HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 03182024 - Sustainability Cte MinAGENDA
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Sustainability
Committee
Supervisor John Gioia, Chair
Supervisor Federal D. Glover, Vice Chair
1025 Escobar St. Room 168,
Martinez, CA 94553 |
190 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, CA 94565
1:00 PMMonday, March 18, 2024
ZOOM LINK
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/85829571760
| Dial: 888-278-0254 |
ACCESS CODE: 841892
The public may attend this meeting in person at either above locations and/or remotely via call-in or ZOOM.
AGENDA ITEMS may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the Committee.
1.INTRODUCTIONS Call to order and roll call.
2.PUBLIC COMMENT on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this agenda
(speakers may be limited to two (2) minutes).
3.APPROVE Record of Action from November 27, 2023, meeting of the
Sustainability Committee.
24-0734
2023_11_27 Sustainability Committee MinutesAttachments:
4.CONSIDER electing a committee member to the offices of Chair and Vice Chair
for 2024.
24-0735
5.RECEIVE update on options for encouraging all-electric buildings in Contra
Costa County and PROVIDE any direction.
24-0736
6.RECEIVE report on status of compliance with California Air Resources Board’s
Advanced Clean Fleets regulation.
24-0737
Advanced Cleam Fleet Regulation Compliance Memo 2-1-2024Attachments:
Page 1 of 2
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Sustainability Committee AGENDA March 18, 2024
7.CONSIDER recommending approval of application to the California Energy
Commission for Charging Infrastructure for Government Fleets grant.
24-0738
Exhibit A_CEC_GFO_Gov.Fleet_Initial Site ListAttachments:
8.RECEIVE update on annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report.24-0739
Attachment A 2023-24 CAP Interim Work Plan - final
Attachment B 2023 Interim Climate Action Plan Progress Report - Final
Attachments:
9.RECEIVE report from Sustainability Commission Chair, or Designee.24-0740
10.RECEIVE report on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals.24-0741
2024_03_18 Sust. Staff Report to Sust. CMTEAttachments:
11.ADJOURN until the next Sustainability Committee meeting to be held on Monday, May
20, 2024 at 1:00 PM.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This meeting provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to attend a the
meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 72 hours before the meeting. Any disclosable
public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and distributed by the
County to a majority of members of the Committee less than 96 hours prior to that meeting are available
for public inspection at 1025 Escobar St., 4th Floor, Martinez, during normal business hours. Staff
reports related to items on the agenda are also accessible on line at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us.
HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons who wish to address the Committee during public comment on matters within the jurisdiction
of the Committee that are not on the agenda, or who wish to comment with respect to an item on the
agenda, may comment in person, via Zoom, or via call-in. Those participating in person should offer
comments when invited by the Committee Chair. Those participating via Zoom should indicate they
wish to speak by using the “raise your hand” feature in the Zoom app. Those calling in should indicate
they wish to speak by pushing *9 on their phones.
Public comments generally will be limited to two (2) minutes per speaker. In the interest of facilitating
the business of the Board Committee, the total amount of time that a member of the public may use in
addressing the Board Committee on all agenda items is 10 minutes. Your patience is appreciated.
Public comments may also be submitted to Committee staff before the meeting by email or by
voicemail. Comments submitted by email or voicemail will be included in the record of the meeting but
will not be read or played aloud during the meeting.
For Additional Information Contact:
Jody London
(925)655-2815
Page 2 of 2
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-0734 Agenda Date:3/18/2024 Agenda #:3.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 18, 2024
Subject: Record of Action from November 27, 2023, meeting of the Sustainability Committee
Submitted For: SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Referral No: N/A
Referral Name: N/A
Presenter: Jody London | Sustainability Coordinator
Contact: Jody London (925)655-2815
Referral History:
This is an ongoing item of the Committee.
Referral Update:
See Attachment.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
APPROVE Record of Action from November 27, 2023, meeting of the Sustainability Committee.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 3/13/2024Page 1 of 1
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Meeting Minutes - Draft
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Sustainability Committee
Supervisor John Gioia, Chair
Supervisor Federal D. Glover, Vice Chair
Monday, November 27, 2023 1:00 PM 1025 Escobar St. Conference Room 110A,
Martinez, CA 94553 |
190 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, CA 94565
ZOOM:
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/88232593285
(888) 278-0254
Conference Code: 841892
1. The public may attend this meeting in person at either above location. The public may also attend this
meeting remotely via Zoom or call-in.
2. Agenda Items: Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the
Committee.
1. INTRODUCTIONS Call to order and roll call.
Staff Present:
Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Alyson Greenlee, Economic Development Manager, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Jason Crapo, Deputy Director, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Will Nelson, Principal Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Emily Groth, Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Nicole Shimizu, Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Demian Hardman-Saldana, Principal Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Brendan Havenar-Daughton, Energy Manager, Dept. of Public Works;
Darren Saadat, Sustainability Service Corps Fellow, Dept. of Public Works;
John Kopchik, Director, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Susan Psara, Hazardous Waste Reduction Manager, Contra Costa Health Services;
Peter Kim, Co-Director, Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice;
Kendra Carr, Co-Director, Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice;
Sonia Bustamante, Chief of Staff, District I;
Raquel Caicedo, Secretary, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Michael Kent, Hazardous Materials Ombudsman, Contra Costa Health Services;
George Carter, Economic Development Project Manager, Dept. of Conservation and
Development;
Robert Sarmiento, Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Jennifer Quallick, Deputy Chief of Staff, District II
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Attendees:
Tanya Sundberg
Monica Meagher
Shoshana Wechsler
Derene Allen
Mike Moore
Susan Hurl
Marti Roach
Lisa Jackson
Jessica Robbins
Denice Dennis
Emma Ishii
Carol Weed
Josh Sonnenfeld
OG Strogatz
Devan Reiff
Nick Despota
Jan Warren
Howdy Goudey
Kirsten Sedestrom
Luz Gomez
Present: District I Supervisor John Gioia and District V Supervisor Federal D. Glover
2. PUBLIC COMMENT on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this agenda
(speakers may be limited to two (2) minutes).
No public comment.
3. APPROVE Record of Action from September 18, 2023, meeting of the Sustainability Committee
Attachments: 09.18.23 Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes
The Record of Action from the September 18, 2023, meeting of the Sustainability Committee, was
unanimously approved.
AYE: Chair John Goia
Vice Federal Chair Federal D. Glover
4. ACCEPT REPORT on Environmental Justice and Sustainability Themes in the Draft County General
Plan and Draft Climate Action Plan
Tanya Sundberg, PlaceWorks, presented an update on Envision Contra Costa. Sundberg’s presentation,
focused on how the ongoing updates to the General Plan, Climate Action Plan, and Zoning Ordinance
relate to one another. The draft General Plan and Climate Action Plan were released for public review in
5
October. Sundberg provided an overview of how each document supports the themes of environmental
justice, community health, economic development, and sustainability.
The draft Climate Action Plan will implement aspects of the General Plan, notably goals, policies, and
actions that promote sustainability and environmental justice.
Since the release of the draft General Plan and Climate Action Plan, the County has been inviting public
review and feedback. The County hopes to publish the associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in
December and anticipates accepting comments and feedback through the end of January. Once the
comment period closes, the County will consider the public input and bring the revised General Plan and
Climate Action Plan to the County Planning Commission for their recommendation in mid-2024 and be
back before the Board of Supervisors to consider adopting both documents in Summer 2024.
The main tools for seeking community feedback on the drafts have been the online engagement tools on
the Envision Contra Costa 2040.org website and meetings with the municipal advisory councils, other
county advisory bodies, and community groups.
A webinar is scheduled for December 4 to present information to community members about the draft
General Plan and Climate Action Plan before holding a round of in-person open houses throughout the
County to collect feedback on the draft documents.
The Committee accepted the report.
Public Comment:
Marti Roach expressed concern that the strategies for the Climate Action Plan should be based on
measurable accomplishments of actions that will reduce emissions and bring co-benefits to particularly
impacted communities. Additionally, Roach conveyed how resource-rich California and federal funding is
right now to take climate action and relayed a sense of urgency to point to commitments that are
measurable.
Ogie Strogatz commented on the language used in the General Plan for engaging with impacted
communities. She suggested that more specific language be included to maximize engagement from
impacted communities. Additionally, she suggested optimizing input from individuals in impacted
communities because those individuals often face a lack of discretionary time or money.
5. RECEIVE UPDATE and PROVIDE ANY DIRECTION prior to solicitation of consultants to support
the Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan 23-877
Alyson Greenlee, Economic Development Manager, presented an update regarding consultant assistance
for developing a Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan.
A $750,000 Federal Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant is being divided into four expense
categories: Community Engagement/Meeting Support, Economic Analyses, Detailed Studies, and County
Staffing. County staff intends to solicit consultant support on the first three categories.
The Sustainability Committee conveyed the need to consider the ongoing work of the Blue-Green
Alliance, which is part of the Contra Costa Refinery Transition effort. The Committee reiterated that
while an outside consultant could advise on processes,a consultant would not be able to identify the
6
appropriate stakeholders because of their lack of local knowledge. The Committee noted it will make a
recommendation as to what the structure of the working group.
Public Comment:
Marti Roach requested to see the identification of specific opportunities for clean tech, manufacturing,
and businesses along the Northern Waterfront. Supervisor Gioia clarified that the Just Transition
Economic Revitalization Plan’s intent is to pay greater attention to how impacted communities and
workers who are displaced benefit.
Jan Warren asked for clarification on the funds being provided by the US Department of Housing and
Urban Development and conveyed the importance of having an outside consultant with lived experience
in another community contribute to this work. Warren also requested that the word “green” be clarified
in this document to reduce confusion over its definition.
Josh Sonnenfeld suggested that hiring a consultant could help inform what level of community and
stakeholder engagement is pursued during the development of the Just Transition Economic
Revitalization Plan.
8. RECEIVE REPORT from Sustainability Commission Chair, or Designee. 23-878
Luz Gomez, Sustainability Commission Chair, prefaced her discussion of the Sustainability Commission
report by discussing the difference between a zero-emission economy and a net-zero economy. Gomez
conveyed that, if a goal or vision were to be stated, it would be more meaningful to have it be a zero-
emission economy, especially for environmental justice initiatives in communities disproportionately
exposed to emissions.
On October 23, the Sustainability Commission received a report on the update to the County’s Tree
Protection and Preservation Ordinance. The Commission is interested in gathering public input for the
draft ordinance before it is sent to the Planning Commission, with the goal of seeing it prioritize non-
native and fire hazard species.
The Commission also received a presentation on the County’s sea level rise planning efforts. The
Commission discussed how the County should involve private landowners and industry in the planning
process. Additionally, the Commission is curious if there was a conversation about a regional or sub
regional bond measure for this issue. Supervisor Goia conveyed that there has been some discussion at
the regional level to fund sea level rise resiliency in the Bay Area.
The Commission has agreed to form a working group to discuss the complexities and benefits of
developing a tree planting and maintenance policy before coming to the Board with a policy
recommendation. John Kopchik clarified that a new ordinance would focus on making it more difficult to
cut down trees that are valuable and make it easier for people to make their homes more fire safe and
avoid species that are not native and/or pose high fire hazards.
The Commission also received a report on the County’s all-electric ordinance for new construction. The
Commission would like to receive a presentation on the Healthy Lands, Healthy People report and how
the plan is envisioned to be implemented.
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The Commission is planning to host a carbon capture and storage panel conversation in the beginning of
2024.
There was no Public Comment.
9. RECEIVE REPORT on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals
Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, reported on the quarterly Energy Efficiency Collaborative that
focused on grid reliability with staff from California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and Marin
Clean Energy (MCE). The Sustainability Exchange met and discussed climate resilience. London also
highlighted the County Library’s recent sustainability efforts and their desire for a Library-specific CAP.
The Library now has an all-electric book mobile to be used in historically underserved and impacted
communities. Staff continues to work with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) on
the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. Public Works continues to bring in grants for road improvements
and is pursuing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment grants while also installing Electric Vehicle chargers
at several County buildings to allow for an easier conversion to electric County fleet vehicles. Staff
recently released a G3 (Green Government Group) Champions activity guide that enables G3 Champions
from all departments to engage in activities that promote sustainability.
There was no Public Comment.
10. ADJOURN until the next Sustainability Committee meeting TBD.
The date and time for the next Sustainability Committee meeting will happen in January as the new Board
leadership takes office.
The meeting adjourned at 2:23 PM.
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-0735 Agenda Date:3/18/2024 Agenda #:4.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 18, 2024
Subject: Selection of 2024 Committee Officers
Submitted For: SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Referral No: N/A
Referral Name: N/A
Presenter: Jody London | Sustainability Coordinator
Contact: Jody London (925)655-2815
Referral History:
At the January 9, 2024, reorganization meeting of the Board of Supervisors, the Board decided that each of its
standing committees should choose its 2024 officers (Chair and Vice Chair).
Referral Update:
The Sustainability Committee to elect its officers for 2024.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
CONSIDER electing a committee member to the offices of Chair and Vice Chair for 2024.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 3/13/2024Page 1 of 1
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-0736 Agenda Date:3/18/2024 Agenda #:5.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 18, 2024
Subject: Update on options for encouraging all-electric buildings in Contra Costa County and PROVIDE any
direction
Submitted For: SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Referral No:
Referral Name: RECEIVE UPDATE on options for encouraging all-electric buildings in Contra Costa County
and PROVIDE ANY DIRECTION
Presenter: Jody London | Department of Conservation and Development - Sustainability Coordinator
Contact: Jody London (925)655-2815
Referral History:
On February 27, 2024, the Board of Supervisors (Board) suspended its enforcement of the requirement that
most new buildings in Contra Costa County be constructed using all-electric technology. While Section 74-
4.010 will remain in the County’s building code, it will not be enforced at this time.
The Board took this action because in January 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit invalidated a
City of Berkeley ordinance that prohibited natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The Ninth Circuit
decision held that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act does not allow cities and counties to adopt
ordinances that prohibit the installation of gas plumbing in buildings.
Contra Costa County anticipated it would receive similar challenges to its all-electric ordinance because the
County’s all-electric building requirement, like the invalidated City of Berkeley ordinance, prohibits the
installation of gas plumbing in new buildings. The County therefore suspended the ordinance.
At the same time, the Board of Supervisors affirmed its commitment to the goals that prompted it to adopt the
all-electric requirement: improving public health and fighting climate change. The Board directed staff to look
for other methods of meeting the County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals while also complying with the
Ninth Circuit’s decision. The Board also directed staff to amend the Draft Climate Action Plan to reflect the
suspension of the County’s all-electric building requirement, and to evaluate alternative methods of meeting the
County’s Climate Action Plan goals. Finally, the Board directed the Department of Conservation and
Development (DCD) to inform the public of the various benefits of constructing all-electric buildings.
The 2015 Climate Action Plan set goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Those goals are
updated in the draft 2024 CAP, which provides strategies and actions that support the State’s GHG emissions
reduction goals through 2045, as established by State laws and regulations, including:
·Reduce community-wide GHG emissions by 40 percent from the 1990 levels by 2030.
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·Reduce community-wide GHG emissions by at least 85 percent from the 1990 levels by 2045 and be on
a pathway to support statewide carbon neutrality by 2045.
The CAP demonstrates Contra Costa County’s leadership and commitment to make Contra Costa County a
cleaner, healthier place to live and work, in particular by reducing GHG emissions (which will improve air
quality and public health), and enhancing community resiliency to long-term changes associated with climate-
related hazards such as heat, flooding, droughts, and wildfires.
Referral Update:
This report provides a preliminary overview of the impact of the all-electric ordinance suspension on the draft
CAP, strategies the County could employ to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from new
buildings and existing buildings, and actions DCD has taken and will continue to take to inform the public of
benefits of all-electric buildings. After conducting additional research and analysis, staff will recommend to the
Committee one or more measures to address the suspension of the all-electric building requirement as it relates
to the County’s ability to achieve the GHG reduction target in the CAP.
Effect of Suspending All-Electric Ordinance for New Construction on CAP Goals
Staff and CAP consultants are analyzing how the suspension of the all-electric requirement for new buildings
affects the CAP goals. The very rough initial analysis shows that suspension of the all-electric ordinance will
impact the draft CAP by about 39,000 MTCO2e in 2030 and about 29,000 MTCO2e in 2045. While this is a
relatively small percentage of overall emissions to be reduced, it still presents a deficit to overcome. Additional
actions will be required to meet the County’s climate action goals.
Options for Encouraging All-Electric Construction in New Buildings
Staff has conducted a preliminary analysis of various approaches to encourage all-electric construction in new
buildings as well as other approaches that could be implemented to meet the County’s CAP goals. This
includes amending the Energy Code to require improved building energy performance, and amending the
CalGreen portion of the building code to reduce the amount of construction waste sent to landfills and use
materials that have lower life-cycle emissions. More discussion of these options is provided below.
·Amend the Energy Code. Every three years, the State of California updates the California Building
Code. Local jurisdictions can adopt the State’s building code, or may choose to adopt local amendments
that are more stringent than the statewide code. In recent code cycles, the Board of Supervisors has
amended the California Building Code on several occasions to reduce GHG emissions. These include
multiple amendments to the statewide requirements for electric vehicle charging, and the all-electric
building requirement adopted in 2022, which is now suspended.
The California Energy Code, which is part of the statewide building code, includes requirements for the
energy performance of new buildings. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the design of a
proposed building must achieve the statewide building energy standards as measured by the Energy
Design Rating (EDR)for single family residences and Time Dependent Valuation (TDV) for
multifamily and non-residential buildings. The Board of Supervisors could amend the energy code to
require new buildings to achieve a higher standard of performance as measured by the EDR and the
TDV, thereby reducing the estimated GHG emissions that would be expected from new buildings.
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·Amend CalGreen. Like the energy code, the California Green Buildings Standards Code, or CalGreen,
is part of the California Building Code. CalGreen includes various building and construction
management requirements to address climate and other environmental objectives. These include
requirements for construction materials and construction waste recycling. As with the Energy Code, the
County can amend the minimum statewide requirements in CalGreen. Staff will evaluate potential
amendments to CalGreen for their potential to reduce GHG emissions associated with new buildings
and report its findings and recommendations to the Committee.
Expected Actions from Other Regulatory Agencies That Could Facilitate All-Electric Conversions
State and regional agencies are also developing programs and policies that will facilitate California’s transition
to cleaner energy and healthier buildings and environment.
·Updates to California Building Code. The energy code is updated every three years and sets the
requirements around energy efficiency and electrification. The most recent code became effective in
January 2023 with updates that include requiring new homes installed with gas infrastructure to be
electric-ready as well as standardizing electric heat pumps for water and space heating. It is expected
that an all-electric building code for new construction could be required in the upcoming 2025 building
code, which would become effective in January 2026. The new State code is expected to be more
stringent than the current, and will affect new buildings that are permitted under the new requirements.
·Bay Area Air Quality Air District (BAAQMD) regulations. In March 2023, BAAQMD adopted
amendments to Rule 9-4: Nitrogen Oxides from Fan Type Residential Central Furnaces and Rule 9-6:
Nitrogen Oxides Emissions from Natural Gas-Fired Boilers and Water Heaters. These rules govern point
of sale emission standards for small, typically residential and commercial, water and space heating
systems. Space and water-heating appliances generate a large portion of nitrogen oxide (NOx)
emissions from sources in the Bay Area.
The implementation of these rule amendments will be a multiyear effort, spanning from 2024 to 2031.
Preliminary estimates for the County’s CAP are that the new BAAQMD rules, in combination lower
rates of voluntary conversion of clothes dryers and cooking equipment to all-electric, will reduce
greenhouse emissions by roughly 37% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 83% below 1990 levels by 2045.
The emissions reductions estimates developed for the draft CAP 2024 show that while these actions by the state
and regional agencies will help Contra Costa County meet its goals, they will need to be supplemented with
additional local reduction measures.
Options for Encouraging All-Electric Conversion of Existing Buildings
In addition to evaluating options for amending the building code to increase GHG reductions from newly
constructed buildings, staff are also identifying and implementing measures to reduce GHG emissions from
existing buildings. Staff are developing a Roadmap that examines the opportunities, challenges, and strategies
for converting the many buildings that are already built in the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County to
all-electric. There are tens of thousands of buildings, the vast majority privately owned, that could be retrofit to
operate all-electric, or to at minimum replace some appliances with all-electric. In addition to improving indoor
air quality, these building improvements should reduce greenhouse gas emissions from these buildings, thereby
helping achieve CAP goals. While staff have not at this time quantified the emissions reductions that can be
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expected from implementation of the Roadmap, it is reasonable to anticipate that over time they will produce
results.
The Roadmap includes strategies for all buildings, both existing and new construction. The Roadmap will be a
living document that will be updated on a regular basis as the regulatory landscape evolves and new
opportunities emerge for reducing GHG emissions from the built environment.
In addition to the Roadmap, strategies staff are currently implementing to reduce GHG emissions from existing
buildings include the following:
·Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant. As part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act, the County will receive $365,510 in one-time funding to implement strategies that reduce energy
use, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. In July 2023, the Sustainability
Committee accepted a report from staff that proposes to use $250,000 of this grant to make energy
efficiency and weatherization retrofits to home-based childcare facilities operating in an existing home
in Impacted Communities in the unincorporated areas of the County. (Staff proposes to use the
remainder of the grant to develop a building inventory and cost analysis for the All-Electric Roadmap
described above.) The Board of Supervisors will consider authorizing staff to submit all documentation
to secure the EECBG formula allocation from the U.S. Department of Energy on March 26.
·Emerging grant opportunities. Staff will continue to look for grant opportunities that will support the
goals in the CAP and those expressed by the Board for more buildings to become all-electric.
One example of this is the application being developed by the Bay Area Regional Energy Network for a
regional application for a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to support the conversion of buildings
across the Bay Area to all-electric. County staff have participated actively in the development of this
grant. The Board will consider providing a letter of support for this application on March 19.
·Developing relationships with renewable energy developers who can build community solar projects,
with battery backup. One of the concerns about converting buildings to all-electric is the potential for
higher electricity bills because households and businesses are using more electricity. One way to
mitigate these costs is to install solar energy systems with energy storage (battery backup), which can
offset the amount of electricity for which the customer is billed. Because not every roof is suitable for
solar power, nor can every property afford to install these technologies, community solar with battery
backup may be a good opportunity.
The U.S. Department of Energy defines community solar as any solar project or purchasing program,
within a geographic area, in which the benefits flow to multiple customers such as individuals,
businesses, nonprofits, and other groups. In most cases, customers benefit from energy generated by
solar panels at an off-site array.
Community solar customers typically subscribe to-or in some cases own-a portion of the energy
generated by a solar array and receive an electric bill credit for electricity generated by their share of the
community solar system. Community solar can be a great option for people who are unable to install
solar panels on their roofs because they are renters, can’t afford solar, or because their roofs or electrical
systems aren’t suited to solar.
MCE, the County’s community choice energy provider, has a tariff option for community solar. It has
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not been well-subscribed to date. The Board could encourage MCE and solar energy developers to find
viable projects.
The Board on March 19, 2024, will authorize a letter of support to GRID Alternatives for an application
to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant for a community
solar project in Rodeo.
Inform the Public of the Benefits of All-Electric Construction
The County’s web site has been updated to reflect the suspension of enforcement of the all-electric ordinance.
The web site also states the Board’s commitment to the goals that prompted it to adopt the all-electric
requirement - improving public health and fighting climate change - and provides resources on the benefits of
all-electric buildings and rebates and incentives for those who choose to make those changes.
Staff will continue to find opportunities to promote all-electric construction.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
The suspension of the County’s all-electric building requirement results in a loss of expected GHG reductions
that were part of the County’s strategy for achieving its GHG reduction target in the CAP. These GHG
reductions can be made up for by implementing other strategies for reducing emissions from the built
environment.
The all-electric building requirement that is now suspended applied to new buildings. Staff recommends the
Committee direct staff to develop other measures for reducing GHG emissions from new buildings to achieve a
similar level of GHG emissions reduction. The main options staff have identified for reducing emissions from
new buildings involve amending the energy code or CalGreen portions of the California Building Code. Staff
will further evaluate options for amending the building code and report back to the Committee at its next
meeting.
As part of the County’s strategy for reducing emissions from the built environment, staff are also identifying
and implementing measures to reduce emissions from existing buildings. Staff will continue to report to the
Committee on these efforts as they progress.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-0737 Agenda Date:3/18/2024 Agenda #:6.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 18, 2024
Subject: Report on Status of Compliance with California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Fleets
regulation
Submitted For: Warren Lai | Public Works - Director
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Referral No: N/A
Referral Name: N/A
Presenter: Ricky Williams | Public Works - Fleet Manager
Contact: Ricky Williams (925) 313-7072
Referral History:
The Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation is part of the California Air Resources
Board’s (CARB’s) overall approach to accelerate a large-scale transition to Zero-Emission
Vehicles (ZEVs). This regulation affects medium- and heavy- duty on-road vehicles with
a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 8,500 pounds, off-road yard tractors,
and light-duty mail and package delivery vehicles.
Referral Update:
The attached report provides information on the County’s work to comply with the Advanced Clean Fleets
regulation.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report on status of compliance with California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Fleets
regulation.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
The County could be subject to fines if found to be non-compliant with the ACF regulation.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 3/13/2024Page 1 of 1
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“Accredited by the American Public Works Association”
Fleet Services Division
2467 Waterbird Way • Martinez, CA 94553
TEL: (925) 313-7074 • FAX: (925) 313-7088
www.cccpublicworks.org
Brian M. Balbas, Director
Deputy Directors
Stephen Kowalewski, Chief
Allison Knapp
Warren Lai
Carrie Ricci
Joe Yee
Memo
February 1, 2024
TO: Brian M. Balbas, Director
FROM: Ricky Williams, Fleet Manager
SUBJECT: CARB Advanced Clean Fleet Regulation Compliance
MESSAGE:
Overview:
The Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation is part of the California Air Resources
Board’s (CARB’s) overall approach to accelerate a large-scale transition to Zero-Emission
Vehicles (ZEVs). This regulation affects medium- and heavy- duty on-road vehicles with
a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 8,500 pounds, off-road yard tractors,
and light-duty mail and package delivery vehicles.
Compliance Options:
1. As a Public Fleet, State and local government fleets, including city, county,
special district, and State agency fleets, are required to ensure 50 percent of
vehicle purchases are zero-emission beginning in 2024 and 100 percent of
vehicle purchases are zero-emission by 2027.
2. Alternately, State and local government fleet owners may elect to meet ZEV
targets using the ZEV Milestones Option, shown in Table 1, which meets ZEV
targets as a percentage of the total fleet starting with vehicle types that are most
suitable for electrification. State and local government fleets may purchase either
ZEVs or near-ZEVs, or a combination of ZEVs and near-ZEVs, until 2035. Starting
in 2035, only ZEVs will meet the requirements.
16
ACF Compliance Report
February 1, 2024
Page 2 of 4
Table 1: ZEV Fleet Milestones by Milestone Group and Year
Percentage of vehicles that must be
zero-emission
10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Milestone Group 1: Box trucks, vans,
buses with two axles, yard tractors,
light-duty package delivery vehicles
2025 2028 2031 2033 2035
and
beyond
Milestone Group 2: Work trucks, day cab
tractors, buses with three axles
2027 2030 2033 2036 2039
and
beyond
Milestone Group 3: Sleeper cab tractors
and specialty vehicles
2030 2033 2036 2039 2042
and
beyond
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the County utilize the ZEV Milestone Option as the path towards
ACF regulation compliance. The first deadline for purchase of ZEVs for Milestone Group
1 vehicles will be 2025. In that year, 10% of the Group 1 vehicles in our fleet will need
to be ZEVs. In addition to having more time to plan and budget for purchase of ZEVs,
the Milestone Option:
Provides flexibility to comply regardless of truck age or miles, Public option
requires replacement at 18 years
Phased-in based on ZEV suitability by truck type
Table 2 below shows the number of County vehicles, as of January 1, 2024, subject to
ACF regulations in each of the Milestone Groups and the number of ZEVs required in
each Milestone Group per milestone year.
17
ACF Compliance Report
February 1, 2024
Page 3 of 4
Table 2: ZEVs Needed for County Fleet Milestones Compliance
Percentage of vehicles
that must be zero-
emission
# of
vehicles
in County
Fleet as
of 1/2024
10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Milestone Group 1: Box
trucks, vans, buses with
two axles, yard tractors,
light-duty package
delivery vehicles
2025 2028 2031 2033
2035
and
beyond
# ZEVs needed for
compliance* 46 5 12 23 35 46
Milestone Group 2: Work
trucks, day cab tractors,
buses with three axles
2027 2030 2033 2036
2039
and
beyond
# ZEVs needed for
compliance* 68 7 17 34 51 68
Milestone Group 3:
Sleeper cab tractors and
specialty vehicles
2030 2033 2036 2039
2042
and
beyond
# ZEVs needed for
compliance* 5 1 1 3 4 5
No. of ZEVs needed for milestone year compliance based on 1-1-2024 inventory.
18
ACF Compliance Report
February 1, 2024
Page 4 of 4
Reporting Requirements:
All reports are submitted to CARB electronically
Reports must be submitted through CARB’s online reporting system known as
TRUCRS at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ advanced-clean-fleets
First reporting deadline is April 1, 2024
Fleet changes need to be reported within 30 days
Compliance Status:
Currently we are in compliance under the ZEV Fleet Milestone option. Our first
purchases of medium-duty ZEVs will be required in 2025.
RW:rw
https://cccpublicworks-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jyee_pw_cccounty_us/Documents/Memo - CARB Advanced Clean Fleet
Regulation Compliance 2-01-2024.docx
c: J. Yee, Deputy
19
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-0738 Agenda Date:3/18/2024 Agenda #:7.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 18, 2024
Subject: Application to the California Energy Commission for Charging Infrastructure for Government Fleets
grant
Submitted For: Warren Lai | Public Works - Director
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Referral No:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Brendan Havenar-Daughton | Public Works - Energy Manager
Contact: Brendan Havenar-Daughton
Referral History:
The California Energy Commission (CEC) announced GFO-23-606 - Charging Infrastructure for Government
Fleet which offers up to $6 million in project funding for local governments in California. The project
submission deadline for this program is April 5, 2024.
Staff identified the opportunity to install government fleet dedicated Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC)
stations at County owned and leased facilities across the County. These sites were strategically chosen based on
fleet domicile location, geography, and proximity to major highways. The two main objectives of this proposed
project are to locate EVSE in locations with 6 or more fleet vehicles and to spread DCFCs across the entire
geography of the County to ensure charging reliability, even in the more remote areas of the County.
The County is seeking funding for more than 30 DCFC units and over 200 Level 2 charging units to be
installed across at least 20 sites, accessible by all County fleet vehicles. These DCFC units will also be open to
other local government jurisdictions in the County. Public use will be determined on a site-by-site basis to
ensure that public charging does not negatively impact government fleet charging.
Staff has compiled County fleet data to justify charger placement and forecasted utilization rates. Staff will
continue to meet with Contra Costa County cities interested in collaborating on this opportunity. City
municipal fleet data is being analyzed to help buttress staff EVSE placement recommendations and add to
forecasted utilization rates.
The preparation of this application for funding aligns with recent actions by the Board of Supervisors:
·On January 28, 2019, the Board of Supervisors directed Public Works to develop an EV charging station
installation plan to help advance greater implementation of EVs in the County fleet.
·On March 30, 2021, the Board of Supervisors directed Public Works to develop recommendations for a
Sustainability Fund that could be used to support investments in County facilities that further the
County’s environmental sustainability and climate change goals.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 3/13/2024Page 1 of 2
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File #:24-0738 Agenda Date:3/18/2024 Agenda #:7.
·On July 26, 2021, Public Works presented a summary of vehicle purchases, a list of existing and
proposed EV chargers, and draft revisions to Administrative Bulletin 507.9 and 508.5 addressing
electric vehicle charging, vehicle rental, purchasing and replacement policies to the Board of
Supervisors.
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to apply for and accept up to $6,000,000
in funding through the California Energy Commission’s Grant Funding Opportunity GFO-23-606 for
government fleet electric vehicle charging supply equipment, Countywide.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
70% State, 30% County match- 100% General Fund.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 3/13/2024Page 2 of 2
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Exhibit A_CEC_GFO_Gov. Fleet Initial Site List
1. 2467 Waterbird Way, Martinez, CA 94553
2. 50 Douglas Dr, Martinez, CA 94553
3. 5555 Giant Hwy, Richmond, CA 94806
4. 550 Sally Ride Dr, Concord, CA 94520
5. 2311 Loveridge Rd, Pittsburg, CA 94565
6. 4491 Bixler Rd, Byron, CA 94514
7. 550 Eagle Ct, Byron, CA 94514
8. 1305 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94801
9. 3095 Richmond Pkwy, Richmond, CA 94806
10. 3780 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549
11. 13585 San Pablo Ave, San Pablo, CA 94806
12. 1126 Escobar St, Martinez, CA 94553
13. 1000 Ward St, Martinez, CA 94553
14. 210 O'Hara Ave, Oakley, CA 94561
15. 100 Montgomery St, San Ramon, CA 94583
16. 400 Front St, Danville, CA 94526
17. 151 Linus Pauling Dr, Hercules, CA 94547
18. 3020 2nd St, Knightsen, CA 94548
19. 9100 Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood, CA 94513
20. 2530 Arnold Dr, Martinez, CA 94553
Large Icons represent CEC GFO-proposed sites. Small dots represent Federally-funded EV charging
library sites.
*****
22
23
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-0739 Agenda Date:3/18/2024 Agenda #:8.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 18, 2024
Subject: Annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report
Submitted For: SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Referral No:
Referral Name: RECEIVE update on annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report
Presenter: Jody London - Sustainability Coordinator and Emily Groth - Planner, Department of Conservation
and Development
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. In 2022, staff recommended to the Sustainability Commission that all 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 allows the report to include data for
the entire calendar year.
Completion of the Climate Action Plan update has been extended into 2024. The 2015 Climate Action Plan
extended through 2020. The Sustainability Committee of the Board of Supervisors has been provided an
Interim Climate Action Work Plan for 2021-2022 and 2023-2024. Attached is the current 2023-2024 Interim
Climate Action Work Plan (Attachment A).
Referral Update:
The Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2023 is attached (Attachment B). The report was approved by the
Sustainability Commission at its February 26, 2024, meeting, and is on the agenda for the March 19, 2024
Board of Supervisors meeting.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE update on annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 3/13/2024Page 1 of 1
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Contra Costa CountyInterim Climate Action Work Plan 2023‐2024Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of EffectivenessLead County Department(s)Notes1Clean and Efficient Built Environment ∙ All‐electric buildings∙ Adopt All‐Electric Building Roadmap∙ # of permits issued for all‐electric new construction in unincorporated County∙ # of all‐electric retrofit projects in County facilitiesDCDPublic Works (for County facilities)∙ Energy efficiency and weatherization programs∙ Participation in energy efficiency and weatherization programs by residential and commercial buildings, with attention to participation in impacted communities∙ # of contractors that learn about and promote energy efficiency and electrification retrofits through the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), Self‐Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), and TECH Clean California Initiative∙ Continue implementing Asthma Initiative ∙ Energy efficient lighting and other appliances and mechanical systems installed annually in County facilitiesDCDHealth ServicesPublic Works (for County facilities)CAO∙ Increase participation in MCE Deep Green program by County facilities∙ # and percent of County accounts enrolled in MCE Deep GreenPublic Works∙ Install more renewable electricity∙ # of permits issued for solar installations in unincorporated County∙ Megawatts of rooftop and parking lot solar installed in unincorporated County, including County facilities and impacted communities∙ Gas load converted to electricity at County facilitiesDCDPublic Works (for County facilities)∙ Energy storage∙ Update Solar Overlay Zone Ordinance to include battery energy storage systems∙ # of permits issued for battery energy storage projects in unincorporated County∙ # of County buildings with energy storage systems, and capacity/energy storage duration of each system∙ Amount of kilowatts available at County facilities when grid is downDCDPublic Works (for County facilities)∙ Energy use reduction in County facilities∙ # of County facilities actively participating in demand response load shedding∙ Energy use avoided in County facilities annuallyPublic WorksNote: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. Impacted 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.Homes, workplaces, and businesses in Contra Costa County run on clean energy.1.1Increase the number of carbon neutral buildings in Contra Costa County1.2Replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable electricity1.3 Increase electrical grid resiliencyPage 125
Contra Costa CountyInterim Climate Action Work Plan 2023‐2024Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of EffectivenessLead County Department(s)NotesNote: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. Impacted 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.∙ Consider recommendations from low‐carbon concrete study∙ Low‐carbon concrete studyDCDPublic Works∙ Continue use of zero‐waste construction practices in County construction projects∙ # of projects with Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) certification∙ Amount of material diverted from the landfill in TRUE certified projectsPublic Works∙ Develop tool to track embodied carbon in material choice for new construction and major renovations∙ Tool to track embodied carbon in construction materialsPublic Works2Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure∙ Carbon sequestration on public and private lands∙ Implement recommendations from carbon sequestration feasibility studyDCD∙ Install green infrastructure∙ Progress report on implementation of County's Green Infrastructure Plan for County projects∙ # of projects completed and in progress in unincorporated County that include green infrastructurePublic WorksCAO∙ Explore opportunities to incorporate pervious paving in County projects∙ Encourage applicants to incorporate pervious paving in private projects∙ Miles or square feet pervious paving installed in County projects∙ Develop information to educate applicants about pervious pavingPublic WorksDCD∙ Increase number of cool roofs∙ # of permits for cool roofs, both private and County facilitiesDCDPublic Works∙ Increase tree canopy in unincorporated County∙ Secure funding to develop a countywide Tree PlanDCDContra Costa County will increase resilience to climate hazards and foster community health.2.1Sequester carbon in natural lands in Contra Costa County2.2 Address impacts of heat islands1.4Low‐carbon building materials and strategiesPage 226
Contra Costa CountyInterim Climate Action Work Plan 2023‐2024Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of EffectivenessLead County Department(s)NotesNote: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. Impacted 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.3 No‐Waste Contra Costa∙ Outreach and education to residential and commercial customers in County franchise areas∙ Proof of documentation provided to applicable residential and commercial customers∙ Public Health Nutrition Program food waste educational effortsDCDHealth Services∙ 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 implementationDCD∙ Explore opportunities to reduce the use of single‐use plastics.∙ Ongoing reports DCDHealth Services ‐ Environmental Health Division∙ Implement Edible Food Recovery Inspection Program∙ Educate Tier 1 & 2 businesses per adopted ordinance ∙ Number of Tier 1 businesses inspected (2023+)∙ Number of Tier 2 businesses inspected (2024)Health Services ‐ Environmental Health Division3.2Update the County's existing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy∙ Educate County staff on EPP and monitor implementation∙ Compliance with EPP Public Works4Reduce Water Use and Increase Drought Resilience4.1Reduce 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 facilitiesDCDPublic Works (for County facilities)4.2Manage groundwater resources sustainably∙ Groundwater Sustainability Plan∙ Groundwater Sustainability Plan is approved by California Dept. of Water ResourcesDCDContra Costa County generates no more solid waste than 2.2 pounds per person per day (PPD).3.1Recover organic waste and edible food (SB 1383/Short‐Lived Climate Pollutants Program) Contra Costa County uses less water and communities are prepared for drought.Page 327
Contra Costa CountyInterim Climate Action Work Plan 2023‐2024Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of EffectivenessLead County Department(s)NotesNote: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. Impacted 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.5 Clean Transportation Network∙ Bicycle network in the unincorporated portions of the County that connects to the county‐wide network∙ Percentage complete and under construction of unincorporated bike networkPublic WorksDCDMay require partnership with other agencies and jurisdictions∙ Provide pedestrian network gap closures∙ Linear feet of pedestrian facilities constructed∙ # of gaps closedPublic Works∙ Projects that add pedestrian and bicycle facilities shall be tracked over time to document the County's implementation of the County Road Improvement and Preservation Program (CRIPP), Complete Streets, Vision Zero, Active Transportation, and equity‐focused plans, programs, and policies∙ Develop and begin using tool to measure progress∙ Updated project list∙ Grant awards (# and $$ amount)∙ Projects completedPublic WorksDCDExpectation that Federal and State grants under Biden Administration will favor projects that promote bike/ped/urban greening∙ Increase equity in and continue promoting Safe Routes to School, Injury Prevention, and Building Healthy Communities programs∙ Educational efforts∙ Communities reachedHealth Services ‐ Public Health∙ Identify strategies and funding to implement recommendations in 2019 Employee Commute Survey of County employees∙ # and percentage of County employees working remotely∙ # of County employees using pretax commute benefitCAOHR∙ Increase number of EVs in Contra Costa County∙ # of EVs registered to drivers in Contra Costa County∙ # of EVs purchased annually for County fleet∙ Percentage of County fleet that is all‐electricPublic WorksCAODCD∙ Install EV chargers at County facilities∙ # of EV chargers (active ports) installed at County facilities for County fleet, workplace, and/or public use∙ # of parking stalls with EV charging availablePublic WorksCAODCD∙ Provide leadership and coordination on transportation electrification strategies outlined in the Contra Costa County EV Readiness Blueprint∙ Amount of funding secured for electric vehicle supply equipment infrastructure∙ # of city jurisdictions and public agencies formally participating in coordination activitiesPublic WorksContra Costa County's transportation network provides safe and accessible options for walking, biking, and transit. If residents and workers are driving, they are in electric vehicles.5.1Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing number of people who bike, walk, and take public transit5.2Increase percentage of electric vehicles (EVs) in Contra Costa County fleetPage 428
Contra Costa CountyInterim Climate Action Work Plan 2023‐2024Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of EffectivenessLead County Department(s)NotesNote: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. Impacted 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.6 Climate Equity6.1All residents live in clean, healthy homes and neighborhoods, have access to parks, open space, and fresh food, and can easily move through the County∙ Adopt environmental justice policies in General Plan update∙ Ensure Climate Action Plan is equitably implemented in impacted communities∙ General Plan environmental justice policies∙ Analyze funds spent by the County on energy efficiency and other services and physical improvements in impacted communities compared to non‐impacted communitiesCAODCDHealth ServicesPublic Works6.2Plan for transition to a local economy that is less reliant on fossil fuels∙ Implement Community Funding Project grant from U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development to support development of the Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan Roadmap∙ Collaborate with stakeholders to develop an inclusive process∙ Ongoing reports Board of Supervisors (via Sustainability Cmte)DCD7 Leadership∙ Continue work of Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force ∙ Twice yearly reports to Board of SupervisorsDCDPublic Works∙ Participation by County departments in County's Green Government Group (G3) Program∙ # of G3 Champions and # of County departments represented by G3 Champions∙ Activities completed by G3 Champions (meetings held, surveys completed, etc.)DCD7.2Implement Climate Emergency Resolution∙ Implement climate emergency resolution∙ Assess progress on action items in the Climate Emergency ResolutionBoard of Supervisors (via Sustainability Cmte)DCD7.3Build Community and County Employee Support for Climate Action Plan ∙ Newsletters∙ Meetings∙ Collaboration with cities and community‐based organizations∙ Regular column in Contra Costa FOCUS (employee newsletter)∙ Sustainability newsletter∙ # of meetings, other collaborationDCDThe CAP will mitigate environmental factors leading to health disparities, promote safe and livable communities, and promote investments that improve neighborhood accessibility. 7.1Contra Costa County is a leader among local governments on how it addresses climate issuesContra Costa County is a model for how local government can take action on climate issues.Page 529
Contra Costa CountyInterim Climate Action Work Plan 2023‐2024Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of EffectivenessLead County Department(s)NotesNote: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion. Impacted 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.∙ Amend the County investment policy to divest from fossil fuels, consider the use of Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria, and prohibit investment in all securities issued by fossil fuel companies∙ Updated County Investment Policy Treasurer's Office∙ Evaluate the issuance of labeled bonds or other projects to be funded by municipal securities for "Green," "Sustainable," or "Social"∙ Adopted guidance on best practices CAO∙ Evaluate the use of third‐party certifiers for labeled bonds to promote the integrity of the bond sale and avoid appearances of "greenwashing"∙ Adopted guidance on best practices CAO∙ Evaluate the implementation of retail order periods to encourage local retail investors to purchase County bonds, including "labeled bonds" such as Green Bonds∙ Adopted guidance on best practices CAO7.4County investments support climate equityPage 630
March 19, 2024
Contra Costa County
Interim Climate Action Work Plan
2023 Progress Report
For more information, contact:
Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator,
Contra Costa County
Jody.London@dcd.cccounty.us
(925) 655-2815
31
2
Contents
Executive Summary
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Clean and Efficient Built Environment .......................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Increase the number of carbon neutral buildings in Contra Costa County ........................................ 9
1.2 Replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable electricity .................................................................. 11
1.3 Increase electrical grid resiliency ...................................................................................................... 13
1.4 Low-carbon building materials and strategies .................................................................................. 14
Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure ..................................................................................... 14
2.1 Sequester carbon in natural lands in Contra Costa County .............................................................. 14
2.2 Address impacts of heat islands ........................................................................................................ 15
No-Waste Contra Costa .............................................................................................................................. 16
3.1 Recover organic waste and edible food (SB 1383/Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Program) .......... 16
3.2 Update the County’s existing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy ........................ 16
Reduce Water Use and Increase Drought Resilience.................................................................................. 17
4.1 Reduce water use in unincorporated County and in County facilities ............................................. 17
4.2 Manage groundwater resources sustainably .................................................................................... 17
Clean Transportation Network ................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing number of people who bike,
walk, and take public transit ................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Increase percentage of electric vehicles in Contra Costa County fleet ............................................ 21
Climate Equity ............................................................................................................................................. 21
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 ...................................................................... 21
6.2 Plan for transition to a local economy that is less reliant on fossil fuels .......................................... 23
Leadership ................................................................................................................................................... 23
7.1 Contra Costa County is a leader among local governments on how it addresses climate issues .... 23
7.2 Implement Climate Emergency Resolution ...................................................................................... 24
7.3 Build community and County employee support for Climate Action Plan ....................................... 25
7.4 County investments support climate equity ..................................................................................... 26
Additional Achievements ............................................................................................................................ 27
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................... 27
32
3
Executive Summary
This report provides a progress update on the 2023-2024 Contra Costa County Interim Climate Action
Work Plan (Interim Work Plan). The Interim Work Plan outlines the actions the County is taking to
address our changing climate while the County’s Climate Action Plan (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 2023-
2024 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
33
4
34
5
35
6
36
7
37
8
38
9
Contra Costa County
Interim Climate Action Work Plan
2023 Progress Report
Introduction
This report provides a progress update on the 2023-2024 Contra Costa County Interim Climate Action
Work Plan (Interim Work Plan). The Interim Work Plan outlines the actions the County is taking in 2023
and 2024 to address our changing climate while the County’s Climate Action Plan (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 and corresponding actions that will help the County achieve the
main goal. Various departments and agencies are responsible for implementing these goals and
reporting on measures of effectiveness. The achievements and progress made towards the Interim Work
Plan goals in 2023, as well as additional achievements that support the County’s climate goals, 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
All-Electric Buildings
The County’s All-Electric Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2022-02) 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. In 2023, 84
single-family or duplex residential projects, 8 multifamily residential projects, 91 ADU projects, and 4
commercial projects that were issued permits in the unincorporated county were all-electric.
Staff also continued developing a roadmap to support the transition of existing buildings to use low- or
zero-carbon appliances. Staff provided a progress report to the Sustainability Commission at its April 24,
2023, meeting and received feedback from the Sustainability Committee at its May 15, 2023, meeting. A
draft of the roadmap is expected to be completed in 2024.
There is one all-electric County facility retrofit project initiated and in the design phase.
39
10
Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Programs
In 2023, 212 households were served through the County Weatherization Program,1 with 33 households
served in the unincorporated areas 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
778 single-family homes in Contra Costa County that participated in the BayREN Home+ program,2 which
provides rebates to single-family homeowners for energy efficiency improvements. $788,830.05 in
rebates were dispersed across Contra Costa County. 66 of the Home+ projects were located in the
unincorporated area of the county, receiving $65,374.35 of the rebates dispersed across the county. The
number of projects increased from 2022 levels (Figure 1). See Figure 2 for participation levels in the
BayREN Home+ program across the county.
Figure 1: Contra Costa County BayREN Home+ Projects
Figure 2: BayREN Home+ Participation Across Contra Costa Communities
1 Contra Costa County Weatherization Program
2 BayREN Home+ Program
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Contra Costa County BayREN Home+ Projects
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
BayREN Home+ Participation by Community
40
11
There were 33 projects across Contra Costa County in 2023 that participated in the BayREN Bay Area
Multifamily Building Enhancements (BAMBE) program,3 which seeks to promote energy savings and
enhance resident well-being in multifamily buildings. 32 of these projects, representing 1,665 units, are
in the technical assistance stage, and one project, representing 40 units, is under construction. The
BayREN Business program,4 which supports local, small, hard-to-reach businesses through energy
efficiency projects, reopened in June 2023. Six projects were completed across the county in 2023, with
another three projects in-progress, saving 54,302 kWh of energy with $152,370 of incentives across the
nine projects. BayREN also offers the Home Energy Score,5 which provides residents with insights into
their home’s efficiency potential prior to undertaking home upgrade projects. In 2023, Contra Costa
County had 1,779 approved Home Energy Scores, with 115 of these assessments taking place in the
unincorporated county, and $424,200 in incentives were paid out in Contra Costa County.
The Asthma Mitigation Project, funded through a grant from the Sierra Health Foundation that ended in
2023, provided in-home asthma trigger assessments and mitigations to 150 Contra Costa Health Plan
(CCHP) members with poorly controlled asthma. 106 of these visits were completed in 2023.
Weatherization and energy efficiency services were provided to 15 of these members, which will save an
estimated 7.25 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year.
The Bay Area Healthy Homes Initiative, a similar program funded by the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District, provided in-home asthma trigger assessments and mitigations to 70 CCHP
members with poorly controlled asthma living in disadvantaged communities and within 1,000 feet of a
transportation corridor in 2023. The energy efficiency and weatherization efforts for these members has
not yet begun.
Four high efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems were installed at County
facilities in 2023.
1.2 Replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable electricity
MCE Deep Green Participation
As of January 1, 2024, 88.7% of residential accounts in the unincorporated area of the county are
enrolled in MCE, equating to 62,267 accounts. 7.1% of these accounts, equating to 4,422 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 3,485.73 metric tons of CO2 equivalent
were reduced in the unincorporated areas of the county in 2023.6 See Figure 3 and Figure 4 for a
summary of overall MCE participation and MCE Deep Green participation across Contra Costa
communities.7
10% of County accounts are enrolled in MCE’s Deep Green electricity service. Please note an MCE billing
error led to a significant reduction in Deep Green enrollment at County facilities compared to 2022.
3 BayREN Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements Program
4 BayREN Business
5 BayREN Home Energy Score
6 The emissions reduction estimate was calculated based on usage data from 2022 and the 2022 emission factor.
7 Only cities and towns that participate in MCE are listed.
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Figure 3: MCE Participation Across Contra Costa Communities
Figure 4: MCE Deep Green Participation Across Contra Costa Communities
The gray lines in Figure 3 and Figure 4 represent the MCE average.
Solar Installations
There were 1,687 total permits issued for residential solar projects in the unincorporated areas of the
county, including 1,654 rooftop and 33 ground mount projects, totaling approximately 64,017 kilowatts.
A total of 14 permits were issued for commercial solar installations, including 12 rooftop and two
ground mount projects, totaling approximately 4,522 kilowatts. Figure 5 describes the kilowatts
associated with rooftop and ground mount solar systems that were issued permits in 2023.
70%
75%
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
MCE Electric Account
Participation Rate by Community
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
MCE Deep Green
Participation Rate by Community
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Figure 5: Kilowatts of Solar Systems Permitted in 2023
Renewable Electricity in County Facilities
The County has 7,332 kilowatts of rooftop and parking lot solar installed at County facilities. While no
new solar installations or fuel replacement projects were completed at County facilities in 2023, 1,431
kilowatts of solar were installed at five County facilities in 2021.
1.3 Increase electrical grid resiliency
Energy Storage
The Solar Overlay Zone Ordinance has been identified for inclusion in the first round of comprehensive
zoning code changes as part of the Envision Zoning Code Update Project. The inclusion of battery energy
storage systems will be examined during the update to the Solar Overlay Zone Ordinance.
110 permits were issued for residential battery energy storage projects in the unincorporated areas of
the County. Some residential solar permits also include battery energy storage installations.
The County has battery storage systems at three facilities, totaling 1,500 kW of capacity. One new
battery storage system in the design phase.
Energy Use Reduction in County Facilities
There were 19 County facilities actively participating in demand response load shedding in 2023. This
avoided 2% of total energy consumption in County facilities. The County received $15,000 for
participating in MCE’s Peak FLEXmarket8 demand response program and $6,000 for the strategic energy
management program.
8 MCE Peak FLEXmarket
0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000
Ground Mount
Rooftop
Ground Mount Rooftop
Residential 537 63,480
Commercial 2,129 2,393
Kilowatts of Solar Systems Permitted in 2023
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1.4 Low-carbon building materials and strategies
Staff met with topic area experts to research low-carbon concrete. Staff also continued to monitor State
embodied carbon requirements and attend California Air Resources Board (CARB) meetings in
anticipation for the release of CARB's comprehensive strategy for decarbonizing the cement sector, as
required by Senate Bill 596.
The County currently has one True Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) pre-certified project: the
Administration Building and Jail Demolition and Redevelopment Project (ADR).9 92.94% of material has
been diverted from the landfill in this project with strategies such as reusing furniture and office supplies
in other County buildings and contractor field trailers and salvaging materials during the demolition
process to be used in the new building. The ADR is the first government construction project in the
world to achieve TRUE pre-certification. TRUE certification is awarded at the conclusion of construction
based on the total performance of the project.
The County has not yet developed a tool to track embodied carbon in construction materials for new
construction and major renovations.
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
Carbon Sequestration Feasibility Study
The Board of Supervisors accepted Healthy Lands, Healthy People: A Carbon Sequestration Feasibility
Study10 on October 3, 2023. The study was conducted through a
Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation grant from the
California Strategic Growth Council, managed by the California
Department of Conservation. The County worked in partnership
with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, University of
California Cooperative Extension, and Rincon Consultants to
develop the study. Healthy Lands, Healthy People identifies
strategies to store greenhouse gases in the many different land
uses across the county, and staff have begun work on
implementing the recommendations included in the report.
9 Administration Building/Jail Demo & Redevelopment Project
10 Healthy Lands, Healthy People: A Carbon Sequestration Feasibility Study
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Green Stormwater Infrastructure
The County continued to make progress on implementation of the County’s Green Stormwater
Infrastructure Plan.11 This is a multi-department and multi-year plan that is still being expanded. See
Figure 6 for completed and planned County green stormwater infrastructure projects in 2023. Green
stormwater infrastructure is treating a total of 28.3 acres of County right of way with another 11.1 acres
to be treated by planned projects, as of December 2023.
The County continues to incorporate pervious paving in some projects, including past projects at the El
Sobrante Library and Rio Vista Elementary School in Bay Point. Future County pervious paving
opportunities are being explored, and pervious paving is listed as an option for developers’ stormwater
treatment requirements.
Figure 6: Completed and Planned Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects in Unincorporated Contra
Costa County in 2023
Project Name Project Location Acres
Treated Project Type Installation
Date
Fred Jackson Way Filterra
Trees
Fred Jackson Way between
Market and Silver Avenues,
North Richmond
0.29 Filterra Tree June 2023
Fred Jackson Way Rain
Garden (Urban Tilth Farm)
Fred Jackson Way and
Brookside, North Richmond 3.13 Rain Garden February 2023
Marsh Creek Road Bridges
Replacements
Bridges No. 28C0143 and
28C0145, Clayton 6.35 Vegetated Swale July 2024
Byron Highway Bridge
Replacement
At California Aqueduct, 3.75
miles southeast of Byron 4.55 Vegetated Swale July 2024
Brookside Drive East of
Central Street
At Sunborne Nursery, North
Richmond 0.2 Bio-retention Basin July 2024
2.2 Address impacts of heat islands
There were 580 residential and no commercial permits issued for cool roofs. No cool roofs were
implemented at County facilities.
Staff began looking for grant funding and developing a project scope to support the development of a
countywide tree plan, one of the recommendations of the Healthy Lands, Healthy People study. Staff
expect several grant opportunities that could fund the countywide tree plan in 2024.
11 Contra Costa County Green Infrastructure Plan
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No-Waste Contra Costa
Contra Costa County generates no more solid waste than 2.2 pounds per person per day (PPD).
3.1 Recover organic waste and edible food (Senate Bill (SB) 1383/Short -Lived
Climate Pollutants Program)
Outreach and Education
All haulers mailed information about SB 1383 to their customers. Mailers included service guides,
quarterly newsletters, or postcards. Information about SB 1383 can also be found on all the haulers’ and
the County’s websites.
Weekly Organics Collection Services
Three of the County’s four franchise agreements12 have services compliant with SB 1383 as of the end of
2023. The fourth is in the process of finalizing compliant service, and residential organics with food
waste collection service for these customers is expected to take effect in April 2024.
Single-use Plastics Reduction
At the Sustainability Commission’s December 12, 2022, meeting, the Commission formed a working
group to have discussions with County solid waste staff regarding an expanded foodware ordinance to
reduce single-use plastics and require BPI-certified, fiber-based compostable foodware. The working
group reported on this topic at the Commission’s February, 27, 2023, meeting, and proposed a set of
single-use foodware recommendations for the full Commission to consider. To determine the specific
materials recommendations to be included in the proposal for the Board, the Commission is waiting on
the results of a third-party feasibility study of materials that can be composted.
Edible Food Recovery
SB 1383 requires certain food generators to donate excess edible food that would otherwise be
disposed to food recovery organizations. County Environmental Health performs inspections on Tier 1
and Tier 2 Commercial Edible Food Generators regarding compliance with SB 1383. In the
unincorporated areas of the county, there are a total of five Tier 1 generators, which include wholesale
food vendors, food service providers, food distributors, and grocery stores, and four Tier 2 generators,
which include hotels, restaurant facilities, health facilities, large venues and events, local education
agencies, and State agency cafeterias. In 2023, there were a total of 10 inspections of Tier 1 generators.
Inspections for Tier 2 generators will start in 2024.
3.2 Update the County’s existing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
Policy
The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Policy was updated and approved by the Board of
Supervisors on September 12, 2023.13 The new policy updates the County’s 2008 Environmentally
Preferable Purchasing Policy and includes purchasing requirements to minimize environmental impacts,
12 Contra Costa County Franchise Agreements
13 Contra Costa County Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy
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reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advance the goals of the County’s Climate Action Plan. In Fiscal
Year 2024-2025, The Public Works Purchasing Division will develop and conduct training for County staff
on the EPP Policy.
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 County monitors its own water usage and implements water saving practices such as
drought tolerant plantings and automatic irrigation system shutoffs in the event of rain, leaks, or breaks.
The majority of residents and businesses in the county receive their water from two water districts:
Contra Costa Water District (CCWD), which serves north central and eastern portions of the county, and
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), which serves the western and south central portions of the
county.
See Figure 7 and Figure 8 for total water usage in the unincorporated areas of the county covered by
CCWD and EBMUD’s service areas. Please note that due to a correction in CCWD’s data, the reported
historical water use data is different than in past Interim Climate Action Work Plan Progress Reports.
EBMUD water usage data for 2023 is not yet available at the time of this report’s publication. In 2023,
water use for both non-residential and residential CCWD customers continued to decrease. Residential
water use for EBMUD customers also continued to decrease in 2022, though non-residential water use
was higher than in 2021 and 2020.
Figure 7: Contra Costa Water District CCF Per Year Water Usage 14 15
Contra Costa Water District CCF Per Year Water Usage
Unincorporated Area 2020 2021 2022 2023
Non-Residential 337,170 322,729 312,745 303,737
Residential 752,961 726,026 678,935 665,132
All Accounts 1,090,131 1,048,755 991,680 968,869
Figure 8: East Bay Municipal Utility District CCF Per Year Water Usage
East Bay Municipal Utility District CCF Per Year Water Usage
Unincorporated Area 2020 2021 2022
Non-Residential 3,779,268 3,837,469 3,980,418
Residential 6,012,011 5,546,508 5,090,536
All Accounts 9,791,279 9,383,977 9,070,954
14 Each CCF (one hundred cubic feet) is equivalent to 748 gallons.
15 CCWD data includes CCWD’s retail service area. Wholesale service area customers are not included.
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4.2 Manage groundwater resources sustainably
The East Contra Costa Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP)16 was approved by the California
Department of Water Resources (DWR) on July 27, 2023. The GSP was created to comply with the
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The GSP goals are consistent and complementary
with the County’s Climate Action Plan and focus on groundwater management strategies that protect
and maintain safe and reliable groundwater sources in the face of climate change.
Clean Transportation Network
Contra Costa County’s transportation network provides safe and accessible options for walking,
biking, and transit. If residents and workers are driving, they are in electric vehicles.
5.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in Contra Costa County by increasing
number of people who bike, walk, and take public transit
Bicycle and Pedestrian Network
The Department of Public Works (Public Works) continues to implement the Capital Road Improvement
& Preservation Program (CRIPP),17 Complete Streets Policy,18 Vision Zero Final Report,19 Active
Transportation Plan,20 and equity-focused plans, programs, and policies. In 2023, Public Works was
awarded numerous federal and state grants to support the implementation of these initiatives,
including:
• $4,656,625 across six Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grants for one guardrail
upgrade project, one pedestrian safety improvements project, one bicycle safety improvements
project, and three traffic safety improvements projects;
• $14,419,000 across two Active Transportation Program (ATP) grants for complete streets and
active transportation projects that aim to improve safety and mobility for all types of
transportation; and
• $120,000 for one Transportation Development Act (TDA) grant for pedestrian safety
improvements.
The existing unincorporated bicycle network spans 119 miles, which is approximately 36% of the total
327 miles of planned bicycle network in the unincorporated area of the county. In 2023, 900 linear feet
of pedestrian facilities were constructed. No pedestrian network gaps were closed. Completed
transportation infrastructure improvement projects in 2023 included:
• The 2023 Countywide Surface Treatment Project,
• Franklin Canyon Road Safety Improvements Project,
16 East Contra Costa Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan
17 2022 CRIPP
18 Complete Streets Policy
19 Vision Zero Final Report
20 Active Transportation Plan
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• San Pablo Dam Road and Bailey Road Signal Hardware Upgrades, and
• Westminster Avenue and Kenyon Avenue Accessibility Project.
Transportation infrastructure improvement projects that have been funded and were in the design or
construction phase in 2023, as well as their associated plans and policies, are listed in Figure 9.
Figure 9: Planned Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Projects
Planned Projects Complete
Streets
Vision
Zero
Active
Transportation
Equity-
Focused
Grant
Funding
Appian Way at Fran Way Crosswalk
Enhancements X X X HSIP
Appian Way Utility Undergrounding
Project
X
Bixler Rd and Regatta Dr Intersection
Improvements X X
Bridge Preventative Maintenance Project
Briones Area Guardrail Upgrades
Byron Highway Bridge Replacement over
California Aqueduct (Bridge No. 28C0121)
HSIP
Byron Highway Safety Improvements X
Byron Highway/Byer Rd Intersection
Improvements X
Camino Tassajara/Tassajara Road
Realignment Project
X
Countywide Guardrail Upgrades - Phase 2 HSIP
Danville Blvd/Orchard Ct Complete Streets
Improvements X X X
Deer Valley Road Traffic Safety
Improvements
X HSIP
Del Monte Drive Bridge Painting and Poly
Overlay (Bridge No. 28C0207)
Freeman Road and Briones Valley Road
Bridge Maintenance Project
Livorna Road Shoulder Widening
Morgan Territory Road Bridges 5.0 & 5.2
Replacement
X
Norris Canyon Road Slide Repair and
Safety Improvements
North Bailey Road Active Transportation
Corridor
Pacifica Avenue Safe Routes to School X X X ATP
San Miguel Drive Pedestrian Path X X X TDA
San Pablo Avenue Complete Street/Bay
Trail Gap Closure X X ATP
Second Avenue Bridge Replacement
(Bridge No. 28C0383) X X X
Tara Hills Curb Ramps on Shawn Drive X X
Treat Boulevard Corridor Improvements X
Vasco Road Safety - Phase 2 X X
Vasco Road Safety Improvements X HSIP
Walnut Boulevard Shoulder Widening X X HSIP
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Partnering for Trail Commuter Routes
The County Flood Control District partners with the East Bay Regional Park District to provide major trail
networks along flood control channels to encourage zero emission commuting. The two major
commuter routes are the Iron Horse Trail from Walnut Creek to Concord and the Marsh Creek Regional
Trail from Oakley to Brentwood. The County is working with the East Bay Regional Park District to
expand existing trails and add new trails to the network.
Building Healthy Communities
In 2023, the Contra Costa Health Building Healthy Communities Program won two grants totaling over
$1.7 million to promote active transportation and advance equity in bicycle and pedestrian roadway
safety. Those grants include:
• A four-year $1.5 million grant through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission One Bay
Area Grant Cycle 3 to provide non-infrastructure Safe Routes to School programming to up to 90
schools countywide.
• A one-year $200,000 grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety Pedestrian & Bicycle
Safety Program to advance Vision Zero, build community capacity to promote bicycle and
pedestrian safety, and disseminate bicycle and pedestrian safety campaigns.
The Contra Cost Health Building Healthy Communities Program continues to provide bicycle and
pedestrian education, encouragement, and engagement programming, with priority for impacted
communities, through funds provided by the Transportation Development Act Article 3, which is
administered by Public Works. Activities include bike rodeos, bicycle and pedestrian safety
presentations, safety information disseminated through community events, helmet fittings, and
distribution of bicycle and pedestrian safety equipment.
Through a multi-year grant from the California Department of
Transportation, administered by Public Works, the Building Healthy
Communities program also continues to offer targeted Safe Routes to
School programming and active transportation encouragement within
seven high schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District
through the Walk and Bike Leaders Program.
Additionally, the Contra Costa Health Building Healthy Communities
Program procured a fleet of 18 new “One Size Adjusts to All” (OSATA)
bicycles from Bike Friday, a specialty bike manufacturer, through a
grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bikes
can adjust to fit riders varying in height between 4’2” to 6’2” due to
the telescoping design of the frame, seat-tube, and head-tube and will
support Safe Routes to School programming, which serves student
riders ranging from early elementary school through high school.
County Employee Commutes
The County’s Remote Work Policy remains in effect and is being implemented by departments.
Additionally, there were 11 employees as of the end of 2023 using the pre-tax commuter benefit. The
Participants on a Walk and Bike
Leaders group ride.
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County participates in Bike to Work Day and does an extensive outreach campaign with rewards in
various categories.
5.2 Increase percentage of electric vehicles in Contra Costa County fleet
County Fleet
All-electric vehicles (EVs) make up about 5% of the County’s fleet of approximately 1,500 vehicles. In
2023, the County ordered 45 EVs. 55 active charging ports were installed at County facilities in 2023,
bringing the total number of active charging ports to 95. The County has secured $5,000,000 21 in
funding from the County’s Sustainability Fund, which is supported by the Measure X sales tax, and
incentives from other programs to continue to install EV supply equipment infrastructure at additional
County facilities to facilitate the transition of the fleet to all-electric.
The County’s Energy Manager convenes a monthly meeting for interested public agencies in the county
to collaborate on EV readiness and pursue goals identified in the Contra Costa County EV Readiness
Blueprint.22
In the Community
Across the entirety of Contra Costa County, there are 968 total public EV chargers, including 689 Level 2
and 279 DC Fast chargers, as of September 12, 2023. Additionally, there are 764 shared private EV
chargers at locations such as workplaces and multifamily residences, as of July 5, 2023.23 In Contra Costa
County, zero-emission vehicles made up 32.5% of total light-duty vehicle sales in 2023 with 15,374 light-
duty zero-emission vehicles sold.24
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 draft Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan includes environmental justice policies throughout,
particularly in the Stronger Communities Element. These policies work to counteract a history of
discrimination, neglect, and disempowerment and improve the quality of life and health outcomes in
low-income communities and communities of color. Additionally, both the draft General Plan and draft
2024 update to the Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan are organized around the themes of
environmental justice, sustainability, community health, and economic development. The draft 2045
21 $2,750,000 of the $5,000,000 is for fiscal year 2023-2024.
22 Contra Costa County EV Readiness Blueprint
23 Electric Vehicle Chargers in California, California Energy Commission
24 New ZEV Sales in California, California Energy Commission
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General Plan and Climate Action Plan 2024 Update were released for public review in October 2023 on
the Envision Contra Costa 2040 website and will be available for comment through April 8, 2024.25
Figure 10: Impacted Communities in Unincorporated Contra Costa County 26
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 to support implementation of the updated General Plan and Climate Action Plan.
Figure 10 shows a map of the County’s impacted communities as identified in the Public Review Draft
Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan.
25 Envision Contra Costa 2040 Website
26 This map is from the Public Review Draft Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan – Stronger Communities
Element (page 3-4). In the public review draft 2045 General Plan, Impacted Communities are defined as “An area,
typically low-income, that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can
lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation. This is the term Contra Costa County uses
in place of “disadvantaged communities,” as named in Senate Bill (SB) 1000. SB 1000 defines disadvantaged
communities per Health and Safety Code Section 39711, specifying CalEnviroScreen as the primary screening
method for identifying these communities. In this General Plan, Census tracts with a cumulative CalEnviroScreen
score of 72 or higher are considered to be Impacted Communities.”
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6.2 Plan for transition to a local economy that is less reliant on fossil fuels
The County submitted a signed Agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development in July 2023 for a $750,000 Community Project Funding grant to fund the development of
a Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan (JTERP). The JTERP is a plan for transitioning away from an
economy that is dependent on fossil fuels to a zero-emission and clean and green economy and for
improving the health, safety, infrastructure, and job opportunities of residents in communities most
impacted by the environmental burdens of the climate crisis. The County is committed to providing
meaningful opportunities for sustained input from the community, with a special focus on highly
impacted Environmental Justice communities, and workers, especially impacted workers.
The Sustainability Committee held a special meeting on June 29, 2023, to discuss the County’s work on
the JTERP. At the end of 2023, staff began developing a request for proposal for consultants who will
provide assistance with community engagement, economic analyses, and detailed studies on other
topics related to the JTERP. The community engagement will include a JTERP Advisory Table, which is
anticipated to include Sustainability Committee member(s), labor/impacted workers, environmental and
frontline environmental justice community representatives, local government, business/industry,
workforce development and training entities, the education sector, and academic partners.
The County is supporting the Green Empowerment Zone, which was created by Assembly Bill 844
(Grayson, 2021). The purpose of the Green Empowerment Zone is to build upon the comparative
advantage provided by the regional concentration of highly skilled energy industry workers by
prioritizing access to tax incentives, grants, loan programs, workforce training programs, and private
sector investment in the renewable energy sector. The Green Empowerment Zone Board held its first
meeting in December 2023.
The County also continues to implement the strategic plan for the Northern Waterfront Economic
Development Initiative.
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 met on February 21 and September 18, 2023.
The Task Force discussed climate action in Contra Costa County, implementation of the Sustainability
Fund to install electric vehicle chargers at County facilities, and the G3 Champions, including the new G3
Champions Activity Guide. The Task Force also heard from several County departments about climate
action within their departments and from members of the County’s grant writers bench who discussed
the latest trends in grant funding.
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The Task Force provided a report to the Board of Supervisors on March 21, 2023. The report covered
recent extreme weather events in Contra Costa County, the update to the County’s Climate Action Plan
and General Plan, implementation of the Sustainability Fund, and the G3 Champions.
Green Government Group (G3) Champions
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. Over 75 G3 Champions represent 18
County departments. At meetings, G3 Champions discussed climate
action work happening in their departments, participated in a planting
day at the Martinez Waterfront, and learned about low-waste office
celebrations. The G3 Champions also developed the G3 Champions
Activity Guide to support efforts to engage with colleagues and share
information, knowledge, and best practices learned during G3 meetings.
The G3 Champions from the Contra Costa County Library began the
process of developing a climate action plan for the County Library.
7.2 Implement Climate Emergency Resolution
The County continued to implement the action items identified in the 2020 Climate Emergency
Resolution.27 Accomplishments in 2023 include the Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force’s report
to the Board of Supervisors; the ongoing work of the G3 Champions; a signed agreement to receive a
Community Project Funding grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to
develop a Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan and the commencement of this work; and
continued implementation of the All-Electric Ordinance for new construction.
27 2020 Climate Emergency Resolution
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7.3 Build community and County employee support for Climate Action Plan
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 two series of quarterly meetings for local
government staff across the county. The Sustainability
Exchange28 is a networking and professional
development gathering; topics of focus this year
included federal funding opportunities, Bike to Work
Day, climate resilience, and climate action planning.
The Energy Efficiency Collaborative is an opportunity
for resource sharing and peer learning related to
energy programs, covering topics including federal
grant opportunities, Bay Area Regional Energy Network
programming, municipal energy projects, and the
electrical grid.
Sustainability staff publish a quarterly Sustainability in
Contra Costa County newsletter29 and regular column in the Contra Costa FOCUS employee newsletter.
The Winter 2023 issue of Contra Costa FOCUS highlighted the County’s efforts to create a sustainable
future.30 The Sustainability Team also developed and maintains the Sustainability Resources webpage,
providing an overview of local, state, and federal incentive programs for residents and business
owners.31 As part of the County Library’s online education program, Sustainability staff led a How to
Finance Your Clean Energy Upgrade presentation32 highlighting the Sustainability Resources webpage.
Department of Conservation and Development staff attended
Municipal Advisory Council, community organization, and other
stakeholder group meetings in late 2023 to discuss the draft
2045 General Plan and Climate Action Plan 2024 Update.
County staff promoted BayREN at community events, including
the City of Pinole’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan open
house, were featured speakers at other community meetings,
such as Rotary Clubs and the Community Economic Resilience
Fund sub-table for Contra Costa County, and presented at
conferences, including the annual meeting of the Urban
Sustainability Directors Network.
28 Sustainability Exchange
29 Sustainability in Contra Costa County Newsletter
30 Contra Costa FOCUS Winter 2023
31 Contra Costa County Sustainability Resources Webpage
32 How to Finance Your Clean Energy Upgrade Recording
Sustainability staff present at the Clayton
Valley Rotary Club about the County's ongoing
work to address the climate crisis.
Department of Conservation and Development staff are
featured on Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) social media
for their BART-themed Halloween costume.
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The County hosted its first Electric Vehicle and E-Bike Show to educate and empower employees to use
EV technology as the County fleet transitions to zero-emission vehicles.33 About 200 staff from County
departments and other public agencies attended to learn about EVs and E-bikes through a showcase
that featured a wide range of EVs from public fleets and staff’s personal vehicles.
On November 15, 2023, the County Library introduced the Rolling Reader, the Library’s new all-electric
early literacy outreach van.34 The Rolling Reader will visit underserved communities across the county
where Library staff will present storytimes, hand out free books and crafts, and provide activities
focused on early literacy, small motor skills, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics).
7.4 County investments support climate equity
On June 13, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved the County’s Investment Policy for Fiscal Year
2023-2024. The policy includes a new provision regarding the prohibition of investment in securities
issued by fossil fuel companies and the consideration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
criteria. The new policy reads:
Debt instruments issued by fossil fuel companies are prohibited. The list includes Chevron, Exxon
Mobil, Total Energies SE, BP PLC, Marathon Petroleum, Valero Energy Corporation, Phillips 66.
The Treasury staff will update the list of fossil fuel companies when necessary.
ESG investments may be considered so long as such investments achieve equivalent safety,
liquidity, and yield compared to other investment opportunities.
On September 12, 2023, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 23-543, which updates and
reaffirms the County Debt Management Policy. This policy includes an update regarding the use of
labeled bonds, which requires staff to work with the County’s Independent Registered Municipal Advisor
during the evaluation stage of a potential bond issuance to identify whether there is a financial or policy
benefit to issuing Labeled Bonds (such as “green”, “social”, or “sustainable” bonds) as part of the bond
issuance transaction. The new policy reads:
Use of Labeled Bonds. Labeled Bonds are bonds issued to promote sustainability, better
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and are becoming an important part
of financial markets. The County shall evaluate the use of Labeled Bonds (including “green”,
“social” or “sustainable” bonds) in each competitive or negotiated sale transaction to determine
whether the use of Labeled Bonds would result in an expanded pool of ESG investors, which may
result in more affordable costs in the sale of bonds by the County. The evaluation shall be
conducted in collaboration with the County’s Independent Registered Municipal Advisor (IRMA)
and include any additional costs associated with primary market and continuing disclosure
requirements unique to the Labeled Bonds. It is the County’s preference to issue Labeled Bonds if
the evaluation demonstrates a financial or policy benefit to the County.
33 Contra Costa County EV and E-Bike Show Video
34 Introducing the Rolling Reader, the Library’s New Early Literacy Outreach Van
56
27
Additional Achievements
The Board of Supervisors established the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Ad Hoc Committee35 at the
May 16, 2023, Board of Supervisors meeting. Supervisor John Gioia, whose district borders the San
Francisco Bay, was appointed as Chair, and Supervisor Diane Burgis, whose district borders the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, was appointed as Vice Chair of the committee. The committee will
develop recommendations to the Board on work the County can do to plan for sea level rise and
improve shoreline resiliency and provides a dedicated space for Contra Costa County to consider how
local sea level rise resilience and adaptation efforts can complement regional efforts happening across
the San Francisco Bay Area.36 The committee had its first meeting on October 12, 2023.37
Conclusion
The County met or made significant progress towards most of the goals included in the 2023-2024
Interim Climate Action Work Plan. As the County continues the process of updating the Climate Action
Plan, the County remains committed to climate action and establishing itself as a leader on climate
change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
35 Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Ad Hoc Committee
36 Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan
37 Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Ad Hoc Committee October 12, 2023 Agenda
57
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-0740 Agenda Date:3/18/2024 Agenda #:9.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 18, 2024
Subject: Report from Sustainability Commission Chair, or Designee
Submitted For: John Kopchik | Department of Conservation & Development - Director
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Referral No: 23-878
Referral Name:
Presenter: Sustainability Commission Chair
Contact: Jody London (925)655-2815
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Committee.
Referral Update:
The Sustainability Commission Chair provides an update at each meeting of the Sustainability Committee on
the work of the Commission.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report from Sustainability Commission Chair, or Designee.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 3/13/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™58
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-0741 Agenda Date:3/18/2024 Agenda #:10.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: March 18, 2024
Subject: Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals
Submitted For: John Kopchik | Department of Conservation & Development - Director
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Referral No:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator
Contact: Jody London (925)655-2815
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Committee.
Referral Update:
See attached Sustainability Staff Report
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 3/13/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™59
Sustainability Staff Report – March 2024
Page 1
SUSTAINABILTY STAFF REPORT FOR
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
March 18, 2024
Key activities since the Sustainability Committee’s meeting on November 27, 2023, are listed below.
Activities are keyed to goals in the 2023-2024 Interim Climate Action Work Plan.
ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
Department of Conservation and Development
Grant applications to the Office of Planning and Research’s Regional Resilience
Grant Program and Bay Area Council Foundation’s California Resilience
Challenge to support preparation of a Contra Costa County Sea Level Rise
Resilience and Adaptation Plan were not selected for funding.
Staff submitted a grant application to the California Strategic Growth Council's
(SGC) Regional Climate Collaboratives (RCC) Program in partnership with The
Watershed Project that would support place-based sea level rise resilience
planning processes in four unincorporated shoreline communities: Bethel Island,
Montalvin Manor-Tara Hills-Bayview, North Richmond, and Rodeo. On January
16, 2024, SGC notified applicants that the timeline for RCC Round 2 awards is
delayed due to California’s projected budget shortfall. SGC staff will update
Round 2 applicants on whether funding is restored during the May Revise of the
State Budget and will aim to make awards as soon as possible if funding is
restored
Goal 2 – Resilient
Communities and
Natural Infrastructure
Staff organized the fourth quarter Sustainability Exchange on December 6, 2023,
for local government staff across the county. The topic was climate action
planning. The meeting featured presentations from the cities of Walnut Creek
and Pinole and Contra Costa County about their recently adopted or ongoing
updates to their climate action plans. It also featured a presentation from
Professor Michael Boswell of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the landscape of
climate action plans across the State and what’s needed to meet goals and
successfully implement them.
All
On February 14, staff hosted the Q1 2024 Energy Efficiency Collaborative, for
local government staff across the county. The Department of Conservation and
Development’s BayREN program leads provided an update on participation in
BayREN programs and an overview of the single-family program redesign, and
solicited feedback.
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
On December 4, the Strategic Growth released the recommended awards for the
Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grants. Contra Costa County applied
in August for a TCC planning grant for Bay Point. There were 15 applicants and
three grant awards. The Resilient Bay Point project was not selected.
Staff continue to look for other opportunities to support the work envisioned in
the TCC grant application.
Goal 6 – Climate Equity
Staff has been working with the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) to
redesign its current Single-Family rebate program (Home+) to better align with
its 2024-27 Business Plan (Decision 23-06-055) approved by the California Public
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
60
Sustainability Staff Report – March 2024
Page 2
ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
Utilities Commission in July 2023. A redesign of the Home+ program is expected
to be completed by summer 2024.
Staff are continuing work on a draft All-Electric Roadmap for existing buildings,
to convert existing homes and businesses to use low- or zero-carbon appliances,
consistent with the County’s draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024. The
Roadmap is being further revised to incorporate the suspension of enforcement
of the County’s ordinance requiring all-electric construction in most new
buildings.
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
In the community:
• Sustainability Coordinator Jody London attended the Catalyst Conference
February 1-2 in Sacramento, sponsored by the California Strategic Growth
Council.
• On February 12, London presented on the County’s climate action work and
workforce opportunities at the Innovate Tri-Valley Education and Workforce
Committee.
Goal 7 - Leadership
The draft General Plan and Climate Action Plan were released for public review
on October 17. The Environmental Impact Report was released February 9.
Public comment will be open through April 8, 2024. Staff are continuing to meet
with community groups and support the Supervisors with open houses.
Staff is supporting the County’s Office of Communications and Media in
developing a series of videos about the Envision Contra Costa project.
All
Staff conducted several focus groups with community members and groups to
receive feedback on a potential scope of work for the development of a
countywide tree plan, or urban forest plan, one of the recommendations of the
Healthy Lands, Healthy People study. It is anticipated that there may be several
grant opportunities in 2024 that might support this project.
Goal 2 – Resilient
Communities and
Natural Infrastructure
Sustainability staff continued working with the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District and other counties as BAAQMD develops a plan for
applying for a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is
taking the lead in developing a proposal for a regional grant application, which is
due to EPA on April 1.
All
Sustainability staff continue to monitor state and federal grant opportunities and
prepare to apply for projects that will support key climate goals around all-
electric buildings, active transportation, sea level rise, climate resilience, and Just
Transition.
All
Climate Emergency Resolution:
• Just Transition. Staff will be issuing a request for proposals for consultants
who will provide assistance with community engagement, economic
analyses, and detailed studies on other topics, in support of the Just
Transition Economic Revitalization Plan. Staff are supporting the Green
Empowerment Zone, which held its first meeting in December.
• Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force. The Green Government Group
(G3) Champions meeting on December 13 looked at discuss the Champions’
experiences with the G3 Champions Activity Guide. The G3 Champions
Goal 7 - Leadership
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Sustainability Staff Report – March 2024
Page 3
ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
meeting on February 14 featured representatives from two refill shops in
Contra Costa County talking about how to approach green product use and
purchase, both at home and in the office.
The Climate Action Task Force meeting on February 26 featured a
presentation from Diablo Water on its work to meet a 2027 goal to be net
carbon neutral, as well as updates on the draft Climate Action Plan, the
Sustainability Fund, and the G3 Champions, and an introduction from the co-
directors of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.
• All-Electric Building Ordinance. In light of the recent federal court ruling in
California Rest. Ass'n v. City of Berkeley1, the Board of Supervisors will
consider suspending the County’s all-electric requirement for new
construction (Section 74-4.010 (Amendments to the California Energy Code)
of the County Ordinance Code) at its February 27, 2024, meeting.
Department of Public Works
On January 18, 2024, Contra Costa County Public Works was awarded $15 million
in funding from the US Department of Transportation’s Community Charging
and Fueling Infrastructure Program. The County’s “EV 4 All” program will consist
of installing Electric Vehicle Supplying Equipment (EVSE) at 15 county library
sites. Altogether the projects will include 52 DC Fast Chargers and 60 Level 2
chargers. Five percent (5%) of the award will support vital outreach and
education activities to expand EV awareness and adoption in the county.
Goal 5 – Clean
Transportation Network
Library
The Library Department is working with the Sustainability Team in the
Department of Conservation and Development to develop a climate action plan.
Goal 6 – Climate Equity
Goal 7 - Leadership
Ongoing
Staff participated in professional learning opportunities regarding environmental
justice, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, communication and facilitation
strategies, race and equity, and related.
All
Staff participated in regional activities. All
Attachments
62