Climate Action Plan Update

THE DRAFT CLIMATE ACTION PLAN (CAP) 2024 UPDATE AND THE ASSOCIATED CEQA NEGATIVE DECLARATION ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT

This is the last opportunity for the Foster City community to provide feedback on the DRAFT Foster City Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 Update and the associated California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Negative Declaration. We have been working to develop the CAP since September 2022 and are thrilled to share the FINAL DRAFT version for public comment to help finalize the CAP. The CAP sets ambitious targets, including reducing emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 and aiming for an 85% reduction before 2045.

We want to hear your comments, questions, and suggestions! Read through the CAP to provide your input. All comments and questions should be directed to sustainable@fostercity.org.

What is a Climate Action Plan?

A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a comprehensive strategy that cities, counties, and other local governments create to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve climate resilience, and meet state and local climate goals. These plans often include measures for renewable energy adoption, water conservation, transportation policies, and other actions that help curb carbon emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

California has been a leader in climate policy with several key statewide regulations and goals that influence local CAPs:

  • Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32): The Global Warming Solutions Act (2006) sets the framework for California’s climate policy, aiming to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, which was later expanded to aim for a 40% reduction below 1990 levels by 2030.
  • Senate Bill 375 (SB 375): Focuses on integrating transportation, housing, and land use to achieve GHG reduction goals, particularly in urban planning and development.
  • Senate Bill 100 (SB 100): Mandates that California’s electricity come from 100% renewable or zero-carbon sources by 2045.

What is a CEQA Negative Declaration?

A CEQA Climate Action Plan Negative Declaration refers to a specific determination made under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in relation to a Climate Action Plan (CAP).

CEQA Overview:
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires state and local government agencies to assess the environmental impact of proposed projects or plans and mitigate any significant environmental impacts that could occur.

Negative Declaration:
A Negative Declaration (ND) is a finding under CEQA that a proposed project or plan (in this case, a Climate Action Plan) will not have a significant impact on the environment. If an agency determines that the actions or projects outlined in the CAP do not result in significant adverse environmental effects, they can issue a Negative Declaration.

Why is a CEQA Negative Declaration Important for CAPs?
Streamlining the process: If a CAP receives a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration, it means the city or county has adequately addressed environmental impacts in the planning phase. This can streamline the approval process for future projects that align with the CAP. A CEQA Negative Declaration for a CAP ensures that the plan has undergone an environmental review, meeting state requirements for considering climate impacts and other environmental factors.

CEQA Climate Action Plan Negative Declaration indicates that the development and implementation of a Climate Action Plan has been assessed under CEQA, and it has been determined that the plan does not have significant environmental impacts that require further study or mitigation.