Local governments use Climate Action Plans (CAPs)--also referred to as Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (CMAPs)--to slow the rate of climate change in their jurisdictions and plan for its expected impacts. 

Read more about climate action planning in the Port of San Diego and the cities of Chula Vista, San Diego, and National City.

Environmental Health Coalition’s baseline recommendations for local climate action plans include:

1. Establish emissions reductions goals and strategies in alignment with state law and policy directions, including:
   • Achieve 1990 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions levels by 2020 (California State Law AB 32)
   • Achieve 80% below 1990 Greenhouse Gas emissions levels by 2050 (California Executive Order S-3-05)
   • Achieve Zero Net Energy in all new residential construction and 25% of existing homes by 2020. Achieve Zero Net Energy in all new commercial construction and 50% of existing commercial buildings by 2030 (California Long-term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, CPUC)
   • Achieve 20% reduction in home energy use by 2015; 40% reduction by 2020 (California Long-term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, CPUC)
2. Establish the following guiding principles
   • Take immediate action
   • Lead by example
   • Ensure social equity and environmental justice
   • Follow the preferred Loading Order for energy resources (State Energy Agencies: California Energy Commission (CEC) and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)-- energy conservation and efficiency first, then demand response, then green energy and distributed generation.
3. Adopt specific policies and strategies in the following areas that result in greenhouse gas reductions and greenhouse gas prevention:
   • Energy efficiency
   • Renewable energy
   • Transportation
   • Water
   • Green Energy/Green Jobs
   • Incorporate into all city policies and education
4. Adopt a detailed climate change adaptation plan that analyzes and plans for the unavoidable impacts of climate change and assists our natural resources, our built environment, and our communities in adapting to those impacts.