What We Do

ClimatePlan is a diverse network of organizations committed to improving land use planning in California to protect our climate, our health, our communities and our environment.

When SB 375 was signed into law in late 2008, ClimatePlan recognized an exciting new venue for achieving our vision of a healthier and more vital California that supports sustainable and equitable communities, preserves iconic landscapes, and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.   

SB 375 requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop regional reduction targets for automobile and light truck GHG emissions. The regions will then develop transportation and land-use plans to achieve the emissions reduction targets.  (click here for additional details on SB 375).

ClimatePlan's work from 2009 to 2011 will focus on the following strategic priorities:

• Ensure that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopts ambitious SB 375 targets and supportive policies for reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).
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• Build support in key regions for strong implementation of SB 375 and related policies.
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• Strengthen state and federal campaigns to win additional policy reforms.
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Steering Committee

In October 2009, ClimatePlan elected a new Steering Committee which will guide the partnership and make decisions related to policy, strategy, and resource allocation. The Committee includes:

Stuart Cohen, TransForm
Judy Corbett, Local Government Commission
Amanda Eaken, Natural Resources Defense Council
Chione Flegal, PolicyLink
Bonnie Holmes-Gen, American Lung Association in California
Stephanie Reyes, Greenbelt Alliance
Julie Snyder, Housing California
Elizabeth Tan, Urban Habitat
Ed Thompson, American Farmland Trust
Michael Woo, Smart Growth America

Staff:

Autumn Bernstein, Director: Autumn is responsible for overseeing ClimatePlan's activities and managing its day-to-day operations. Prior to joining ClimatePlan, Autumn led grassroots campaigns to advance sustainable urban planning, promote transit, build affordable housing, and protect natural resource lands throughout California. Most recently, she was the Land Use Campaign Director for Sierra Nevada Alliance, a non-profit conservation organization based in South Lake Tahoe. She previously worked for Greenbelt Alliance and the Planning and Conservation League. She is the author of several publications including, most recently, Dangerous Development: Wildfire and Sprawl in the Sierra Nevada. Autumn graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Conservation Biology. She is a fourth-generation Californian and recently moved to Sacramento.

Carey Knecht, Associate Director: As the Associate Director for ClimatePlan, Carey works to increase the size and strength of its statewide network and mobilize coalition partners around key state policy debates. Before joining  ClimatePlan, Carey served as Policy Director at the Greenbelt Alliance, an advocacy group that promotes inclusive, climate-friendly cities and healthy natural areas across the diverse San Francisco Bay Area. There, she led the Grow Smart Bay Area research, served as the advocate on selected campaigns, and provided policy support for campaigns and campaign prioritization. She has researched and/or written six reports on city planning and land use. Carey received a Masters in City Planning from U.C. Berkeley and studied environmental biology at Yale University. She is on the Board of Directors of the Golden Gate Audubon Society.

Beth Steckler, Southern California Organizing Director: Beth oversees ClimatePlan's organizing efforts in six Southern California counties. Before joining ClimatePlan, she was the policy director at Livable Places, a non-profit that both built entry-level homes near transit and advocated for livable communities.  Working with the Southern California Association of Non Profit Housing, Beth played a key role in Housing LA’s work around housing element, mixed income housing and creation of a housing trust fund for Los Angeles. Beth is the author of "Affordability Matters: A Look A Housing Construction and Affordability In Los Angeles." She graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Economics and is an Adjunct Professor at Occidental College. Beth lives in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Catherine Cecchi, Communications Manager: Catherine began working as a part-time assistant with ClimatePlan in August 2008 and is now directing our communications efforts. She previously worked as Communications Coordinator for the League to Save Lake Tahoe (Keep Tahoe Blue), spearheading the development of the group’s publications, website, e-communications systems, and outreach programs. Catherine has a BA in History from the College of Charleston. She lives in South Lake Tahoe and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter.

Chanell Fletcher, Administrative Associate: Chanell oversees general office management duties at ClimatePlan. She is committed to empowering underserved communities and previously worked in the Bay Area providing resources to low-income families. A native of Sacramento, Chanell has a BA in History from UC Santa Cruz. At ClimatePlan, she excited to see how environmental policy intersects with the lives of California's most vulnerable communities.

Contact Us

phone: 916-441-0204
fax: 916-441-0752
email: info “AT” climateplanca “DOT” org
717 K Street, Suite 330
Sacramento, CA 95814

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If you would like to receive electronic alerts and updates from ClimatePlan, send an email to info (at) climateplanca (dot) org with 'subscribe' in the subject line.