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Home My WebLink AboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 05202024 - Sustainability Cte MinAGENDA CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Sustainability Committee Supervisor John Gioia, Chair Supervisor Federal D. Glover, Vice Chair 11780 San Pablo Ave., Ste D, El Cerrito | 190 East 4th Street, Pittsburg | 1:00 PMMonday, May 20, 2024 ZOOM LINK https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/88232593285 | 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 March 18, 2024, meeting of the Sustainability Committee. 24-1525 Meeting Minutes 03.18.24Attachments: 4.RECEIVE update on options for encouraging all-electric buildings in Contra Costa County and PROVIDE DIRECTION. 24-1526 Item 4 Exhibit A_Proposed Energy Code Amendment Compliance Margins_Table_Final Item 4 Presentation - Proposed Energy Code Amendment to Reduce GHGs from New Buildings_Final_5-16-24 Attachments: 5.RECEIVE report on Bay Area Regional Energy Network Programs.24-1527 2024_04_29 BayREN 2024-27 Overview for Sustainability Commission Attachments: 6.RECEIVE report from Sustainability Commission Chair, or Designee.24-1528 Page 1 of 2 1 Sustainability Committee AGENDA May 20, 2024 7.RECEIVE report on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals.24-1529 2024_04_29 Sust. Staff Report to Sust. CMSN v.2 Item 7. Attachment - East Bay Times Article re Antioch Dunes Attachments: ADJOURN until the next Sustainability Committee meeting to be held on Monday, July 15, 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 2 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Staff Report 1025 ESCOBAR STREET MARTINEZ, CA 94553 File #:24-1525 Agenda Date:5/20/2024 Agenda #:3. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Meeting Date: May 20, 2024 Subject: APPROVE Record of Action from the March 18, 2024, Meeting 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 the March 18, 2024, meeting of the Sustainability Committee. Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 5/16/2024Page 1 of 1 powered by Legistar™3 Meeting Minutes - Draft CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Sustainability Committee Supervisor John Gioia, Chair Supervisor Federal D. Glover, Vice Chair 1:00 PM 1025 Escobar St. Room 168, Martinez, CA 94553 | 190 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, CA 94565 Monday, 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. Staff Present:John Kopchik, Director, Dept. of Conservation and Development; Jason Crapo, Deputy Director, Dept. of Conservation and Development; Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Dept . of Conservation and Development; Demian Hardman-Saldana, Principal Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development; Joe Yee, Deputy Director, Public Works; Brendan Havenar-Daughton, Energy Manager, Public Works; Ricky Williams, Fleet Manager, Public Works; Emily Groth, Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development; Adam Scarbrough, Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development; Trish Dominquez, Secretary, Dept. of Conservation and Development Raquel Caicedo, Secretary, Dept. of Conservation and Development Attendees:Luz Gomez, Sustainability Commission; Jan Warren; Marti Roach; Howdy Goudey, Sustainability Commission John Gioia and Federal D. GloverPresent: 1.INTRODUCTIONS Call to order and roll call. The meeting was called to order at 1:02pm. 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). Page 1 of 7 4 Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft March 18, 2024 Multiple members of the public called to thank Contra Costa County staff for their hard work in preparing the 2024 Climate Action Plan. 3.APPROVE Record of Action from November 27, 2023, meeting of the Sustainability Committee. Attachments:2023_11_27 Sustainability Committee Minutes The record of action was approved unanimously. There was no public comment. 4.CONSIDER electing a committee member to the offices of Chair and Vice Chair for 2024. The Committee elected to continue with Supervisor Gioia as Chair and Supervisor Glover as Vice Chair. There was no public comment. 5.RECEIVE update on options for encouraging all-electric buildings in Contra Costa County and PROVIDE any direction. Ricky Williams, Fleet Manager with Public Works provided an update on the County’s Advanced Clean Fleet regulation compliance . The regulation outlines two pathways for compliance: the standard Model Year Schedule option and the Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) for high priority fleets . Staff have decided to pursue the ZEV Milestone option due to the variety of vehicles that weigh at least 8,500 pounds. The first milestone will occur in 2025 for fleet vans and the County has already made progress in meeting this goal with one EV van currently in the fleet and four more on order. Williams indicated that the County is on track to meet the 2025 milestone. The next milestone will occur in 2027 where the focus will be on medium-duty trucks. Committee Discussion: Chair Gioia clarified that the standard Model Year Schedule pathway requires that 50 percent of vehicle purchases be ZEV starting in 2024 and 100 percent by 2027, whereas the ZEV Milestone option allows the County to meet the targets as a percentage of the total fleet. Gioia inquired about the difference in lead time between the two pathways . Williams indicated that the Model Year Schedule would have been faster that the ZEV Milestone option, but it was not feasible because it would have required 80-90% of the fleet budget. Gioia asked about where passenger vehicles fall within this regulation . Joe Yee, Deputy Director with Public Works, indicated that passenger vehicles purchased are subject to Administrative Bulletin 508 and we are currently purchasing ZEVs, with 40 vehicles on order. Yee highlighted that the timing on these ZEV car purchases was good because the County has been installing EV charging ports at county facilities . Passenger vehicles and light-duty pickup trucks do not fall under the CARB regulation and currently there Page 2 of 7 5 Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft March 18, 2024 is no state regulation requiring the purchase of ZEV fleet vehicles . There is no public comment . 6.RECEIVE report on status of compliance with California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation. Attachments:Advanced Cleam Fleet Regulation Compliance Memo 2-1-2024 Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, provided an update on staff research on strategies that encourage all-electric buildings . In the action taken by the Board of Supervisors (BOS) on February 27, 2024, the BOS stated its commitment to improving public health and fighting climate change and recommended that staff identify and assess alternative approaches to meeting the Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals around all-electric buildings and continue educating the public about the benefits . London indicated that suspending the all-electric new construction ordinance will result in a relatively low impact, although it still leaves us with a deficit that we need to address . Staff investigated options for new buildings and existing buildings. For new buildings, staff have identified two options . First is to amend the energy code in the state building code to require more stringent energy performance standards. Amending the state code is something the Board has done before . The second option is to amend CALGreen in the state building code, which addresses building construction requirements . This option is promising based on long-term forecasting of the County’s emissions profile in 2045 because most of the GHG emissions are forecast to be coming from landfills. London highlighted that we hope to see benefits from actions taken by other agencies . The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has updated regulations around Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from furnaces, gas fired boilers, and water heaters, and other agencies may take similar action of which we are unaware . London shifted to existing buildings, highlighting that transitioning them to all-electric would improve indoor air quality in homes and overall public health . Staff have been working on a roadmap for transitioning existing buildings to all-electric which staff hopes to bring to the Committee soon. This will be a living document which staff plans to update periodically as needed. Staff is working to obtain the County’s Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) formula funding allocation of $350,000, approximately $250,000 of which will be used for transitioning existing home-based childcare facilities to all-electric. London shared some emerging grant opportunities . The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is planning to apply for a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for somewhere between $50-100 million for all-electric upgrades across the San Francisco Bay Area (Bay Area) except for Santa Clara County, which falls under a separate application district . Staff is also looking to develop relationships with energy providers and renewable energy developers for community solar projects. The Board asked staff to continue to provide education to the public on the benefits of all-electric buildings; staff has updated the County website and continues to share Page 3 of 7 6 Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft March 18, 2024 information and educate the public in any way it can . Committee Discussion: The Committee inquired about the legal challenges around updating the energy code and whether staff is working with County Counsell. Jason Crapo, Deputy Director of the Department of Conservation and Development, indicated that staff is working with counsel. The Committee also asked if there is an existing working group of local jurisdictions that have passed similar ordinances . Demian Hardman-Saldana, Principal Planner, highlighted that the BayREN Codes and Standards program is working on this and hosts a reach code meeting every month with representatives from each of the nine Bay Area jurisdictions in attendance. London added that we are also in communication with other cities that have taken similar action . Chair Gioia highlighted the importance of working with County Counsel around this issue to ensure that the option(s) we choose can be pursued legally . He indicated that there should be an organized effort by building officials across jurisdictions to address this. Crapo confirmed that staff has begun reaching out to other jurisdictions to start coordinating this effort and highlighted that the County is a member of BayREN, a key contributor and valuable resource to these efforts. The Committee requested an update on this topic for the following Sustainable Committee meeting. Public Comment: A member of the public inquired as to whether the County was looking into the zero NOx approach based on the recent Air District rulemaking. They also asked about the County’s efforts around educating the public on the benefits of all-electric construction and indicated that they were unable to locate a public facing web page with this information. Another member of the public expressed disappointment at this regulatory setback and endorsed the use of the performance-based reach code. 7.CONSIDER recommending approval of application to the California Energy Commission for Charging Infrastructure for Government Fleets grant. Attachments:Exhibit A_CEC_GFO_Gov.Fleet_Initial Site List Brendan Havenar-Daughton, Energy Manager in the Public Works Department, gave an overview of the Charging Infrastructure for Government Fleets Grant . The grant offered by the CEC is for the installation of light duty EV charging for government fleets. This grant opportunity totals $30 million for the entire state, with a $6 million limit per applicant. For this opportunity, Public Works is looking to apply for approximately $3 million. To be eligible for this grant, the proposal must include a minimum of 100 ports/plugs. In addition, eligibility is limited to a single government entity, so we will not be able to formally partner with other local governments . The County is currently coordinating with other cities to ensure that these charging stations, which will consist primarily of DC fast chargers, would be available for their use as well . This funding is intended to focus on light-duty vehicles, and applicants will need to Page 4 of 7 7 Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft March 18, 2024 demonstrate that to justify the funding case. Staff has identified potential sites based which were chosen due to the number of fleet vehicles that are domiciled overnight . Havenar-Daughton stressed that the County will also need to locate EV charging assets in more remote locations of the County to ensure that we have a reliable charging network. Public Comment: A member of the public brought up the topic of networked charging versus non-networked charging. They highlighted that for fleet vehicle charging, the subscription services and higher cost equipment of networked charging infrastructure may not be warranted. It is important to look at the potential cost savings from using the simpler, non-networked charging equipment. 8.RECEIVE update on annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report. Attachments:Attachment A 2023-24 CAP Interim Work Plan - final Attachment B 2023 Interim Climate Action Plan Progress Report - Final Emily Groth provided an update on the annual Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2023. Topics covered during this update included progress around energy efficiency and weatherization, County facilities, resilient communities and natural infrastructure, sea level rise and flood management, and active transportation . On the County leadership front, the Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force and the G 3 Champions continued to meet regularly. The County also hosted its first EV Car Show last fall and rolled out its new all-electric early literacy outreach van, named the Rolling Reader . The Board approved the County’s new investment policy, which was amended to divest from fossil fuels and integrated environmental and social governance criteria . The Board also adopted a resolution that reaffirmed the County debt management policy around the issuance of bonds such as green, social, or sustainable bonds . Groth then went on to highlight areas of success where progress is ongoing . This includes low-carbon building materials and zero-waste construction . The County’s new administration building will be the first zero-waste construction in the world . This project will become Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) certified upon completion. On the waste side, the County has three of four franchise agreements in compliance with Senate Bill 1383, which will allow residents to include food in their organics collection service. The fourth and final franchise agreement is expected to be compliant by April 2024. In September 2023, the BOS approved the County’s updated Preferable Purchasing Agreement. The County has received over $19 million across three Federal and State grants to support transportation infrastructure improvement . The County will be issuing an RFP to help support its Just Transition planning efforts . Groth wrapped up by highlighting some areas for improvement for County staff . These include continuing to monitor the State’s embodied carbon requirements; the County is looking specifically into low-carbon concrete. The County is continuing implementation of the remote work policy and is planning to investigate the GHG reduction numbers related to this policy. Lastly, the County is currently pursuing funding to begin working on the development of an Urban Forest Management Plan to increase tree canopy Page 5 of 7 8 Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft March 18, 2024 coverage and mitigate the impacts of the urban heat island effect . Public Comment: A member of the public asked about the difference between low-carbon concrete and crushed reused concrete as highlighted in the County Administration Building promotional video. London responded by highlighting that the process in the video is separate from low-carbon concrete and reusing crushed concrete is project-specific . 9.RECEIVE report from Sustainability Commission Chair, or Designee. Sustainability Commission Chair, Luz Gomez provided an update on the Commission's activities. At the last meeting, Commissioner Foster took over for Commissioner Smith as Vice Chair of the Commission. Commissioner Gomez will remain as the Commission Chair. The Commission reviewed and adopted the 2023 CAP Progress Report. The Commission has formed a working group to review the draft CAP and provide comments . Commission feedback will occur during a special meeting on March 25, 2024. The Commission will also be holding a special meeting with the Hazardous Materials Commission on April 29, 2024, from 4-6 pm. This meeting will host a panel of experts to discuss carbon capture and storage strategies. A couple of panelists have already been secured. So far, these include Professor Mark Jacobson, Director of Stanford’s Atmosphere and Energy Program and Victoria Tejeda of the Center for Biological Diversity There was no public comment. 10.RECEIVE report on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals. Attachments:2024_03_18 Sust. Staff Report to Sust. CMTE London provided an update on staff activities since the last meeting in November, 2023. Public Works recently was awarded a $15 million grant for EV chargers at libraries across the County. The County was not selected for the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant for Bay Point; staff continue to look for funding for this work. Staff continue working to identify a funding source for sea level rise mitigation work along the County’s Northern Waterfront. Staff have also begun working to organize funding opportunities for an Urban Forest Management Plan and have held a number of focus groups with potential grant application partners . Staff continues to host its Sustainability Exchange and Energy Efficiency Collaborative meetings for local government staff to learn about energy efficiency and share each jurisdiction’s work around sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction . Staff have been engaged and continue to work on the BayREN Single Family program redesign efforts which is expected to be completed later this year . Work on the Existing Buildings All-Electric Roadmap continues and the public comment period for the General Plan and Climate Action Plan updates closes on April 26th. Page 6 of 7 9 Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft March 18, 2024 11.ADJOURN until the next Sustainability Committee meeting to be held on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 1:00 PM. GENERAL INFORMATION HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT For Additional Information Contact: Page 7 of 7 10 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Staff Report 1025 ESCOBAR STREET MARTINEZ, CA 94553 File #:24-1526 Agenda Date:5/20/2024 Agenda #:4. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Meeting Date:May 20, 2024 Subject:Proposed Energy Code Amendment to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New Buildings Submitted For:SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Department:DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT Referral No:N/A Referral Name:N/A Presenter:Demian Hardman-Saldana | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT Contact:Demian Hardman-Saldana (925)655-2816 Referral History: On January 18, 2022, the Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted Ordinance No. 2022-02, amending the California Energy Code requiring that all newly constructed residential buildings, hotels, offices, and retail buildings be constructed as all-electric buildings without natural gas infrastructure. The ordinance became operative on June 1, 2022. On January 2, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit invalidated a City of Berkely ordinance that prohibited natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The court held that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (“EPCA”), a federal statute that regulates the energy efficiency of several consumer products including water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, precludes cities and counties from adopting ordinances that prohibit the installation of gas plumbing in buildings. In response to the decision, on February 27, 2024, the Board suspended its enforcement of its all -electric requirements for new construction. At the same time, the Board directed staff to amend the 2024 Draft Climate Action Plan to reflect the suspension of the County’s all-electric requirement, and to evaluate alternative methods of meeting the County’s Climate Action Plan. The Board also directed staff to inform the public of the many benefits of constructing all-electric buildings. On March 18, 2024, the Sustainability Committee received an update on options for encouraging all-electric buildings. Staff provided a preliminary analysis of the options for encouraging all-electric construction in new buildings which included, among other things, amending the Energy Code to require improved building energy performance and amending the Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) to reduce the amount of construction waste sent to landfills and use materials that have lower life-cycle emissions. The Committee requested staff to do further research on what other jurisdictions are doing to replace their all-electric ordinances and to prepare a recommendation that would be feasible to implement. Referral Update: County staff has met with several jurisdictions that have either adopted or are considering adopting policy to help encourage all-electric construction in new buildings. Meetings were held with staff from the cities of CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 5/16/2024Page 1 of 4 powered by Legistar™11 File #:24-1526 Agenda Date:5/20/2024 Agenda #:4. San Jose, Sacramento, and San Luis Obispo. Staff also attended several workshops, including a workshop with the Town of Los Altos Hills which presented on their Zero Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) ordinance and a workshop with the City of Santa Cruz which implemented a building reach code similar to that adopted by the City of San Luis Obispo. Proposed Energy Code Amendment to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New Buildings Based on staff’s investigation and analysis of available options, staff recommends the County consider amending the energy code portion of the local building code to require new construction of single-family, multi-family, retail, office, and hotels to achieve a higher performance standard for energy efficiency and conservation than what is currently required in the State Energy Code. Based on current technologies, most if not all cost-effective measures taken to achieve the higher energy performance standard will result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. An overview of the specific energy performance standards recommended for each building type is provided in Exhibit A of this report. Single-Family Residential Buildings and Accessory Dwelling Units Under the current State Energy Code, newly constructed single-family residential buildings and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) must be designed to achieve the statewide minimum building energy standard as measured by the building’s Energy Design Rating (EDR). The EDR is a metric that rates the building’s energy performance and consumption based on the proposed design. The EDR considers the building’s energy efficiency (based on the efficiency features of the building’s space heating, cooling, ventilation, and water heating) and the building’s demand flexibility (including the building’s solar photovoltaic system, battery storage system, precooling, and other demand-responsive measures). Due to climactic effects, the required energy performance standard, like the EDR, differs depending on the climate zone (location) in which the new building is constructed. Contra Costa County has two climate zones. Climate Zone 3 located West of the Caldecott tunnel (West County), and Climate Zone 12 located East of the Caldecott tunnel (Central and East County). The current State Energy Code requires newly constructed single-family residential buildings and ADUs to achieve a minimum EDR based on the installation of at least one heat-pump system (e.g., space heating or water heating). However, the required EDR may be achieved through other alternative measures that achieve a similar level of energy performance and consumption. For new single-family residential buildings, the proposed approach would increase the energy performance standard by requiring new building designs to achieve a higher EDR score. The increased standard would be based on building designs that include two heat-pump systems (e.g., space heating and water heating), though developers could achieve the increased standard through other alternative measures, such as battery storage or additional rooftop solar. The increased performance standard is expected to result in greenhouse gas reductions due to the cost-effective measures available for achieving the standard. The proposed approach is similar to those implemented by the City of San Luis Obispo and the City of Santa Cruz. For Climate Zone 3, staff is not recommending a higher EDR standard for new ADUs because current cost- effectiveness studies have not found that imposing the higher standards for ADUs in that zone to be cost- effective. New ADUs in Climate Zone 12 would be subject to the higher EDR standard. Multi-family Residential and Non-Residential Buildings Under the current State Energy Code, newly constructed multi-family residential buildings and non- CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 5/16/2024Page 2 of 4 powered by Legistar™12 File #:24-1526 Agenda Date:5/20/2024 Agenda #:4. residential buildings (office, retail, and hotel) must be designed to achieve the statewide minimum building energy standard as measured by the building’s Time Dependent Valuation (TDV). The TDV metric calculates the long-term forecast of hourly electricity, natural gas, and propane costs to building owners using the latest California Energy Commission forecasts and outlook for California’s energy sectors. It is meant to incorporate the societal and environmental impacts into the cost of energy during a given hour of the year. For new multi-family residential buildings and non-residential buildings, the proposed approach would increase the energy performance standard by requiring new building designs to achieve a more energy efficient TDV score. For new low-rise multi-family residential buildings (three stories or fewer), the more efficient TDV score would be based on building designs that include two heat-pump systems (e.g., space heating and water heating), though developers could achieve the increased standard through other alternative measures such as battery storage or additional rooftop solar. For new high-rise multi-family residential buildings (four stories or more) and non-residential buildings, the increase in required TDV score would be less than for other building types because high-rise multi-family residential buildings and non-residential buildings are already required to install highly efficient equipment under the current energy code. To achieve the higher TDV score, most new high-rise multi-family residential and non-residential buildings would only need to install additional photovoltaic solar (PV) beyond the current energy code requirements. Cost-effectiveness and California Energy Commission Approval Local building codes that go beyond the state minimum standards of the energy code, like what is being proposed, must be cost-effective and must be submitted to the California Energy Commission for approval. Cost-effectiveness studies for regulations similar to what is being proposed have been developed for most climate zones throughout the State. Most studies have been prepared by the Statewide Investor-Owned Utilities Codes and Standards Team (Statewide IOU Team) and funded by ratepayer funds. Staff has reviewed the existing cost-effectiveness studies that support the proposed regulations and believe those studies show that the recommended energy performance standards for each building type are cost-effective. If ultimately approved by the Board, the County could utilize the existing cost-effectiveness studies to substantiate the proposed regulations for submittal to the Energy Commission. Other Options Considered but not Recommended County staff attended a workshop with the Building Official from the Town of Los Altos Hills to discuss their Zero NOx ordinance recently adopted in February 2024 under the CalGreen portion of the building code. The ordinance requires that all building heating and cooling systems inside a residential building be Zero NOx, such as water heating and space heating/cooling. The ordinance also has exemptions for both indoor and outdoor cooking equipment and allows for technical infeasibilities, where the property owner may submit a request to use alternative means and methods for both water heating and space heating/cooling, if necessary. Due to its technical infeasibility clause and exemptions, as well as its mandate to require Zero NOx equipment without the option to choose based on building code performance, this approach is not recommended by staff. Staff also researched the feasibility of 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. After full consideration, these options were found to be infeasible to implement to meet our current short-term CAP goals. However, County staff will be exploring on a more long-term basis the potential to consider policies that can lower life-cycle emissions and other options that may reduce construction waste sent to landfills. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 5/16/2024Page 3 of 4 powered by Legistar™13 File #:24-1526 Agenda Date:5/20/2024 Agenda #:4. Proposed Energy Code Amendment Impact on 2024 Draft Climate Action Plan If the County were to implement this proposed energy code amendment by January 1, 2025, it would have a substantial impact on the County meeting its Draft 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals. However, the proposed energy code amendment would not entirely make up for all of the GHG reduction projected from the now suspended all-electric building ordinance. DCD and its consultants are reviewing various alternatives for achieving additional GHG reductions in the CAP and will report back to the Board at a future date. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): Staff recommends the Committee recommends the Board of Supervisors directs DCD to prepare an ordinance to implement an amendment to the California Energy Code as described above. Fiscal Impact (if any): There will be no fiscal impact. DCD has funding allocated to develop and implement the proposed local energy code amendment being recommended. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 5/16/2024Page 4 of 4 powered by Legistar™14 Energy Code Compliance Margins for Proposed Building Energy Building Code Amendment 1 Energy Design Rating (EDR) - Rates the building energy efficiency based on hourly source energy use for the home measured in kBtu/ft2-yr. It includes energy use for the building envelope, indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC, water heating and unregulated loads. The metric approximates the building’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to support California’s GHG reduction goals. 2 Time Dependent Valuation (TDV) - Is a metric constructed from a long-term forecast of hourly electricity, natural gas, and propane costs to building owners consistent with the latest California Energy Commission (CEC) forecasts and outlook for California’s energy sectors. It includes energy use for the building envelope, indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC, water heating and unregulated loads. This also include PV, battery storage and precooling, when added. Building Type Climate Zone 3, West County EDR1/TDV2 Margin Climate Zone 12, Central and East County EDR1/TDV2 Margin Cost-effective Design Options Single-Family Homes1 9 11 Install second heat pump system, or install battery storage and additional solar Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)1 Not cost- effective. No change recommended 6.6 Only for Climate Zone 12, Install second heat pump system, or install battery storage and additional solar Low-rise Multifamily (up to 3 habitable stories)2 10% 11% More heat pump system(s), or install battery storage and/or additional solar High-rise Multifamily Residential (4 or more habitable stories)2 4% 4% Would need additional solar above current code requirement(s). Non-residential (Office, Retail, and Hotel)2 5% 4% Would need additional solar above current code requirement(s). 15 Proposed Energy Code Amendment to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New Buildings BOS Sustainability Committee Meeting May 20, 2024 Demian Hardman-Saldana Department of Conservation and Development Contra Costa County 925-655-2816 · Demian.Hardman@dcd.cccounty.us 1 16 Today’s Presentation Background Staff Research Title 24 Part 6 - Energy Code Basics Proposed Energy Code Amendment Cost Effectiveness 2 17 Background •Contra Costa County to adopt the 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP) update in Fall 2024. •The plan will establish targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through 2045. •Buildings responsible for ~30% of County’s GHG emissions making them critical to achieving CAP reduction targets. Agriculture 4% Off-Road Equipment 5% Water and Wastewater 1%BART 1% Transportation 46% Residential Energy 19%Nonresidential Energy 11% Solid Waste 22% CONTRA COSTA COUNTY GHG EMISSIONS BY SECTOR - 2019 3 18 County’s All-Electric Ordinance for New Construction •Adopted: January 18, 2022 •Effective Date: June 1, 2022 •Amended 2019 & 2022 California Energy Codes to require new construction to be All-Electric. •Residential Buildings •Hotels •Offices •Retail Buildings 4 19 Recent Decision Impacting County’s All-Electric Ordinance •California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley •Berkeley’s ordinance requiring all-electric new construction invalidated •Pre-empted by federal Energy Policy and Conservation act of 1975 (EPCA) •On February 27, 2024, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (BOS) suspended enforcement of Ordinance 2022-02 requiring most new construction to be all-electric. The BOS advised that staff look into other approaches to replace the suspended ordinance. •On March 19, 2024, staff received instruction from the Sustainability Committee to explore and identify alternatives to replace the County’s all-electric ordinance (2022-02) 5 20 Staff Research Met with other jurisdictions and energy code experts (Sacramento, San Jose, San Luis Obispo) to learn how they are approaching building decarbonization Attended Workshop with Building Official of Los Altos Hills, and staff from City of Santa Cruz Two approaches identified: 1. Amend the energy code to require higher energy compliance margins (City of San Luis Obispo and City of Santa Cruz), and/or 2. Amend CALGreen Building Standards to require zero NOx emission equipment for new construction (Los Altos Hills) Staff concludes that the best path forward at this time is to amend the energy code to require a higher energy code compliance margin 6 21 California Title 24 Part 6 Energy Code Basics •California Energy Code can be utilized by local governments to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by regulating the way energy is used in buildings. Definitions •Reach Code: Local amendments to energy standards for new buildings that are more stringent than Statewide requirements. •Source Energy: In buildings, source energy represents the underlying fuel sources used to power building systems and equipment. Examples include: •Electricity •Natural Gas •Solar •Propane 7 22 Contra Costa County Climate Zones (CZ) 12 3 8 23 Energy Code Scoring Systems for New Single- Family and Non-Residential Buildings Energy Design Rating (EDR) Score for Single- Family homes and Accessory Dwelling Units. More stringent (or more energy efficient) Energy Code would require a lower EDR score. Energy performance calculations are required for Non-Residential Buildings (this includes multi-family buildings and all other non- residential buildings). A more stringent (or more energy efficient) Energy Code would require the building perform a certain percentage (%) lower than the current building energy code standard requirements. 9 24 Energy Code Scoring System for Single Family and Accessory Dwelling Units •Requires an Energy Design Rating (EDR) score for each home. Scoring is 0-100. A zero score is a building that has zero net energy consumption; a lower score is better. A score of 100 would meet the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. •Recommend an EDR score lower than State standard for all new single-family homes and for Accessory Dwelling Units only in Climate Zone 12. Source: California Energy Commission 10 25 Energy Code Scoring System for Non- Residential Buildings •Non-residential buildings use a complex modeling software approved by the California Energy Commission to determine energy code compliance. The energy modeling uses a Time Depend Valuation (TDV) approach. •Staff recommends an energy efficiency performance that is a certain percentage (%) lower than the current State standard for each Climate Zone.Source: California Energy Commission 11 26 Proposed Energy Code Compliance Margins Building Type Climate Zone 3, West County EDR1/TDV2 Margin Climate Zone 12, Central and East County EDR1/TDV2 Margin Cost-effective Design Options Single-Family Homes1 9 11 Install second heat pump system, or install battery storage and additional solar Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)1 Not cost-effective. No change recommended 6.6 Only for Climate Zone 12, Install second heat pump system, or install battery storage and additional solar Low-rise Multifamily (up to 3 habitable stories)2 10%11%More heat pump system(s), or install battery storage and/or additional solar High-rise Multifamily Residential (4 or more habitable stories)2 4%4%Would need additional solar above current code requirement(s). Non-residential (Office, Retail, and Hotel)2 5%4%Would need additional solar above current code requirement(s). 1 Energy Design Rating (EDR) - Rates the building energy efficiency based on hourly source energy use for the home measured in kBtu/ft2-yr. It includes energy use for the building envelope, indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC, water heating and unregulated loads. The metric approximates the building’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to support California’s GHG reduction goals. 2 Time Dependent Valuation (TDV) - Is a metric constructed from a long-term forecast of hourly electricity, natural gas, and propane costs to building owners consistent with the latest California Energy Commission (CEC) forecasts and outlook for California’s energy sectors. It includes energy use for the building envelope, indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC, water heating and unregulated loads. This also include PV, battery storage and precooling, when added. 12 27 Example - Compliant Single-Family Home •Proposed EDR1 margin of 9 in Climate Zone 3 •Proposed design exceeds standard design EDR1 by 9.1 resulting in compliance (lower is better) 13 28 Cost-Effectiveness •The County is required to illustrate cost- effectiveness and energy savings •Cost-Effectiveness Studies are developed by the State for use by local jurisdictions •The proposed amendments to the County’s energy code meet the State requirements. 14 29 Questions? Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana Principal Planner demian.hardman@dcd.cccounty.us P: 925-655-2816 15 30 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Staff Report 1025 ESCOBAR STREET MARTINEZ, CA 94553 File #:24-1527 Agenda Date:5/20/2024 Agenda #:5. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Meeting Date:May 20, 2024 Subject:Report on Bay Area Regional Energy Network Programs (BayREN) Submitted For:SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Department:DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT Referral No:N/A Referral Name:N/A Presenter:Demian Hardman | DCD - Principal Planner Contact:Demian Hardman (925)655-2816 Referral History: n July 2012, the County entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), a collaborative partnership among the nine Bay Area counties and led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of energy efficiency programs throughout the Bay Area. In late 2012, the CPUC approved BayREN as a pilot program (effective January 1, 2013) to implement Energy Efficiency (EE) Programs for the purpose of filling gaps in EE Program activities not being offered by the Investor-Owned Utility’s (IOUs, such as PG&E) or Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs, such as MCE). Referral Update: Since 2013, all BayREN counties have received CPUC funding each calendar year to provide marketing, education and outreach for various EE Programs offered through BayREN. On July 3, 2023, the CPUC approved, among other things, the BayREN business plan for 2024 through 2031 (Decision 23-06-055). The business plan allows BayREN to continue operating six existing programs and launch four new programs to fill gaps in energy efficiency services, pilot innovative programs, and serve hard-to-reach customers. Sustainability staff will present a report on all BayREN Programs currently offered and new programs added in its 2024-2031 business plan. Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s): RECEIVE Report on Bay Area Regional Energy Network Programs. Fiscal Impact (if any): N/A CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 5/16/2024Page 1 of 1 powered by Legistar™31 BayREN 2023 Year in Review & a look at BayREN Programs for 2024 –2031 Sustainability Commission Report| April 29,2024 Demian Hardman-Saldana, Principal Planner Department of Conservation and Development 32 Presentation Content •Overview •Achievements to Date •2024 Program Offerings 2 33 What is BayREN? 3 The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is a coalition of the Bay Area’s nine counties — a network of local governments and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) partnering to promote energy, water and greenhouse gas reduction for residents, small businesses and local governments. 34 Emphasis on Equity A significant 60% of the forthcoming four-year budget of $171 million will be allocated to enhance equity initiatives for underserved residents. 4 35 Areas of Focus BayREN serves the Bay Area with three priorities: •Promote healthy and energy efficient buildings for residents and businesses •Build capacity for local governments to increase their impact •Reduce GHG emissions by catalyzing regional activities 5 36 12,777 new jobs created 64thousand housing units upgraded $66 million incentives awarded 156 million tons of carbon avoided ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE 6 37 7 38 Single Family Home+ The program serves hard-to-reach and underserved households to promote resilience, health, comfort, safety, energy affordability, and/or energy savings. 8 Residential $788,830.05778 Homes were upgraded in Contra Costa County Rebates dispersed in Contra Costa County 2023 Overall Participation: 39 Home+ Program Participation 9 Antioch Brentwood Clayton Concord Danville El Cerrito Hercules Lafayette Martinez Moraga Oakley Orinda Pinole Pittsburg Pleasant Hill Richmond San Pablo San Ramon Walnut Creek Unincorpor ated County 2019 30 10 17 47 54 42 26 27 18 17 14 28 16 21 17 34 7 40 43 36 2020 9 9 6 32 54 23 2 20 20 9 9 11 3 6 23 17 1 31 53 23 2021 12 13 6 62 48 34 3 24 29 16 8 19 8 9 21 41 2 37 52 24 2022 14 25 11 59 61 51 2 29 26 21 7 25 10 5 31 47 6 54 54 29 2023 23 31 11 82 76 55 8 34 28 21 7 31 5 7 32 57 3 85 116 66 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Home+ Program Participation by Community from 2019 through 2023 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 40 Green Labeling The Green Labeling program oversees the Home Energy Score (HES) offering, providing residents with insights into their home’s efficiency potential prior to undertaking home upgrade projects. BayREN has been approved to launch HES statewide. The program also provides training and resources for real estate professionals to become green home experts. 10 Residential $424,200 Incentives paid in Contra Costa County 1,779 2023 Total Homes scored in Contra Costa County 41 Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements Program (BAMBE) The program seeks to remove obstacles for improving multifamily buildings, promoting energy savings, and enhancing resident well-being. 11 Residential 32 1 Projects in TA representing 1,665 units in Contra Costa County Project representing 40 units that is under construction in Contra Costa County 33 2023 Total Projects in Contra Costa County 42 BayREN Business The program supports local small, hard-to-reach businesses through energy efficiency projects to save energy and money. 12 Commercial 9 2023 Total projects (6 completed, 3 in- progress) in Contra Costa County 54,302 kWh 2023 Energy Savings in Contra Costa County $152,370 2023 Incentives in Contra Costa County 43 Codes & Standards The program supports local governments with developing, adopting, and implementing energy policies, including reach codes and the California Energy Code. 13 Cross-Cutting 16 Local government staff participating in Forums 32 Local government staff receiving Energy Code trainings 44 Water Upgrades Save The program helps homeowners and renters install water and energy efficiency upgrades. The program is only available in participating jurisdictions. 14 Cross-Cutting 45 BayREN Refrigerant Replacement Program (BRRR) The program aims to replace environmentally harmful refrigerants with eco-friendlier options at low-to-no cost to food service sector businesses. 15 Commercial NEW! 46 Integrated Energy Services (IES) The program will assist local governments and special districts with finding and applying for funds to help improve their public buildings and will also provide a service to develop roadmaps for public building energy improvements. 16 Public Program NEW! 47 Targeted Decarbonization Services (TDS) The program will include a Decarbonization Showcase and will provide training and resources related to new equipment and technologies for decarbonizing public buildings. 17 Public Program NEW! 48 Climate Careers The program will create job training opportunities in the green economy. Through an existing partnership with Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, BayREN has already supported youth with training and employment opportunities since 2019. 18 Cross-Cutting NEW! 49 For questions about the Single-Family Home+ Program: Nicole Shimizu Email: Nicole.Shimizu@dcd.cccounty.us For questions on all other programs: Adam Scarbrough Email: Adam.Scarbrough@dcd.cccounty.us 19 50 Sign up for the BayREN Newsletter! 20 51 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Staff Report 1025 ESCOBAR STREET MARTINEZ, CA 94553 File #:24-1528 Agenda Date:5/20/2024 Agenda #:6. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Meeting Date:May 20, 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:N/A Referral Name:N/A Presenter:Luz Gomez | 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 5/16/2024Page 1 of 1 powered by Legistar™52 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Staff Report 1025 ESCOBAR STREET MARTINEZ, CA 94553 File #:24-1529 Agenda Date:5/20/2024 Agenda #:7. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Meeting Date:May 20, 2024 Subject:Report on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals Submitted For:John Kopchik | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT - DIRECTOR Department:DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT Referral No:N/A Referral Name:N/A Presenter:Jody London | DCD 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 5/16/2024Page 1 of 1 powered by Legistar™53 Sustainability Staff Report – May 2024 Page 1 SUSTAINABILTY STAFF REPORT FOR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION May 20, 2024 Key activities since the Sustainability Commission’s meeting on March 18, 2024, 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 On May 3, staff received notice that the County’s $1.5 million application to the Ocean Protection Council Senate Bill (SB) 1 Grant Program is being recommended for approval, which should come in June. This funding will be used to support the preparation of the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan to conduct a community visioning process and explore short- and long-term adaptation pathways that would guide the County’s response to sea level rise. Staff is preparing an application to the Office of Planning and Research Adaptation Planning Grant Program, due on June 3, 2024. If awarded, this grant would allow us to expand on the work that will be funded through the Ocean Protection Council grant. Goal 2 – Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure On March 26, 2024, the Board of Supervisors authorized staff to secure the County’s $356,510 Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant formula allocation from the US Department of Energy (DOE). The recommended grant activities include: (1) providing energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades at no cost for buildings within the unincorporated area that operate as daycare facilities and (2) funding to retain technical consultants to conduct an inventory of the existing building stock and cost analysis on transitioning low or zero- carbon energy appliances. Sustainability staff submitted the grant application to the DOE on May 3, 2024. Goal 1 – Clean and Efficient Built Environment The draft All-Electric Roadmap for existing buildings, to convert existing homes and businesses to use low- or zero-carbon appliances, 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 The draft General Plan and Climate Action Plan were released for public review on October 17. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was released February 9. Public comment on the EIR closed on April 8. Public comment on the General Plan and Climate Action Plan was extended to April 22, 2024. Staff are now working with the consultants to prepare final drafts for consideration by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. All Staff are working on two grant applications to support development of an Urban Forest Management Plan. On May 6, staff submitted an application to the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Program, Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program. The second grant, due May 30, is for the CalFire Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program. Goal 2 – Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) on April 1 submitted a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) application. The proposal is focused on All 54 Sustainability Staff Report – May 2024 Page 2 ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM CAP GOAL reducing GHG emissions through full electrification of single-family and small multi-family buildings in low-income and disadvantaged communities across the nine-county Bay Area region while addressing systemic barriers to scaling decarbonization. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission also submitted a CPRG application. MTC’s application is focused on unfunded, near-term opportunities to transform transit stations into mobility hubs that will enable walking and biking connections to transit, shifting trips from single occupancy vehicles to sustainable and healthy ones, and turning 10 BART transit stations into community centers to make transit more inclusive and resilient. All funding will be dedicated to increasing access for low-income residents to use high-capacity transit service and emission free last-mile travel options. County staff contributed to the development of both proposals. Sustainability staff contracted with Sustainable Contra Costa using funding from the Bay Area Regional Energy Network to launch the CookSmart Program, a portable induction cooktop pilot program to increase community access to and familiarity with induction cooking technology. The program will provide portable induction cooktops and induction-compatible cookware to up to 100 households. Goal 1 – Clean and Efficient Built Environment The spring 2024 issue of the quarterly Sustainability in Contra Costa County newsletter was published on March 28. The newsletter included articles on $19 million in grant funding recently awarded to the County to support clean transportation and green workforce goals, the new CookSmart Pilot Program, the Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program, the G3 Champions Activity Guide, and more. Goal 7 - Leadership On April 24, the Sustainability Team hosted the first quarterly Contra Costa Sustainability Exchange of 2024 to the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Staff from US Fish and Wildlife Services provided a site tour and led an invasive species removal work day. This event, and the Refuge in general, were reported on by the East Bay Times. See attachment. Goal 7 - Leadership In the community: • Jody London provided the El Cerrito Senior Club on April 1 with an overview of the County’s work on climate action. • Nicole Shimizu participated as a panelist in the Sustainable Leaders in Action and Contra Costa County Library’s first Climate Careers Chat of 2024 on April 2, sharing her career path as a sustainability professional working in local government. • Emily Groth attended the Rotary Club of Pinole on April 4 to provide information on the Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program. • Jody London and Demian Hardman-Saldana presented to the Pinole City Council on April 16 on the County’s work on climate action and the Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program. • Nicole Shimizu attended the April 16 meeting of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) of Diablo Valley and provided information about BayREN residential programs. Goal 7 - Leadership 55 Sustainability Staff Report – May 2024 Page 3 ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM CAP GOAL • Nicole Shimizu tabled at the City of Pinole’s Earth Walk on April 20 and provided Pinole residents with information about BayREN programs and the Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program. Climate Emergency Resolution: • Just Transition. Staff issued 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 met on April 19. • Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force. The Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force provided an update to the Board of Supervisors on March 19. The Green Government Group (G3) Champions meeting on April 10 featured a presentation on the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge from Sustainable Contra Costa. The G3 Champions discussed how to encourage staff participation in the Challenge, as well as Bike to Work Day 2024 and Earth Day activities for their departments. • 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 on February 27, 2024, suspended the County’s all-electric requirement for new construction (Section 74-4.010 (Amendments to the California Energy Code) of the County Ordinance Code). Staff provided an update to the Board’s Sustainability Committee on March 18. Staff are identifying alternative strategies to achieve the greenhouse gas reductions the all-electric requirement provided. In addition to research, staff are meeting with other jurisdictions that have taken similar steps. Goal 7 - Leadership 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 Department of Public Works Public Works was awarded $200,000 in Transporta�on Development Act, Ar�cle 3 funding to construct the following bicycle/pedestrian improvements: Olinda Road Crosswalk Improvements (El Sobrante), Miranda Avenue Safe Routes to School (Alamo), and Timber Point Crosswalk Improvements (Discovery Bay). Goal 5 – Clean Transportation Network Public Works will be submi�ng four grant applica�ons to the State Ac�ve Transporta�on Program to fund the following bicycle and pedestrian projects: Verde Elementary Safe Routes to School, San Pablo Dam Road Diet, Appian Way Pedestrian Improvements, and North Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Network. Applica�ons are due to the State by June 17, 2024. Goal 5 – Clean Transportation Network The Walnut Boulevard Bikeway Gap Closure project is currently being adver�sed and will be constructed this summer. This grant-funded project will widen the shoulder along an 860-foot segment of Walnut Boulevard between Marsh Creek Road and Vasco Road to provide Class II Bike lanes in the unincorporated Brentwood area. Addi�onal improvements include grinding Goal 5 – Clean Transportation Network 56 Sustainability Staff Report – May 2024 Page 4 ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM CAP GOAL and overlaying the roadway pavement sec�on, and installing a centerline rumble strip, striping, pavement markings, and signage. The Bixler Road and Regata Drive Intersec�on Improvements project is currently being adver�sed and will be constructed this summer. This grant-funded project will construct advance warning signs, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons a pedestrian refuge island, addi�onal pavement markings, truncated domes and a pedestrian path at a highly trafficked intersec�on in Discovery Bay. Goal 5 – Clean Transportation Network On November 28, 2023, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolu�on 2023/622 to achieve zero annual transporta�on-related fatali�es and severe injuries on unincorporated county roads. This ac�on officially makes Contra Costa County a Vision Zero Agency. Goal 5 – Clean Transportation Network On March 31 the grant-funded North Richmond Watershed Connections Project was completed. Green infrastructure and over 30 trees were installed. Goal 2 – Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure The County is partnering with the Ambrose Park District and Resource Conservation District on a grant-funded GSI project at Ambrose Center Park in Bay Point. Goal 2 – Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure The Flood Control District kicked off its planning effort for a Walnut Creek Watershed Restora�on Plan with its partners, the Walnut Creek Watershed Council (WCWC) and the Contra Costa Resource Conserva�on District (CCRCD). Several outreach mee�ngs via zoom received input from various agencies, tribes, organiza�ons, and the public. The plan will iden�fy poten�al restora�on opportuni�es within the greater Walnut Creek Watershed to improve habitat, flood protec�on, and water quality in and near the creeks. Goal 2 – Resilient Communities and Natural Infrastructure County staff has prepared a grant proposal for a CEC funding opportunity focused on government fleet EV charging infrastructure. The proposal is requesting $3.6M for 20 DC Fast Chargers and 158 Level 2 chargers across 14 county-owned or leased facilities. If awarded, this funding would expedite the County’s transition to a zero emission vehicle fleet. Goal 5 – Clean Transportation Network County Energy Manager presented at Federal Government Energy Exchange Conference in Pittsburg PA, March 2024. The conference presentation track was entitled: Scaling EV Purchasing and Charging Station Deployment. County Energy Manager Brendan Havenar-Daughton provided an overview of how the County is strategically tackling fleet electrification goals, lining up federal and state funding and future-proofing EV charger design across the County. Networking with federal agencies, national labs, not-for-profit organizations and the private sector has strengthened the County’s planning and implementation approach to scaling EV infrastructure across the County. Goal 5 – Clean Transportation Network Health Contra Costa Health has used several funding sources to help clients with poorly- controlled asthma. • Through grants from the Sierra Health Foundation and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) , Contra Costa Health 150 MediCal clients with in-home asthma trigger assessments and education and asthma trigger mitigation supplies. Also provided 15 of Goal 1 – Clean and Efficient Built Environment Goal 6 - Climate Equity 57 Sustainability Staff Report – May 2024 Page 5 ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM CAP GOAL these clients with energy efficiency/weatherization measures. Funding from the Sierra Health Foundation grant also provided an additional 120 portable air purifiers and replacement filters to MediCal clients through the Youth Ambassador program and the Public Health Nursing Program. • Through the BAAQMD Bay Area Healthy Homes Initiative grant, Contra Costa Health provided 70 MediCal clients with in-home asthma trigger assessments and education, and asthma trigger mitigation supplies. Some of these clients will be provided with energy efficiency and weatherization services through a separate contract between the BAAQMD and AEA, a contractor. • Through a grant from the U.S. EPA, Contra Costa Health grant provided pass-through funding to La Clinica and Lifelong to conduct 60 in-home asthma trigger assessments and education to their clients, and provide asthma trigger mitigation supplies. La Clinica and Lifelong also received training about energy efficiency and weatherization services available to their clients. They also had contracts with the BAAQMD to provide their clients with portable air purifiers. • A different BAAQMD grant allowed Contra Costa Health to leverage the grants described above to distribute portable air purifiers to MediCal clients with poorly controlled asthma or other medical vulnerabilities. This grant provided portable air purifiers and replacement filters to 150 MediCal clients through the Sierra Health Foundation grant, 70 MediCal clients through the Bay Area Healthy Homes Initiative grant, 30 Medical clients though the Public Health Nursing program, and 101 people through the Youth Ambassador program for a total of 351 portable air purifiers and replacement filters distributed through this grant. The Community Wellness program accomplished the following: • Walk & Bike Leaders Project (WABL): o Conducted five (5) active transportation promotion tabling events at West County high schools (Richmond HS (2 events), Pinole Valley HS, Greenwood HS, and Contra Costa College Career Day). o Created and distributed active transportation travel maps for Richmond High School and Pinole Valley High School to promote walking and rolling to school. • Promoting National Bike Month (May 16) o As part of our Walk & Bike Leaders grant, Community Wellness program staff are promoting Bike to Wherever Day (May 16) at 7 West County High Schools by recruiting volunteers to host Bike Energizer Stations at the schools. So far three (3) schools have committed to hosting Energizer Stations. To support the volunteers, the Community Wellness Program is partnering with West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee and 511 Contra Costa to provide small incentives for students who arrive to school by bike on May 16. Goal 5 – Clean Transportation Network 58 Sustainability Staff Report – May 2024 Page 6 ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM CAP GOAL o As part of a Office of Traffic Safety grant, the Community Wellness Program is collaborating with the Contra Costa Health Community Education and Information Office (CEI) to develop social media posts to promote Bike to Wherever Day within CCH. o As part of a Transportation Development Act grant, the Community Wellness Program is collaborating with CEI to develop CCH Screensavers promoting the County interdepartmental Bike to Wherever Day Challenge. • Helmet Fittings/Distribution and Community Resource Sharing o As part of the Transportation Development Act grant, the Community Wellness Program is working on developing "community safety outposts" for helmet distribution and helmet fittings. The program recently delivered 95 helmets, as well as bike locks, lights, and helmet safety fliers to the Muslim Community Center (MCC) for their refugee resettlement program in Contra Costa. The program also shared 11 helmets to Bike East Bay for students of a bike safety class at the Richmond Multicultural Institute. o On April 27, the Building Healthy Communities program will fit and distribute over 250 new helmets to residents at the Bay Point Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair. This event is hosted by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sherriff. • Walk Audit: o The Building Healthy Communities Program, in partnership with Public Works, applied for and was selected by UC Berkeley SafetTREC for their Complete Streets Safety Assessment Program to assess Concord Ave. In March, staff from Building Healthy Communities, Public Works, City of Concord, and Bike East Bay, conducted a walk/bike audit of Concord Ave with a consultant from SafeTREC. Based on the observations and crash data, SafeTREC is developing a report with recommended active transportation infrastructure improvements. Green Business Program: • The Contra Costa Green Business Program (CCGBP) filled a vacancy in January 2024 for a permanent Pollution Prevention Specialist. In addition to supporting Green Business Program administration, filling this vacancy increases in-person bandwidth for business assistance and outreach activities. The new Pollution Prevention Specialist is bi-lingual and can provide direct sustainability and pollution prevention technical support to Spanish-speaking businesses. • Contra Costa Green Business Program staff tabled at John Muir Birthday Earth Day on April 20, 2024. Staff are hosting a Bike to Work Day Energizer station on May 16, 2024 at the Concord BART station (7am- 9am). Goal 7 - Leadership 59 Sustainability Staff Report – May 2024 Page 7 ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM CAP GOAL • Contra Costa Green Business Program staff are pursuing grant and collaboration opportunities in partnership with the CA Green Business Network (CAGBN) for 1) providing technical assistance to childcare facilities in integrating reusable dishware and low-toxicity janitorial products into their operations and 2) providing energy efficiency support for businesses within MCE territory. Office of Communications and Media The County’s Office of Communications and Media released a series of videos about the Envision Contra Costa project, including videos on the themes of environmental justice and sustainability. Members of the Sustainability Commission were included in some of the videos. OCM also prepared video and social supporting Bike to Wherever Days, in both English and Spanish. 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 East Bay Times Article re Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge 60 Members of a tour group pass an endangered Contra Costa Wallflower as they climb a sand dune atMembers of a tour group pass an endangered Contra Costa Wallflower as they climb a sand dune at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on April 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Areathe Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on April 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)News Group) NEWSNEWS ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT SUBSCRIBER ONLYSUBSCRIBER ONLY A unique Bay Area wildlife refuge isA unique Bay Area wildlife refuge is beginning to thrive again — but itsbeginning to thrive again — but its most fascinating endangered species ismost fascinating endangered species is still in perilstill in peril Endangered primrose is thriving at Antioch Dunes, butEndangered primrose is thriving at Antioch Dunes, but rare Lange’s metalmark butterfly hasn’t been seen inrare Lange’s metalmark butterfly hasn’t been seen in recent surveysrecent surveys • • NewsNews 5/16/24, 10:53 AM Bay Area wildlife refuge thrives again, but species is still in peril https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/05/a-unique-bay-area-wildlife-refuge-is-beginning-to-thrive-again-but-its-most-fascinating-endange…1/1161 By By JUDITH PRIEVEJUDITH PRIEVE | | jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.comjprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: May 5, 2024 at 6:15 a.m.May 5, 2024 at 6:15 a.m. | UPDATED: | UPDATED: May 9, 2024 at 11:10 a.m.May 9, 2024 at 11:10 a.m. Looking out at the wildflower-laden landscape of the national wildlife refuge along Antioch’sLooking out at the wildflower-laden landscape of the national wildlife refuge along Antioch’s waterfront, it’s hard to imagine it was once part of a massive sand dune system that stretchedwaterfront, it’s hard to imagine it was once part of a massive sand dune system that stretched more than two miles along the San Joaquin River’s southern banks.more than two miles along the San Joaquin River ’s southern banks. Ancient deposits of glacial sands carried downstream from the Sierra Nevada formed the dunes,Ancient deposits of glacial sands carried downstream from the Sierra Nevada formed the dunes, shaped by the winds and tides, once reaching almost 120 feet tall and stretching some 800 feetshaped by the winds and tides, once reaching almost 120 feet tall and stretching some 800 feet inland. Up until the early-to-mid-1900s, the 400-acre site was Antioch’s sandy gateway to theinland. Up until the early-to-mid-1900s, the 400-acre site was Antioch’s sandy gateway to the river — a place to picnic, play and bask in the sun.river — a place to picnic, play and bask in the sun. An endangered Antioch Dunes evening-primrose at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on AprilAn endangered Antioch Dunes evening-primrose at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on April 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) But over many years, natural processes and human intervention — starting from the late 1800sBut over many years, natural processes and human intervention — starting from the late 1800s with large-scale sand mining — isolated the Antioch Dunes into a much smaller footprint: 55with large-scale sand mining — isolated the Antioch Dunes into a much smaller footprint: 55 acres, plus another 12 with the recent addition of nearby unused PG&E land. Sandwichedacres, plus another 12 with the recent addition of nearby unused PG&E land. Sandwiched between a gypsum processing plant and the former Fulton Shipyard where WWII vessels werebetween a gypsum processing plant and the former Fulton Shipyard where WWII vessels were once built, the now-isolated landscape contains certain plants and a butterfly species that areonce built, the now-isolated landscape contains certain plants and a butterfly species that are entirely unique to the dunes.entirely unique to the dunes. 5/16/24, 10:53 AM Bay Area wildlife refuge thrives again, but species is still in peril https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/05/a-unique-bay-area-wildlife-refuge-is-beginning-to-thrive-again-but-its-most-fascinating-endange…2/1162 Created in 1980, the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge — the first of its kind dedicated toCreated in 1980, the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge — the first of its kind dedicated to plants and insects — is the only home to the endangered Lange’s metalmark butterfly, whichplants and insects — is the only home to the endangered Lange’s metalmark butterfly, which has been scarce in the last few years, and the main home for the Antioch Dunes eveninghas been scarce in the last few years, and the main home for the Antioch Dunes evening primrose and the Contra Costa wallflower.primrose and the Contra Costa wallflower. “I have a lot of eco-pride for the fact that Antioch is home to the only national wildlife refuge to“I have a lot of eco-pride for the fact that Antioch is home to the only national wildlife refuge to protect plants and an invertebrate,” Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, Antioch’s environmental resourceprotect plants and an invertebrate,” Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, Antioch’s environmental resource coordinator, said. “Because this one (the Lange’s metalmark butterfly) is very much a species incoordinator, said. “Because this one (the Lange’s metalmark butterfly) is very much a species in peril.”peril.” City of Antioch employe Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, left, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource specialistCity of Antioch employe Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, left, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resource specialist Louis Terrazas, second from left, work to remove non native invasive plants at the Antioch DunesLouis Terrazas, second from left, work to remove non native invasive plants at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on April 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) National Wildlife Refuge on April 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) The refuge is managed as part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, anThe refuge is managed as part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, an organization under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.organization under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 5/16/24, 10:53 AM Bay Area wildlife refuge thrives again, but species is still in peril https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/05/a-unique-bay-area-wildlife-refuge-is-beginning-to-thrive-again-but-its-most-fascinating-endange…3/1163 Haas-Wajdowicz returned to the refuge last week, along with some 30 public employees fromHaas-Wajdowicz returned to the refuge last week, along with some 30 public employees from various agencies, to talk about sustainability and pull weeds such as winter vetch, yellow starvarious agencies, to talk about sustainability and pull weeds such as winter vetch, yellow star thistle, mustard and brome grasses to improve the habitat for the endangered plants in thethistle, mustard and brome grasses to improve the habitat for the endangered plants in the western dunes known as the Stamm Unit.western dunes known as the Stamm Unit. “In springtime, there’s a lot of invasive plant control,” wildlife refuge specialist and tour guide“In springtime, there’s a lot of invasive plant control,” wildlife refuge specialist and tour guide Louis Terrazas told the volunteers. “We’re doing it manually today, but we’ve also had sprayingLouis Terrazas told the volunteers. “We’re doing it manually today, but we’ve also had spraying out here, a lot of mowing and weed wacking.”out here, a lot of mowing and weed wacking.” “More rain means more plants. The endangered plants like it, but so do these non-native“More rain means more plants. The endangered plants like it, but so do these non-native species.”species.” Terrazas has worked at the refuge for nearly 20 years, and he’s seen many of the changes,Terrazas has worked at the refuge for nearly 20 years, and he’s seen many of the changes, including decades of conservation work to help to restore the land, making it a better habitat forincluding decades of conservation work to help to restore the land, making it a better habitat for the endangered plants and butterflies. In recent years, though, he said there’s been an eventhe endangered plants and butterflies. In recent years, though, he said there’s been an even more concerted effort to bring back the lost sand to the refuge.more concerted effort to bring back the lost sand to the refuge. 00:2300:23 00:3600:36 Top StoriesTop Stories 5/16/24, 10:53 AM Bay Area wildlife refuge thrives again, but species is still in peril https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/05/a-unique-bay-area-wildlife-refuge-is-beginning-to-thrive-again-but-its-most-fascinating-endange…4/1164 Wildlife resource specialist Louis Terrazas, left, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works withWildlife resource specialist Louis Terrazas, left, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with volunteers to remove non native invasive plants at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on Aprilvolunteers to remove non native invasive plants at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on April 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) The late 1800s saw two brick companies open near the site, and after the 1906 San FranciscoThe late 1800s saw two brick companies open near the site, and after the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, the freshwater sand was sought out for high-quality bricks to rebuild the city withEarthquake, the freshwater sand was sought out for high-quality bricks to rebuild the city with materials that would withstand fire.materials that would withstand fire. “It was a good location in the Bay Area where you can get sand material in order to quickly“It was a good location in the Bay Area where you can get sand material in order to quickly create bricks, and it was freshwater sand; it is easier to make freshwater sand into bricks,”create bricks, and it was freshwater sand; it is easier to make freshwater sand into bricks,” Terrezas said.Terrezas said. Sand mining continued through 1980 when the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service negotiated a dealSand mining continued through 1980 when the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service negotiated a deal for the property, which was almost sold to a developer to build condominiums. The Lange’sfor the property, which was almost sold to a developer to build condominiums. The Lange’s metalmark butterfly and Antioch Dunes evening primrose were listed as endangered speciesmetalmark butterfly and Antioch Dunes evening primrose were listed as endangered species shortly before that.shortly before that. Over the years, little of the endangered species’ critical habitat was left; it was further damagedOver the years, little of the endangered species’ critical habitat was left; it was further damaged by removing the sand and by visitors’ trampling and accidental fires, so officials closed it to theby removing the sand and by visitors’ trampling and accidental fires, so officials closed it to the public in 1986.public in 1986. Realizing the dunes desperately needed restoring, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service beganRealizing the dunes desperately needed restoring, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began looking for sand in the years that followed. The answer came from the Port of Stockton, whichlooking for sand in the years that followed. The answer came from the Port of Stockton, which regularly dredges the nearby deepwater channel and was looking for a place to dump sand.regularly dredges the nearby deepwater channel and was looking for a place to dump sand. 5/16/24, 10:53 AM Bay Area wildlife refuge thrives again, but species is still in peril https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/05/a-unique-bay-area-wildlife-refuge-is-beginning-to-thrive-again-but-its-most-fascinating-endange…5/1165 A western kingbird sits atop some branches with lupine blooming in the background at Antioch DunesA western kingbird sits atop some branches with lupine blooming in the background at Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, April 23, in Antioch, California. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, April 23, in Antioch, California. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) The river has been dredged about every other year since 2012 from a location in the mainThe river has been dredged about every other year since 2012 from a location in the main channel about 600 yards away from the refuge, Terrazas said.channel about 600 yards away from the refuge, Terrazas said. “It was a win-win situation where they needed a place to put it — and it saves them money,” he“It was a win-win situation where they needed a place to put it — and it saves them money,” he said. “They don’t have to pay a tipping fee and they don’t have to barge it somewhere farthersaid. “They don’t have to pay a tipping fee and they don’t have to barge it somewhere farther away or pump it somewhere farther away.”away or pump it somewhere farther away.” Last October, the Port of Stockton dumped nearly 8,000 cubic yards of sand at the refuge andLast October, the Port of Stockton dumped nearly 8,000 cubic yards of sand at the refuge and over the years Terrazas estimates it has added about 109,000 cubic yards of sand material onover the years Terrazas estimates it has added about 109,000 cubic yards of sand material on two different sites: the large Stamm Unit to the west and the smaller Sardis Unit to the east.two different sites: the large Stamm Unit to the west and the smaller Sardis Unit to the east. “This area was mined down to the hard pan, and so a lot of that sand has gone,” Terrazas said.“This area was mined down to the hard pan, and so a lot of that sand has gone,” Terrazas said. “An estimated 3.2 million cubic yards of sand was taken out of the upper dune system and an“An estimated 3.2 million cubic yards of sand was taken out of the upper dune system and an estimated 1.7 million of that was on the refuge footprint that was removed from the sandestimated 1.7 million of that was on the refuge footprint that was removed from the sand dunes. We’re putting a little bit of that back.”dunes. We’re putting a little bit of that back.” Refuge workers have also placed bricks along the property line to keep the sand from blowingRefuge workers have also placed bricks along the property line to keep the sand from blowing away.away. “It makes it easier for us to collect it and put it back somewhere else,” Terrazas said.“It makes it easier for us to collect it and put it back somewhere else,” Terrazas said. 5/16/24, 10:53 AM Bay Area wildlife refuge thrives again, but species is still in peril https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/05/a-unique-bay-area-wildlife-refuge-is-beginning-to-thrive-again-but-its-most-fascinating-endange…6/1166 An endangered Antioch Dunes evening-primrose at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on AprilAn endangered Antioch Dunes evening-primrose at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on April 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) One inhabitant of the refuge thriving loving the new sand is the endangered Antioch DunesOne inhabitant of the refuge thriving loving the new sand is the endangered Antioch Dunes evening primrose, according to wildlife biologist Susan Euing, who keeps track of the plants.evening primrose, according to wildlife biologist Susan Euing, who keeps track of the plants. “They really have started taking off in numbers,” she said.“They really have started taking off in numbers,” she said. Euing said from 2006 to 2016, the refuge averaged 602 mature primroses, but by 2017, thatEuing said from 2006 to 2016, the refuge averaged 602 mature primroses, but by 2017, that number had climbed to 1,735 and then to 8,506 in 2021 – a 390% increase.number had climbed to 1,735 and then to 8,506 in 2021 – a 390% increase. Counts are done every three years, she said, adding that the next one will be done in May. TheCounts are done every three years, she said, adding that the next one will be done in May. The new sand “has been a godsend,” she said.new sand “has been a godsend,” she said. Terrazas agreed.Terrazas agreed. “Their numbers have skyrocketed out here in this area where we brought in new sand material,“Their numbers have skyrocketed out here in this area where we brought in new sand material, because there’s less competition for them,” he explained.because there’s less competition for them,” he explained. Not faring quite as well are the endangered Contra Costa Wallflower, which is primarily foundNot faring quite as well are the endangered Contra Costa Wallflower, which is primarily found along the river, underneath oak trees and in shady areas.along the river, underneath oak trees and in shady areas. 5/16/24, 10:53 AM Bay Area wildlife refuge thrives again, but species is still in peril https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/05/a-unique-bay-area-wildlife-refuge-is-beginning-to-thrive-again-but-its-most-fascinating-endange…7/1167 An endangered Contra Costa Wallflower at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on April 24, 2024,An endangered Contra Costa Wallflower at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on April 24, 2024, in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) in Antioch, Calif(Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) “Their numbers have not responded like the primrose numbers,” Terrazas said. “Their numbers“Their numbers have not responded like the primrose numbers,” Terrazas said. “Their numbers dipped a little bit so we’re focusing on them now.”dipped a little bit so we’re focusing on them now.” This spring staff is conducting pollination experiments on the Contra Costa Wallflower toThis spring staff is conducting pollination experiments on the Contra Costa Wallflower to understand how this endangered species reproduces and to estimate its genetic diversity.understand how this endangered species reproduces and to estimate its genetic diversity. Results will help refuge workers learn how to better conserve and recover the endangeredResults will help refuge workers learn how to better conserve and recover the endangered species, according to the Wildlife Services.species, according to the Wildlife Services. The tiny Lange metalmark butterfly has also seen better days, at its height in 2000 with aThe tiny Lange metalmark butterfly has also seen better days, at its height in 2000 with a population of 2,300. The butterfly is only seen in the Sardis Unit ever since a fire engulfed thepopulation of 2,300. The butterfly is only seen in the Sardis Unit ever since a fire engulfed the Stamm Unit of the refuge in 2007. Even so, refuge workers continue to plant Antioch DunesStamm Unit of the refuge in 2007. Even so, refuge workers continue to plant Antioch Dunes buckwheat, the insect ’s host plant, in hopes they will return.buckwheat, the insect’s host plant, in hopes they will return. Wildlife Service biologist Mark Hayes said the Lange’s metalmark butterfly has been declining forWildlife Service biologist Mark Hayes said the Lange’s metalmark butterfly has been declining for the past two decades but it’s not clear why.the past two decades but it ’s not clear why. “It is most likely the result of a combination of stressors, including habitat loss and degradation,“It is most likely the result of a combination of stressors, including habitat loss and degradation, low population size, environmental pollutants, pesticides, wildfires, and changing climaticlow population size, environmental pollutants, pesticides, wildfires, and changing climatic conditions,” Hayes said.conditions,” Hayes said. The biologist noted that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with UCLA’s CaliforniaThe biologist noted that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with UCLA’s California Conservation Genomics Project to study the metalmark butterfly’s DNA. They want to see howConservation Genomics Project to study the metalmark butterfly’s DNA. They want to see how the Dunes metalmark is related to other nearby butterfly populations, which could help them inthe Dunes metalmark is related to other nearby butterfly populations, which could help them in captive propagation efforts, he said.captive propagation efforts, he said. Euing, too, has not lost hope.Euing, too, has not lost hope. 5/16/24, 10:53 AM Bay Area wildlife refuge thrives again, but species is still in peril https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/05/a-unique-bay-area-wildlife-refuge-is-beginning-to-thrive-again-but-its-most-fascinating-endange…8/1168  Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch, California An endangered Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly isAn endangered Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly is photographed at the Sardis Unit of the Antiochphotographed at the Sardis Unit of the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, Aug.Dunes National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Antioch, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area22, 2019, in Antioch, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) News Group) “Their numbers have been depleting, and we“Their numbers have been depleting, and we did not see any last year, but we’re notdid not see any last year, but we’re not counting them out yet,” she said. “We arecounting them out yet,” she said. “We are still going to be looking for them.”still going to be looking for them.” Due to the sensitivity of the habitats at theDue to the sensitivity of the habitats at the Dunes, the refuge is not open to the publicDunes, the refuge is not open to the public except during regular monthly guided toursexcept during regular monthly guided tours on second Saturdays and during otheron second Saturdays and during other special events. The next tour is at 10 a.m.special events. The next tour is at 10 a.m. May 11. See May 11. See www.fws.gov/refuge/antioch-www.fws.gov/refuge/antioch- dunes.dunes. 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