Model Policies for Greenhouse Gases in General Plans

CAPCOA has released a report containing model greenhouse gas reduction policies for inclusion in General Plans, along with a wide range of related information for local officials.

Download a copy of the 250-page report here (4.3MB pdf)

The California Air Pollution Control Officers Association offers model language in nine major categories:

• Greenhouse gas reduction planning (overall)
• Land use and urban design
• Transportation
• Energy efficiency
• Alternative energy
• Municipal operations
• Waste reduction and diversion
• Conservation and open space
• Education

The report also provides a worksheet for evaluation of policies for local use, including consideration of specific local factors and criteria. The worksheet includes links to examples of of plans that have incorporated the model policy, or a similar policy, to provide more in-depth understanding of what has been done, under what circumstances, and how.

Finally, the report contains technical appendices that provide more detailed information about greenhouse gases, programs that address them, the projected impacts of climate change, climate science, the top ten actions local governments should take, the roles of different agencies on climate and GHG, and examples of plans and policies that have been adopted in California as well as other resources.