Chamber Advocate
October 18, 2011 | Public Policy News From The San Diego Regional Chamber Of Commerce
Chamber Creates Task Force to Review Chula Vista and San Diego’s Plan to Reduce Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions
AB 32, signed into law in 2006, requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions levels by 2030. In accordance with state law, all local governments must develop and adopt plans to reduce their GHG levels. Chula Vista and San Diego have each developed individual plans that, will have a significant impact on how we live, work, and travel in the region.
The City of Chula Vista recently proposed amendments to its General Plan Update which addressed air quality, land use, and the environment. The amendments – which have already been met with significant opposition from the business community – would force businesses to comply with a new set of standards that far exceed local, state, and federal requirements.
Similar to that of Chula Vista, the City of San Diego formed an Environmental and Economic Sustainable Task Force in order to create its own Climate Mitigation Action Plan (CMAP). While the plan is not yet available, it is already created some concern among the region’s policymakers.
To help create a balance between protecting the environment and growing the regional economy, the Chamber is closely monitoring the recommendations of both Chula Vista and San Diego to determine the feasibility, cost, and impacts to business they may have. To that end, the Chamber has created an independent Environmental/GHG Task Force. The Task Force will review the existing local, state, and federal policies, evaluate the new recommendations and meet with city and elected officials in the coming months.