Summarizing PDX’s Climate Action Plan

Earth Advantage Institute:  January 19, 2010

Starting in 2010, Portland metro area residents will see major changes related to sustainable and green practices. These changes will occur as the city begins to implement its Climate Action Plan, which was developed in 2009. Climate change is a serious problem that affects the world, and carbon emissions are a major contributing factor. Although the comprehensive Climate Action Plan aims to improve the sustainability and quality of life in many different areas of the community, the overall goal is to reduce carbon emissions in the Portland metro area 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

The Climate Action Plan will improve the city of Portland environmentally, socially, and economically. A fundamental consideration of the plan was to create an economic development strategy, including the creation of local jobs. Specifically, the city recognized that the Portland metro area boasts many companies that provide green products and services. The focus will be on integrating these local companies into projects that may have previously outsourced similar products or services. A larger and economically sound workforce will provide the city with more resources to achieve the environmental and social objectives outlined in the Climate Action Plan.

Because carbon emissions are directly related to fossil fuel consumption, reducing residents’ dependence on fossil fuels is a common goal of every objective in the Climate Action Plan. Other important objectives of the plan are to improve social equity by ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are given priority for Climate Action Plan measures and that these communities are integrated in a meaningful and engaging way. Also, the city hopes to create healthier residents by improving the walkability of neighborhoods and enriching the quality of local forests, watersheds, and ecosystems.

Implementing the Climate Action Plan will be a serious undertaking. The State of Oregon and its local governments are going to be the primary entities responsible for this implementation. The framework of the Climate Action Plan is broken down into objectives; each objective is then broken down into the actions that are necessary for its completion. Currently, the deadline to meet all of the objectives is 2012. Because of the complexity and dynamic scope of sustainable practices, the city will evaluate and modify individual objectives every three years with a complete plan revision scheduled for 2020.

The following are some of the actions that will take place in the Portland metro area between now and 2012:

The establishment of a business tax credit for the simultaneous installation of solar panels and an eco roof.

The city will collaborate with private companies to reduce carbon fuel sources, including coal and natural gas, from Portland’s electricity mix.

Diesel fuel will start containing at least 10% biodiesel. Half of the biodiesel must be produced in Oregon.

The city of Portland will assist 1,000 businesses every year to improve compliance with the city’s paper, metal, and glass recycling requirements

State and local governments will replace street lighting, water pumps, water treatment systems, and other energy dependent systems with energy efficient technologies.

The city of Portland will collaborate with companies or individuals to develop and implement an outreach campaign to residents about the benefits of trees, watershed health, and green infrastructure.

The city will develop a more balanced funding mechanism and adopt a schedule for public investments to make neighborhoods highly walkable and bikable.

Overall, the Climate Action Plan lays the groundwork for a healthier, happier Portland. It will not be an easy task, but with everyone’s participation, the city can create the diverse network of businesses and individuals necessary to complete such a progressive plan. To see the complete plan, visit http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=49989&a=268612 .