What is Sustainability?
“To create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.” - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” - United Nations Brundtland Commission, 1987
“To create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.” - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Why Pursue Sustainability?
Environment
Economy
Equity
Local Sustainability Initiatives
Hercules Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventories
Carbon Dioxide
Extreme Weather Events
California’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
Snowpack
Wildfires
Sea Level Rise
Climate Action Plan
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (2021)
The City of Hercules does not have a Climate Action Plan and intends to develop one as a mitigation planning action during the next five years. The plan will build on the mitigation goals and objectives identified in the mitigation plan.
General Plan Safety Element (2021)
1.A.11 Climate Action Strategy and Resiliency Programs. Consider completing a City of Hercules Municipal Climate Action Plan to identify internal city greenhouse gas reduction or climate resiliency strategies. [Co-benefit: The best way to address climate change is to drastically reduce GHG emissions. A Climate Action Plan would set greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and develop actions to address the negative outcomes of climate change.]
Climate Action Plan Status
In Progress
In Progress
Adopted
Antioch
2020
Brentwood
2019
2019
Clayton
-
-
-
Concord
2013
Danville
2009
El Cerrito
2013
Hercules
Lafayette
Martinez
2009
Moraga
2014
Oakley
2015
Orinda
Pinole
2021
2021
Pittsburg
2022
2022
Pleasant Hill
Richmond
2016
San Pablo
2012
San Ramon
2011
Walnut Creek
2012
County
2015
Hercules GHG Emissions – Energy Only
Sustainability Task Force
The City Council could consider appointing a limited-term task force to advise the Council and staff regarding:
Climate Action Plan development
Other sustainability initiatives
How best to engage Hercules residents and businesses in sustainability programs Opportunities to realize equity and fairness in sustainability programs across the diverse community of Hercules
Community Choice Energy
Community
Choice
Energy
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit Streamlining
AB 1236 (Chiu, 2015)
All California cities and counties must develop an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations AB 970 (McCarty, 2021)
Adds specific binding timelines for review period
Clarifies parking requirements – cities must reduce parking requirements by amount needed to accommodate EVCS
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit Streamlining
Vehicle Electrification
The City could consider:
Acquiring EVs for the City vehicle fleet (requires charging infrastructure and further study) Pursuing future regional (MTC) funding for innovative vehicle electrification programs or other electric mobility options Joining MCE and participating in CCTA’s Charge Up Contra Costa program, which includes:
Installation and maintenance of EV chargers
Rebates for EV charging stations
EV carshare
E-Bike rebates
Workforce development programs
Courses for EV maintenance and repair
Staffing Assistance Options
Applications due April-July each year
11 month term September-August
40 hours/week average
Cost to participate: $29,000
Applications due April-July each year
10 month term September- June
40 hours/week average
Cost to participate: $46,500