PUBLIC DRAFT | OCTOBER 2025
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Cassaundra Cotera, Business Manager
Christian Clegg, City Manager
Christina Gulley, Administrative Analyst II
Daniel R. Maldonado, Assistant Water Director
Darin Budak, Recreation and Parks Director
James Leonard, Solid Waste Director
Jason Cater, Economic and Community Development Manager Paul Archer, Assistant Public Works Director
Phil Burns, Development Services Director
Rick Anthony, Assistant City Manager
Consultant
Ascent Environmental, Inc.
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under assistance agreement 98T74201 to the City of Bakersfield. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the EPA, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.
All photos included throughout this plan have either been provided by the City of Bakersfield or sourced from Adobe Stock.
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City of Bakersfield
Partners and Collaborators
Bakersfield American Indian Health Project
Blue Zones
Boys & Girls Club of Kern County
Building Healthy Communities, Kern
California State University, Bakersfield
California Water Service
Church of God, Bakersfield
Circle of Life Development Foundation
Community Action Partnership of Kern
Community Interventions
Garden Pathways
Golden Empire Affordable Housing, Inc.
Golden Empire Transit District
Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Gridstone, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity, Golden Empire
Kern Community College District
Kern Council of Governments
Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce
Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Kern Energy
Kern Fire Safe Council
Local Builders
Local Realtors
Providence Strategic Consulting
TDH International
Western States Petroleum Association
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control
District
Southern California Gas Company
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GLOSSARY
City of Bakersfield
GLOSSARY
● Air Pollution: Harmful pollutants in the air that degrade air quality and pose risks to human health and the environment. Air pollution is a broad term that encompasses both criteria air pollutants and hazardous air pollutants. ● Air Quality: A measure of the cleanliness of air based on the presence of air pollut ion. In the U.S., the system used to measure air quality is the Air Quality Index, which is calculated by measuring several air pollutants on a scale from “Good” to “Hazardous” to produce a combined value of 0 to 500.
● Carbon Sink: A natural or artificial process, activity, or system that removes and absorbs climate pollution from the atmosphere, such a s soils, trees, wetlands, and carbon capture technologies.
● Carbon Stock: The total amount of carbon stored in a system, such as natural and working lands, at a given point in time. It represents the accumulated carbon that has been captured from the atmosphere and stored in living biomass and soils, for example. ● Climate Change: Long-term shifts in global temperature and weather patterns caused by human activities (e.g., the combustion of fossil fuels) that have released excess amounts of climate pollution into the atmosphere. ● Climate Hazards: Acute or chronic physical events or trends that are directly influenced by climate stressors (among other factors) and pose potential threats to human, ecological, or built systems. Generally, climate hazards are not necessarily “new” hazards, but r ather existing hazards that are worsened or exacerbated in some way by climate stressors. ● Climate Impacts: Consequences of climate stressors and/or climate hazards on human, ecological, or built systems. Climate impacts are intrinsically wide-ranging, and they encompass consequences related to public health and safety, energy demand and reliability, emergency response, public health, recreation, agriculture, the economy, the environment, transportation, and more. ● Climate Pollution: Heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere that contribute to climate change and that are primarily emitted by human activities across multiple sectors. Some common climate pollutants include carbon dioxide and methane. Climate pollutants are also commonly referred to as “greenhouse gases.”
● Climate Stressors: Underlying changes in Earth’s climate system that can affect the occurrence, frequency, intensity, and/or duration of climate hazards.
● Criteria Air Pollutants: Six common air pollutants that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates under the Clean Air Act, which includes particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, and ozone. iv
GLOSSARY
City of Bakersfield
● Frontline Community: A community that is disproportionately exposed to and affected by environmental burdens (e.g., pollution-related risks) due to an array of overlapping socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental factors that are also compounded by social vulnerabilities and historical and systemic inequities.
● Hazardous Air Pollutants: Toxic air pollutants that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as reproductive, neurological, or developmental disorders.
● Natural and Working Lands: Landscapes that either remain undeveloped, such as wetlands, grasslands, and shrublands, or that are actively managed for economic purposes, like croplands and orchards. Together, natural and working lands play a vital role in storing carbon, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing resilience.
● Nature-Based Solutions: Strategies that use natural systems or mimic natural processes to address environmental challenges and provide additional sustainability and resilience benefits, such as air and water quality improvements. ● Resilience: The capacity of a system (e.g., community, ecosystem, infrastructure) to absorb, adapt to, and recover from climate- and pollution- related disruptions while maintaining its essential functions. It encompasses both the ability to withstand immediate impac ts and to adjust in ways that reduce future vulnerability.
● Sustainability: The implementation of solutions that meet current societal needs without compromising the needs of future generations, whic h requires balancing economic protection, economic viability, and social equity through approaches that can be maintained indefinit ely without depleting resources or harming communities.
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
City of Bakersfield
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AB = Assembly Bill
ALA = American Lung Association
ATP = Active Transportation Plan
BAU = business-as-usual
BRT = bus rapid transit
Cal Water = California Water Service
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 = California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool
CATA = California Air Toxics Assessment
CBO = community-based organization
CCAP = Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
CH4 = methane
CO2 = carbon dioxide
CPRG Program = Climate Pollution Reduction Grant s
Program
DPM = diesel particulate matter
EPA = U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EV = electric vehicle
GET = Golden Empire Transit District
GHG = greenhouse gas
GPU = Bakersfield 2045 General Plan Update (i.e., Bakersfield 2045 RISE)
HVAC = heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Kern COG = Kern Council of Governments
MD/HD = medium- and heavy-duty
MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
N2O = nitrous oxide
NO2 = nitrogen dioxide
PCAP = Priority Climate Action Plan
SB = Senate Bill
SO2 = sulfur dioxide
SOAR Bakersfield = Sustainable Opportunities Advancing
Resilience
TCC Plan = Transformative Climate Communities Plan
WWTP = wastewater treatment plant
ZEV = zero-emission vehicle
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
City of Bakersfield
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ iii Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................................................. v
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1 What’s in a Name? ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.2 SOAR Bakersfield Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1-4
1.3 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program ......................................................................................................................................................................... 1-10
2. Background .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 Air and Climate Pollution Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.2 Climate Pollution Impacts ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2-12
2.3 Air Pollution Impacts ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-20
2.4 Frontline Communities ............................................................................................................................................................................................................2-22
3. Measures ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Measures Overview ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Energy .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-5
3.3 Transportation and Land Use ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-9
3.4 Water and Wastewater ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3-20
3.5 Solid Waste ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-23
3.6 Nature-Based Solutions .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-26
3.7 Industry and Innovation ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3-31
3.8 Adaptation ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3-33 vii
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4. Community Benefits ................................................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Sustainability and Resilience Benefits ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Plan Implementation Scenario ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4-3
5. Implementing SOAR Bakersfield ............................................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Implementation Approach ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5-2p
5.2 Communitywide Collaboration ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5-4
5.3 Authority to Implement Measures ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5-4
5.4 Implementation Costs and Funding .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5-5
5.5 Workforce Development Strategies ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5-6
5.6 Updates and Refinements .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5-6 Works Cited ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... W-1
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FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Community and Stakeholder Engagement Activities .................................................................................................................................................... 1-6 Figure 1.2 Partners and City Planning Efforts that Informed SOAR Bakersfield ........................................................................................................................ 1-7 Figure 2.1 Where Does Climate and Air Pollution Come From? ................................................................................................................................................... 2-1 Figure 2.2 Climate Pollution Inventory, City of Bakersfield (2022) ............................................................................................................................................. 2-3 Figure 2.3 Criteria Air Pollutant and Hazardous Air Pollutant Inventories (2020) .................................................................................................................... 2-6 Figure 2.4 City of Bakersfield Land Cover Map ............................................................................................................................................................................... 2-8 Figure 2.5 City of Bakersfield Climate Pollution Projections ......................................................................................................................................................... 2-9 Figure 2.6 Bakersfield Changes in Temperature, Extreme Heat, and Precipitation through Late-Century ........................................................................... 2-12 Figure 2.7 Climate Stressors, Hazards, and Impacts Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 2-19 Figure 2.8 Percent of People Living at Poverty Income Levels .................................................................................................................................................... 2-23 Figure 2.9 Percent of Limited English-Speaking Households ...................................................................................................................................................... 2-23 Figure 2.10 Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure - Statewide Percentile ...................................................................................................................................... 2-25 Figure 2.11 Pollution Burden - Statewide Percentile ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2-25 Figure 2.12 Heat Disparity .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2-26 Figure 2.13 Tree Canopy Cover .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-26 Figure 3.1 Measures Framework ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3-3 Figure 3.2 How to Read a Measure ID .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 3-4 Figure 4.1 Climate Pollution Emissions with Plan Implementation Scenario Reduction Impact, City of Bakersfield ............................................................ 4-6
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TABLES
Table 1.1 Required Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program Elements Included in SOAR Bakersfield ............................................................................. 1-11 Table 2.1 Climate Pollution Inventory, City of Bakersfield (2022) .................................................................................................................................................. 2-3 Table 2.2 Criteria Air Pollutant Inventory, Kern County (2020) ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-4 Table 2.3 Hazardous Air Pollutant Inventory, Kern County (2020) ................................................................................................................................................ 2-5 Table 2.4 Carbon Stocks by Land Cover, City of Bakersfield (2022) ............................................................................................................................................... 2-7 Table 2.5 City of Bakersfield Growth and Climate Pollution Projections, 2022 through 2045 ................................................................................................. 2-10 Table 2.6 Kern County Growth and Air Pollution Projections, 2020 through 2045 .................................................................................................................... 2-11 Table 2.7 Bakersfield Temperature and Extreme Heat Projections and Change from Historical Timescale ..............................................................................2-15 Table 2.8 Bakersfield Precipitation and Extreme Precipitation Projections and Change from Historical Timescale ................................................................ 2-16 Table 2.9 Bakersfield Drought Indicator Projections and Change from Historical Timescale ...................................................................................................... 2-17 Table 2.10 San Joaquin Valley and California Wildfire Projections and Change from Historical Timescale ................................................................................ 2-18 Table 3.1 Summary of Categories and Opportunity Areas ................................................................................................................................................................. 3-3 Table 3.2 Energy Measures ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-5 Table 3.3 Transportation and Land Use Measures ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3-9 Table 3.4 Water and Wastewater Measures ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-20 Table 3.5 Solid Waste Measures ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-23 Table 3.6 Nature-Based Solutions Measures...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-26 Table 3.7 Industry and Innovation Measures ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-31 Table 3.8 Adaptation Measures ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3-33 Table 4.1 Summary of Sustainability and Resilience Benefits ............................................................................................................................................................ 4-2 Table 4.2 Plan Implementation Scenario Climate Pollution Emissions Levels Compared with Local Emissions Goals and Legislative-Adjusted Forecast, City of Bakersfield ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4-4 Table 4.3 Plan Implementation Scenario Climate Pollution Emissions Reductions by Sector, City of Bakersfield .................................................................... 4-5 Table 4.4 Implementation Scenario Criteria and Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions Reductions by Pollutant, Kern County ................................................. 4-7 x
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ty of Bakersfield
APPENDICES
A = Community Engagement Summary
B = Priority Climate Action Plan
C = Bakersfield Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, Forecasts, and Targets D = Kern County Carbon Stocks Analysis
E = Greenhouse Gas Inventories and Forecasts for Jurisdictions in Kern County F = Air Pollution Benefits Analysis
G = Vulnerability Assessment
H = Implementation Matrix
I = Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potential
J = Workforce Analysis
K = Potential Funding Sources
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
1. INTRODUCTION
Situated at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in the heart of Kern County, the City of Bakersfield
(hereinafter referred to as: [1] “city” or “Bakersfield” when pertaining to the geography of Bakersfield; or [2] “City” when pertaining to the local government) and
surrounding area are widely recognized as one of the
fastest growing regions in the state. Currently home to over 400,000 residents, Bakersfield sits at a key
geographic crossroads, nestled between the Tehachapi
Mountains to the south, the Sequoia National Forest to the east, and the Temblor Range to the west. Often
described as the southern gateway to California’s Central Valley, the city’s location, climate, and infrastructure have made it a longstanding hub for agriculture and
energy pro duction. Today, Bakersfield continues to
evolve, serving as a center for logistics, manufacturing, and service industries while welcoming new residents and visitors drawn to the city’s relative affordability, job opportunities, access to recreation, and active network of community-based organizations (CBOs) that reflect its
multicultural and intergenerational identity.
As the city grows and adapts to shifting economic,
environmental, and social conditions, it faces both new opportunities and complex challenges, including the need to modernize infrastructure, improve public health,
respond to climate -related risks, and en sure that
prosperity is shared equitably across its communities. To meet these challenges and build upon Bakersfield’s
strengths, the City has developed this plan —
Sustainable
Opportunities Advancing Resilience (SOAR Bakersfield).
1.1 WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The name “SOAR Bakersfield” reflects the City’s vision
for a future that is resilient, prosperous, and rooted in the unique character of its people and communities. As an
acronym, SOAR stands for “Sustainable Opportunities
Advancing Resilience,” where each component
represents a guiding principle of this plan. The first
guiding principle,
Sustainable, focuses on updating
essential systems and services in ways that improve
efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality of life. The Opportunities guiding princ iple reflects Bakersfield’s economic potential, growing population, and cultural
diversity, and ultimately supports the City’s efforts to invest in local industries, expand workforce development, and build an inclusive economy that benefits all residents.
Lastly, the
Advancing Resilience guiding principle
emphasizes efforts to reduce vulnerability to natural
hazards already affecting the city today and that are
expected to intensify in future years. Together, these
guiding principles work together as the foundation of this plan to lead the city toward a stronger , healthier, and more beneficial future for all.
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Sustainable
The City manages or influences many of the essential local systems and services that residents rely on every day, including water, sewer, waste, energy use, and transportation. Maintaining and modernizing these systems and services is critical for protecting public health, supporting economic productivity, and ensuring a high quality of life. Through SOAR Bakersfield, the City has identified ways to enhance these systems and services by adopting more sustainable and efficient practices. This includes expanding efforts to conserve water and energy, reduce resource use and waste, and promote cleaner, more convenient mobility options.
Collectively, these efforts can help lower costs, optimize resource use, and improve the reliability and resilience of infrastructure across the city. While reductions in climate pollution ( also known as greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions) and air pollution are key intended outcomes, SOAR Bakersfield approaches these as benefits of a broader commitment to sustainability, rather than the primary goal or sole focus. By investing resources into smarter systems and services, the City can deliver tangible benefits to current re sidents and build a stronger foundation for future generations.
Opportunities
Bakersfield is a city rich with opportunity. Its strong economic foundation, rooted in industries like agriculture and energy production, has long provided well-paying jobs and helped shape the city’s identity. At the same time, Bakersfield is evolving. Its population is growing, its communities continue to maintain their diversity, and its infrastructure and workforce are preparing for new demands. SOAR Bakersfield embraces this evolution by highlighting opportunities to invest in people, strengthen communities, and support a more inclusive and resilient economy.
One key opportunity of this plan is ensuring that local industries remain strong while preparing for future transitions. Trades and skilled labor remain vital, but access to these careers needs to be expanded through dedicated workforce development efforts and job training programs.
SOAR Bakersfield identifies ways to align these needs with sustainability and infrastructure investments, with an added goal of creating jobs in clean energy, green construction, sustainab le transportation, and more. Using susta inable transportation as an example, ongoing projects, such as California High -Speed Rail, offer the potential to improve regional mobility, attract new industries, and spark economic development along key corridors. Similarly, investments in multimodal transportation and community -serving facilities can improve access to services and connect people more efficiently to jobs, education, and healthcare.
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Other key opportunities of this plan include facilitating strategic growth, improving quality of life by investing in public spaces, urban greening, and active transportation infrastructure, and recognizing and leveraging local leaders (e.g., CBOs) to further support community cohesion . Ultimately, SOAR Bakersfield seeks to ensure that the benefits of sustainability and resilience are widely shared and that plan implementation truly reflects the needs and values of the whole community.
Advancing Resilience
Bakersfield already faces a range of natural hazards that threaten its communities. Natural hazards like extreme heat, drought, wildfire smoke, and flooding have resulted in a range of negative impacts on the city’s people, infrastructure, services, and more. The city’s geography, positioned as an inland basin surrounded by mountain ranges, also makes it particularly susceptible to air stagnation and pollutant buildup, contributing to poor air quality and further exacerbating other natural hazards, like ext reme heat. While these hazards exist today, the increasing presence of climate pollution in the atmosphere , which is already intensifying the
greenhouse effect, has the potential to further
increase their frequency, severity, and/or duration.
In response, SOAR Bakersfield seeks to advance community resilience on two fronts : First, the plan seeks to address the evolving nature of natural hazards by providing a framework that prepares the city to better withstand, adapt to, and remain resilient in the face of these hazards. This includes recognizing and planning for ways in wh ich these hazards and the risks they present may worsen or shift over time as a result of climate pollution.
Second, SOAR Bakersfield focuses on the underlying sources of climate and air pollution, which contribute not only to shifting natural hazards, but also local environmental degradation and other impacts. By reducing local emissions of both climate and air pollution through more sustainable energy use, cleaner transportation, reduced waste, and other low-emissions practices, this plan positions resilience not only as a matter of adaptation, but as a proactive approach to strengthening the systems and services that sustain everyday life. Ultimately, this plan will help ensure that Bakersfield is equipped to meet both present and future challenges.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that insulates the Earth and helps regulate its temperature , and without it, Earth would not be habitable. However, because of human activities , excess climate pollution has been released into the atmosphere , causing the greenhouse effect to intensify and warm the planet at an unprecedented rate. In other words, climate pollution acts as a blanket around the Earth, where the more climate pollution there is, the thicker that blanket will be. This intensifying greenhouse effect is the primary driver in the evolving nature of natural hazards such as extreme heat, drought, wildfire, and flooding that are prevalent in and around Bakersfield.
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1.2 SOAR BAKERSFIELD OVERVIEW
Plan Scope and Purpose
SOAR Bakersfield reflects a thoughtful, locally grounded approach to addressing climate-related challenges and opportunities. While SOAR Bakersfield is not a policy or regulatory document, i t serves as a clear and actionable long -term roadmap to both: (1) reduce climate and air pollution; and (2) maximize benefits to residents of Bakersfield and nearby communities, especially those in frontline communities. Some of the notable benefits of successfully implementing SOAR Bakersfield are listed below:
● Economic Growth : New jobs and businesses in emerging sectors while strengthening existing ones.
● Cost Savings : Reduced energy and operational costs for homes and businesses.
● Improved Mobility : Better transportation options and infrastructure to connect communities.
● Enhanced Quality of Life : Investments in green spaces, trees, and public amenities.
● Smart Growth : Strategic planning to guide future development. ● Community Collaboration : Partnerships among communities, businesses, and organizations.
The geographic scope of SOAR Bakersfield is the city ’s full jurisdictional boundaries and applies to both the City ’s municipal operations and the broader community. SOAR Bakersfield includes a suite of measures that reflect Bakersfield ’s unique environmental, economic, and social context, and that will be implemented over the next two decades as funding opportunities become available. Many of these measures will also provide regional benefits and may require continued coordination with agencies throughout Kern County. A more detailed discussion of the measures included in this plan can be found in Chapter 3 . Through SOAR Bakersfield, the City is working to ensure Bakersfield remains a vibrant, affordable, and healthy place to live, work, and do business. Ultimately, this plan represents a shared path forward—one that values collaboration and aims to deliver tangible benefits to all residents.
Plan Development Process
The development of SOAR Bakersfield was guided by a collaborative and transparent planning process. Central to this process was providing meaningful opportunities for community and stakeholder engagement and successfully gathering substantive feedback and input. These engagement opportunities are displayed in
Figure 1. 1, and as shown,
these opportunities were incorporated across all phases of plan development, beginning with project kickoff all the way through the
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final version of SOAR Bakersfield. Each mode of engagement mentioned in the figure is described further below:
● Project Website : A dedicated project website served as a central hub for information about SOAR Bakersfield throughout its development. Additionally, the website included a digital engagement hub, where visitors could provide project-related input and feedback across various activities, including a map activity, vision boards, and a survey.
● Advisory Group Meetings : The City hosted a series of six advisory group meetings throughout the SOAR Bakersfield development process. The advisory group consisted of local representatives from various governmental, utility, and industry organizations that operate in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County. The meetings brought together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise to provide insights on supporting the local economy, fostering development and growth, improving services, and creating opportunities for communities and businesses to ensure SOAR Bakersfield is aligned with local needs.
● Focus Group Meetings : The City invited representatives from CBOs to help align SOAR Bakersfield with the needs and
perspectives of the communities they serve in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County . The group met three times throughout the SOAR Bakersfield development process, and consisted of community foundations, community service providers, faith-based organizations, affordable housing providers, and other non -profit organizations. This group provided valuable insights in to the considerations and needs for underserved and frontline
communities.
● Community Workshops : The City hosted three community workshops that were open to all people interested in learning more about SOAR Bakersfield and shaping the future of Bakersfield. The first workshop, held in virtual format, introduced the SOAR Bakersfield project and allowed community members to share their vision and needs for Bakersfield. The second and third workshops, one in-person and one virtual format, offered opportunities for exploration of the ways the City can build resilience, enhance sustainability, and consider the needs of frontline communities.
The variety of engagement modes used throughout the planning process was vital to gathering a broad range of perspectives, opinions, and lived experiences to help shape a plan that was truly reflective of the community
’s priorities. The plan also benefitted from close
coordination between various City departments, regional governmental agencies, regional utility providers, industry groups, CBOs, and other entities throughout the city and the region (see Acknowledgements ) to ensure that it is actionable and aligned with other related and ongoing efforts. Full engagement details can be found in Appendix A.
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Figure 1.1 Community and Stakeholder Engagement Activities
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Alignment with Related Initiatives
SOAR Bakersfield is designed to complement, not duplicate, existing and ongoing initiatives throughout the city and across the region. It seeks to integrate, elevate, and/or align with key principles, projects, and policies from other efforts that are relevant to the goals of this plan. Figure 1.2 includes a comprehensive, but not exhaustive, snapshot of various City led planning efforts, along with partner organizations leading related initiatives, that were leveraged to inform the development of SOAR Bakersfield. As displayed in the figure, this plan acts as a unifying framework to build a more resilient and sustainable city. Some of these related initiatives are discussed further below.
Figure 1.2 Partners and City Planning Efforts that Informed SOAR Bakersfield
Note: The General Plan Update identified under “City Planning Efforts” is currently ongoing as of October 2025, unlike the other identified plans that have already been finalized.
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City-Led Initiatives
SOAR Bakersfield is closely aligned with many other City initiatives that focus on long -range planning, sustainability, economic development, and quality of life. Most notably, the plan will complement the Bakersfield 2045 General Plan Update (GPU), which is titled
Bakersfield 2045 RISE. The GPU is the City’s comprehensive plan to guide sustainable growth, land use , and infrastructure investments over the coming decades. While SOAR Bakersfield is being developed as a separate, standalone plan that is not tied directly to the GPU, it supports many of the same values and goals as the GPU. Where appropriate, efforts identified in SOAR Bakersfield can help inform implementation actions under the GPU and vice versa , allowing consistency across both planning efforts.
SOAR Bakersfield also builds upon the City’s Transformative Climate Communities Plan (TCC Plan), which secured state funding for targeted investments in frontline communities and was developed with extensive community engagement. The TCC Plan provided valuable insights into community priorities related to air quality, transportation, green spaces, and workforce development, all of which are themes carried forward in SOAR Bakersfield.
In addition to these major planning efforts, SOAR Bakersfield also draws from and/or supports a variety of City -led planning initiatives, including:
● City of Bakersfield Active Transportation Plan
● Central City & Citywide Tree Plan
● City of Bakersfield Economic Development Strategic Plan ● Downtown Bakersfield Corridor Enhancement Master Plan ● Kern River Parkway M anagement Plan
● Priority Neighborhoods Initiative
Each listed plan, among others, provides data, policy direction, and implementation considerations that helped shape the priorities of SOAR Bakersfield, while also offering pathways for cross-departmental coordination and future alignment.
Other Local and Regional Initiatives
Beyond City-led efforts, SOAR Bakersfield is informed by and aligned with numerous local and regional initiatives led by partner agencies and service providers across multiple scales . These organizations play an essential role in shaping the region’s transportation, water, and infrastructure systems, and their work directly supports the goals of reducing climate and air pollution, improving public health, and strengthening community resilience. While s ome key partners (along with some of their notable initiatives) are listed below, it is important to note that many other partners (see
Acknowledgements) and their
efforts also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient Bakersfield.
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● Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG): Serves as both the metropolitan planning organization for Bakersfield and the broader region, and the regional transportation planning agency as designated by the s tate. SOAR Bakersfield aligns with many of Kern COG’s major initiatives, including the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy , which outlines long -term efforts to reduce climate pollution through integrated land use and transportation planning. Other relevant initiatives include the Kern Region Active Transportation Plan , the Downtown Bakersfield Pedestrian Access to Transit Plan, and regional strategies to support zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, such as the Kern Electric Vehicle Charging Station Blueprint and the Kern County Blueprint for Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEV Infrastructure. ● Golden Empire Transit District (GET): Provides fixed-route transit and paratransit services throughout Bakersfield and is a critical partner in achieving local sustainability goals. As the broader region works to expand clean, convenient, and accessible transportation options, several of GET’s planning documents, including the Zero Emissions Bus Rollout Plan and the Strategic Plan, 2024-2028, support a transition to low- and zero-emission transit while improving system performance and rider experience.
● California Water Service (Cal Water): The primary water service provider for Bakersfield residents and plays a central role in promoting water efficiency and long -term resilience to drought.
Cal Water’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, Bakersfield District outlines strategies for water demand management, conservation, and system reliability. Additionally, Cal Water offers a variety of rebate and conservation programs that help residents and businesses reduce water use and associated costs.
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1.3 CLIMATE POLLUTION REDUCTION GRANTS PROGRAM
Program Overview
SOAR Bakersfield was developed with funding and guidance provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRG Program). This program was authorized under Section 60114 of the federal Inflation Reduction Act—signed into law in August 2022—to support local, regional, state, and tribal efforts in reducing climate pollution and other harmful air pollution. The CPRG Program provided nearly $5 billion in planning and implementation grants to help eligible entities design and carry out ambitious, yet achievable plans tailored to local needs and priorities, such as economic development, infrastructure upgrades , and public health improvements. The City received a planning grant under the CPRG Program to develop a series of coordinated planning documents, including the Priority Climate Action Plan ( PCAP), which was submitted in 2024 (discussed further below), along with SOAR Bakersfield, which serves as the City’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). Together, these plans outline a strategic framework for reducing climate pollution and position the City to compete for implementation funding.
Priority Climate Action Plan
The PCAP was the City’s first major deliverable under the CPRG Program. Finalized in March 2024, the PCAP includes: (1) an inventory of citywide climate pollution for 2019, by sector; (2) a discussion of relevant risks to frontline communities, along with the potential benefits of taking action to reduce climate pollution; (3) a set of prioritized, near-term climate pollution reduction measures that the City can pursue and feasibly implement to reduce climate pollution and other co- pollutants; and (4) a stakeholder engagement strategy to facilitate successful measure implementation. The PCAP serves as the foundation that SOAR Bakersfield is built upon. M uch of the core content included in the PCAP has been refined, integrated, and further developed in SOAR Bakersfield to ensure a comprehensive, inclusive, and long -term approach to citywide sustainability and resilience. The PCAP can be found in Appendix B.
Required Elements Included in This Plan
SOAR Bakersfield serves as the synthesis of a comprehensive process that included an array of technical activities initiated in January 2025.
Each of these technical activities , which were required elements in accordance with the CPRG Program, are described further in Table 1.1 below, including where each element can be found within the plan.
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CHAPTER ONE | INTRODUCTION
City of Bakersfield
Table 1. 1 Required C limate Pollution Reduction Grants Program Elements Included in SOAR Bakersfield Element Description Where Can it be Found?
Interagency and
Intergovernmental Coordination
The City collaborated and coordinated with various intergovernmental agencies , utility providers, and internal City departments and divisions during the development of SOAR Bakersfield through organized stakeholder meetings and ad hoc meetings and communications.
Summary in Chapter 1, with details
available in Appendix A
Public and Stakeholder
Engagement
The City involved various stakeholder groups and the general public in the creation and refinement of SOAR Bakersfield. The City hosted three public workshops, in both virtual and in-person formats, and organized meetings with various CBOs, community leaders, and stakeholder groups.
Summary in Chapter 1, with details
available in Appendix A
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Inventory
The City developed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the year 2022, which included all major emissions sources within the Bakersfield geographic boundary following the ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability’s U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions . This includes accounting of greenhouse gas emissions from the following sources of emissions: industry, electricity generation and use, transportation, commercial and residential buildings, agriculture, natural and working lands, and waste and materials management.
Greenhouse gas emissions inventories were also completed for all incorporated cities of Kern County and unincorporated Kern County.
1. Bakersfield inventory: summary in
Chapter 2, with details available in
Appendix C
2. Carbon storage in natural and
working lands: summary in Chapter 2,
with details available in Appendix D
3. Incorporated cities of Kern County
and unincorporated Kern County:
details available in Appendix E
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Projections
The City developed near and long -term greenhouse gas emissions projections for Bakersfield for the years 2030, 2040, and 2045, based on population and economic growth indicators. The projections include 1) a “business-as-usual” scenario, where no future action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; 2) a “legislative -adjusted business-as-usual” scenario, where the effects of s tate and federal regulations are considered; 3) and an “implementation” scenario, where the full implementation of projects and goals considered in SOAR Bakersfield are evaluated , in addition to s tate and federal regulations. Greenhouse gas emissions projections were also completed for all incorporated cities of Kern County and unincorporated Kern County.
1. Business-as-usual and legislative-
adjusted business-as-usual scenarios:
summary in Chapter 2, with details
available in Appendix C
2. Implementation scenario: summary
in Chapter 4 with details available in
Appendix I
3. Incorporated cities of Kern County
and unincorporated Kern County:
details available in Appendix E
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CHAPTER ONE | INTRODUCTION
C
ity of Bakersfield
Element Description Where Can it be Found?
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Targets
The City has identified greenhouse gas reduction targets that could be achieved with full implementation of SOAR Bakersfield and the implementation of California’s climate strategy under the California Air Resources Board ’s 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality.
Summary in Chapter 4 with details
available in Appendix C and Appendix I
Quantified Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Measures
The City has identified a suite of measures addressing the main greenhouse gas emissions sectors identified in the greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Measures that have sufficient detail available at the time of development of SOAR Bakersfield include a calculated greenhouse gas reduction potential for implementation of the associated project or program. Where measures were sufficiently defined, the City has identified implementation details.
Summary in Chapter 4, with details
available in Appendix I
Benefits Analysis
The City has quantitatively assessed the air pollutant reductions associated with the suite of measures included in SOAR Bakersfield, and has qualitatively assessed the additional community benefits that would result from implementation of SOAR Bakersfield .
Summary in Chapter 4, with details
available in Appendix F
Review of Authority to Implement
The measures included in SOAR Bakersfield have been reviewed for the City’s existing authority to implement the associated program s and projects. Measures that require authority from other jurisdictional or regulatory agencies have been identified, with an approximate schedule of milestones.
Summary in Chapter 5, with details
available in Appendix H
Intersection with Other Funding The City has identified existing funding programs that could support the implementation of measures included in SOAR Bakersfield.
Summary in Chapter 5, with details
available in Appendix K
Workforce Planning Analysis
The City has conducted an analysis of the potential workforce shortages that could occur with implementation of SOAR Bakersfield and solutions for addressing these shortages. This includes a review of regional workforce trends, key occupations and the associated skills need for a sustainable and resilient economic transition, and existing regional initiatives and partnerships that can support workforce development.
Summary in Chapter 5, with details
available in Appendix J
CHAPTER 2
Background
2. BACKGROUND
Effectively reducing climate pollution and other co-pollutants begins with a clear understanding of current conditions and the challenges they present (Figure 2.1), along with how those conditions are projected to change in the future. As such, this chapter begins with an overview of climate and air pollution in Section 2.1, which includes Bakersfield’s climate pollution inventories and forecasts, along with Kern County’s regional air pollution inventories and forecasts. This is followed by a discussion of both climate and air pollution impacts in Sections 2.2 and 2.3, respectively. Lastly, Section 2.4 focuses on frontline communities in Bakersfield, which often face higher pollution exposure and greater sensitivity to climate and pollution related risks. By exploring where environmental burdens and social vulnerabilities overlap, this section provides a foundation for prioritizing investments and approaches that promote both environmental and social equity.
Figure 2.1 Where Does Climate and Air Pollution Come From?
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
2.1 AIR AND CLIMATE POLLUTION OVERVIEW
For the purposes of SOAR Bakersfield , climate pollution refers to greenhouse gases (GHGs), which are heat-trapping gases that consist mainly of water vapor, carbon dioxide ( CO2), methane ( CH4) and nitrous oxide ( N2O). The presence of climate pollution in the atmosphere is the main driver of global climatic change. Air pollution includes both criteria air pollutants and hazardous air pollutants .
Criteria air pollutants refer to the six common air pollutants that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) regulates under the Clean Air Act . These include particulate matter (coarse and fine) , carbon monoxide, sulfur di oxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), lead, and ozone (EPA 2025a). Criteria air pollutants are harmful to public health and welfare, and the standards are set to be protective of the most sensitive populations. Hazardous air pollutants , on the other hand, are toxic pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as reproductive, neurological, or developmental disorders (EPA 2024a).
Climate and air pollution are distinct in their effects and the risks they pose to public health and the environment . They often stem from many of the same sources and activities , as depicted in the examples shown in Figure 2.1 above, with some exceptions . These sources and activities can generally be grouped into sectors, which are encompassed in the following high-level categories:
● Transportation and Off-road Equipment: This includes emissions from passenger vehicles, trucks, and other on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment, such as those used for landscaping and construction. ● Building Energy: This includes emissions associated with electricity and natural gas use in residential, commercial, and municipal buildings, along with energy used for various services, such as water and wastewater.
● Waste and Water Supply : This includes emissions from landfills, emissions from wastewater treatment processes, and emissions from energy used to deliver and treat imported water.
● Natural Systems and Agriculture : This includes emissions associated with fertilizer and pesticide use for agriculture, along with carbon storage losses from natural and working lands.
Understanding the origin, scale, and distribution of climate and air pollution is critical for effectively reducing emissions. As such, the City has prepared comprehensive inventories for both climate and air pollution in accordance with the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRG Program) guidance and requirements. These inventories establish a baseline for local emissions across all applicable sectors, including transportation, building energy, agriculture, off-road equipment, waste, and water supply.
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
The climate pollution inventory presented in this chapter is specific to Bakersfield and uses 2022 as its baseline year, while the air pollution inventory encompasses the entirety of Kern County and uses 2020 as its baseline year . While the City can only substantially influence sources of climate and air pollution within its own boundaries, regional air pollution can directly affect Bakersfield residents, which is why the air pollution inventory was assessed at the county level. F ull technical details and methodologies used for developing these inventories can be found in
Appendices C and D. Further, climate pollution inventories for all incorporated cities and the unincorporated areas of Kern County w ere prepared in accordance with CPRG Program
requirements. These are included in Appendix E.
Climate Pollution Inventory
Bakersfield’s climate pollut ion inventory provides a snapshot of emissions for the year 2022 and serves as the foundation f or understanding where climate pollution originates and where the City has the greatest opportunity to make meaningful reductions. T he inventory, as shown in Table 2.1 and Figure 2.2 , includes emissions from sectors that the City can substantially influence through local projects, programs, and policies. Out of these sectors, transportation is the largest contributor to climate pollution in Bakersfield, accounting for approxim ately 66 percent of total emissions. Building energy, which includes both natural gas and electricity consumption at homes, businesses, and government facilities, is the second largest contributor with about 18 percent of total emissions . The other four sectors (i.e., waste, off-road equipment, agriculture, and water supply) collectively account for the remaining 15 percent of emissions, with each sector playing a distinct role in the city’s overall climate pollution emissions profile.
Table 2.1 Climate Pollution Inventory, City of Bakersfield (2022) Sector Climate Pollution Emissions
(MTCO 2e/year)
Percent of
Total
Transportation 1,754,000 66%
Building Energy 473,000 18%
Waste 268,000 10%
Off-road Equipment 145,000 5%
Agriculture 10,000 <1%
Water Supply 3,000 <1%
Total 2,653,000 100%
Note: MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Figure 2.2 Climate Pollution Inventory, City of Bakersfield (2022)
66%
18%
< 1%
6%
10%
< 1%
Transportation Building Energy Agriculture
Off-road Equipment Waste Water Supply
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Air Pollution Inventory
While the climate pollution inventory focuses on emissions within Bakersfield’s boundaries, the air pollution inventory was assessed at the Kern County level to reflect the regional nature of air pollution. The inventory includes estimates for both criteria air pollutants and hazardous air pollutants emitted from sources relevant to those addressed in the City of Bakersfield climate pollution inventory, for the year 2020.
Figure 2.2 presents criteria and hazardous air pollutant emissions by sector, and as s hown, agriculture, off-road equipment, and transportation are the most significant sectors contributing to this air pollution. However, unlike climate pollution, it is important to understand the scale of individual pollutants emitted from all sources.
Criteria Air Pollutants
Table 2.2 and Figure 2.3 provide an overview of Kern County’s criteria air pollutant emissions for 2020, broken down by individual pollutants.
It should be noted that the criteria air pollutants presented in this table do not exactly match the list of six criteria air pollutants defined earlier.
While carbon monoxide, lead, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide are included, it does not include nitrogen dioxide or ozone directly.
Nitrogen dioxide is considered under a class of pollutants called nitrogen ox ides, or NO
x. A s such, nitrogen dioxide is not included
directly in the air pollution inventory , and is instead captured under nitrogen oxides . Separately, while ozone is classified as a criteria air pollutant by the EPA, it is not directly emitted into the atmosphere. It is a secondary pollutant that is formed through chemical reactions between ozone precursors , like nitrogen oxides a nd volatile organic compounds. Because ozone is not emitted from a specific source, it cannot be inventoried in the same way as other criteria air pollutants ; however, its precursors are included in the inventory.
Table 2.2 encompasses all six o f the criteria air pollutants either directly (i.e., carbon monoxide, lead, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide) or indirectly (i.e., nitrogen dioxide, ozone).
Table 2.2 Criteria Air Pollutant Inventory, Kern County (2020) Pollutant Air Pollution Emissions ( tons/year)
Carbon Monoxide 52,067
Lead 0.34
Nitrogen Oxides 20,247
PM2.5 4,249
PM10 15,192
Sulfur Dioxide 326
Volatile Organic Compounds 67,722
Notes: PM10 = particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers; PM 2.5 = particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers.
Hazardous Air Pollutants
Hazardous air pollutants are a distinct category of air pollutants that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects.
According to the California Air Toxics Assessment (CATA), Kern County’s estimated cancer risk from h azardous air pollutant exposure is approximately 721 cases per million people. Diesel particulate matter is the most significant contributor to this risk, accounting for approximately 89 percent of the total. Other hazardous air pollutants that contribute to cancer risk include benzene, formaldehyde, 1 ,3- butadiene, acetaldehyde, arsenic, perchloroethylene, cadmium, p - dichlorobenzene, hexavalent chromium, and nickel (CARB 2022). 2-5
CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Table 2.3 and Figure 2.3 provide the total annual emissions of the primary hazardous air pollutants identified under CATA, along with their contribution to cancer risk . Figure 2.3 shows the top four pollutants contributing to cancer risk. It is important to note that diesel particulate matter, while not included in this table, is captured under particulate matter in
Table 2.2 above since diesel particulate matter is
a component of fine particulate matter (i.e., PM2.5).
Table 2.3 Hazardous Air Pollutant Inventory, Kern County (2020) Pollutant
Air Pollution
Emissions
(tons/year)
Contribution to Cancer
Risk from Air
Pollutants
1,3-Butadiene 41.76 3.1%
Formaldehyde 1,373.65 3.1%
Benzene 178.22 2.8%
Acetaldehyde 1,059.82 1.0%
Tetrachloroethylene 2.73 0.3%
Arsenic 0.069 0.2%
Cadmium 0.015 0.2%
p-Dichlorobenzene 0.18 0.1%
Nickel 1.29 0.1%
Hexavalent Chromium 0.0024 0.02%
Lead 0.34 0.01%
2-6
CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Figure 2.3 Criteria Air Pollutant and Hazardous Air Pollutant Inventories (2020) 0 10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Tons per Year
Criteria Air Pollutants
Agriculture Building Energy Off-road Equipment Transportation Waste 0 200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,3-Butadiene Acetaldehyde Benzene Formaldehyde
Tons per Year
Hazardous Air Pollutants
Agriculture Building Energy Off-road Equipment Transportation Waste 2-7
CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Carbon Storage in Natural and Working Lands
While much of the focus in this section is on emissions that contribute to climate and air pollution, it is also important to consider the role of natural and working lands in removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. Natural lands refer to undeveloped areas, such as wetlands, grasslands, shrublands , while working lands are actively managed for economic purposes, such as croplands and
orchards/vineyards. Together, when healthy and sustainably managed, these landscapes can act as carbon “sinks,” or systems that absorb more carbon than they emit. Generally, the amount of carbon stored in a given area is known as carbon stock, which when applied to natural and working lands, includes both above -ground biomass (e.g., trees, shrubs, crops) and below -ground components (e.g., roots, soils).
Natural and working lands can be a useful tool to help offset emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate pollution. However, when degraded (e.g., due to drought, wildfire, land conversion , or poor land management), these lands can become carbon sources, releasing stored carbon stock back into the atmosphere and exacerbating climate pollution.
In Bakersfield, natural and working lands, including urban green spaces, contribute meaningfully to local carbon storage. Table 2.4 provides a snapshot of the estimated carbon stock across various land cover types within the city for the year 2022, while
Figure 2. 4 d emonstrates
where these various land cover types are. The carbon stock inventory helps highlight the importance of preserving and enhancing these landscapes as part of SOAR Bakersfield’s goal of meaningfully reducing climate pollution and promoting long-term sustainability and resilience. Full results and technical details of the development of a countywide carbon stocks analysis are available in
Appendix D.
Table 2.4 Carbon Stocks by Land Cover , City of Bakersfield (2022) Land Cover Type Acreage Carbon Stored (MT C)
Barren 159 1,367
Cropland 18,800 154,866
Desert 1,871 16,547
Grassland 12,313 88,117
Orchards/Vineyards 5,757 94,422
Other 972 5,925
Shrubland 6 78
Urban 54,052 263,277
Water 730 4,890
Wetland 2,526 57,412
Total 97,186 686,901
Notes: MT C = metric tons of carbon.
2-8
CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Figure 2.4 City of Bakersfield Land Cover Map
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
City and Regional Growth
As both the city and Kern County continue to grow, future development, population increases, and economic activity are expected to place greater demands on infrastructure, services, and resources. This projected growth has important implications for both climate and air pollution, which are likely to increase over time if mitigation efforts are not pursued . Understanding the relationship between growth and emissions trends (for both air and climate pollution) is critical for effective planning. These projections underscore the urgent need for meaningful action that reduces emissions and ensures sustainable growth.
Bakersfield and Climate Pollution
At the city level, Bakersfield is projected to experience substantial growth in population and employment, as shown in
Table 2.5.
This projected growth will drive further demand and emissions across most climate pollution sectors , assum ing everything continues “business-as-usual” (BAU). The BAU scenario describes how climate pollution emissions will change in the future assuming no further efforts to reduce emissions are made. However, there are legislative and regulatory actions that are being taken at the regional, state, and federal levels, and these actions are anticipated to reduce climate pollution to some degree. This is known as the “legislative-adjusted” scenario. After accounting for these actions, there is still a projected overall growth in climate pollution emissions within the city. Both scenarios are displayed in Figure 2.5 and Table 2.5 below, where the BAU scenario is indicated by the dashed line and displays total climate pollution emissions, while the legislative- adjusted scenario is shown by the aggregate of the colored wedges that each represent a different emissions sector.
Figure 2.5 City of Bakersfield Climate Pollut ion Projections
2022 2030 2035 2040 2045
0 1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide
Equivalent per Year
Year
Legislative Impact
Water Supply
Agriculture
Off-road Equipment
Waste
Building Energy
Transportation
Business-as-Usual Emissions
Legislative-Adjusted
Emissions
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Table 2.5 City of Bakersfield Growth and Climate Pollution Projections, 2022 through 2045 Indicator 2022 2030 2040 2045
Population and Employment Growth
Population 404,321 533,907 695,889 776,880
Employment 141,512 176,058 219,241 240,833
Climate Pollution Emissions Projections Summary (MTCO2e/year) Business-as-Usual Scenario Total Emissions 2,653,000 3,226,000 3,899,000 4,210,000 Reductions from Legislation N/A 391,000 749,000 806,000 Legislative-Adjusted Scenario Total Emissions 2,653,000 2,835,000 3,150,000 3,404,000 Legislative-Adjusted Climate Pollution Emissions Scenario Detail (MTCO2e/year) Transportation 1,754,000 1,767,000 1,886,000 2,029,000
Building Energy 473,000 528,000 579,000 610,000
Waste 268,000 349,000 450,000 500,000
Off-road Equipment 145,000 178,000 225,000 255,000
Agriculture 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
Water Supply 3,000 3,000 500 0
Note: MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent .
Kern County and Air Pollution
Regionally, Kern County is also expected to see notable growth in population and employment, which is projected to result in growing levels of air pollution if no mitigation actions are taken. Table 2.6 presents these countywide growth projections and the forecasted increase in criteria and hazardous air pollutants. Only the top four hazardous air pollutants contributing to cancer risk are included, and all other pollutant emissions are expected to generally increase at the same rate. Full technical details and methodologies used for developing these forecasts can be found in Appendices C and F. 2-11
CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Table 2.6 Kern County Growth and Air Pollution Projections, 2020 through 2045 Indicator 2020 2030 2040 2045
Population and Employment Growth
Population 906,883 949,134 994,167 1,007,627
Employment 358,961 369,427 399,432 414,652
Criteria Air Pollutant Projections (tons/year)
Carbon Monoxide 52,067 55,400 58,552 59,757
Lead 0.34 0.37 0.38 0.39
Nitrogen Oxides 20,247 21,543 22,769 23,237
PM2.5 4,249 4,521 4,778 4,876
PM10 15,192 16,164 17,084 17,435
Sulfur Dioxide 326 347 367 375
Volatile Organic Compounds 67,722 72,057 76,158 77,725
Hazardous Air Pollutant Projections (tons/year)
1,3-Butadiene 41.76 31.80 33.61 34.30
Formaldehyde 1,373.65 1,344.41 1,420.91 1,450.16
Benzene 158.68 178.45 182.12 168.84
Acetaldehyde 986.16 1,049.28 1,108.99 1,131.81
Notes: PM10 = particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers; PM 2.5 = particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers. 2-12
CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
2.2 CLIMATE POLLUTION IMPACTS
Climate Stressors and Hazards
Climate pollution directly influences the presence, variability, and severity of climate stressors and climate hazards . Locally, relevant climate stressors include rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns.
Likewise, climate hazards that are relevant to Bakersfield include extreme heat, extreme precipitation and flooding, drought, and wildfire. Historic conditions and future projections for all climate stressors and climate hazards relevant to Bakersfield are summarized in Figure 2.6 below and in Tables 2.7 through 2.10. This data presents and expands upon the data included in Appendix G.
Figure 2.6 Bakersfield Changes in Temperature, Extreme Heat, and Precipitation through Late -Century
Source: CEC 2025a, 2025b ; figure developed by Ascent in 2025. • Climate Stressors : Underlying changes in Earth’s climate system that can affect the occurrence, frequency, intensity, and/or duration of climate hazards.
• Climate Hazards: Acute or chronic physical events or trends that are directly influenced by climate stressors (among other factors) and pose potential threats to human, ecological, or built systems. Generally, climate hazards are not necessarily “new” hazards, but rather existing hazards that are worsened or exacerbated in some way by climate stressors.
• Climate Impacts : Consequences of climate stressors and/or climate hazards on human, ecological, or built systems.
Climate impacts are intrinsically wide -ranging, and they encompass consequences related to public health and safety, energy demand and reliability, emergency r esponse, public health, recreation, agriculture, the economy, the
environment, transportation, and more.
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
When it comes to temperature and extreme heat, both are expected to increase significantly through the end of the century. Regarding precipitation and extreme precipitation, there are projected to be minimal fluctuations across all indicators through the end of the century, though the frequency, intensity, and duration of precipitation events could vary greatly on a year -to-year basis. Precipitation patterns in California generally oscillate between extremely dry and wet periods, and in the next several dec ades, dry years are likely to become even drier, while wet years will likely become even wetter with increased frequency ( OPR, CEC, and CNRA 2018 ). This claim is further substantiated by future drought projections within the city, which, by various indicators, is expected to be more of a challenge in future years. Lastly, wildfire risk across the San Joaquin Valley region (and California as a whole) is being worsened by climate change, and as such, will continue to present both direct and indirect challenges in Bakersfield, especially when it comes to wildfire smoke-related issues.
Climate Impacts
Collectively, climate stressors and climate hazards, which are driven by the presence of climate pollution in the atmosphere, can result in an array of adverse climate impacts. A snapshot of the various types of climate impacts, coupled with local climate stressors and climate hazards, are displayed visually in Figure 2.7. Some of the most notable climate impacts are discussed further below , with further details presented in Appendix G.
Impacts on People and Public Health
Climate change will affect all Bakersfield residents in some capacity, but certain population groups are more vulnerable than other s. Rising temperatures and extreme heat can lead to serious heat- related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly among outdoor workers (e.g., agricultural workers), those without access to air conditioning or cooling centers , and socially or linguistically isolated people and communities , who may not be able to receive timely public health information. Extreme precipitation and flooding pose another public health threat, especially for residents who live in floodplains near the Kern River and in southeastern Bakersfield . Floodwaters may cause direct injury, spread pollutants and hazardous materials, trigger mold and mildew in buildings, and increase the risk of vector -borne diseases from stagnant flood pools. Additionally, Bakersfield already experiences some of the worst air quality in the country (as described further in Section 2.3 ), and this may be worsened with future shifts in drought and wildfire activity, especially when coupled with wildfire smoke.
Impacts on Buildings and Infrastructure
Bakersfield’s built environment, which includes residential and commercial buildings, critical facilities, roads, utilities, and communication networks, is increasingly vulnerable to climate stressors and hazards. Extreme heat can damage paved roads, railways, and bridges, strain cooling systems, and increase the likelihood of power outages , especially during peak demand (e.g., during the summer). These outages pose serious risks to hospitals, emergency services, and those reliant on electricity for cooling and medical equipment needs. Flooding from extreme precipitation events can inundate homes and businesses, disrupt transportation routes (e.g., State Route 99) , damage water and sewer systems, and impair emergency response access. Wildfire risk will continue to be prominent outside of the city’s urban core and throughout the San Joaquin Valley region, threatening energy infrastructure, water delivery systems, and public health (via smoke).
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Impacts on Services and Community Functions
Climate impacts extend to essential community services and functions that are vital to daily life in the city. Energy systems may experience rising demand from extreme heat events, which may result in increased operational costs, service disruptions, and public safety risks. Other vital systems, like wastewater and communication systems, may be strained or disrupted during a flooding event. Access to emergency services, food supplies, healthcare, and cooling centers could be impaired during various types of climate hazard events, disproportionately affecting those already experiencing social or economic hardship. Extreme heat, especially within the urban core of Bakersfield, can degrade community livability in areas lacking trees and shade, and additionally, it can reduce outdoor recreation opportunities.
Impacts on Agriculture and Water Supply
Agriculture in and around Bakersfield is central to the regional economy and is expected to be significantly impacted by increasing temperatures, prolonged drought periods, and more volatile precipitation. Crop yields may decline due to reduced pollination, increased water stress, and extreme heat-related damage. Water demands for irrigation are expected to rise at the same time as the region’s water supplies face growing uncertainty and potential long - term decline, as the city is largely dependent on groun dwater and snowmelt runoff from the surrounding mountains. These challenges could result in higher food prices, decreased agricultural profitability, and more stringent and frequent water restrictions.
Impacts on the Environment
Bakersfield’s natural eco systems, including the Kern River corridor, nearby foothills and rangelands, and various open space areas, face growing pressures from all climate stressors and hazards. These pressures threaten the health and function of local habitats that support native species, help regulate water quality, and contribute to the region’s ecological and recreational value. For example, drought conditions may diminish local stream flows, affecting aquatic and riparian species that rely on consistent water sources. Additionally, the increased risk of wildfire across the region poses both direct and indirect ecological threats, such as degraded air and water quality from smoke, ash, and the release of toxins into nearby rivers and groundwater systems. Further, climate hazards and stressors broadly pose risks to ecological connectivity and biodiversity, especially in areas already constrained by development, agriculture, and transportation infrastructure. Habitat fragmentation reduces the ability of species to migrate in response to changing conditions, limiting their natural resilience. 2-15
CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Table 2.7 Bakersfield Temperature and Extreme Heat Projections and Change from Historic al Timescale Indicator Historic al
(1961 -1990)
Mid-Century
(2035 -2064)
Late-Century (2070 -2099)
Medium Climate Pollution
Scenario 1
High Climate Pollution
Scenario 2
Average Annual Maximum Temperature (°F) 78.4 82.9 (+4.5) 83.2 (+4.8) 86.2 (+7.8) Average Annual Minimum Temperature (°F) 53.7 57.3 (+3.6) 57.5 (+3.8) 60.8 (+7.1) Average Annual Number of Extreme Heat Days 4 24 (+20) 25 (+21) 47 (+43) Average Annual Number of Heat Waves 0 4 (+4) 4 (+4) 8 (+8) Maximum Extreme Heat Duration (days) 2 9 (+7) 8 (+6) 18 (+16) Notes: All data displayed in this table is sourced from Cal -Adapt and is presented in accordance with guidance and recommendations from the California Adaptation Planning Guide. / °F = degrees Fahrenheit .
1 Projections under the “Medium Climate Pollution Scenario” show Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5, a mitigation scenario where climate pollution peaks by 2040 and then declines.
2 Projections under the “High Climate Pollution Scenario” show Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, a no -mitigation scenario where global climate pollution continues to rise throughout the 21st century. This scenario is also used for Mid-Century timescale projections, as recommended by the California Adaptation Planning Guide.
Source: CEC 2025 a, 2025b .
An extreme heat day is defined as a day where the maximum temperature exceeds the 98 th percentile of historical daily maximum temperatures for a particular location, which is computed using observed data from 1961 to 1990 between the months of April and October . Extreme heat thresholds are unique to a location, and for Bakersfield, this threshold is 106.6 °F. Separately, a heat wave is defined as a period of four or more consecutive extreme heat days.
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Table 2.8 Bakersfield Precipitation and Extreme Precipitation Projections and Change from Historic al Timescale Indicator Historic al
(1961 -1990)
Mid-Century
(2035 -2064)
Late-Century (2070 -2099)
Medium Climate
Pollution Scenario 1
High Climate
Pollution Scenario 2
Average Annual Precipitation (inches) 6.9 6.7 (-0.2) 6.7 (-0.2) 7.2 (+0.3) Average Annual Number of Extreme Precipitation Events 1.6 1.4 (-0.2) 1.4 (-0.2) 1.9 (+0.3) Extreme Precipitation Intensity, 5-Year Event (inches) 1.3 1.2 (-0.1) 1.2 (-0.1) 1.3 (±0.0) Extreme Precipitation Intensity, 20-Year Event (inches) 1.7 1.4 (-0.3) 1.7 (±0.0) 1.8 (+0.1) Extreme Precipitation Intensity, 100-Year Event (inches) 2.3 1.6 (-0.7) 2.3 (±0.0) 2.3 (±0.0) Notes: All data displayed in this table is sourced from Cal-Adapt and is presented in accordance with guidance and recommendations from the California Adaptation Planning Guide . 1 Projections under the “Medium Climate Pollution Scenario” show Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5, a mitigation scenario where climate pollution peaks by 2040 and then declines.
2 Projections under the “High Climate Pollution Scenario” show Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, a no -mitigation scenario where global climate pollution continues to rise throughout the 21st century. This scenario is also used for Mid -Century timescale projections, as recommended by the California Adaptation Planning Guide.
Source: CEC 2025a, 2025 c.
An extreme precipitation event is defined as successive days in which the two-day precipitation total exceeds the lowest annual maximum precipitation accumulation from the historical timescale (i.e., 1961 -1990). Like extreme heat thresholds, extreme precipitation thresholds are unique to any location. For Bakersfield, this threshold is 0.5 inches of precipitation over a two-day period.
However, a ctual extreme precipitation intensity can differ dramatically from event to event, as estimated by various return periods (e.g., 5-year event, 20-year event, 100-year event). 2-17
CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Table 2.9 Bakersfield Drought Indicator Projections and Change from Historic al Timescale Indicator Historic al
(1961 -1990)
Mid-Century
(2035 -2064)
Late-Century (2070 -2099)
Medium Climate Pollution
Scenario 1
High Climate Pollution
Scenario 2
Maximum Length of Dry Spell3 (days) 141 165 (+24) 164 (+23) 171 (+30) Average Annual Number of Days where KBDI4 > 600 191 237 (+46) 240 (+49) 259 (+68) Notes: All data displayed in this table is sourced from Cal -Adapt and is presented in accordance with guidance and recommendations from the California Adaptation Planning Guide. / KBDI = Keetch -Byram Drought Index.
1 Projections under the “Medium Climate Pollution Scenario” show Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5, a mitigation scenario where climate pollution peaks by 2040 and then declines.
2 Projections under the “High Climate Pollution Scenario” show Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, a no -mitigation scenario where global climate pollution continues to rise throughout the 21st century. This scenario is also used for Mid -Century timescale projections, as recommended by the California Adaptation Planning Guide. 3 A dry spell refers to the maximum number of consecutive days per year where precipitation is less than one millimeter. 4 The KBDI provides an estimate for how dry soil and vegetative detritus are. KBDI values increase on dry and warm days and decrease during rainy periods. A KBDI value of 600 or greater indicates the presence of a severe drought and represents a simplified p roxy for the favorability of occurrence and spread of wildfire (but is not itself a predictor of fire).
Source: CEC 2025 d.
Bakersfield, and California as a whole, have a highly variable climate that is susceptible to prolonged periods of drought .
Recent research suggests that extended drought occurrences (i.e., “mega droughts”) could become more common in future decades. It is a hazard that can produce a complex and interconnected web of impacts (e.g., water restrictions, reduced air and water quality, reduced crop yields) that spans many sectors of the local economy.
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Table 2.10 San Joaquin Valley and California Wildfire Projections and Change from Historical Timescale Geography Indicator Historical
(1961 -1990)
Mid-Century
(2035 -2064)
Late-Century (2070 -2099)
Medium Climate
Pollution Scenario 1
High Climate
Pollution Scenario 2
San Joaquin Valley Average Annual Area Burned3 (hectares) 13,114 13,892 (+778) 13,719 (+605) 13,584 (+470) California Average Annual Area Burned3 (hectares) 171,028 237,909 (+66,881) 241,279 (+70,251) 302,903 (+131,875) Notes: All data displayed in this table is sourced from Cal-Adapt and is presented in accordance with guidance and recommendations from the California Adaptation Planning Guide . 1 Projections under the “Medium Climate Pollution Scenario” show Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5, a mitigation scenario where climate pollution peaks by 2040 and then declines.
2 Projections under the “High Climate Pollution Scenario” show Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, a no -mitigation scenario where global climate pollution continues to rise throughout the 21st century. This scenario is also used for Mid -Century timescale projections, as recommended by the California Adaptation Planning Guide. 3 There are many factors that play into the increasing amounts of area burned by wildfire in addition to climate change, includ ing historic fire suppression regimes and inadequate levels of prescribed burning, among others. However, climate change has led to more favorable conditions for wildfire ignition and spread by contributing to a fire season that starts earlier, runs longer, and features conditions that could result in extreme fire behavior.
Source: CEC 2025e .
Though Bakersfield is primarily urban and suburban with generally dense development, wildfire still poses a risk in the city, both directly and indirectly . There are certain areas within city limits that are characterized as “Moderate” or “High” Fire Hazard Severity Zones , per the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. One of the most significant wildfire impacts that has already been affecting the city is the re sidual smoke and air pollution from nearby fires, which can settle, remain stagn ant, and result in negative human health impacts.
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Figure 2.7 Climate Stressors, Hazards, and Impacts Overview
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
2.3 AIR POLLUTION IMPACTS
Air pollution is not a new issue for Bakersfield , as the city consistently faces some of the worst air quality in the country. According to the American Lung Association’s (ALA’s) State of the Air: 2025 Report , out of over 200 met ropolitan areas across the country, Bakersfield is ranked as having the worst annual partic ulate pollution, the worst 24-hour partic ulate pollution, and third- worst for high ozone days (ALA 2025).
The main factors that influence the city’s historically poor air quality are its geography, coupled with its proximity to major transportation corridors, agricultural operations, industrial activities, and other pollutant sources . The elevation of the mountain ranges, which surround the southern portion of the San Joaquin Valley on three sides, are high enough to impede the dispersion of pollutants from the basin and emphasize the effect of inversion layers , or weather conditions where a layer of warmer air traps cooler air (and pollutants) closer to the ground . On days where weather conditions align , pollutant concentrations increase, creating poor air quality. During the winter months, there are higher concentrations of many criteria and hazardous air pollutants, with tule fog (i.e., thick ground fog specific to California’s Central Valley) amplifying these poor air quality conditions. During the summer and fall months, there is a greater build-up of ozone, which persists due to stagnation of this regional air mass (City of Bakersfield 2002).
Air pollution can result in an array of impacts throughout the city. The list below includes a snapshot of some of the most notable impacts of air pollution, broken down by individual criteria air pollutants , along with hazardous air pollutants more broadly:
● Particulate Matter : Because of the small size of particulat es, particularly fine and ultrafine particulate matter , they can lodge deep into people’s lungs, and some may even enter the
bloodstream. Particulate matter has been linked to a variety of health issues, such as premature death for those with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms. Aside from health issues, particulate matter can also result in the acidification of freshwater bodies (e.g., lakes, streams), the depletion of soil nutrients, adverse effects to biodiversity and ecosystems, damage to agricultural crops, and damage to materials used in buildings and other structures, among others (EPA 2025b). ● Carbon Monoxide : The primary impacts of carbon monoxide are health related. Generally, breathing air with higher concentrations of carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported in the blood stream to critical organs, like the heart and the brain. This can cause dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, or even death, especially in enclosed environments (EPA 2025c). ● Sulfur Dioxide: Short-term exposure to SO 2 can result in respiratory issues and make breathing difficult, especially for people with asthma. Additionally, at high concentrations, SO2 can contribute to acid rain and harm trees and plants by decreasing their growth (EPA 2025d).
● Nitrogen Dioxide: Breathing air with a high concentration of NO2 can irritate airways in the human respiratory system. Such exposures over short periods can aggravate existing respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma), while longer exposures may increase susceptibility to developing respiratory diseases. NO2 can also contribute to acid rain, hazy air, and nutrient pollution (EPA 2025e).
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
● Lead: Once ingested into a person’s body, lead can distribute throughout the bloodstream and accumulate in bones. Depending on exposure levels, lead can adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems, cardiovascular system, and the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.
Lead can also result in environmental effects, such as decreased growth and reproduction in plants and animals (EPA 2025f). ● Ozone: Ozone can result in severe respiratory health effects, especially on hot, sunny days when ozone can reach unhealthy levels. Additi onally, ozone can affect sensitive plants by reducing photosynthesis, slowing growth, and increasing its risk of disease, damage from insects, and harm from severe weather. These effects on individual plants can result in changes to habitat quality, water and nutrient cycles, and biodiversity (EPA 2024b).
● Hazardous Air Pollutants : People ex posed to hazardous air pollutants, such as diesel particulate matter, at high concentrations and/or durations may have an increased chance of getting cancer or experiencing other serious health issues, such as damage to the immune system, as well as neurological, reproductive,
developmental, respiratory, and other health problems. In addition to breathing hazardous air pollutants, some of them (e.g., mercury) can deposit onto soils or surface waters, where they are taken up by plants and ingested by animals, which are eventually magnified up through the food chain (EPA 2025g).
Beyond these specific impacts for criteria and hazardous air pollutants, air pollution generally has high economic and social costs. It negatively affects outdoor recreation, work performance and safety (especially for outdoor workers), livability, and can even drive up energy use and costs as more people stay indoors during poor air quality days. As Bakersfield grows, these air pollution challenges are expected to persist if no mitigation efforts are enacted . To help address the impacts of air pollution, S OAR Bakersfield identifies opportunities to reduce air pollutants at their source in
Chapter 3.
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
2.4 FRONTLINE COMMUNITIES
Climate and air pollution do not affect all communities equally.
Certain communities , often referred to as frontline communities , face disproportionate environmental burdens and social
vulnerabilities that heighten their exposure to pollution -related risks and reduce their capacity to adapt to a changing climate . These communities are shaped by overlapping socioeconomic,
demographic, and environmental factors, and compounded by historical and systemic inequities, such as underinvestment in infrastructure, l imited access to healthcare, and exclusion from decision-making processes. Understanding who and where these communities are is essential for developing and enacting solutions .
The following subsections explore three key dimensions that characterize frontline communities in Bakersfield: (1) population characteristics; (2) pollution burden; and (3) dis proportionate climate impacts.
Population Characteristics
Frontline communities often experience socioeconomic and demographic conditions that increase their sensitivity to climate and air pollution. These conditions can limit access to resources, such as housing, healthcare, and emergency services, making it harder for them to prepare for or recover from pollution -related risks. Some common population characteristics of frontline communities include (but are not limited to):
● Poverty: Households with limited financial resources often lack adaptive capacity in the face of climate and air pollution. ● Linguistic Isolation: Limited English proficiency can hinder access to emergency alerts, health advisories, and public resources , which can be especially detrimental when exposed to climate and air pollution or related impacts.
● Race and Ethnicity: Communities of color are more likely to live in areas with higher pollution exposure and fewer amenities due to historic redlining and land use decisions.
● Age and Disability : Older adults, young children, and individuals with disabilities or pre-existing health conditions are generally more sensitive to climate and air pollution.
● Housing and Mobility: Renters, unhoused individuals, and those without reliable transportation may be especially vulnerable to climate and air pollution impacts.
Figure 2.8 and Figure 2.9 provide a spatial snapshot of two of these population characteristics (i.e., poverty, linguistic isolation) as identified by the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool (CalEnviroScreen 4.0) . It is important to reemphasize that while these snapshots provide useful data, frontline communities are shaped by an array of factors beyond what any single dataset can capture.
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Figure 2.9 Percent of Limited English -Speaking
Households
Linguistic isolation is a term used by the U.S. Census Bureau for limited English-speaking households. Adults who are not able to speak English well often have trouble talking to the people who provide social services and medical care.
Linguistically isolated households may also not hear or understand important information when there are imminent hazards, such as extreme heat or flooding. In Bakersfield, one fifth of all census tracts have at least 15% of households that speak limited English. These census tracts are concentrated near the downtown area and in Southeast Bakersfield.
Source: OEHHA 2023 .
Figure 2.8 Percent of People Living at Poverty
Income Levels
Poverty in California is defined as a household with an annual income less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
Poverty can be an indicator of a lack of access to resources and substandard living conditions that can exacerbate the impacts of climate and air pollution hazards. In Bakersfield, 41% of residents fall under this level, and are considered to have poverty-level household incomes. Census tracts where poverty is the highest are in and surrounding the downtown area and in Southeast Bakersfield. Nearly half of all census tracts have 50% or more of the population below the
poverty line, and eight census tracts have 75% or more of the population below the poverty line.
Source: OEHHA 2023 .
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Pollution Burden
Heightened pollution burden is another characteristic of frontline communities in Bakersfield. These communities often face greater exposure to climate and air pollution due to many factors, notably their proximity to major transportation corridors, industrial facilities, agricultural operations, and other e missions sources. This cumulative exposure and pollution burden can worsen existing health disparities and compound the risks posed by climate stressors and hazards.
Figure
2.10 and Figure 2.11 help to demonstrate the most pollution burdened communities in Bakersfield as identified by CalEnviroScreen 4.0 , which respectively display both diesel particulate matter exposure percentiles and overall pollution burden by census tract.
Disproportionate Climate Impacts
Climate hazards, like extreme heat, affect all Bakersfield residents, but frontline communities often face the greatest risks due to limited adaptive capacity. Frontline communities often have fewer trees, less green space, and older infrastructure, which can amplify the impacts of climate hazards.
For example,
Figure 2.12 and Figure 2.13, which display heat disparity and tree canopy cover in Bakersfield, demonstrate that extreme heat can generally manifest strongly in areas with lower tree canopy cover. Other climate hazards, like extreme precipitation and flooding, can greatly affect communities that have an older housing stock or that are in historically flood-prone areas, especially if these communities lack the financial resources for flood-proofing or recovery. Addressing the inequities of frontline communities, where environmental and social vulnerabilities intersect, is critical to ensuring that targeted interventions can deliver benefits where they are needed most.
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Figure 2.10 Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure -
Statewide Percentile
Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) is a primary air pollutant of concern in Bakersfield. It is considered a hazardous air pollutant, in that it contributes to long -term health impacts and increased risk of cancer. DPM in Bakersfield is largely created from trucks that transport goods along freeways and to industrial and food production facilities .
People along State Routes 99 and 58 see the highest
exposure to DPM, with geographic and atmospheric
conditions exacerbating exposure. A number of census
tracts in Bakersfield have some of the highest DPM
exposure in the state, with seven census tracts being in the 90 th percentile compared to statewide averages.
Source: OEHHA 2023 .
Figure 2.11 Pollution Burden - Statewide Percentile
Pollution Burden refers to the overall exposure of people to various pollutants, including air pollutants, water contamination, household lead, pesticide use, toxic
chemical releases, and hazardous waste. All census tracts in Bakersfield rank among the highest in the State for
exposure to particulate matter and ozone. More than half of census tracts in Bakersfield experience pollution
burdens that are higher than the statewide average, while 11 census tracts are in the 80 th or higher percentile for pollution burden. These census tracts are concentrated
near the downtown area and in Southeast Bakersfield.
Source: OEHHA 2023 .
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CHAPTER TWO | BACKGROUND
City of Bakersfield
Figure 2.12 Heat Disparity
Daytime maximum temperatures of 100 °F or higher are
a regular occurrence in Bakersfield during summer month.
However, these extreme temperatures are experienced
disproportionately across the city due to the built
environment. Areas with lower tree canopy cover and
more dark surfaces, such as parking lots and buildings, can experience temperature up to three degrees higher than
other areas of the city on the same day. This seemingly small difference can significantly impact people, as homes become harder and more expensive to cool, and risks of
heat illness can be exacerbated.
Source: American Forests n.d.
Figure 2.13 Tree Canopy Cover
Urban t rees provide numerous benefits to community
members, including capturing air pollutants and helping to reduce ambient air temperatures. Areas of Bakersfield with higher tree canopy coverage tend to have lower maximum
day-time temperatures. Creating and maintaining a tree
canopy has significant costs for property owners and the City. As such, tree canopy cover can serve as indicator for investment by both public and private entities in specific neighborhoods and areas of the city.
Source: American Forests n.d.
CHAPTER 3
Measures
3. MEASURES
While understanding current conditions, possible
future conditions, and the challenges posed by climate
and air pollution is an important first step, effectively reducing climate and air pollution and promoting long-
term sustainability and resilience ultimately requires
action. This chapter outlines the specific actions the
City and its partners can undertake to advance the
goals of SOAR Bakersfield. These actions, referred to
as measures, are the foundation of successful plan
implementation and represent a mix of projects,
programs, policies, and other efforts that can be
pursued over the next few years and decades.
Section 3.1 provides an overview of the measures that
are presented in this chapter, including the types of
measures that are included, the framework that the
measures are presented under, and the general
structure of the chapter. The remaining sections in the chapter (i.e., Sections 3.2 through 3.8) each represent a distinct category that includes all the measures
developed for SOAR Bakersfield.
3.1 MEASURES OVERVIEW
Measure Types
SOAR Bakersfield is built around a diverse set of
measures, or actionable efforts, that the City and its
partners can implement, support, or explore to advance
the goals of the plan. These measures are the building
blocks of the plan, and range from infrastructure
upgrades and community programs to policy shifts and
other planning initiatives. They are each designed to
deliver meaningful benefits across the city. Importantly, measures are not one-size-fits-all. They vary in scope, readiness, and impacts, and are organized into the three distinct types to reflect these differences:
● Primary Measures : Implementation-ready
measures that emerged as high priority through
extensive community and stakeholder
engagement, technical analysis, and
interdepartmental coordination. These measures
include actionable projects and programs that can
be initiated in the near term (contingent upon
funding availability) and are designed to deliver
direct and measurable benefits for Bakersfield
residents, especially for frontline communities.
● Supportive Measures : Measures that complement
and reinforce the goals of SOAR Bakersfield, but may
require additional planning, development, and/or
coordination to be implemented. Many of these
measures draw from existing local or regional plans
and are intended to help consolidate and connect
relevant efforts under SOAR Bakersfield. While they
may not be immediately actionable, they serve to
guide future investments, project development,
partnerships, and more, ensuring that SOAR
Bakersfield serves as an important resource over time.
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
● Policy Considerations : Although SOAR Bakersfield is not a regulatory or policy-setting document, it identifies a set of policy considerations that can inform future efforts, such as updates to the City’s General Plan. These policy considerations are aligned with the goals of SOAR Bakersfield and help establish a foundation for future policy work related to sustainability, resilience, housing, and transportation, among others.
Additionally, they allow the City to maintain flexibility in the timing and implementation steps of these policy shifts.
Together, these measure types provide a structured, yet adaptable approach to implementation. They recognize that some actions are ready to launch today, while others will evolve and be revisited over time. This approach also ensures that SOAR Bakersfield remains responsive to changing conditions, community needs, and emerging opportunities.
Framework
To help the City and its partners navigate the wide range of measures included in SOAR Bakersfield, they have been organized using a three-tiered organizing framework. This framework, which consists of Categories, Opportunity Areas, and Measures, is designed to clarify the scope of SOAR Bakersfield, along with where action is needed, what types of efforts are included, and how those efforts align with broader goals. It also supports transparency and makes the plan easier to navigate and implement. Each of the three tiers of the framework are described further in the list below:
● Categories: Categories represent the highest level of the organizing framework and reflect broad sectors that shape how Bakersfield functions and where meaningful change can occur as a result of this plan.
● Opportunity Areas: Nested within each category, opportunity areas represent the middle level of the organizing framework and reflect priority topics or key themes where the City, its partners, and the community can take meaningful action in reducing climate and air pollution and ultimately promote long-term sustainability and resilience.
● Measures: The most specific level of the organizing framework, measures are the actionable projects, programs, policies, and other identified efforts that the City can implement, support, or explore further to ultimately enact and make progress towards the goals of SOAR Bakersfield.
Figure 3.1 illustrates this organizing framework, with categories at the top, opportunity areas in the middle, and measures forming the base.
Additionally, Table 3.1 summarizes the seven categories and 19 opportunity areas in which all measures are organized, including the two- or three-letter abbreviations associated with each opportunity area. This framework ensures that each measure is grounded in a broader context and contributes to a cohesive, citywide strategy. 3-3
CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Figure 3.1 Measures Framework
Table 3.1 Summary of Categories and Opportunity Areas
Category Associated Opportunity Area s + Abbreviations Energy Building Energy Efficiency (BE), Renewable Energy (RE) Transportation and Land Use Freight and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (FH), Alternative Fuels for Passenger Vehicles (AF), Agricultural and Off-Road Equipment (AO), Land Use (LU), Transportation Demand Management (TDM), Transit Improvements (TI), High-Speed Rail Station Connections (HSR), Walkability and Bicycle Networks (WB)
Water and Wastewater Water Efficiency and Supply (WE), Wastewater Treatment and Water Distribution (WT) Solid Waste Organic Waste Diversion (OW), Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Reuse (WR) Nature -Based Solutions Kern River (KR), Working Lands (WL), Urban Greening (UG) Industry and Innovation Green Industries (GI)
Adaptation Extreme Heat, Wildfire, and Flooding (EHW)
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Chapter Structure
The measures presented in this chapter are organized by category, where each section throughout the remainder of this chapter represents one of the seven categories (i.e., Sections 3.2 through
3.8). Each section contains a brief overview of that category followed by a table that includes all measures developed for that category.
Each table includes the following columns:
● Measure ID: A unique identifier for each meas ure that contains three components. The first component of the identifier represents the opportunity area associated with the measure, which is denoted by a two- or three-letter abbreviation first identified in
Table 3.1. The second component represents the
measure type, which is either denoted with a “P” for primary measures, an “S” for a supportive measure, and a “C” for a policy consideration. The third component is a sequential number . See Figure 3.2 for details on how to read a Measure ID.
● Measure Description: A detailed description of the measure.
Typically, primary measures contain more detail and specifics than supportive measures and policy considerations.
● Measure Source: Indicates where the measure originated, whether it has been sourced and/or modified from an existing plan ; is a continuation or expansion of an existing City program; or whether it is new and has been informed by community input , City department priorities, or developed to further advance resilience and sustainability beyond existing measures.
● Sustainability and Resilience Benefits: Highlights the more specific benefits that each measure would be expected to deliver upon successful implementation. These benefits are detailed further in Chapter 4.
● Direct Frontline Community Benefits: Identifies whether the measure directly supports frontline communities or not .
Figure 3.2 How to Read a Measure ID
BE-P-1
Opportunity Area
Measure Type
Sequential Number
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
3.2 ENERGY
Energy is a central component of daily life in Bakersfield. It powers the systems and spaces that residents rely on every day, from keeping homes cool in the summer to effectively running businesses, schools, and public services. Because energy use is so deeply embedded in how the city operates, it also presents one of the most significant areas where improvements can deliver widespread benefits, including lower utility costs, more comfortable living environments, and greater reliability during extreme conditions. As such, this category brings together measures that reflect a citywide effort to improve how energy is used and generated, notably through two identified opportunity areas:
Building Energy Efficiency (BE); and Renewable Energy (RE).
Building energy efficiency focuses on reducing energy waste and improving energy performance throughout the city’s building stock, while renewable energy aims to expand access to clean, continuous, locally generated power. Supporting building energy efficiency and renewable energy through direct installations, education and outreach, policy shifts, and more will deliver lasting benefits throughout the city, especially for frontline commu nities.
Table 3.2
below includes all Energy measures that were developed for this plan , including where the measure was sourced from, and additionally, it identifies relevant sustainability and resilience benefits and whether the measure directly supports benefits for frontline communities.
Table 3.2 Energy Measures
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
Primary Measures
BE-P-1
Continued and Expanded Low -Income Energy Efficiency Program In partnership with Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), GRID Alternatives, and Kern Community College District, the City secured funding through the Transformative Climate Communities Round 5 grant opportunity to implement a Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program. The program offers no-cost energy audits and completion of limited weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households in Southeast Bakersfield. The City will seek to use this initial effort as a baseline and continue and expand this program as additional funding is available.
Transformative
Climate
Communities Plan
• Cost Savings
• Extreme Heat Protection
• Community
Empowerment
• Inclusive Access
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
RE-P-1
Continue and Expand Solar Installations at Residences
The City is currently partnering with GRID Alternatives, a nationwide non-profit organization, and Kern Community College District through the Transformative Climate Communities implementation program to provide low-income homeowners in Southeast Bakersfield access to affordable solar energy. The program is currently active and anticipates providing solar photovoltaic generating systems to 75 homeowners. The City will seek to continue and expand this program as funding becomes available.
Transformative
Climate
Communities Plan
• Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Community
Empowerment
• Inclusive Access
Supportive Measures
BE-S-1
City Buildings and Facilities Energy Efficiency Plan
Develop a plan for improving energy efficiency across all City buildings and facilities. The plan should be based on energy audits, and include recommendations for near-term improvements, replacements schedules and equipment types for aging equipment, and opportunities for integrating renewable energy and battery storage. Upfront costs, energy bill costs/savings, and funding/financing strategies should also be included.
New • Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
BE-S-2
Energy Efficiency Education and Assistance
Create a program to deliver information and technical assistance for accessing low-cost energy efficiency upgrades and available rebates, incentives, and grant programs.
Education and information should be shared in accessible formats that are sensitive to various cultures, languages, education levels, and digital access. Partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs) should be leveraged in development and sharing of educational materials and information. The program should also consider providing either technical assistance for accessing financial incentives or simplifying the application process to reduce procedural barriers.
New
• Cost Savings
• Community
Empowerment
• Inclusive Access
BE-S-3
Affordable Housing Energy Efficiency
In partnership with the Housing Authority of the County of Kern, identify and assess priority affordable housing sites in Bakersfield for energy efficiency, electrification, and backup power generation measures.
New
• Cost Savings
• Extreme Heat Protection
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Inclusive Access
BE-S-4
Heat Pump Direct Installation Program
Create a program for the direct installation of heat pump HVAC equipment for low- income households, prioritizing housing units that do not have air conditioning.
New
• Cost Savings
• Extreme Heat Protection
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Inclusive Access
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
BE-S-5
Citywide Building Upgrade Strategy
Develop a comprehensive citywide building upgrade strategy that identifies the needs and considerations for improving energy efficiency in all residential and nonresidential buildings in Bakersfield. The strategy should identify the cost and constraints for completing energy efficiency upgrades across different building vintages and types that exist in Bakersfield, as well as programs and projects that can leverage economies of scale for reducing citywide energy consumption and costs.
New • Cost Savings
RE-S-1
Solar at City Facilities
The City currently has five sites with shovel-ready designs to expand solar production.
These projects include:
• Mechanics Bank Arena,
• Mt. Vernon Recycling and Composting Facility,
• Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 3,
• the Bakersfield Ice Center, and
• Water Resources Solar Project.
Continuation of
existing program
• Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
RE-S-2
Microgrids at Critical Facilities
Conduct a review of all critical facilities (e.g., City Hall, hospitals and medical facilities, fire stations, libraries, schools) to ensure they have onsite backup power with priority given to facilities in areas vulnerable to climate hazards and those that serve vulnerable populations. Install renewable microgrids or battery backup power at critical facilities, where feasible.
New • Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
RE-S-3
Battery Storage Incentive
Develop a financial incentive for the replacement of diesel- and natural gas-fueled backup generators with solar and battery storage.
New • Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
RE-S-4
Solar Canopy Incentives
Identify and create an incentive program to encourage the installation of solar canopies at new and existing commercial parking lots, such as through streamlined or expedited permitting.
New • Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
RE-S-5
Renewable Energy and Battery Storage at Existing Buildings Conduct a study to evaluate opportunities for integrating battery storage readiness in existing homes and businesses at the time of retrofit and/or in conjunction with renewable energy generation installations. Consider revising the zoning code and other relevant City policies to eliminate local regulatory barriers to installation of distributed renewable energy systems, such as wind and solar.
New • Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
Policy Considerations
BE-C-1
Energy Efficiency Retrofit Requirements for Commercial Buildings Consider development of energy-efficiency retrofit requirements for commercial buildings at the time of building retrofit/renovation or equipment replacement.
Conduct a survey of existing commercial buildings to understand the need for electrical service upgrades during major retrofits.
New • Cost Savings
BE-C-2
Green Building Program
Create a Green Building Program within the City’s Building Division to expedite building permitting and provide additional incentives (such as reduction in permitting fees) for retrofits and new development that exceed minimum CALGreen standards or meet other sustainability certification standards such as LEED.
New • Cost Savings
RE-C-1
Microgrids at Warehousing Facilities
Consider a policy that requires new warehousing facilities to install solar-powered microgrids to reduce the use of diesel generators for backup/supplemental power sources.
New
• Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Enhanced Public Health
RE-C-2
Solar Canopies at New Parking Facilities
Consider a policy that requires new parking facilities to include solar canopies or raceways for future installations of solar panels.
New • Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
RE-C-3
Solar Pool Heaters
Consider a policy that requires the installation of solar heaters for all new swimming pools and incentivizes replacing existing swimming pool heaters with solar versions.
New • Cost Savings
Notes: CALGreen = California Green Building Standards; FC = frontline community ; LEED = U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification program .
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
3.3 TRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE
How people move through Bakersfield, and where they live, work , and connect along the way, are reflective of local transportation and land use decisions that have been enacted over decades.
Transportation represents how residents get to work, school, and other destinations, while land use decisions influence where housing, jobs, and services are located and how accessible they are through various transit modes. The movement of freight is also critical to Bakersfield’s economy, but emissions from diesel trucks create additional pollution hazards. In Bakersfield, these are especially important given the city’s size, growth patterns, historic reliance on personal vehicles, and geography as a transportation and logistics center, where smart changes can play a defining role in improving mobility, air quality, affordability, and quality of life.
SOAR Bakersfield approaches transportation and land use as interconnected levers for change. The measures in this category are organized under eight distinct opportunity areas:
Freight and Heavy-
Duty Vehicles (FH); Alternative Fuels for Passenger Vehicles (AF); Agricultural and Off-Road Equipment (AO); Land Use (LU); Transportation Demand Management (TDM) ; Transit
Improvements (TI); High-Speed Rail Station Connections (HSR); and Walkability and Bicycle Networks (WB). At their core, these measures are about giving people safer, cleaner, and more affordable ways of getting where they need to go and ensuring that the places they travel to are vibrant and connected. Table 3.3 below includes all Transportation and Land Use measures that were developed for this plan, including where the measure was sourced from, and additionally, it identifies relevant sustainability and resilience benefits and whether the measure directly supports benefits for frontline communities.
Table 3. 3 Transportation and Land Use Measures
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
Primary Measures
FH-P-1
California Inland Por t
In partnership with Kern COG and other local jurisdictions, identify potential sites for and support the development of an intermodal freight facility and increased rail freight capacity to shift freight from trucks to rail. The California Inland Port Project proposes a new intermodal rail spine that would connect the Central Valley to the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, serving as a logistics center for interstate and international movement of goods. With increased capacity on existing railways and the development of an intermodal facility in the Bakersfield/Shafter area, the Inland Port could substantially reduce the number of heavy-duty trucks by shifting the movement of freight to rail. This shift would substantially reduce the number of trucks on I-5, SR 99, and connecting routes, reducing congestion and pollutants from diesel-fueled trucks. Site selection and project design will be carefully evaluated to avoid compounding environmental burdens in frontline communities.
Kern COG - Kern
Area Regional
Goods-Movement
Operations
• Economic
Development
• Enhanced Public
Health
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
AF-P-1
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure at City -owned Sites Several City-owned sites for electric vehicle (EV) charging installation have already been identified and are in the design phase. The City will conduct a sites assessment and implementation strategy for EV charger installations at additional City-owned sites, prioritizing locations in frontline communities. The City will also develop, publish, and regularly update a map of existing and planned EV chargers at City-owned sites.
Continuation of
existing program
• Cost Savings
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Inclusive Access
AF-P-2
Electric Vehicle Charging in Frontline Communities
The City will identify opportunities with developers on concurrent community revitalization efforts to include EV charger installations in public spaces and near multifamily housing developments, prioritizing installations that would directly benefit frontline communities. Infrastructure constraints (e.g., transformer capacity, utility responsiveness) will be considered during planning to avoid cost escalations and ensure feasibility. The City will also assess community demand and vehicle ownership trends to guide implementation.
New
• Cost Savings
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Inclusive Access
AO-P-1
Alternative -Fueled and Zero -Emission City Equipment Fleet The City owns and operates a fleet of construction vehicles, and thus will have a lead role in the communitywide transition to alternative-fueled and zero-emission equipment. The City’s Fleet, Solid Waste, and Streets & Utilities departments have already begun field-testing zero-emission heavy-duty equipment models and will continue to do so. These departments are developing specifications for procurement, and will seek to increase zero-emission vehicles in the fleet as technology allows.
Continuation of
existing program
• Cost Savings
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Innovation
Advancement
TDM-P-1
Vanpools
In partnership with Kern COG, expand and promote the use of vanpools by supporting employers and community members in securing funding for and establishing vanpools for commuting to and from work, with EV vanpools preferred. Utilize Kern COG’s CommuteKERN (Rideshare) Ridematching software to help commuters find vanpool matches, log their trips and be eligible for prizes and incentives.
New
• Cost Savings
• Expanded Mobility
Options
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
TI-P-1
Bus Rapid Transit on Key Corridors
In partnership with Golden Empire Transit District (GET) and Kern COG, implement bus rapid transit (BRT) on key corridors, including Chester, California West, and California East. GET is currently planning for implementation of at least one BRT route, which will include the installation of 35 queue jump lanes, 150 bike parking and bike kiosks, and bus shelters across the BRT line. As BRT routes are implemented, GET will analyze service and ridership to determine future expansions of the BRT system.
Golden Empire
Transit District
Long-Range Transit
Plan – 2025-2044
• Expanded Mobility
Options
TI-P-2
South Bakersfield Transit Hub
In partnership with GET, Kern Regional Transit, and Kern County, convert the Kern Delta Park-and-Ride to a South Bakersfield Hub for public transit. The Kern Delta Park-and-Ride is 3-acre property owned by Kern County, which serves GET Routes 62 and X92, FlixBus, and Kern Regional Transit Routes 130 and 145. The property is located near senior and health centers, as well as places of worship. Capital improvements and amenities may include bus bays, shaded waiting areas and passenger amenities, operator restrooms, increased lighting and security presence, and limited parking.
Golden Empire
Transit District
Long-Range Transit
Plan – 2025-2044
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
HSR-P-1
High-Speed Rail Station Area Plan “Green Loop”
In partnership with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, implement the three projects identified in the Downtown Bakersfield High-Speed Rail Station Area Plan that would create a “green loop” forming a continuous active transportation network around downtown Bakersfield. These projects include:
• Wall Street Pedestrian Paseo
• Golden State Connector (Multi-use Trail)
• Garces Circle Pedestrian Plaza
Downtown
Bakersfield High-
Speed Rail Station
Area Plan
• Expanded Mobility
Options
WB-P-1
Downtown Walkability Plan
Create a Walkability Plan and/or Pedestrian Design Guidelines for downtown and southeast Bakersfield that seeks to improve street lighting, safer crosswalks, ADA compliance, shading, urban greening, and signage, consistent with the Transformative Climate Communities Plan.
Transformative
Climate
Communities Plan
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
WB-P-2
Active Transportation Plan Priority Trails
The City’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP) provides a long-term vision for the development of a robust citywide network of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. It proposes 19 multi-modal trails that include the construction of bikeways, pedestrian sidewalks and paths, bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities, and general safety improvements. Five projects were identified as priority for an initial implementation group. These include:
• Mount Vernon Trail (full extents)
• Ming Ave / Belle Terrace Trail Segment 1 (east of New Stine Rd) • Ming Ave / Belle Terrace Trail Segment 2 (west of New Stine Rd) • Akers / McKee Trail (full extents)
• Baker / King / Madison / Lotus Trail Segment 1 (north of Ming Ave / Belle Terrace trail connection)
Active
Transportation Plan
• Expanded Mobility
Options
Supportive Measures
FH-S-1
Freight Modal Shift Incentive Program
In partnership with Kern COG and other local jurisdictions, develop a freight modal shift program is that provides incentives to shippers to move their goods to an alternative mode of transportation. This incentive can be a financial reward for switching the shipping method of choice from truck to rail and can be provided on the grounds that this shift would generate benefits that offset the cost of the incentives provided.
Kern COG - Kern
Area Regional
Goods-Movement
Operations
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Economic
Development
FH-S-2
Autonomous ZEV Truck Systems
Support testing and development of an autonomous ZEV truck system that operates on designated roadways to deliver goods between facilities within Bakersfield and surrounding areas. Support may include, but not limited to, identification of appropriate routes and engaging relevant stakeholders. A warehouse-to-warehouse route where containers are shipped full in both directions could achieve up to a 40 percent cost, fuel, and emission savings. If the operations proved to be safe, the initial network could be expanded.
Kern COG - Kern
Area Regional
Goods-Movement
Operations
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Innovation
Advancement
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
FH-S-3
Electric Truck Stop
Identify a location and public-private partnerships for the development of an electric truck stop, to serve as a regional hub for heavy-duty truck EV charging. This stop could serve as a connection to other EV truck stops near the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
New
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Innovation
Advancement
FH-S-4
Medium - and Heavy -Duty Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Install medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) EV charging infrastructure following the guidance of Kern County Blueprint for MD/HD Infrastructure. Conduct a survey of existing MD/HD charging stations and identify additional MD/HD charging station locations.
Kern COG - Kern
County Blueprint for
MD/HD
Infrastructure
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Innovation
Advancement
FH-S-5
Regional Truck Clean Tech Loan Program
In conjunction with the Valley Air District, the Eastern Kern APCD, Kern COG, and/or a regional entity such as Kern Economic Development Corporation, the City could support the creation of a revolving loan program specifically designed for Kern County businesses to purchase clean technology trucks. Revolving funding pool could come from development mitigation, a transportation sales tax, or other funding mechanisms.
Kern COG - Kern
Area Regional
Goods-Movement
Operations
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Innovation
Advancement
AF-S-1
Electric Vehicle Charging Incentives
Create an educational campaign to promote Valley Air District’s Charge Up! Program and Clean Vehicle Fueling Infrastructure Program. The Charge Up! Program provides incentives for public agencies, businesses, and multi-family residence property owners to install EV chargers, whereas the Clean Vehicle Fueling Infrastructure Program provides incentives for clean vehicle fueling stations for heavy-duty vehicles.
Supplementary to this, explore ways to address infrastructure limitations in older infill areas to expand EV charging access.
Kern COG - Kern
Electric Vehicle
Charging Station
Blueprint
• Cost Savings
AF-S-2
Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle Replacement Incentive In partnership with Valley Air District, expand the Valley Clean Air Now program within Kern County and Bakersfield, including programs for retiring older internal combustion engine vehicles and replacing them with hybrid or electric vehicles.
Kern COG - Kern
Electric Vehicle
Charging Station
Blueprint
• Cost Savings
• Inclusive Access
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
AF-S-3
Regional Electric Vehicle Collaborative
Support the development of a regional EV collaborative, led by Kern COG, to share lessons learned and best practices for EV infrastructure installation and planning, and track regional metrics. Support Kern COG in conducting a public outreach campaign to educate residents on the environmental and financial benefits of EVs.
Kern COG - Kern
Electric Vehicle
Charging Station
Blueprint
• Innovation
Advancement
AF-S-4
Electric Vehicle Car Share Program
In partnership with CBOs, develop an EV car share program for underserved areas of the city that are not well served by transit, similar to the Shafter E-Mobility Car Share program. Develop community awareness and educational programs around shared mobility, prioritizing proactive outreach to underserved communities.
Kern COG - Kern
Electric Vehicle
Charging Station
Blueprint
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
AO-S-1
Landscaping Equipment Education and Outreach Program
In partnership with Valley Air District, develop an education and outreach program to promote rebates available for replacement of gasoline-powered landscaping equipment with electric-powered models. The program should provide multilingual, direct outreach to small landscaping businesses and residents in low-income communities.
New
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Innovation
Advancement
• Inclusive Access
AO-S-2
Agricultural Equipment Education and Outreach Program
In partnership with Valley Air District, develop an education and outreach program to promote the Agricultural Tractor Replacement, Agricultural Tractor Trade-Up, and Agricultural Pump Replacement Programs, which provide incentives to replace tractors and irrigation pumps/motors with lower emission or zero-emission alternatives.
New
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Innovation
Advancement
AO-S-3
Zero-Emission Construction Equipment Infrastructure
Develop a program to identify appropriate investments in infrastructure to support zero-emission construction equipment. The program should include an assessment of the constraints for using zero-emission equipment and the regulatory and infrastructure needs to facilitate use of zero-emission equipment in Bakersfield.
New
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Innovation
Advancement
3-15
CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
LU-S-1
Regulated Affordable Housing
Work with developers and adopt policies to support the development of rental housing units for very low- and low-income households, consistent with Implementation Program 4 of the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element. The City will pursue grant funding opportunities to provide development incentives, prioritizing development in locations near public transit, community services, and employment centers.
Draft 2023-2031
Housing Element
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Cost Savings
LU-S-2
Infill Development and Housing
Provide incentives and technical assistance for development of infill residential projects and redevelopment of commercial properties for residential uses, consistent with Implementation Program 8 of the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element. The City will amend the zoning code to be supportive of more dense and diverse housing types, such as mixed-use, including considerations for amending commercial parking standards to increase density in mixed use development.
Draft 2023-2031
Housing Element
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Cost Savings
LU-S-3
Mixed-use Development
Assess the feasibility of implementing a tax increment financing strategy to support infrastructure investments in areas prioritized for higher-density and mixed-use development.
New
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Cost Savings
• Economic
Development
LU-S-4
Accessory Dwelling Units
Promote the construction of accessory dwelling units and streamline the permitting process for project applications, consistent with Implementation Program 13 of the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element.
Draft 2023-2031
Housing Element • Cost Savings
LU-S-5
Shared Parking in Downtown
Create a downtown parking plan that limits surface parking, particularly around planned transit improvement areas. This should be developed in partnership with the California High-Speed Rail Authority to limit parking near the planned High-Speed Rail Station.
New • Cost Savings
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
TDM-S-1
Downtown Transportation Demand Management Strategy
Develop and implement a transportation demand management strategy for downtown Bakersfield to reduce congestion and vehicle travel. This may include reduced parking minimums for commercial developments, parking pricing, micromobility options (e- scooter or bikeshare), and/or on-demand electric vehicle shuttles.
New • Expanded Mobility
Options
TDM-S-2
Private Sector Shuttles and Commute Reduction
Partner with large employers (greater than 100 employees) in Bakersfield to enhance commute reduction efforts, building on Valley Air District’s Rule 9410, which requires employers to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips. The City will explore enhancements beyond existing requirements, including offering incentives for transit and shuttle programs, providing technical assistance to employers for programs design and implementation, and expanding outreach to sectors with higher commute burdens (e.g., construction, agriculture).
New • Expanded Mobility
Options
TDM-S-3
Smart Mobility Strategic Plan
Develop and implement a Smart Mobility Strategic Plan that addresses how smart mobility could be incorporated into the existing transportation system and economic base. Smart mobility refers to the use of technology, such as real-time transit data, integrated fare systems, connected infrastructure, and digital tools, to improve transportation efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. This plan should align with the Bakersfield Economic Development Strategic Plan and identify opportunities for innovation in both public and private transportation services.
Bakersfield
Economic
Development
Strategic Plan
• Expanded Mobility
Options
TI-S-1
Bicycle Facilities at Downtown and Southwest Transit Centers In partnership with GET, install secure bicycle storage at the Downtown and Southwest Transit Centers to improve multimodal connectivity with transit.
Golden Empire Transit
District FY 25/26 -
29/30 Short-Range
Transit Plan
• Expanded Mobility
Options
TI-S-2
Rio Bravo Transit Access
In partnership with Kern COG and transit agencies, develop a new fixed transit route or a circulator shuttle that serves the Rio Bravo age-restricted communities to connect them to downtown Bakersfield and essential services.
New
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
TI-S-3
Transit Stop Shelters
In partnership with GET, install tree shading, heat-mitigating materials, or shelters at transit stops throughout Bakersfield, prioritizing improvements in low-income communities and areas with limited existing tree canopy cover.
New • Expanded Mobility
Options
TI-S-4
Ridehailing Voucher Program
Support GET in the implementation of a Ridehailing Voucher Program to replace the existing on-demand services.
Golden Empire
Transit District
Long-Range Transit
Plan – 2025-2044
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Cost Savings
TI-S-5
Downtown Bakersfield Pedestrian Access to Transit Improvements Implement specific recommendations for improving pedestrian infrastructure included in the Downtown Bakersfield Pedestrian Access to Transit Plan, including:
• Garces Circle
• Amtrak Station
• F Street and Golden State Avenue
• Chester Avenue from Kern River to 23rd Street
• California Avenue from K Street to Union Avenue
• Truxtun Avenue from Chester Avenue to Sonora Street
Downtown
Bakersfield
Pedestrian Access to
Transit Plan
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
TI-S-6
Alternative Fuel Transit Fleet
In partnership with GET, support the continued expansion of the transit fleet to alternative fuels, including electricity and hydrogen. GET recently received funding to purchase 15 zero-emission hydrogen buses and 3 zero-emission hydrogen commuter buses, as well as hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
Golden Empire
Transit District FY
25/26 - 29/30
Short-Range Transit
Plan
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Cost Savings
• Innovation
Advancement
HSR-S-1
High-Speed Rail Circulator Shuttle
Create a circulator shuttle service that provides bi-directional frequent, free, or low- cost connections between the High-Speed Rail Station and downtown destinations as a supplement to regular GET and Kern Transit bus service.
New
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Economic
Development
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
WB-S-1
Active Transportation Plan Recommended Programs and Policies Continue to implement the recommended programs and policies in the City’s ATP that improve the accessibility and safety of walking and biking as a mode of transportation. These include the continuation and expansion of existing programs offered by the City and partners, including Bike Bakersfield, such as the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, the Build-A-Bike and Earn a Bike free bike programs, and the Bike Kitchen bike repair shop. ATP recommendations also propose new programs, including:
• Safe Routes to Schools programs and resources,
• Road skills and traffic education courses,
• Events to encourage walking and biking, such as open street events and community bike rides,
• Promotion of support programs, including the Bike Buddy Program and availability of Bike Valets at major events,
• Increased enforcement of traffic violations in areas with high collision rates and at crosswalks.
Active
Transportation Plan
• Community
Empowerment
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
WB-S-2
Bakersfield -McFarland Central Valley Passage Bike Route In partnership with Kern COG, Kern County, and relevant jurisdictions, construct the 32-mile bike route between McFarland and Bakersfield connecting the Bakersfield High-Speed Rail station to the Central Valley.
Kern COG - Central
Valley Passage Long
Distance Route
• Expanded Mobility
Options
WB-S-3
Wayfinding Program in Downtown and Southeast Bakersfield Create a wayfinding program, consistent with the Transformative Climate Communities Plan, to guide people who walk and bike through safe and improved routes to major destinations in downtown and Southeast Bakersfield. The program should also consider nighttime safety concerns, especially for travel to food, shopping, and entertainment destinations.
Transformative
Climate
Communities Plan
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
WB-S-4
Active Transportation Features at New Development
Create an incentive program for new development that provides destination facilities including, but not limited to, bike racks, public water stations, bike repair, and stroller parking.
New • Expanded Mobility
Options
3-19
CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
WB-S-5
Bicycle Parking at Schools
In partnership with Bakersfield City School District, install secure bicycle parking at all elementary, middle, and high schools.
New
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
WB-S-6
E-bike Rebate Program
In partnership with Valley Air District, promote available e-bike rebate programs and assist residents with applications. Rebate opportunities may come from a variety of sources, including state programs, regional agencies, and energy networks, among others. Based on availability of these programs, consider development of a local e-bike rebate program for low-income residents.
New
• Cost Savings
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
Policy Considerations
AO-C-1
Alternative -Fueled Construction Equipment
Consider a policy that requires construction equipment operating in Bakersfield to utilize zero-emission technology or renewable diesel fuel.
New • Innovation
Advancement
LU-C-1
Prioritize Underserved Communities for Capital Improvements Consider a policy that prioritizes Capital Improvement Program projects for open space, infrastructure, and public amenities upgrades for low-income and underserved communities.
New
• Expanded Mobility
Options
• Inclusive Access
TI-C-1
Transit Stop Improvements for Development Projects
Consider amending the development review process to require or incentivize that developers contribute to the improvement of transit stops adjacent to development projects. Improvements may include benches, shading, or accessibility improvements.
New • Expanded Mobility
Options
Note: FC = frontline community.
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
3.4 WATER AND WASTEWATER
While not the most visible piece of critical infrastructure, water and wastewater systems are essential for a well-functioning city. They deliver clean drinking water, support landscaping and agriculture in and around the city, manage stormwater during heavy precipitation events, and treat sewage, among many other uses. Yet , as Bakersfield grows and faces continued risks of drought, the need to continue to modernize and expand these systems is urgent.
In response to this, the measures developed for this category—organized under two opportunity areas: Water Efficiency and Supply (WE); and Wastewater Treatment and Water Distribution (WT)—are focused on making the city’s water and wastewater systems more efficient, resilient, and responsive to community needs. This can be achieved through an array of efforts, including those that support water conservation (e.g., irrigation system upgrades, drought-tolerant landscaping, rainwater harvesting) and infrastructure modernization (e.g., renewable energy and battery storage at wastewater treatment plants, expanded recycled water infrastructure), among others.
Table 3.4 below includes all Water
and Wastewater measures developed for this plan, including where the measure was sourced from, and additionally, it identifies relevant sustainability and resilience benefits and whether the measure directly supports benefits for frontline communities.
Table 3. 4 Water and Wastewater Measures
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
Primary Measures
WE-P-1
Turf Replacement Program
The Turf Replacement Program involves redesigning select medians throughout Bakersfield. The core components of this program include:
• Turf Replacement: Replacing existing turf with low-water consumption, California-friendly, drought-tolerant landscaping;
• Irrigation System Upgrade: Removing current spray irrigation systems and installing efficient drip irrigation systems; and
• Tree Replacement: Replacing absent or non-viable trees with department- approved species, adhering to established standards.
This comprehensive redesign will not only contribute to creating a sustainable environment through significant water conservation but also improve public and staff safety, enhance aesthetic appeal, and reduce long-term maintenance costs for the city.
High-priority phases of the program include landscaping and irrigation improvements on Old River Road, Buena Vista, S. Allen, Bernard, and Beale, totaling 23 medians where improvements would be made.
Continuation of
existing program
• Cost Savings
• Drought Resilience
• Resource Conservation
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
WE-P-2
City of Bakersfield Water Advanced Metering Infrastructure The City of Bakersfield recently received grant funding to install 5,500 advanced metering infrastructure meters (AMIs) at existing residential units across its service area.
While this funding supports a portion of the deployment, additional funding will be needed to complete full installation for all customers within the service area, which will require approximately 45,000 additional AMIs. Funding has been identified for 5,000 of these additional meter installations; however, the City intends to pursue further funding opportunities to ensure full deployment of an additional 40,000 AMI meters citywide.
New developments are required to install AMIs with the construction of a new home. The City will also explore strategies to mitigate cost impacts for residents in older areas where aging infrastructure may lead to higher water usage readings (e.g., due to leaks).
Continuation of
existing program
• Cost Savings
• Drought Resilience
• Resource Conservation
WT-P-1
Renewable Energy at Treatment Plants
Install renewable energy and battery energy storage at the City’s two wastewater treatment plants and the City’s 10-million-gallon interface tank and booster station and Water Resources administration building to provide energy cost savings and resilience to power outages. The City already has plans to install renewable energy generation and battery storage at WWTP No. 3 and can expand renewable energy to WWTP No. 2.
Continuation of
existing program
• Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Resource Conservation
Supportive Measures
WE-S-1
Rainwater and Grey Water Reuse Incentives
Develop a program that incentivizes the use of onsite rainwater harvesting and recycled grey water systems, consistent with all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations and requirements.
New
• Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Resource Conservation
Policy Considerations
WE-C-1
Expanded Recycled Water Infrastructure
The City’s WWTP No. 3 has a current tertiary recycled water capacity of 2 million gallons per day. A feasibility study was completed for expanding the capacity for tertiary water treatment to increase the supply of recycled water throughout Bakersfield. The first step to having a successful recycled water use program would be to require the infrastructure, purple pipe, to be included in the development requirements. 2020 Urban
Water
Management
Plan, City of
Bakersfield
• Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Resource Conservation
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
WE-C-2
Drought -Tolerant Landscaping at City Facilities
Consider a water efficient landscape policy to reduce the consumption of water, electricity, and fossil fuels in the construction, operations and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities where possible. This can be achieved through use of drought-tolerant landscaping, water conservation technology, and recycled water (as available).
New
• Cost Savings
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Resource Conservation
• Drought Resilience
WT-C-1
Water Infrastructure Upgrades
Consider a policy that prioritizes water infrastructure upgrades, such as pipe replacements, pressure improvements, and filtration systems, in frontline communities. Use equity mapping and community input to guide investment decisions.
New • Infrastructure Resilience
• Inclusive Access
Note: FC = frontline community.
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
3.5 SOLID WASTE
Waste is something that every household and business generates, but how that waste is disposed of has major implications for Bakersfield, especially as it pertains to climate and air pollution. As the city grows and state regulations evolve, Bakersfield has an opportunity to reduce the generation of waste and ultimately transform how waste is managed to create clean and efficient waste management system.
Aligning with this, the measures in this category focus on two opportunity areas: Organic Waste Diversion (OW); and Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Reuse (WR). Together, these opportunity areas reflect a shift towards a circular approach to waste management; one that prioritizes keeping resources in use and out of landfills.
Some of the efforts that are encompassed by the Solid Waste category include upgrading waste infrastructure, expanding curbside organic waste pickup, supporting food recovery efforts to address food insecurity, and promoting community-based strategies that make it easier to repair and reuse items, among others. These efforts are further supported by outreach, education, and incentives that make it easier for residents, businesses, and others to participate.
Table 3.5 below includes all Solid Waste measures developed for this plan, including where the measure was sourced from, and additionally, it identifies relevant sustainability and resilience benefits and whether the measure directly supports benefits for frontline communities.
Table 3. 5 Solid Waste Measures
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
Primary Measures
OW-P-1
Expanded Curbside Organic Pickup
The City operates an organic waste recycling program and will continue distributing organic collection carts and bins as service areas grow and the program expands.
Continuation of
existing program
• Resource
Conservation
Supportive Measures
OW-S-1
Facility Master Plan
The City is currently in development of a Facility Master Plan for the Mount Vernon Organics Recycling and Composting Facility, which covers design and construction of additional facilities required to process increased organic waste. The new facilities will increase the City’s capacity for handling and processing organic waste, using readily available specialized equipment. The Facilities Master Planning process is expected to be completed in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, which will define the scope and cost of facility and equipment upgrades.
Continuation of
existing program
• Resource
Conservation
• Cost Savings
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City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
OW-S-2
Waste Reduction Education
Develop waste reduction and diversion behavior campaigns in partnership with local organizations for residential, multifamily property managers, and commercial uses.
This campaign will aim to increase participation in curbside and drop-off diversion programs, while simultaneously reducing contamination of recoverable waste and addressing operational challenges, such as unauthorized access to waste receptacles in certain areas.
Continuation of
existing program
• Resource
Conservation
• Inclusive Access
OW-S-3
Food Redistribution
In partnership with Kern County Public Health's Waste Hunger, Not Food program, redistribute edible food to community members in need. This can help address food insecurity and prevent unnecessary food disposal by connecting food from grocers, restaurants, and other institutions with local organizations that serve residents facing food access challenges. Coordinate with CBOs to support outreach, avoid duplication of efforts, and ensure residents are aware of how to participate.
Continuation of
existing program
• Resource
Conservation
• Food Security
• Inclusive Access
WR-S-1
Reuse Facility
Conduct a feasibility study for creating a reuse facility that makes building materials available to customers and acts as an outlet for reusable items otherwise destined for the landfill.
New • Resource
Conservation
WR-S-2
Fix-It Clinics
Develop and support “fix-it clinics” at City facilities, which can provide valuable opportunities for local businesses and residents to learn new skills that reduce waste and advance innovation, repair, and reuse. These clinics will focus on common household items, such as small appliances, electronics, bicycles, furniture, and more, to teach participants how to troubleshoot and repair these items instead of discarding them. The City’s Recreation and Parks department has an existing bike repair program for youth, which could be expanded.
New
• Resource
Conservation
• Community
Empowerment
• Cost Savings
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City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
WR-S-3
Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion Incentives
Establish an incentive program, in the form of fee reductions or other incentives, to encourage waste haulers and builders to increase the diversion of construction and demolition materials beyond the minimum requirements.
New • Resource
Conservation
WR-S-4
Construction and Demolition Waste Education and Outreach Develop an educational campaign and resources that provide information on the most recent construction and demolition diversion requirements and techniques for maximizing waste diversion on job sites for local contractors and builders’ associations.
New • Resource
Conservation
Policy Considerations
OW-C-1
Compostable and Recyclable Materials at Events
The City has a waste reduction program for special events that meet SB 1383 compliance. Building on this foundation, the City will consider a policy requiring permitted events to provide recycling and composting services, use only recyclable and compostable materials by vendors, and ensure adequate staffing to support proper waste sorting and disposal.
Continuation of
existing program
• Resource
Conservation
Notes: SB = Senate Bill; FC = frontline community.
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City of Bakersfield
3.6 NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
Nature-based solutions are where Bakersfield’s built environment meets its natural potential. While often perceived as and reduced to planting trees and restoring landscapes, nature-based solutions go far beyond that. At a high level, they use natural systems to address real challenges, often many challenges at once. In a city where extreme heat, poor air quality, limited green space, and other challenges collide, nature-based solutions offer a way to holistically address these issues, while also enhancing public spaces and improving environmental health and quality of life.
This category includes a diverse set of measures that span across three opportunity areas:
Kern River (KR); Working Lands (WL); and
Urban Greening (UG). Along the Kern River, measures focus on restoring habitat, improving access, and enhancing recreational and ecological value. On working lands, emphasis is placed on regenerative and resource-efficient practices, like carbon farming.
Last, urban greening efforts bring nature into neighborhoods through expanded tree canopy, vegetative barriers, and green inf rastructure, with a focus on frontline communities. All these efforts are inherently place-based and rely on long-term partnerships, stewardship, and community engagement.
Table 3.6 below includes
all Nature-Based Solutions measures developed for this plan, including where the measure was sourced from, and additionally, it identifies relevant sustainability and resilience benefits and whether the measure directly supports benefits for frontline communities.
Table 3. 6 Nature -Based Solutions Measures
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
Primary Measures
KR-P-1
Kern River Parkway Plan Priority Projects
The Kern River Parkway Plan proposes eight projects to improve the Kern River Parkway over the next ten years, while generating excitement for future projects along the parkway.
Projects reflect a balance of recreational improvements and natural resource protection.
They will enhance areas of high need, high visibility, or strategic connections. A selection of these projects will help to reduce climate pollutants and improve resilience, including:
• KRP-2: Improvements to Kern River Parkway Trail at The Park At Riverwalk, • KRP-3: Truxtun Healing Garden and Improvements,
• KRP-4: San Miguel Commemorative Grove Enhancements,
• KRP-6: Bakersfield Environmental Study Area (BESA) Improvements, and • KRP-8: Uplands Riparian Restoration.
Kern River Parkway
Plan
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
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Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
WL-P-1
Reduced Pesticide and Herbicide Application
Incentivize farmers to reduce pesticide and herbicide use through the provision of grants. Grants can be awarded to assist farmers in achieving organic certification and fund research in alternative weed management practices.
New
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
• Enhanced Public
Health
UG-P-1
Central City and Citywide Tree Plan Pilot Projects
Seven pilot projects are proposed to catalyze momentum around improving Bakersfield’s tree canopy in the Central City, as part of the 2024 Central City and Citywide Tree Plan. These projects are focused on areas of either high need, high visibility, and strategic connections. Transformative projects give a sense of what is possible to ultimately strengthen Bakersfield’s urban forest. The projects include:
• Streetscapes – P1: Truxtun Avenue, P2: H Street, P3: Green Street Corridor East Segment; and P4: Green Street Corridor West Segment;
• City Parks – P5: Mill Creek Park and Central Park; and P6: New Downtown Plaza; and
• Other Public Spaces – P7: Chester & 19th Greening.
Central City and
Citywide Tree Plan
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
• Extreme Heat
Protection
UG-P-2
City Tree Program
Develop a program focused on urban tree canopy to assist in sustaining a healthy, attractive, and equitable tree canopy distribution throughout the city. Dedicated staff can oversee the development and implementation of a formal tree maintenance program, supported by a citywide tree inventory and an understanding of the budget necessary to support the urban tree canopy. Key actions to implement include creating an Urban Forest Management Plan, ensuring appropriate staff are available, including at least one certified arborist, and developing and regularly completing citywide tree inventories.
Central City and
Citywide Tree Plan
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
• Extreme Heat
Protection
Supportive Measures
KR-S-1
Kern River Parkway and Open Space Maintenance
The City will develop and implement a standardized maintenance framework that includes protocols for interdepartmental coordination and defines roles, responsibilities, and best practices for natural resource stewardship and maintenance in and around the parkway.
This framework is in process of being developed with assistance from the Tree Advisory Committee.
Kern River Parkway
Plan
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
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Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
KR-S-2
Kern River Parkway Tree Canopy and Vegetation Restoration The City will plant vegetation to restore tree canopy, vegetative cover, and diversity of plant species in the parks or along the parkway to improve green infrastructure, wildlife habitat, parkway aesthetics, shade, climate resilience, and the recreational experience.
City staff are currently working with habitat restoration experts that are evaluating the natural resources within the parkway and are strategically selecting areas to perform habitat restoration. With limited funding for implementation, the team will be looking for grant opportunities to perform this work.
Kern River Parkway
Plan
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
WL-S-1
Information Sessions on Best Practices
Conduct a series of informational sessions that describe the impact of high -intensity farming on human and environmental health, including the use of chemical sprays, synthetic fertilizers, and tilling. Partner with Bakersfield College’s Regenerative Agriculture Education Center to introduce practices such as crop diversification and provide resources to farmers for how to transition to sustainable agricultural practices.
New
• Community
Empowerment
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
WL-S-2
Carbon Farming Program
Create a carbon farming program in partnership with non-profits and organizations like the Carbon Cycle Institute that contribute to the resiliency of working lands. Farmers that participate in the program gain access to tools and training that can improve soil health and provide additional benefits such as carbon sequestration and greater biodiversity.
New • Ecosystem
Enhancement
WL-S-3
Biochar Production
Support biochar production through partnerships with existing or emerging pyrolysis facilities in the region, such as those being developed across the Central Valley, and explore the feasibility of constructing new facilities or collaborating with private operators. This would provide farmers with an alternative to burning or landfilling green waste materials, and could include logistical support for green waste collection and biochar distribution.
New
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
• Innovation
Advancement
UG-S-1
Tree Maintenance Public Education
Continue to partner with Bakersfield College and Tree Foundation of Kern to share information and materials to support public awareness and understanding of tree maintenance requirements and needs.
Central City and
Citywide Tree Plan
• Community
Empowerment
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
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Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
UG-S-2
Partnerships to Support Tree Canopy Growth
Coordinate and partner with the North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR), the Tree Foundation of Kern, Resource Management Department, California State University (CSU) - Bakersfield, Bakersfield College, and other relevant agencies.
Partnerships may be used to facilitate education campaigns, host tree planting events, identify appropriate tree planting sites, complete tree inventories, and/or identify grant funding opportunities.
Central City and
Citywide Tree Plan
• Community
Empowerment
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
UG-S-3
Residential Tree Planting
Establish a citywide ‘Free Tree Program’ that provides residents with free trees to plant on their properties and support the program with ongoing care instruction workshops.
Tree species should be selected from the approved tree palette.
Central City and
Citywide Tree Plan
• Community
Empowerment
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
• Extreme Heat
Protection
• Inclusive Access
UG-S-4
Vegetative Barrier Expansion
Establish a program to install drought-tolerant vegetative barriers while ensuring consistency with applicable wildfire regulations and standards. Conduct a study to determine priority pollution-burdened areas of Bakersfield that may benefit most from vegetative barriers before planting.
New • Enhanced Public
Health
UG-S-5
Community Gardens
Establish two new community gardens within the historically underserved areas of the MLK Jr. Blvd Corridor (MLK Area) the Niles & Monterey Corridor (NiMo Area).
Priority
Neighborhoods
Initiative
• Community
Empowerment
• Food Security
Policy Considerations
UG-C-1
Tree Ordinance Update
In partnership with the City’s Tree Advisory Group, consider updating the City’s tree ordinance to provide a more robust understanding of the urban forest as infrastructure, asserting management policies, assigning tree care responsibilities, establishing standards of care, and enforcement.
Central City and
Citywide Tree Plan
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
• Extreme Heat
Protection
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
UG-C-2
Tree Planting Standards Update
Consider a requirement that all new public and private developments include sufficient trees to help achieve the City’s goal of a 1-2% tree canopy coverage citywide. Parks and open space could be required to provide greater tree canopy coverage, at 2-3%. Trees in new developments may need to consider above- and below-ground infrastructure and utilities to support the growth and longevity of trees and tree roots.
Central City and
Citywide Tree Plan
• Ecosystem
Enhancement
• Extreme Heat
Protection
Note: FC = frontline community.
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
3.7 INDUSTRY AND INNOVATION
Industry and innovation are engines of economic growth in localities around the state, but in Bakersfield, they also represent a major opportunity. From energy and agriculture to logistics and education, the city’s economic sectors are already evolving, and with the right support, they can become drivers of long-term resilience and sustainability. The city is already home to emerging technologies and partnerships in renewable energy and fuels, and the measures developed for this category build on that momentum by identifying ways to attract new industries, support workforce development, and align infrastructure investments with long-term community goals.
All measures in this category fall under the o pportunity area of Green Industries (GI) , which emphasizes the role of innovation in advancing both economic and environmental outcomes. This includes efforts to support industries like renewable energy and autonomous transportation , along incentives for carbon capture and renewable fuel production. It also includes foundational investments, such as zoning updates, infrastructure
improvements, and a dedicated economic development fund to help create the conditions for innovation to thrive.
Table 3. 7
below includes all Industry and Innovation measures developed for this plan, including where the measure was sourced from, and additionally, it identifies relevant sustainability and resilience benefits and whether the measure directly suppor ts benefits for frontline communities.
Table 3. 7 Industry and Innovation Measures
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure
Source
Sustainability and
Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
Supportive Measures
GI-S-1
Support and Attract Innovative Industries
Utilize zoning overlays and investment in public infrastructure to attract innovative industries and research, education, and technology collaboration opportunities to Bakersfield. Existing industries and public institutions are already supportive of innovation and advancement with CSUB and Bakersfield College, as well as growing economic sectors of renewable energy, agri-tech, and warehousing/autonomous transportation.
Investment in infrastructure and telecommunication upgrades, financial tools, streamlined permitting, and high-quality amenities, to attract and retain businesses that contribute to or align with the City’s broader sustainability, innovation, and resilience goals. The City can market its advancement opportunities and available institutions and infrastructure to bring innovative industries that support high-paying jobs to the region.
New
• Community
Empowerment
• Economic Development
• Innovation Advancement
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure
Source
Sustainability and
Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
GI-S-2
Economic Development Fund
Establish a dedicated economic development fund to support workforce training, infrastructure upgrades, small business growth, and other related initiatives.
New
• Community
Empowerment
• Economic Development
• Innovation Advancement
GI-S-3
Carbon Capture and Renewable Fuel Incentives
Develop an incentive program for oil and gas operations to invest in carbon capture and storage and renewable fuel production.
New • Economic Development
• Innovation Advancement
GI-S-4
Infrastructure Financing for Clean Energy in Industrial Areas Explore the use of financing tools, such as enhanced infrastructure financing districts, to support the development of microgrids, battery storage, and clean energy infrastructure in industrial areas.
New
• Cost Savings
• Economic Development
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Innovation Advancement
Note: FC = frontline community.
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
3.8 ADAPTATION
Adaptation is about preparing for the challenges that are already here and those that are yet to come. It’s about ensuring that Bakersfield’s communities, infrastructure, and systems are equipped to handle the kinds of disruptions that may become more frequent or more severe.
As discussed in
Chapter 2, Bakersfield faces a range of climate
stressors and climate hazards that can result in adverse impacts across the city. While the risks they present may not be new, their presence is becoming more prominent, and the city’s ability to adapt will shape how well it protects public health, maintains essential services, and supports frontline communities.
The measures included in this category, organized under the opportunity area of
Extreme Heat, Wildfire, and Flooding
(EHW), reflect a proactive approach to risk. Adaptation is not just a technical challenge; it is a necessity. It requires coordination, communication, and trust, and it demands that Bakersfield invest in effective solutions.
Table 3. 8 below includes all Adaptation
measures developed for this plan, including where the measure was sourced from, and additionally, it identifies relevant sustainability and resilience benefits and whether the measure directly supports benefits for frontline c ommunities.
Table 3. 8 Adaptation Measures
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
Primary Measures
EHW-P-1
Community Resilience Centers Program
Develop a program that builds a connected, communitywide response to hazards such as extreme heat and poor air quality. The program may identify community cooling centers throughout Bakersfield, create a maintenance and upgrade schedule, and a communication platform/protocol for informing residents and CBOs of extreme heat and air pollution hazards and where they can seek relief. Many community centers and places of worship throughout Bakersfield operate as informal resilience centers for the communities they serve. The City would work with these organizations to identify needs for and support upgrades to equipment and filtration, as well as establish mechanisms for sharing information with CBOs about extreme heat and hazardous air pollution events.
Transformative
Climate
Communities
Plan
• Extreme Heat
Protection
• Inclusive Access
• Innovation
Advancement
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CHAPTER THREE | MEASURES
City of Bakersfield
Measure
ID Measure Description Measure Source Sustainability and Resilience Benefits
Direct FC
Benefits
EHW-P-2
Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan
Develop a citywide framework for proactive planning for more frequent and severe extreme heat events, and recommendations to help mitigate extreme heat through infrastructure upgrades, education, programs, and policies.
New
• Extreme Heat
Protection
• Infrastructure
Resilience
Supportive Measures
EHW-S-1
Flooding Preparedness
Develop an incentive and technical assistance program that assists homeowners and businesses to raise mechanical equipment, such as electrical and HVAC, in homes and buildings within the 100- and 500-year floodplains. The program can include an education and outreach component that provides information on how to determine if a property is in a floodplain, and what measures can be taken to reduce risks to mechanical equipment.
New
• Community
Empowerment
• Infrastructure
Resilience
EHW-S-2
Smoke-Ready Retrofit Assistance
Provide technical assistance and incentives for retrofitting homes and community-serving buildings to improve air quality. Eligible upgrades may include installation of high-efficiency HVAC filters (e.g., MERV 13+), weatherization to reduce smoke infiltration, and portable air purifier distribution, prioritizing low-income households and frontline communities.
Transformative
Climate
Communities
Plan
• Enhanced Public
Health
• Inclusive Access
Policy Considerations
EHW-C-1
Structural Hardening
Consider a policy to require structural hardening retrofits, such as roof and siding repairs/replacements, when existing buildings in the Moderate and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are redeveloped such that more than 50 percent of the floor area is impacted.
New • Infrastructure
Resilience
EHW-C-2
Cool Pavements and High -Albedo Surfaces
Consider a policy that requires new development to use high-albedo materials for walls, surfaces, driveways, parking lots, walkways, patios, and roofs.
New
• Extreme Heat
Protection
• Infrastructure
Resilience
• Innovation
Advancement
Notes: CBO = community -based organization; FC = frontline community .
CHAPTER 4
Community Benefits
4. COMMUNITY BENEFITS
SOAR Bakersfield is designed to be a plan that results in an array of benefits, where emissions reductions are just one of many positive outcomes. This chapter highlights
the broader value of implementing the plan.
Section 4.1
begins with an overview of the sustainability and
resilience benefits associated with plan implementation, which are grounded in community values and priorities.
These benefits offer a framework for understanding how
each measure can contribute to a more sustainable,
resilient, and livable city. This is followed by a discussion of frontline community benefits, which explores how the plan supports these communities.
Section 4.2 presents
the plan’s implementation scenario, which includes
estimated reductions in climate and air pollution that
may result from successful implementation of the
measures included in
Chapter 3.
4.1 SUSTAINABILITY AND
RESILIENCE BENEFITS
While all measures included in SOAR Bakersfield are
designed to reduce climate and air pollution, they are
also designed to deliver meaningful benefits to
residents across the city and ultimately support long - term sustainability and resilience. These benefits reflect the values and priorities expressed by community
members throughout the planning process, and they
serve as a lens for evaluating how each measure
contributes to a better Bakersfield.
Each measure in Chapter 3 is tagged with one or
more sustainability and resilience benefits, which
help clarify the types of positive outcomes residents
can expect . While not every measure delivers each
benefit, the collective impact of all measures, and
the plan as a whole, is designed to be comprehensive
and transformative. T able 4.1 below summarizes the
14 distinct sustainability and resilience benefits that were identified for SOAR Bakersfield , along with a
brief description of how each benefit supports
Bakersfield residents.
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CHAPTER FOUR | COMMUNITY BENEFITS
City of Bakersfield
Table 4.1 Summary of Sustainability and Resilience Benefits Benefit Description
Community Empowerment Engages or empowers residents to actively participate in opportunities that advance sustainability and resilience through education, outreach, partnerships, tools, and more.
Cost Savings Helps reduce financial burdens for residents by reducing costs for energy and transportation, and expanding access to rebates, incentives, and other forms of financial assistance. This may also include reduced energy costs for City operations.
Drought Resilience Improves resilience to drought through increased water efficiency and use of native plants.
Economic Development Stimulates local economic growth by creating job opportunities, supporting small businesses and workforce development, and/or attracting innovative industries to Bakersfield.
Ecosystem Enhancement Improves, restores, or protects natural spaces and habitats to support biodiversity and environmental health.
Enhanced Public Health Reduces exposure to harmful air pollutants that impact public health, particularly for people that live and work near heavy pollution sources and during events of wildfire smoke.
Expanded Mobility Options Provides safe, clean, and affordable ways for residents to get where they need to go.
Extreme Heat Protection Reduces exposure to extreme heat through increased shading and access to air conditioning.
Food Security Connects surplus edible food to residents in need and/or supports sustainable and locally produced food.
Infrastructure Resilience Strengthens critical infrastructure to withstand disruptions and maintain service during emergencies or peak demand periods.
Inclusive Access Ensures that all residents have fair and meaningful opportunities to benefit from public services, infrastructure, community investments, and more, regardless of background or circumstances.
Innovation Advancement Promotes the adoption of new technologies and practices that help to advance long-term sustainability and resilience in Bakersfield.
Resource Conservation Supports the reuse, recovery, and reduced consumption of valuable resources, such as water and recyclable materials.
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CHAPTER FOUR | COMMUNITY BENEFITS
City of Bakersfield
Frontline Community Benefits
SOAR Bakersfield is designed to benefit all residents and is grounded in the idea that all residents deserve to live in healthy, safe, and thriving communities . However, it places particular emphasis on supporting frontline communities. Frontline communities, as described in Section 2.4, have historically experienced a disproportionate share of the city’s challenges due to overlapping socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental factors. These communities are not only more vulnerable to climate and air pollution, but also to other cascading effects driven by inadequate infrastructure, limited mobility options, lack of economic opportunity, and more.
To address these disparities, SOAR Bakersfield was developed with a deliberate focus on frontline communities. The planning process prioritized engagement that ensured the voices of those most affected by climate and air pollution were central to shaping the plan’s direction. Community-based organizations (CBOs) provided critical insights into the lived experiences of frontline community residents, helping to identify barriers to participation, gaps in service delivery, and opportunities for meaningful change. Their input helped inform the measures presented in
Chapter 3 to not only reduce
climate and air pollution, but also to deliver the array of benefits presented in Table 4.1 above.
SOAR Bakersfield does not treat frontline community benefits as a secondary outcome. These benefits are embedded into the plan’s structure, with each measure tagged for its potential to deliver positive outcomes to frontline communities. Additionally, these benefits are not abstract, but rather, they are tangible and rooted in the broader transitions that SOAR Bakersfield supports. For example, shifting towards alternative transportation modes (e.g., rail, electric vehicles) on a wide scale will reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter, which disproportionately affect frontline communities near major roadways and freight corridors. Similarly, expanding access to community resilience centers and increasing tree canopy coverage in heat vulnerable neighborhoods will help frontline community residents better cope during periods of extreme heat, reducing health risks and improving livability. Other examples include building energy efficiency upgrades that lower utility costs, food recovery programs that redirect edible food to residents in need, and investments in transportation infrastructure that improve mobility options.
These types of interventions position frontline communities as key beneficiaries in the City’s goal of long-term sustainability and resilience. They offer a pathway to correct historical imbalances and build a more just and inclusive future by aligning climate and air pollution reduction efforts with broader goals, like economic opportunity, improved public health outcomes, and more.
4.2 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SCENARIO
In addition to the suite of benefits already discussed, SOAR Bakersfield is designed to deliver measurable reductions in both climate and air pollution through a comprehensive suite of measures tailored to the city’s unique environmental, economic, and social context. The plan implementation scenario, which reflects a future in which Bakersfield fully and successfully enacts the measures outlined in Chapter 3, provides a quantitative lens for understanding the emissions reductions that could be achieved.
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CHAPTER FOUR | COMMUNITY BENEFITS
City of Bakersfield
Climate Pollution Reduction
Climate pollution reduction through SOAR Bakersfield
implementation helps to reduce global climate pollutants, thereby mitigating the current and future impacts of climate change. The impacts of climate change are expected to be exacerbated as global climate pollutants are allowed to increase, and it is a shared effort across cities, states, and nations to reduce climate pollution emissions and avoid a worst-case scenario.
As directed in Senate Bill (SB) 32 and Assembly Bill (AB) 1279 , the State of California aims to reduce annual climate pollution emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045, along with achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. Although Bakersfield is not statutorily required to meet these targets at the local level through this plan, successful implementation of SOAR Bakersfield would position the city t o make meaningful progress towards these targets (though not quite achieving them), as demonstrated in
Table 4.2. Locally, these targets are known as “local
emissions goals,” which are aligned with the state’s targets.
As shown in the table, the plan implementation scenario would result in total climate pollution reductions of approximately 836,000, 1,615,000, and 1,998,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) by 2030, 2040, and 2045, respectively. It should be noted that although the local emissions goals shown in the table use a 2022 baseline rather than the 1990 baseline used by the state for its climate pollution reduction targets, this approach is consistent with common practice among jurisdictions across California. Most cities, including Bakersfield, do not have a climate pollution inventory from 1990 and must use a more recent baseline year. Applying the state’s targets to Bakersfield’s 2022 climate pollution inventory yields goal emissions levels that are considered equivalent. Table 4.3 provides a breakdown of climate pollution emissions reductions by sector under the plan implementation scenario. Figure 4.1 complements this by illustrating Bakersfield’s projected emissions over time, along with the local emission goals that are aligned with the state’s targets. Further details can be found in Appendix I.
Table 4.2 Plan Implementation Scenario Climate Pollution Emissions Levels Compared with Local Emissions Goals and Legislative - Adjusted Forecast , City of Bakersfield
202 2 2030 2040 2045
Climate Pollution Inventory and Projected Emissions with Legislative Impact (MTCO2e) 2,653,000 2,834,000 3,149, 000 3,403, 000 Local Emissions Goals Aligned with State Targets (MTCO2e) N/A 1,683,000 (37% below 2022 levels)
854,000
(68% below 2022 levels)
424,000
(84% below 2022 levels)
Plan Implementation Scenario Emissions Levels (MTCO2e) N/A 1,998,000 (836,000 reduction)
1,535,000
(1,615,000 reduction)
1,405,000
(1,998,000 reduction)
Notes: MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent; N/A = not applicable. 4-5
CHAPTER FOUR | COMMUNITY BENEFITS
City of Bakersfield
Table 4.3 Plan Implementation Scenario Climate Pollution Emissions Reductions by Sector , City of Bakersfield Sector
Climate Pollution Emissions Reductions (MTCO 2e per year ) 2030 2040 2045
Agriculture 0 0 0
Building Energy 53,000 120,000 153,000
Off-Road Equipment 32,000 101,000 129,000
Transportation 660,000 1,191,000 1,456,000
Waste 89,000 200,000 255,000
Water Supply 0 0 0
Carbon Storage1 2,000 4,000 5,000
Total 836,000 1,615,000 1,998,000
Notes: Totals may not sum due to rounding. MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent . 1 Carbon storage represents an increase in carbon stored in natural and working lands , and is not specific to a sector. As such, climate pollution emissions reductions from carbon storage do not appear in Figure 4.1.
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CHAPTER FOUR | COMMUNITY BENEFITS
City of Bakersfield
Figure 4.1 Climate Pollut ion Emissions with Plan Implementation Scenario Reduction Impact , City of Bakersfield
Air Pollution Reduction
Air pollution is a regional hazard that disproportionately impacts frontline communities, and the anticipated reduction of air pollution emissions from SOAR Bakersfield is a core benefit . Criteria and hazardous air pollutants create negative health impacts, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and increased cancer risk.
Although the majority of air pollution experienced in Bakersfield is emitted outside of the city boundary and throughout the Central Valley region (Kern COG 2022), reductions in local sources can reduce direct exposure to hazardous air pollutants, and make some impact on the local formation of ozone and particulate matter.
In addition to reducing climate pollution, SOAR Bakersfield is expected to deliver meaningful reductions in air pollution, both for criteria air pollutants and hazardous air pollutants . These estimated reductions, which are summarized in Table 4. 4 for 2030, 2040, and 2045 and broken down by individual pollutants, are modeled at the county level, but they reflect the c umulative impact of local action taken within Bakersfield’s jurisdiction as a result of this plan. Overall, these estimated reductions provide a clear indication of the plan’s potential to address air pollution , which is especially critical given Bakersfield’s (and Kern County’s) location within one of the most pollution -burdened air basins in the country. Further details and methodologies for estimating these reductions can be found in Appendix F.
2022 2030 2035 2040 2045
0 1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
per Year
Year
Implementation Scenario Impact
Water Supply
Agriculture
Off-road Equipment
Waste
Building Energy
Transportation
Business-as-Usual Emissions
Legislative-Adjusted Emissions
StateTarget Emissions
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CHAPTER FOUR | COMMUNITY BENEFITS
City of Bakersfield
Table 4. 4 Implementation Scenario Criteria and Hazardous Air Pollut ant Emissions Reductions by Pollutant , Kern County Pollutant
Air Pollution Emissions Reduction ( tons per year )
2030 2040 2045
Criteria Air Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide 3,099 7,041 8,543
Lead 0.00018 0.00039 0.00049
Nitrogen Oxides 1,403 2,874 3,472
PM2.5 126 267 323
PM10 631 1,411 1,710
Sulfur Dioxide 7 13 15
Volatile Organic Compounds 1,014 2,183 2,663
Hazardous Air Pollutants
1,3-Butadiene 1.79 4.48 5.34
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 0.00014 0.0003 0.00035
Acetaldehyde 14.91 32.76 39.12
Arsenic 0.00377 0.011 0.013
Benzene 12.58 28.77 34.25
Cadmium 0.00044 0.0011 0.0013
Chromium (VI) 0.00017 0.00029 0.00034
Formaldehyde 18 42.75 50.92
Nickel 0.057 0.12 0.14
Tetrachloroethylene 0.01 0.03 0.037
Lead 0.00018 0.00039 0.00049
Notes: PM2.5 = particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers ; PM10 = particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers .
CHAPTER 5
Implementing
SOAR Bakersfield
5. IMPLEMENTING SOAR BAKERSFIELD
SOAR Bakersfield is a vision for building sustainability and resilience in Bakersfield, identifying near-term
primary measures, supportive measures that require
additional planning and coordination, and policy
considerations. Implementation of SOAR Bakersfield
measures is anticipated to occur and evolve over the
next 20 years. It is expected to be an iterative and
collaborative process that requires continued
refinement and ongoing engagement with stakeholders
and community members.
Critical to the implementation of measures is the
availability of funding. The development of SOAR
Bakersfield, and the associated technical analyses, are intended to support the City in pursuit of additional
funding to implement existing plans and priorities, as
well as new programs, policies, and projects that were
identified through SOAR Bakersfield. It is a resource
that consolidates and analyzes the priorities of
community members, stakeholders, regional agencies,
and City departments, and will be used to secure
funding from external funding sources.
SOAR Bakersfield presents measures that the
City can implement to reduce air and climate
pollution and build resilience in the face of
potential climate impacts . The measures are a
mix of new and existing initiatives . New
measures were identified and refined through
engagement with stakeholders, the public, and
City departments. Existing measures are
compiled from various plans, studies, and
programs developed by the City and other
regional agencies, such as Kern COG and GET.
A goal of SOAR Bakersfield is to create a
guiding document that supports the pursuit of
external funding sources, such as grants or
loans. SOAR Bakersfield does not create a
commitment of fund ing allocation by the City ,
and any actions to do so would require approval
from City Council.
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CHAPTER FIVE | IMPLEMENT ING SOAR BAKERSFIELD
City of Bakersfield
5.1 IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH
The three types of measures included in SOAR Bakersfield will have different considerations and timelines for implementation , some more defined than others. Generally, primary measures will be prioritized for identification of external funding and coordination with implementing partners, while supportive measures may be further refined and evaluated as City resources allow. Policy considerations have been identified as feasible for the City, however any policy commitments would require additional analysis and community and stakeholder engagement.
Primary Measures
Many of the primary measures are already in some state of design, planning, or implementation and need additional resources to be completed or extended. For example, the Turf Replacement Program is an in -progress initiative to replace turf and trees with low-water use species and upgrade irrigation systems across the city that is only partially funded. Additionally, the Low- income Energy Efficiency Program does not have a continuous funding source, but has established partnerships and administrative process es that can allow for continued operation with
appropriate funding.
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City of Bakersfield
Other primary measures were identified by community members as high-priority programs and may not be as well defined. For example, a Community Resilience Centers Program has not yet been created and will need to be developed and better defined through addi tional analysis, planning, and community engagement. However, this program was identified as a high-priority measure by stakeholders and community members, and as such is included as a primary measure.
Many primary measures have been analyzed in detail such that these measures can be packaged for applications for external fundings sources. Information outlined for primary measures includes:
● Climate pollutant reduction potential,
● Air-pollutant reduction potential,
● Implementation timelines and milestones,
● Authority to implement, and timelines for obtaining authority to implement,
● Metrics for tracking success,
● Cost estimates, and
● Potential funding sources.
These details for primary measures can be found in Appendix H.
Supportive Measures
The implementation details for the supportive measures are not as well defined as primary measures in SOAR Bakersfield; however, they include projects, programs, and initiatives that are expected to advance sustainability and resilience in Bakersfield and the Kern County region.
Supportive measures may require additional planning, regional collaboration, or community engagement before the associated projects and programs can be implemented. These measures differ from primary measures in that they are not targeted for the near-term identification of funding and resources for implementation by the City.
The City will continue to refine and better define the details of the supportive measures as staffing capacity allows.
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CHAPTER FIVE | IMPLEMENT ING SOAR BAKERSFIELD
City of Bakersfield
Policy Considerations
The policy considerations presented in SOAR Bakersfield may be adopted into relevant City planning documents as deemed feasible.
Many of the policy considerations will require additional analysis and community and stakeholder engagement to better define the scope and details prior to being formally adopted as City policies or as Municipal Code amendments. As such, these policy considerations may change substantially as the planning process evolves.
Implementation details are not defined for policy considerations as part of SOAR Bakersfield, but may be at a later time if the associated policies are incorporated into future planning efforts.
5.2 COMMUNITYWIDE COLLABORATION
SOAR Bakersfield is built on an extensive community engagement process; its continued success is dependent on community members, groups, and organizations continuing to stay involved as measures are implemented. As implementation of SOAR Bakersfield occurs, continued input from community members will be sought to ensure the appropriate direction is maintained and that there is buy-in for actions community members will need to take. The steps towards achieving a resilient and sustainable economy will need to be nuanced and detailed, and continued engagement will be necessary as both the City and community members learn more about the impacts and outcomes of specific measures. Important decisions will need to be made as SOAR Bakersfield implementation occurs, and these will be most successful with input from an informed and engaged community.
5.3 AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT MEASURES
Implementation of SOAR Bakersfield measures will require coordination across various levels of government, community organizations, and institution s. The measures identify a number of projects, programs, and policies where the City will be the primary implementing agency. In many cases, the City of Bakersfield will have a supportive role in initiating or amplifying programs and projects led by other agencies. An initial milestone in the implementation of any measure included in SOAR Bakersfield will be approval or action by the Bakersfield City Council on the SOAR Bakersfield plan . Subsequent implementation of the individual measures will require additional action by City Council to approve any allocation o f City resources, if not already approved in an existing City program.
Measures may require the City to gain approval of authority to implement from external governmental agencies or utility providers.
For example, projects related to renewable energy may require the City to obtain interconnection agreements from Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and projects related to water and wastewater infrastructure may require appropriate Clean Water Act permitting.
For projects where the City only has a supporting role or the City is the sole implementing agency, the City may not need to obtain additional authority to implement from external agencies. A preliminary identification of the need to obtain additional authority to implement measures and key milestones is provided for primary measures in Appendix H.
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CHAPTER FIVE | IMPLEMENT ING SOAR BAKERSFIELD
City of Bakersfield
5.4 IMPLEMENTATION COSTS AND FUNDING
Implementation of SOAR Bakersfield will require administrative action and capital improvements by the City that incur upfront costs.
These costs will come in the form of increased staff time for program administration, capital costs for buildings and trans portation infrastructure, and other costs such as incentives, services, or subsidies. The costs of implementation of any measure in SOAR Bakersfield will be carefully considered alongside the net benefit to community members, efficiencies and cost savings for the City’s operations, and available funding mechanisms. Cost estimates of primary measures are included in
Appendix H, alongside potential
funding sources.
SOAR Bakersfield itself does not commit funds from the City’s general fund, and any future general fund allocations would require approval from City Council. The City will aim to leverage SOAR Bakersfield as a means to increase access to and competitiveness for external funding sources. These external funding sources may include:
● Federal, state, and local grants that can offer wide-ranging and flexible funding sources for the implementation of specific projects and programs.
● Loans, which can fund projects by borrowing money from lenders to pay for upfront costs.
● Other sources that may include public private partnerships, tax credits, development agreements, community benefit
agreements, and locally offered rebate and incentive programs through utilities and the Valley Air District.
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CHAPTER FIVE | IMPLEMENT ING SOAR BAKERSFIELD
City of Bakersfield
5.5 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Implementation of SOAR Bakersfield will require a skilled and trained local workforce, and can support opportunities for residents to secure high-quality jobs in growing economic sectors. Implementation of SOAR Bakersfield will support increased deployment of electric vehicles and chargers, heat pumps at homes and businesses, renewable energy installations, public transit service, land conservation, and waste diversion efforts. A Workforce Analysis was conducted to understand the workforce challenges and opportunities associated with implementation of SOAR Bakersfield and the larger statewide transition to a low-carbon economy, which is available in Appendix J.
The Workforce Analysis identifies six strategies the City can implement to support the development of a local workforce to implement these transitions, enabling wider availability of high-paying and high-quality jobs in skilled professions. These strategies would be further defined and implemented in partnership with various educational institutions, community-based organizations, and labor unions. Kern College Community District has been identified as a key early partner in the development and implementation of these strategies, which include:
● Update the City’s Procurement and Hiring Policies to Prioritize the Local Workforce
● Expand Education and Certification Opportunities for
Occupations with Growing Demand
● Partner with Community-Based Organizations to Improve Accessibility to High-Road Jobs
● Create Additional On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Opportunities
● Address Housing Affordability by Implementing the
Housing Element
● Support Retraining for Carbon Capture and Storage and Renewable Energy Projects
Further detail on the context and implementation of these strategies is available in
Appendix J.
5.6 UPDATES AND REFINEMENTS
SOAR Bakersfield intends to support community members through quality-of-life improvements and economic opportunity, while addressing emissions of climate and air pollutant s and hazards from climate impacts. These improvements will occur against the backdrop of a dynamic environment where technology and solutions are evolving rapidly, and the City and community will need to be nimble to stay at the forefront. As such, the City may need to reevaluate SOAR Bakersfield on an ongoing basis. The City may consider the successes of individual measures, new technologies, and changes to the regulatory framework to develop additional, modified, or refined measures.
Works Cited
WORKS CITED
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
No references were cited in this chapter.
CHAPTER 2: BACKGROUND
American Forests. n.d. Tree Equity Score National Explorer. Available: https://www.treeequityscore.org/. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
ALA. See American Lung Association.
American Lung Association. 2025. State of the Air: 2025 Report. Available: https://www.lung.org/getmedia/5d8035e5- 4e86-4205-b408-865550860783/State-of-the-Air-2025.pdf. Accessed July 17, 2025.
California Air Resources Board. n.d. What Are Criteria Pollutants? Available: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/criteria -pollutants.
Accessed July 11, 2025.
———. 2022. California Air Toxics Assessment 2017, San Joaquin Valley Dashboard. Available: https://california-air- toxics-assessment-californiaarb.hub.arcgis.com/apps/5dabd3e8e0f7477b82c2ad74694fc6ae . Accessed September 14, 2025.
California Energy Commission. 2025a. Cal-Adapt Annual Averages Tool. Available: https://cal-adapt.org/tools/annual- averages. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
———. 2025b. Cal-Adapt Extreme Heat Days & Warm Nights Tool. Available: https://cal-adapt.org/tools/extreme- heat. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
———. 2025c. Cal-Adapt Extreme Precipitation Events Tool. Available: https://cal-adapt.org/tools/extreme- precipitation. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
———. 2025d. Cal-Adapt Local Climate Change Snapshot Tool. Available: https://cal -adapt.org/tools/local-climate- change-snapshot. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
———. 2025e. Cal-Adapt Wildfire Tool. Available: https://cal-adapt.org/tools/wildfire. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
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WORKS CITED
City of Bakersfield
California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, California Energy Commission, and California Natural Resources Agency . 2018. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment Report: San Joaquin Valley Region Report. Available: https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022 - 01/CA4_CCA_SJ_Region_Eng_ada.pdf. Accessed July 11, 2025.
CARB. See California Air Resources Board.
CEC. See California Energy Commission.
City of Bakersfield. 2002. Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan. Available: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/6c7a0380 -7841-40d6-b3ef- 23ceb4fa0fd7. Accessed July 17, 2025.
EPA. See U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Kern COG. See Kern Council of Governments.
Kern Council of Governments. 2024. Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. Available: https://www.kerncog.org/wp- content/uploads/2022/12/2022_RTP.pdf. Accessed April 12, 2025. ———. 2022. Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainability Communities Strategy Program Environmental Impact Report. Available:
https://www.kerncog.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022_RTP-SCS_PEIR.pdf. Accessed September 14, 2025.
OEHHA. See Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. 2023. CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Results Map and Indicator Maps. Available:
https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen -40. Accessed July 25, 2025.
OPR, CEC, and CNRA. See California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, California Energy Commission, and California Natural Resources Agency.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2024a. What are Hazardous Air Pollutants? Available: https://www.epa.gov/haps/what-are-hazardous-air- pollutants. Accessed July 11, 2025.
———. 2024b. Ecosystem Effects of Ozone Pollution. Available: https://www.epa.gov/ground -level-ozone-pollution/ecosystem-effects-ozone- pollution. Accessed July 17, 2025.
———. 2025a. Criteria Air Pollutants. Available: https://www.epa.gov/criteria-air-pollutants. Accessed September 11, 2025. ———. 2025b. Health and Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter (PM). Available: https://www.epa.gov/pm -pollution/health-and- environmental-effects-particulate-matter-pm. Accessed July 17, 2025.
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WORKS CITED
City of Bakersfield
———. 2025c. Basic Information about Carbon Monoxide (CO) Outdoor Air Pollution. Available: https://www.epa.gov/co-pollution/basic- information-about-carbon-monoxide-co-outdoor-air-pollution#Effects. Accessed July 17, 2025. ———. 2025d. Sulfur Dioxide Basics. Available: https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution/sulfur-dioxide-basics#effects. Accessed July 17, 2025. ———. 2025e. Basic Information about NO2. Available: https://www.epa.gov/no2-pollution/basic-information-about-no2#Effects. Accessed July 17, 2025.
———. 2025f. Basic Information about Lead Air Pollution. Available: https://www.epa.gov/lead -air-pollution/basic-information-about-lead-air- pollution#health. Accessed July 17, 2025.
———. 2025g. Health and Environmental Effects of Hazardous Air Pollutants . Available: https://www.epa.gov/haps/health-and-environmental- effects-hazardous-air-pollutants. Accessed July 17, 2025.
CHAPTER 3: MEASURES
No references were cited in this chapter.
CHAPTER 4: COMMUNITY BENEFITS
———. 2022. Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainability Communities Strategy Program Environmental Impact Report. Available:
https://www.kerncog.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022_RTP-SCS_PEIR.pdf. Accessed September 14, 2025.
CHAPTER 5: IMPLEMENTING SOAR BAKERSFIELD
No references were cited in this chapter.