A Climate Action Plan is a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change, which fulfills requirements set out in the County's 2010 General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. County residents and interested parties have the opportunity to weigh in on the strategies that will be put forth in the action plan.
The Climate Action Plan will cover only the unincorporated areas of Monterey County, so the 12 incorporated cities are not included. So far, over 30 public and community meetings have been held to gather input on the formation of the Climate Action Plan, and more than 300 individuals and businesses/associations have been engaged.
In a 2019 evaluation, on-road transportation was the biggest percent of total county greenhouse gas emissions. In the Monterey County Climate Action Plan, the benefits, considerations, and opportunities of greenhouse gas reduction strategies for the transportation and land use sector are organized under three main topic areas: reducing vehicle miles traveled, electric and alternative vehicles, and off-road vehicles and equipment. The strategies for implementing these areas are listed below.
Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled
- Increase affordable, mixed-use housing near transit
- Improve public transit and active transportation infrastructure
- Implement zero-emissions car and ride share programs
Electric and Alternative Vehicles
- Transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and other clean-fuel vehicles
- Install EV charging stations
- Support biomass for advanced biofuels
Off-road Vehicles and Equipment
- Transition to zero-emission construction and landscaping equipment
- Use renewable diesel in construction equipment as a transition fuel
The County is seeking input via its online service, linked as an attachment in this report.