The SACOG Blueprint
Adopted by the Sacramento Area Council of Government’s Board of Directors in 2004, the Blueprint established a bold vision for the Sacramento Region’s growth through the year 2050. The plan was created through an effort of numerous public workshops and meetings and is focused specifically on land use and transportation, oriented to promote compact, mixed-use development and more transit choices.
AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act
AB 32 requires that by 2020 California’s Greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 1990 levels, calling for roughly a 25% reduction. In 2010, the California Air Resources Board stated that the law would create 10,000 new jobs in California over the next decade.
SB 1, the California Solar Initiative
SB 1 established a solar rebate program to fund solar on existing homes, existing or new commercial, agricultural, government and non-profit buildings. The Initiative includes incentives and rebates for low-income residents and multifamily affordable housing, and a grant program to support research and development of solar technologies.
The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS)
As the first greenhouse gas standard to address transportation fuels, this legislation requires a standard for the carbon intensity of all transportation fuels sold in California. The initial goal is set at a 10% reduction by 2020. The LCFS also calls for coordination between the California Energy Commission, the California Air Resources Board, the University of California, and other agencies, to carry out research in alternatives to fossil fuels.
SB 375, Redesigning Communities to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
SB 375 directs the California Air Resources Board to set regional targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation encourages regional sustainability strategies and goals, including a focus on improving regional transportation. By aligning regional sustainability strategies, California will be better prepared to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals outlined in AB 32.
Title 24 Update
Made effective in 2010, the update adopted new building energy efficiency standards to be met upon submission of a building permit in California. The standards were updated in response to AB 32, and to address the need for adequate, reasonably priced, and environmentally sound supply of energy.
