Local Government Toolkit
Background
California’s Climate Change Scoping Plan encourages local governments to adopt a goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15 percent below today’s levels by 2020. The purpose of the "Local Government Toolkit" is to provide a "one-stop-shop" of guidance and resources to assist local governments to reduce GHG emissions and save money.
The Local Government Toolkit includes information on:
Cost-saving Action Areas to Reduce GHG Emissions
Action areas include detailed information and links to
appropriate websites to facilitate implementation of actions to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions including energy efficiency and conservation;
renewable energy; green transportation; green building; waste reduction
and recycling; water conservation, recycling and reuse; environmentally
preferable purchasing; and promoting individual action.
California Case Studies
Highlight California local governments that have successfully
and profitably reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Financial Incentive Programs
California utilities, Flex your Power, the Department of
Energy and many other organizations offer many incentives – such as
rebates, grants, and loans – to implement climate-friendly
action. These resources will be compiled on
CoolCalifornia.org.
A Climate Calculator
The Local Government Toolkit will
provide guidance on developing a climate action plan and identify
climate calculators that local governments can use to track GHG
emission reductions over time.
Decision Support Tools
ARB
staff is negotiating a partnership with Local Governments for
Sustainability (ICLEI)
on the Climate and Air
Pollution Planning Assistant (CAPPA) to assist local government leaders
in developing customized plans for reducing climate and local air
pollution. The decision support tool would be available in web
interface and downloadable Excel edition from CoolCalifornia.org.
An Award Program
ARB
is partnering with Institute
for Local Government ILG/CCAN to develop an award
program to recognize
local governments that achieve quantifiable greenhouse gas reductions
and those that make efforts to promote greenhouse gas emissions
reductions.
A Peer-Networking Online Discussion Forum
ARB is developing local government-friendly peer-networking opportunities on CoolCalifornia.org; examples include blogging, videoblogging, and connections to social-networking sites.
Check out the online home of the Toolkits at CoolCalifornia.org
- Small Business Toolkit
- Local Government Toolkit
- Climate Action for Individuals
- GHG Strategies for Schools
- Inspiring Youth: Climate Champions Program
For questions or comments, please contact Dana Papke Waters at (916) 324-9615
