Sacramento's Bold Move: Fighting Climate Change One Policy at a Time

Driving Change: Sacramento’s Bold Steps Towards Climate Action

Sacramento’s Bold Move

Sacramento, the bustling capital of California, is not just making headlines for its vibrant culture and political significance anymore. Recently, it took a giant leap forward in the fight against climate change with a groundbreaking framework approved by the City Council. This comprehensive plan aims to reshape the city’s landscape, decrease dependence on cars, and significantly slash carbon emissions over the next two decades.

At the heart of this ambitious initiative lies a series of policies aimed at revolutionizing how Sacramentans’ live, commute, and interact with their environment. Mayor Darrell Steinberg hailed the newly approved General Plan as a “historic document” that will transform Sacramento into a more walkable, bikeable, and affordable city. He emphasized, “This represents the true progressive values of this community — housing for everyone.”

Approved in February 2024, this groundbreaking plan introduces bold measures including the prohibition of new gas stations and drive-throughs, the removal of parking mandates for new developments, and the unprecedented granting of density to housing construction projects. Notably, Sacramento becomes the first jurisdiction in the nation to permit the construction of an unlimited number of housing units in single-family neighborhoods, contingent upon adherence to height and other restrictions.

However, the plan goes beyond just urban development. It sets stringent targets to combat climate change, aligning with California’s mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2030. With transportation and buildings identified as the primary sources of emissions, the plan emphasizes a shift towards electric vehicles and electrically powered infrastructure.

Mayor Steinberg believes that by encouraging housing density and limiting urban sprawl, the city can reduce commute times and, consequently, cut down on carbon emissions. He asserts, “The closer we plan for places to be where people work, people live, and where people play, the less people will be in their cars. That by definition includes the climate.”

Sacramento’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, also approved on the same historic night, outlines a roadmap to slash carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. It emphasizes public transit expansion, urban tree canopy enhancement, and the construction of additional bike paths. However, the plan hasn’t been without its critics.

Local environmental groups have voiced concerns, arguing that the plan’s heavy reliance on electric vehicle adoption won’t be sufficient to achieve the necessary emissions reductions quickly enough. They argue for more urgent action and investment to protect Sacramento residents against the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.

Sacramento City Council to discuss climate action plan at meeting

Katie McCammon, project director at Sacramento 350, expressed disappointment in the city’s efforts, citing a lack of urgency in addressing climate issues. She emphasized the need for better public transportation, walkable cities, and bicycle-friendly infrastructure.

Anne Stausboll, former Chief Investment Officer of The California Public Employees’ Retirement System and Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on Climate Change, underscored another critical concern: funding. Despite consultants outlining an ambitious plan, the allocated budget falls significantly short of what is necessary for full implementation.

As Sacramento gears up to implement these groundbreaking plans on March 28, 2024 the spotlight is on the city to lead the charge against climate change. While the road ahead may be challenging, Sacramento’s bold steps serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring other cities to take decisive action in the face of the climate crisis. As Mayor Steinberg aptly puts it, “It’s all about quality of life, in all of our communities but especially those that have been left behind for far too long.”

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