts of green business certification (on County website, webinars, social media, etc.) to lead by example and promote community participation Health Department Participating Departments Departments to designate liaisons to lead Green Business certifications on the department level · Participation by eligible County departments in EBMUD Water Smart Business program · Number of County departments recognized by EBMUD Water Smart Business program DCD Monitor based on data from EBMUD Implement Climate Emergency Resolution · Implement climate emergency resolution.· Assess progress on action items in the Climate Emergency Resolution Board of Supervisors (via Sustainability Cmte) DCD Contra Costa County is a leader among local governments on how it addresses climate issues The CAP will mitigate environmental factors leading to health disparities, promote safe and livable communities, and promote investments that improve neighborhood accessibility. CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 5 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 33 of 56 Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan Interim Work Plan March 2021 Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County Department(s)Notes Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts. Build Community and County Employee Support for Climate Action Plan · Newsletters · Meetings · Collaboration with community based organizations · Regular column in County Clips (employee newsletter) · Sustainability Newsletter · # meetings, other collaboration DCD CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 6 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 34 of 56 Contra Costa County CAP Interim Work Plan 2022 Progress Report For more information, contact: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator Contra Costa County Jody.London@dcd.cccounty.us (925) 655-2815 February 21, 2023 Photograph courtesy of Jennifer Groth Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 35 of 56 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 electricity .................................................................... 3 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.................................................................................... 7 4.1 Reduce water use in unincorporated County and in County facilities ............................................... 7 4.2 Manage groundwater resources sustainably ...................................................................................... 7 Clean Transportation Network ..................................................................................................................... 7 5.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing number of people who bike, walk, and take public transit ..................................................................................................................... 7 5.2 Increase percentage of electric vehicles in Contra Costa County fleet .............................................. 8 Climate Equity ............................................................................................................................................... 9 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 ........................................................................ 9 6.2 Plan for transition to a local economy that is less reliant on fossil fuels .......................................... 10 Leadership ................................................................................................................................................... 10 7.1 Contra Costa County is a leader among local governments on how it addresses climate issues .... 10 7.2 Implement Climate Emergency Resolution ...................................................................................... 11 7.3 Build Community and County Employee Support for Climate Action Plan ...................................... 11 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 36 of 56 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 outlines the actions the County will take to address our changing climate while the CAP is updated alongside the County’s General Plan. There are seven goals outlined in the Interim 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 met or made significant progress toward most of the 2021- 2022 goals. The icons below indicate the County’s status on the goals included in the Interim Work Plan. Goal Met or Exceeded Goal Approaching Completion In Progress More Work Needed Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 37 of 56 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 38 of 56 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 39 of 56 Contra Costa County CAP Interim Work Plan 2022 Progress Report Introduction 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 outlines the actions the County undertook in 2021 and 2022 to address our changing climate while the CAP is updated alongside the County’s General Plan. There are seven goals outlined in the Interim Work Plan, which aim to increase the effectiveness of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Additionally, the Interim Work Plan allows the County to monitor progress towards its climate goals. Under each goal, there are sub-goals corresponding to actions that will help the County achieve the main goal. Various departments and agencies are responsible for implementing these goals and reporting out on measures of effectiveness. The achievements and progress made towards the Interim Work Plan goals in 2022 are detailed below. Clean and Efficient Built Environment Homes, workplaces, and businesses in Contra Costa County run on clean energy. 1.1 Increase the number of carbon neutral buildings in Contra Costa County Building Electrification The Board of Supervisors adopted the All-Electric Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2022-02) on January 18, 2022. The Ordinance amends the 2019 California Energy Code to require the new construction of residential (including single-family and multi-family buildings), detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), hotel, office, and retail building types to be all-electric. Since the Ordinance went into effect on June 1, 2022, 67 single-family or duplex projects and 40 ADU projects received permits in alignment with the all-electric ordinance. Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Programs In 2022, 146 projects were completed through the Weatherization Program, with 19 projects taking place in the unincorporated area of the county. The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) provides energy efficiency programs, services, and resources to the nine Bay Area counties. There were 580 projects, 42 of which took place in the unincorporated area of the county, completed through BayREN’s Home+ program, which provides rebates to single-family homeowners for energy efficiency improvements. The number of projects increased in 2022 after a decline since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. See Figure 1. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 40 of 56 Figure 1: Home+ Projects Completed The Contra Costa Asthma Initiative is an ongoing effort led by the Contra Costa Health Department in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Development. As of December 2022, 44 clients were currently being served, and work with 49 clients had been completed. See Figure 2 for an overview of the program’s work in 2022. Figure 2: Contra Costa Asthma Initiative 2022 Impact Contra Costa Asthma Initiative 2022 Impact Region Number of Members Served Central 12 East 36 West 23 Grand Total 71 The County enrolled in MCE’s Strategic Energy Management Program to increase energy efficiency in County facilities, and staff began work on drafting the County’s Strategic Energy Management Plan, which will serve as an update to the 2001 Energy Reduction Plan and build upon the Distributed Energy Resources Plan (2018)1. 1 Contra Costa County Distributed Energy Resources Plan 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Average Other BayREN Counties Contra Costa County Home+ Projects Completed 2019 2020 2021 2022 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 41 of 56 Energy Storage The County has battery storage systems at three facilities, totaling 1,500 kW of capacity. The Board of Supervisors approved an additional project providing up to 500 hours of charging to a bank of EV chargers at the West County Detention Facility. Carbon Neutral County Buildings Current new construction and major renovations of County facilities include LED lighting; heat pump technology is also considered for these projects. The priority for the second $2.5 million tranche of the Sustainability Fund will be energy efficiency improvements in County facilities, beginning in 2023. Rooftop Solar There were 11 total permits issued for commercial solar installations, including seven rooftop and four ground mount projects. Permits issued for residential solar projects are described in Figure 3. Figure 3: 2022 Residential Solar Permits 1.2 Replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable electricity MCE Deep Green Participation As of December 2022, 88.9% of residential accounts in the unincorporated area of the county are enrolled in MCE, equating to 56,805 accounts. 2% of these accounts are enrolled in MCE’s Deep Green electricity service, which provides electricity from 100% renewable energy. As a result of MCE’s generation services, an estimated 43,690 metric tons of CO2 have been reduced in the unincorporated areas of the county. Regarding County facilities, around 70% of County electricity usage is associated 18 1702 1720 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 Ground Mount Roof Mount Total 2022 Residential Solar Permits Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 42 of 56 with a Deep Green account. See Figure 4 for a summary of MCE participation across Contra Costa communities.2 Figure 4: MCE Participation Across Contra Costa Communities Renewable Electricity in County Facilities There is 7,332 kW of solar at County facilities serving the County electricity load. 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 has been developing a carbon sequestration feasibility study through a grant from the California Department of Conservation. The study, Healthy Lands, Healthy People,3 will identify strategies to store carbon in various land uses across the county, such as agriculture, parks and open space, conservation lands, and towns and cities. Staff will complete the study in April 2023. See Figure 5 for the County’s progress to date on implementation of the Green Infrastructure Plan for County facilities. No pervious paving was installed in County projects. 2 Only cities and towns that participate in MCE are listed. 3 Healthy Lands, Healthy People Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 43 of 56 Figure 5: Progress Report on the Green Infrastructure Plan for County Facilities Project Name and Location4 Project Description Planning or Implementation Status Green Infrastructure Measures Included Kirker Pass Road Northbound Truck Climbing Lane, Concord Roadway widening, and relocation of existing roadside features, signing and striping; pavement rehabilitation. Completed 2021 Bioretention areas. No vegetation is included so minimal maintenance is required. Central St. GI, Pittsburg Avenue to Brookside Drive, North Richmond Derived from 2200 Central St. (SD15-9423) Site developed. Completed 2021 Road drains to bioretention basins. Pittsburg Avenue GI, Central St. to North Richmond Pkwy, North Richmond Derived from 2200 Central St. (SD15-9423) and 500 Pittsburg Ave. (DP 14 3041) Site developed. Estimated completion 2022-2023 Road drains to bioretention basins. 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. Completed 2022 StormTree/Filterra C.3 treatment (1). 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. Completed Jan. 2023 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. Construction 2023 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. Construction 2023 Bio swales, bioretention basin. Brookside Dr., North Richmond, east of Central Street Derived from Sunborne Nurseries (DP 16-3008) Site developed. Completion estimated 2023 Road drains to bioretention basins. 4 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. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 44 of 56 2.2 Address impacts of heat islands There were 359 residential, in addition to one commercial, permits issued for cool roofs. No cool roofs were implemented at County facilities. No-Waste Contra Costa Contra Costa County generates no more solid waste than 2.25 pounds per person per day (PPD). 3.1 Recover organic waste and edible food (Senate Bill (SB) 1383/Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Program) Enforceable Mechanism to Mandate Organic Waste and Edible Food Recovery The Board of Supervisors adopted the Organic Waste Disposal Reduction Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2021-38) in December 2021. The ordinance establishes a program to regulate the handling of organic waste in accordance with SB 1383. Outreach and Education Staff provided applicable outreach materials to residential and commercial customers. These materials included a notice to organic waste generators via newspaper and updates to the County’s solid waste website. Weekly Organics Collection Services The Board of Supervisors adopted two updated franchise agreements in June and July 2022 to implement weekly organics service with food waste for central county residential and commercial and east county commercial customers. Edible Food Recovery The County has engaged with Edible Food Generators, informing them of the requirements of SB 1383 and providing resources to help reduce food waste. 3.2 Update the County’s existing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy To comply with Senate Bill 1383, the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy was updated to include language addressing per capita procurement requirements for specified recovered organic waste products, or renewable gas, and recycled paper content requirements. After adoption of the SB 1383 requirements, Public Works collaborated with partners in the Department of Conservation and Development, Health Services, and other County departments to incorporate additional County sustainability priorities into the EPP Policy. The updated EPP Policy was brought to the Sustainability Committee on November 28, 2022, and will be brought to the Board of Supervisors for adoption in early 2023. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 45 of 56 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. The majority of residents and businesses in the county receive their water from two water agencies, Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) and East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). See Figure 6 and Figure 7 for total water usage in the unincorporated areas of the county. There was a slight increase in water usage by CCWD customers in 2022, after a significant decrease in 2021. Figure 6: Contra Costa Water District Gallons Per Year Water Usage Figure 7 [placeholder for EBMUD data] 4.2 Manage groundwater resources sustainably The East Contra Costa Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), approved by the Board of Supervisors, was submitted to the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR). The GSP is under review by CDWR, and staff are awaiting comments from CDWR. 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 (EVs). 5.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing number of people who bike, walk, and take public transit Public Works is working to maintain and expand a countywide bicycle network to increase the safety and comfort of routes across the county. This network includes 80 miles of bikeway in unincorporated county, made up of Class I trails, Class II bike lanes, and Class 3 bike routes.5 Recently the County received a grant to fund the Bailey Road Active Transportation Corridor Project, which is in the design 5 2022 CRIPP, page 10 Contra Costa Water District Gallons Per Year Water Usage Unincorporated Area 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total Non-Residential 4,337,634 4,217,697 4,035,898 3,312,475 3,672,240 15,903,704 Residential 8,233,334 8,159,592 9,083,180 7,453,969 7,837,180 32,930,075 All Accounts 12,570,968 12,377,289 13,119,078 10,766,444 11,509,420 48,833,779 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 46 of 56 phase and expected to include a Class IV bike lane connecting the commercial strip on Willow Pass Road to the Pittsburgh/Bay Point BART station. To enhance the accessibility and connectivity of active transportation options, the County adopted the Active Transportation Plan 6 on March 29, 2022. Projects in the plan cover new bicycle facilities, upgraded crossings, enhanced trail connections, improved walkways, and other pedestrian facilities in unincorporated county. Further prioritizing transportation safety, the County adopted the Action Plan from the Vision Zero Final Report7 on March 1, 2022, which uses a Safe System Approach with a goal to eliminate fatalities and major injuries on unincorporated roadways. The 2022 Capital Road Improvement & Preservation Program (CRIPP) was adopted on November 2, 2022. The CRIPP lays out funded transportation projects in the County that provide safe, efficient, and reliable transportation. Currently, there are 33 actively funded projects. The County’s Remote Work Policy remains in effect and is being implemented by departments. Additionally, there were eight employees as of the end of 2022 using the pre-tax commuter benefit. 5.2 Increase percentage of electric vehicles in Contra Costa County fleet At the end of 2022, there were 31 all-electric vehicles in the County’s fleet, making up about 2% of the over 1,600 vehicles in the fleet. The priority of the Sustainability Fund for 2022 is installation of EV chargers at County facilities, and staff is working to implement projects at over 25 sites to facilitate the transition to an all-electric fleet. Across the entirety of Contra Costa County, there are 881 total public EV chargers, including 630 Level 2 and 251 DC Fast chargers, as of September 30, 2022. Additionally, there are 612 shared private EV chargers, located at locations such as workplaces and multifamily residences.8 MCE has established numerous EV charging ports in Contra Costa County over the years, as described in Figure 8. Figure 8: EV Charging Ports Installed by MCE in Contra Costa County EV Charging Ports Installed by MCE in Contra Costa County 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total 6 179 140 29 33 387 6 Active Transportation Plan 7 Vision Zero Final Report 8 Electric Vehicle Chargers in California, California Energy Commission Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 47 of 56 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 The updated General Plan will include environmental justice policies. A revised draft of the Environmental Justice Policy Guidance was released in May 2022 and is available on the Envision Contra Costa 2040 website.9 The Stronger Communities Element contains the finalized environmental justice goals, which encompass the equitable distribution of social and economic resources among all communities in the county, healthy neighborhoods, health services, healthy food, healthy homes, arts and culture, workforce development, business and innovation, and community engagement. The County is working to develop a process to analyze funds spent by County departments on energy efficiency and other services and physical improvements in impacted communities compared to non- impacted communities. See Figure 9 for a map of the impacted communities in the unincorporated area of the County. Figure 9: Impacted Communities in Unincorporated Contra Costa County 9 Envision Contra Costa 2040 Environmental Justice Documents Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 48 of 56 6.2 Plan for transition to a local economy that is less reliant on fossil fuels The County is preparing to receive a $750,000 Community Project Funding grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support the development of a Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan. The funds will support community engagement, economic analysis, specialized studies, and staffing as the County develops a plan to assist frontline communities and workers in the movement from a fossil fuel-based economy to a zero-emission economy. The communities closest to the refineries in Contra Costa County align with the State's impacted communities map and are the intended main beneficiaries of the community revitalization planning effort in the Economic Revitalization Plan. The Board of Supervisors approved the Project Narrative and Budget, which were submitted to HUD at the end of 2022. 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 Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force The County’s Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force provided two reports to the Board of Supervisors in March and October. The first report gave an overview of the Sustainability Fund, approved by the Board of Supervisors in November 2021 to invest in County facilities; the launch of the Green Government Group (G3) Champions program; and a new online dashboard to track the County’s climate action progress. The second report provided an overview of the first $2.5 million tranche of the Sustainability Fund to be used to install EV chargers at County facilities; a progress update on the G3 Champions; and climate action updates from several County departments. Green Government Group (G3) Champions In April, the County launched the G3 Champions program. The G3 Champions form a network of County employees across departments who are focused on making Contra Costa County a cleaner, healthier place to live and work. The Champions meet every two months and have learned about topics including Bike to Work Day, EVs, water conservation, energy efficiency, and recycling and composting. Over 65 employees have signed up, representing 18 County departments. EBMUD’s WaterSmart Certified Business Program EBMUD’s WaterSmart Certified Business Program has merged with the Contra Costa County Green Business Program. There is no update on the number of County departments recognized through the Green Business Program. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 49 of 56 7.2 Implement Climate Emergency Resolution The County has made significant progress towards numerous action items identified in the 2020 Climate Emergency Resolution and continued implementation is ongoing.10 Accomplishments in 2022 include additional reports to the Board of Supervisors from the Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force; the submittal of documents to HUD for the County to receive a Community Project Funding grant to develop a Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan; and the adoption and implementation of the All- Electric Ordinance for new construction. 7.3 Build Community and County Employee Support for Climate Action Plan The County’s Sustainability Team is building its capacity to work and engage with community groups. As part of its ongoing responsibilities, the Sustainability Team provides administrative support to the Sustainability Committee of the Board of Supervisors and the Sustainability Commission, a 17-member citizen advisory body. The Sustainability Team also facilitates the Sustainability Exchange, a quarterly networking and professional development event for local government staff, and the newly formed Energy Efficiency Collaborative, another quarterly venue with a focus on energy efficiency. Sustainability Team members publish a quarterly Sustainability Newsletter and a regular column in the Contra Costa FOCUS employee newsletter.11 In 2022, the Sustainability Team and its partners hosted seven focus groups at different locations across the county for the Healthy Lands, Healthy People carbon sequestration feasibility study. Sustainability Team members attended three community events to talk with community members about BayREN programs. County staff were featured speakers at meetings of the East Bay Leadership Council and Industrial Association of Contra Costa County, and Sustainability Team members presented at conferences, including the American Planning Association, California chapter, and the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative. Conclusion The County met or made significant progress towards most of the goals included in the 2021-2022 Climate Action Plan Interim Work Plan. As the County continues to develop its updated Climate Action Plan, the County remains accountable and is establishing itself as a leader on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. 10 2020 Climate Emergency Resolution 11 Sustainability in Contra Costa County Newsletter Sustainability staff table at a community event. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 50 of 56 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 9. Meeting Date: February 27, 2023 Subject: RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed Department: Conservation & Development Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816 Referral History: This is a standing item of the Commission. Referral Update: Commission members and alternates will provide updates to the full Commission. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed. Fiscal Impact (if any): None. ATTACHMENT(S) None. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 51 of 56 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 10. Meeting Date: February 27, 2023 Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator Department: Conservation & Development Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator 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 December 12, 2022, are listed below. DCD Planning Staff  Staff continued work on the ongoing updates to the Climate Action Plan and General Plan. Administrative drafts of both documents were recently reviewed by County staff. Due to changes in State climate goals enacted in September, as well as additional analysis needed for the General Plan related to housing goals and vehicle miles traveled, the consultants will be updating assumptions and models over the next few months. Staff expects the draft Climate Action Plan is expected to be available for public review in June 2023.  The Healthy Lands, Healthy People carbon sequestration feasibility study is on schedule to be complete by April 2023.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved Contra Costa County for a technical assistance grant application for support on existing building electrification work. DCD Planning staff had its first meeting with the HUD technical assistance team on October 4.  An internal working group comprised of Public Works and DCD staff continues to meet regularly to study the adoption of low-carbon concrete standards. The working group anticipates reporting back to the Sustainability Committee in early 2023.  Sustainability staff hosted an Energy Efficiency Collaborative meeting for Contra Costa County city staff on November 9, 2022. County staff provided City staff with an introduction to the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition and an informational session on the current and future energy efficiency and electrification incentive opportunities available to residents. Staff from 11 of the 19 cities in the County attended. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 52 of 56  Sustainability staff organized and hosted the Q3 2022 meeting of the Sustainability Exchange on August 18, 2022, a quarterly gathering for local government staff in Contra Costa County who work on sustainability issues to network and learn from one another. The topic was electric vehicle deployment. Attendees heard presentations from 511 Contra Costa on Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint, from the City of Richmond on the City’s involvement with Charge Up Contra Costa, and from Contra Costa County’s Energy Manager on the County’s work on electric vehicle supply equipment installation.  Sustainability staff organized and hosted the Q4 2022 meeting of the Sustainability Exchange on December 15, 2022. The topic was climate action planning. Attendees participated in breakout groups themed around climate resilience, buildings, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and electric vehicle deployment and worked to identify areas of common interest and potential collaboration.  Sustainability staff have analyzed the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act and developed a tool that can be used by staff across departments to identify and begin preparing for grant opportunities.  Climate Emergency Resolution: o Just Transition. The County is in the process of accepting a $750,000 Community Projects grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Economic Development. This grant will support development of the Just Transition Economic Revitalization Project Roadmap. Staff provided an update on Just Transition planning activities to the Sustainability Committee on September 19, and again on October 24. o Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force. The Task Force is meeting on Feb. 21, in preparation for a semi-annual update to the Board of Supervisors in March. The G3 Champions meeting in December focused on composting and recycling in County offices. The G3 Champions have recently posted fact sheets on composting and recycling in their departments. The February 8 G3 Champion meeting focused on how G3 Champions are amplifying their message in their departments. o All-Electric Building Ordinance. The County’s ordinance for new buildings to be all-electric went into effect on June 1, 2022. The City of Martinez adopted an all-electric ordinance for new residential buildings, hotels, offices, and retail buildings, effective November 4, 2022. The City of Martinez is the second city, along with the City of Hercules, within the County to adopt an all-electric ordinance similar to the County’s. The City of Richmond also has its own all- electric ordinance that was adopted prior to the County’s ordinance. Health Services Health Services is in the process of developing a contract with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to receive approximately 150 - 200 portable air purifiers for use in the homes of Contra Costa Health Plan MediCal members with asthma and other respiratory conditions, primarily to combat the impacts of wildfire smoke. The air purifiers will be distributed to clients of the Health Plan through a Community Health Worker providing in-home asthma education and trigger assessment as part of a grant from the Air District and by home-visiting Public Health Nurses in the Public Health Department. County Library • The Library continues to provide workshops and resources for the community, both in person and online, on a range of sustainability topics. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 53 of 56 • The Library partnered with Sustainable Walnut Creek to host a series of programs from October 23-28. Topics ranged from climate activism and healthy eating to recycling and sustainable home improvement. The virtual events were recorded and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnRAdXh2ewUTWyMbVGkyPTOL3tL_K3TQM Public Works  Public Works is managing the County Sustainability Fund for investments in County facilities that support Climate Action Plan goals. Year 1 funding (allocated April 2022) supports the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers at more than 20 County department buildings to facilitate opportunities to replace internal combustion engine County fleet vehicles with EVs. The first project is underway at 30 Muir Road, and is expected to begin construction in Q2. Year 2 funding (April 2023) will support energy efficiency upgrades at several County facilities.  Administrative Bulletins 507 and 508 have been updated to require purchase of Zero Emission Vehicles (battery electric, hydrogen, plug-in hybrid with battery range of at least 30 miles) unless justification based on operational need is approved by the County Administrator’s Office.  Public Works is participating in several programs that can help the County meet the goals of the Distributed Energy Resources plan and broader climate action goals: PG&E’s Demand Response Program and Marin Clean Energy’s Demand Response and Strategic Energy Management programs.  The County successfully responded to the California Independent System Operator’s (CAISO) call for electric load reduction before, during, and after Labor Day weekend. Impacts of County actions have been analyzed and will be finalized in February. The Energy Manager expects an incentive payment on the order of $8,000 for participating in the Demand Response program and shedding critical electrical load during the hottest months of September 2022. ꞏ  On December 6, 2022, Board of Supervisors approved a battery storage resiliency project at the West County Detention Facility which involves a 448kW battery providing back-up (grid-independent) power to a bank of EV chargers. The battery is expected to be installed in Q1 2024.  Staff updated the countywide Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy and presented the new draft policy at the November Sustainability Committee meeting. Staff received comments and sent a revised version to Committee members. The policy is anticipated to be placed on a Board of Supervisors’ agenda in late March/early April.  Public Works continues implementation of the Vision Zero Action Plan and the Active Transportation Plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Public Works has submitted a number of grant applications for projects that meet goals of the County’s Active Transportation and Vision Zero policies. Two active transportation grant applications were awarded to install two-way cycle tracks within Impacted Communities. Award of the grant applications to further the Vision Zero Action Plan are pending.  Public Works has improved urban forestry in North Richmond by installing 37 community-selected street trees as part of the Fred Jackson Way First Mile/Last Mile Connection project.  Public Works has been continuing to pursue opportunities to install bikeways after surface treatment of roadways through reconfiguration of roadway striping. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 54 of 56 Fire  The Fire Department has purchased two Rivian all-electric trucks, to pilot light-duty vehicles as part of regular operations, and are testing the vehicles as emergency response (Code 3) vehicles. Ongoing  Staff participated in professional learning opportunities regarding environmental justice, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, communication and facilitation strategies, race and equity, and related.  Staff participated in regional activities. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE report from Sustainability Coordinator. Fiscal Impact (if any): None. ATTACHMENT(S) None. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 55 of 56 Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission 11. Meeting Date: February 27, 2023 Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Sustainability Committee Department: Conservation & Development Presenter: Mike Moore, Chair Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816 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. Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet Page 56 of 56