An annual report that tracks Contra Costa County city progress on policies to address the climate crisis— leaves the Cities of Walnut Creek, Martinez and San Ramon solidly at the top of the list! www.cccclimateleaders.org
“Walnut Creek is working hard to implement our Sustainability Action Plan. We are partnering with MCE to assess energy efficiency opportunities at our City facilities, we recently banned gas leaf blowers, and we are working to make our city greener.” Cindy Darling. Mayor.
The report challenges other local governments to engage in discussion and identify creative ways to increase their standing on the list of cities leading the way to a sustainable future. “The 4CL scorecard holds up a mirror to local CCC jurisdictions to show how they are doing to address environmental and climate degradation in their communities. It is local action that will be the most successful in ensuring a livable planet for future generations.” Fred Bialy, Climate Reality Bay Area’s CCC Policy Action Squad
The Scorecard adds two NEW leadership Measurables this year: Recognizing Cities that have won awards in two programs: SolSmart and Beacon Awards. In addition, it identifies cities like Walnut Creek and San Ramon for increasing their number of EV charging stations! “San Ramon has come a long way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and that is something we can all be proud of” Sue Bock, San Ramon Valley Climate Action. “The City of San Ramon recently updated its Climate Action Plan (CAP), General Plan, and confirmed the formation of a permanent Sustainability Advisory Committee. We offer an exceptional quality of life underscored by a strong environmental base that is both inclusive and diverse” Marisol Rubio, Vice Mayor.
In the past, Mayors at the top have enjoyed this friendly competition comparing our Contra Costa County Cities to one another! In turn, Martinez used their local authority to unanimously pass a Climate Emergency Declaration, and the City of Hercules joined MCE to allow its residents to have a choice in electricity! Those leadership steps, jumped Hercules them from last place to 5th from the bottom! Who will be next to lead the way and climb up the climate policy ladder? “MCE is proud to work closely with our Contra Costa County member communities to advance shared climate goals. By partnering with local cities and towns, we help drive meaningful action to reduce emissions and combat climate change” Sebastian Conn MCE
At 4CL, we believe in a multi-prong approach using publicly available data to drive policy change: creating friendly competition, demonstrating feasibility and identifying key policy issues to address the climate crisis. “Concord is proving that local climate leadership is both practical and powerful. Through our partnership with MCE, we have expanded access to renewable energy and electric vehicle incentives, while our citywide Tree Plotter inventory is helping us grow a healthier, more resilient urban forest. Whether we are planting trees, upgrading infrastructure, and working to cut emissions— it shows that local action can add up to global impact” Laura Nakamura, Vice Mayor Concord, CA
“We are so appreciative of the effort invested by all 19 cities and the County of Contra Costa!” states Lynda Deschambault, Executive Director at Contra Costa County Climate Leaders. “Great progress has been made over the years, and we have a great distance still to go, but it is our cities who will lead the way: Local Actions Move the World”
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