Our Priorities
Strengthen State and Federal Campaigns
State and federal policy reforms beyond SB 375 are needed to achieve ClimatePlan's goals to significantly reduce GHG emissions. ClimatePlan partners are currently involved in dozens of efforts designed to give regions and local governments greater fiscal incentives and policy tools for achieving GHG reductions. Examples include the Transportation for America campaign, efforts to shape California's new Strategic Growth Council, and legislation to fund regional planning via a vehicle license fee. ClimatePlan’s role will be to support our partners’ work by creating forums for collaboration and providing access to research, case studies, materials and messaging.
Recent News
LaHood Envisions The Future of Transportation
NPR, Talk of the Nation – May 26, 2010
Neal Conan, Host
In March, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood drew both praise and derision when he declared that from now on, bicyclists and pedestrians would get the same priority as cars and trucks. Much of the latter from the trucking industry. Then came news this week that four House Republicans signed on with Democrats to a letter that lauds the policy change.
Link to article
Strategic Growth Council Finalizes Planning Grant Guidelines (posted March 25th)
Last week, the Strategic Growth Council approved its final planning grant guidelines and some important last-minute changes were incorporated. A few notable inclusions to the guidelines are:
- the SGC reserved 20% of the funds for planning to benefit economically disadvantaged communities
- the importance of zoning updates are emphasized in the scoring criteria
- the amount of the money that goes to SB 375-related planning was increased
- Sustainable Community Strategies and "greenprints" were added as eligible planning projects
In today's tight times, the SGC planning grant funds can help local governments do great planning and participate in the SB 375 process. A key next step will be to ensure the submission of projects that encourage local-regional collaboration and address the full range of benefits that good growth can create. For more info, please contact Carey Knecht, ClimatePlan Associate Director.
Relevant Resources
Strategic Growth Council Planning Guidelines - FINAL
Link to the SGC website to download.
Transportation For America
Link to campaign's website for more info on efforts to build a nationwide world class transportation system.
Realizing the Potential of SB 375: An Index of ClimatePlan Partners and Their Work (Appendix to ClimatePlan's 2009-2011 Strategic Plan)
Download Appendix (pdf, 115 KB)