In general, a Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a long-range plan that outlines specific strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and its creation is required by Merced County’s 2030 General Plan. The County of Merced’s CAP will set a baseline for past and current GHG emissions, included forecasts of future emissions, and established targets to help California reduce future emissions.

California legislation mandates that California reach the following GHG reduction targets:

• Reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 (a target established by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, also known as Assembly Bill (AB) 32)
• Reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (a target established by Senate Bill (SB) 32)

In the long term, the CAP will also help achieve multiple community goals such as lowering energy costs, reducing air pollution, supporting local economic development, and improving public health and quality of life.

FAQs

The Climate Action Plan Will Include:

• Goals, policies, and strategies that are consistent with the goals of establish County plans and committees
• Identify strategies that are coordinated with and connect to the regional and state legislation
• Require consistency with the County’s applicable planning and design standards; and include reference to applicable incentives
• Funding resources and programs to facilitate implementation and reduction of energy usage and GHG emissions.
• A method of tracking the County’s progress in meeting the targets of SB 375 and SB 32.

At this stage, County staff and consultants have begun conducting an inventory of the County’s greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability policies. The County will continue to update this website as additional information becomes available. We need your ideas and input to develop a Climate Action Plan that’s right for Merced County!

This project is funded primarily by the County, with additional funding from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), with support from the California Strategic Growth Council and the Nature Conservancy.

How long will the Climate Action Plan take?

The Climate Action Plan is anticipated to take 12 months, beginning in the Fall 2018 and lasting through Fall 2019.

Who can participate in the process?

All residents, business owners, and stakeholders within Merced County are encouraged to take part in the process and shape the future of their community.

How can I participate?

The Climate Action Plan project is just starting this Fall 2018 with a kickoff meeting with the Board of Supervisors December 18, 2018. You can also sign up to receive emails regarding project progress, meetings, and other project related information.

Meeting Information (hyperlinks to Meetings and Dates page)

Email Updates – Sign up here! (Hyperlinks to contact page)