Land Use Planning: Essential To Climate Protection

"Achieving the carbon emission goals of the California Global Warming Solutions Act (Assembly Bill 32) “will require state and local governments to do more than tighten emission standards for cars and trucks. It will require an integrated effort from state, regional and local governments that considers how community and land-use planning policy decisions can help."

"To guide local government agencies in planning-related decisions that respond to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, the American Planning Association's California chapter has published its recommended policy principles for climate change response."

Mr. Wong goes on to cite examples where these policies have been applied, including:

"Marin County's Sustainability Program has become a national model demonstrating how planners can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. The results earned Marin County the 2008 National Planning Excellence Award for Implementation from the American Planning Association."

"North Beach in San Francisco is another award-winning example. With the help of planning and zoning tools as well as citizen participation, North Beach remains a favorite among both residents and tourists, who enjoy the compact layout that encourages walking. North Beach's walk-ability also discourages automobile use and helps reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. In 2007, North Beach was selected as one of 10 great neighborhoods through the American Planning Association's 'Great Places in America' program." [See related link].

"On a broader scale, regional organizations such as the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission, have joined forces implementing the program Focus Our Vision. The committee's goals include encouraging future growth near transit, infill development, mixed-land uses and promoting conservation efforts through partnerships with local governments and community groups, all of which will help reduce vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions." [See related link]

"As a professional planner who follows these issues, I can safely say that Northern California just may be the epicenter for innovative land planning policies that can help achieve reduced greenhouse-gas emissions. The challenge of climate change is global, but it will require local solutions. Land-use planning efforts can be one more opportunity for Californians to lead the way."