Belmont to revise Climate Action Plan: City updates plan to align with stronger state goals and increase EV adoption, non-vehicle use and tree planting

The updated plan aims to cut emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve substantial progress toward carbon neutrality by 2045, in line with state mandates. 

“The state sets the rules of the road. They establish the greenhouse gas reduction targets, set building codes like Title 24, require zero-emission vehicle sales and mandate organic waste diversion targets,” Rincon Consultants Climate Planner Olivia Mendoza said during the meeting. 

To achieve the goals, the city included several key targets in the revised plan, such as boosting electric vehicle adoption to 32% of passenger cars by 2030, increasing public transit use, cutting natural gas use in existing buildings by 18% and planting 125 trees annually.

While the city’s 18% EV adoption rate is below its target, it’s still higher than most jurisdictions in the state. 

“It’s cool that we’re ahead already on the EVs,” Councilmember Gina Latimerlo said during the council meeting. 

“Helping people understand that upgrading and electrifying won’t necessarily be as complicated and intrusive as maybe they think … is really important.”

While the local jurisdictions have limited resources to significantly reduce emissions, staff and city leaders said they’re focusing heavily on education and outreach about important programs, such as rebate programs from Peninsula Clean Energy, the county’s clean energy provider.

“One of the roles the city can play is in making sure that those programs reach our residents,” Management Analyst Karen Clark said. 

The city is also able to enhance infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians to encourage non-vehicle travel, Mendoza added.

The plan will likely be released for public review in the summer, with city adoption set for this fall.