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We thank you for your leadership in working to meet SB32 greenhouse
gas emission targets. We appreciate the multi-faceted approach in
the 2030 scoping plan documents, and the opportunity to comment
thereon. We are very supportive of the vision and strategies
presented in both the “Vibrant Communities and Landscapes”  and
“Potential state-Level Strategies to Advance Sustainable, Equitable
Communities and Reduce VMT” documents. We offer these few comments
in addition to those submitted on behalf of a broad coalition of
equity, environmental, and health organizations, to which we are
signatories and strongly endorse. 

1. While the documents acknowledge the importance of health
co-benefits from active transport, there is no mechanism to
explicitly prioritize transportation or other GHGE reduction
investments based on the efficacy of strategies to generate health
co-benefits (and related health care cost savings). Multiple
published studies suggest that the health co-benefits of active
transportation are likely to be orders of magnitude greater than
those of any other strategy to reduce GHGE in the transportation
sector. These health co-benefits will only be achieved if there is
an explicit strategy to induce demand for mode switching from
motorized to non-motorized travel. 

We also need to ensure that walking and bicycling is safe to
prevent any increase in pedestrian/bicyclist injuries. We encourage
 you to consider inclusion of strategies beyond careful design of
safe active transportation infrastructure, such as reduced speed
limits - “twenty [mph] is plenty”. Additionally, as climate change
causes rising temperatures, we need to consider infrastructure
issues that make it more feasible for people to walk and bike when
it is hot - such as shading and cool pavements.


2. We are concerned that the issue of green space (including trees,
parks, gardens, urban agriculture, water features, and other green
and natural spaces) in the context of infill development has
received inadequate attention. It is very important that green
space be integrated into infill development at both the project and
neighborhood level, so that green space is accessible to all
residents, including those who have traditionally been under-served
by green spaces. Community green spaces should be prioritized over
private green spaces, in order to promote equity to achieve the
additional social and health benefits that these spaces provide. 

Rising temperatures are increasing urban heat islands and related
heat illness risks. Urban greening is a key strategy to reduce the
risks of urban heat islands. Green spaces buffer noise, offer
shade, trap particulates and other airborne pollutants, filter
groundwater, and reduce stormwater runoff.  Access to nature has
been associated with higher levels of outdoor physical activity,
restoration from stress, a greater sense of well-being, greater
social capital, and lower levels of  all-cause mortality. 

We encourage you to identify ways to incentivize inclusion of
community green space in all infill developments, to ensure the
associated health benefits.

Thank you again for the opportunity to comment.

Original File Name:

Date and Time Comment Was Submitted: 2016-09-28 16:19:10