California has long led the nation in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A law approved in 2006 still provides direction for the state’s efforts.
The California Air Resources Board recently released a plan to achieve carbon neutrality in the state by 2045. The scoping plan, mandated by AB 32, California’s landmark climate change law approved in 2006, describes the path by which the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and 85 percent by 2045.
“By 2045, the plan envisions a thirty-fivefold increase in zero-emission vehicles and four times the amount of power generation from wind and solar energy — an increase that would avoid the need for new natural gas-burning power plants, officials say. The plan also anticipates that consumer demand for petroleum and natural gas will drop 86% in the next 23 years,” writes Tony Briscoe in an article for the Los Angeles Times.
As noted by Briscoe, the scoping plan is non-binding, so “It will be incumbent on lawmakers and government agencies to pass legislation, establish regulations and earmark funding for climate initiatives that achieve these targets.”
“And the state will need the cooperation of private industry and Californians.”
More specifics from the scoping plan are included in the article below.
FULL STORY: California unveils plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2045
Oregon to End Sales of Gas-Powered Vehicles by 2035
There must be something about having a coast on the Pacific Ocean that makes states set policies to accelerate the end of the internal combustion engine.
The Net Zero Building Boom Is Ready to Scale
While the cultural and infrastructural changes necessary to eliminate carbon emissions from the transportation sector still seem far-fetched, scaling up a net zero building boom is “eminently possible.”
Saved by the $3.5 Billion U.S. Budget Package: a Gigaton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As the details of the $3.5 trillion budget package under development in the U.S. House of Representatives begin to emerge, so to do the potential climate change benefits.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research