January 8, 2026
Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Methodology
Number of Evacuating Trips
In general, modeled trips are a function of several factors, including the land uses in an area, the socio- economic characteristics of the population in the area (e.g., auto ownership, income, and household size), and the type and extent of available roadways in an area. Kittelson obtained the citywide land -use information by TAZ from the AMBAG travel demand model to estimate households, population, and employment.
The City of Hollister auto ownership information by Census Tract is obtained from the American Community Survey (ACS) 2022 5 -year estimates. Based on this data, there are an average of 2.36 vehicles per household in Hollister. The number of evacuating households is multiplied by 2.36 to estimate the number of evacuating residential vehicles.
The analysis conservatively assumed that 2.36 vehicles would evacuate per residential unit, and one vehicle would evacuate per employee. Table 1 presents the number of evacuating vehicles by vehicle type.
Table 1. Number of Vehicles by Vehicle Type
Households
Employees
2.36 vehicles per household
1 vehicle per employee
Table 2 presents the estimated number of residents, employees, and visitors for each scenario and analysis scenario.
Table 2. Estimated Number of Evacuating Vehicles by Scenario Flooding Scenario
Existing Conditions
2045 Conditions
Earthquake Scenario
Existing Conditions
2045 Conditions
4,734
10,925
13,981
34,167
Source: AMBAG Travel Demand Model, Kittelson & Associates, Inc., 2025 1,192
1,597
7,842
12,766
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Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Methodology
Trip Distribution
For residents and employees in the evacuation area, trip distribution assumptions were based on road closures, potential evacuation routes, the location of evacuation destinations, and their relative proximity to the evacuation area.
Roadway Capacity
Kittelson modeled trip patterns using the typical capacities for each roadway within and outside the evacuation area, except for roadways otherwise identified for road closures by the advisory group. The scenarios represent conditions without implementation of any evacuation strategies, such as manual traffic control or contraflow lanes, which could increase roadway capacity in one direction versus the other.
Evacuation Destination and Route Choice
Evacuation destinations are chosen to represent safe areas community members may travel to in an evacuation. Destinations may be chosen based on several factors, such as location (e.g., central areas, safe distance from hazard areas), building characteristics (e.g., large spaces, capacity to accommodate many people during an emergency, proximity to emergency resources), or prior use during emergency events.
These destinations were corroborated with City staff, including members of the Hollister Fire Department and Hollister Police Department.
The number of trips to each evacuation destination was assigned according to the location and direction of the evacuation, based on the trip distribution described above. These destinations were selected for each of the evacuation scenarios with a goal of identifying evacuation travel patterns and congestion in the evacuation area and in the region.
The following sites were chosen to represent evacuation destinations in the flooding scenario:
Hollister Recreation Center, on the corner of Fremont Way and West Street Hollister Airport, on SR -156B, at the northern end of the city Gilroy, north of the city, accessed via SR -25
The following sites were chosen to represent evacuation destinations in the earthquake scenario:
San Benito County Fairgrounds, on SR -25, south of the city Hollister Airport, on SR -156B, on the northern end of the city Gilroy, north of the city, accessed via SR -25
The trips were distributed from each of the evacuating TAZs to the evacuation destinations with various percentages depending on proximity to destinations and available evacuation routes, as appropriate. The trip distribution is not intended to reflect a precise distribution of the routes that would be taken during an evacuation.
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January 8, 2026
Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Methodology
Evacuation Assignment
During an evacuation event, residents and employees will receive one of three evacuation assignment orders:
• No Action — residents and employees do not need to evacuate or prepare for an evacuation. • Evacuation Warning — residents and employees in a specific evacuation zone are ordered to prepare for an evacuation but do not need to evacuate immediately. • Evacuation Order — residents and employees in a specific evacuation zone are ordered to evacuate immediately.
The estimated factors are based on survey results in California in UC Berkeley's Review of California Wildfire Evacuations from 2017 to 2019.2 Based on Kittelson's conversations with the advisory group, it is assumed that all affected areas are given an evacuation order. As such, the following assumptions were made with regards to first -hour evacuations:
Flooding Scenario: It was assumed that everyone who chose to evacuate would do so in the first hour. People evacuating are likely to do so before the event and on short notice.
Earthquake Scenario: Because evacuations would be more long-term and happen after a disaster, people would evacuate over a longer period. Based on survey results, a majority of people are likely to leave within the first hour of an evacuation. As such, it was assumed that 35% of evacuees would evacuate in the first hour, 25% would do so in the second hour, 15% in the third hour, 10% in the fourth hour, and 5% in the fifth hour, for a total of 90%. Evacuations were also assumed to be distributed evenly within each evacuating area, due to the lack of a phased evacuation. As such, the first hour would have the highest traffic volume, and thus is the hour which was modeled.
Resident -Employee Adjustment
Kittelson estimated total evacuation trips by calculating the trips generated at household uses and trips generated by employees at non-residential land uses. There are people who both live and work in Hollister and depending on when an evacuation happens, people may be at home, at work, or traveling between the two places. If an evacuation occurs during the night, most residents would be at home, whereas most employees would not be at their workplace. If a flood or earthquake occurs during the workday, most employees would be at their workplace, but many residents would not be at home.
Because the travel demand model does not account for people who both live and work in Hollister, the evacuation analysis accounts for double -counting and conservatively assumes that 75 percent of the sum of residents and employees in the affected TAZs would participate in an evacuation. 2 Wong, S., Broader, J. and Shaheen, P., 2022. Review of California Wildfire Evacuations from 2077 to 2019. [online] Escholarship.org. Available at: http://escholarshig .orc Juc/iteirn/5w85zO7g> Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
January 8, 2026
Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Results
Road Closures
In the event of a natural disaster, some roadways might close, whether due to structural failure due to an earthquake or impassable conditions due to a flood. For a conservative estimate, the following road segments were assumed to be closed in both directions:
• Flooding scenario: SR -156 north of the junction with SR -156B, SR -156B west of Graf Road and Union Road west of Cienega Road. These road segments all include water crossings and are assumed to flood.
• Earthquake Scenario: SR -156 north of the junction with SR -156B, Union Road west of Cienega Road, and Hospital Road east of Cowden Road. These road segments include bridge crossings which are assumed to be damaged from an earthquake.
The AMBAG travel demand model was used to estimate travel times and volume -to -capacity (V/C) ratios for each analysis scenario. The following sections present the congestion locations and comparison of travel times for the 2045 conditions for the two disaster scenarios. The analysis is run assuming no manual traffic control is in place during the evacuation.
The congestion on a roadway segment is determined based on the V/C ratio of the segment derived from the AMBAG travel demand model. Congestion locations are classified as shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Congestion Classification based on Volu e -to -Capacity (V/C) ratio uumluuNUN
<0.9
0.9 to 1.0
Under Capacity
Near Capacity
Over Capacity
The results on the evacuation scenarios were compared with no evacuation conditions. As seen in Figure 3 and Figure 4, no roadways in Hollister's immediate vicinity have a v/c ratio above 0.9 within both Existing and 2045 conditions, meaning all roadways are under capacity.
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
I lotisror City I3auriclory
Volume -to -Capacity Ratio
V/C :t
V/C = 0.90 0.99
V/C < 0.90
Roadway Capacity - Existing Conditions
No Evacuation
Hollister General Plan Update
Hollister, CA
Figu i .63
I lotisror City I3auriclory
Volume -to -Capacity Ratio
V/C :t
V/C = 0.90 0.99
V/C < 0.90
Roadway Capacity 2045 Conditions
No Evacuation
Hollister General Plan Update
Hollister, CA
Figure64
January 8, 2026
Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Results
This section presents the congestion location and travel times analysis under the flooding conditions for both Existing and 2045 conditions. The origin and destination locations are identified based on the evacuation area boundaries defined for this flooding scenario and likely evacuation destinations in San Benito County. However, evacuation destinations are subject to change during an actual evacuation event based on direction from the City Police Department and/or County Sheriff's Office or evacuating persons' personal preferences.
Existing Conditions
Figure 5 shows the congestion locations during the flooding scenario. Congestion is estimated to increase to over capacity at Nash Road from Westside Boulevard to Union Road and San Benito Street from 4th Street to Santa Ana Road.
2045 Conditions
Figure 6 shows the congestion locations during the flooding scenario. Congestion is expected to increase to over capacity at the following locations:
• Nash Road from Westside Boulevard to Union Road
• San Benito Street from 4th Street to SR -25
• Wright Road from the Hollister Bypass to SR -25
• SR -156B from Bert Drive to Flynn Road
• Union Road from SR -156 to San Justo Road
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
LVGCLkatirng Areas
— —I Hollister City Boundary
Volume -to -Capacity Ratio
V/C = .�
0,90 .. 0.99
V /C: 0.90
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Roadway Capacity - Existing Conditions
Scenario 1 - Flooding along San Benito River
Hollister General Plan Update
Hollister, CA
Figr .65
LVGCLkatirng Areas
_ _ I Hollister City Boundary
Volume -to -Capacity Ratio
V/C = .�
0,90 .. 0,99
V /C: 0.90
Roadway Capacity 2045 Conditions
Scenario 1 - Flooding along San Benito River
Hollister General Plan Update
Hollister, CA
Figur .66
January 8, 2026
Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Results
Estimated Travel Times
Table 4 shows the estimated travel times (in minutes) during the flooding scenario for the Existing Conditions. As seen in the table below, the increase in travel time with an evacuation varies between 0.2 to 33.6 minutes.
Table 4. Estimated Travel Time (minutes), Flooding Scenario (Existing Conditions) Evacuation Zone SBC-041
Community Center
Bixby Road N. of SR 156 Airport
Gilroy
Community Center
Union Rd. E. of SR 156 Airport
Gilroy
S. of San Juan E. of
Airport 6.7
River
Gilroy 203
Community Center 2.9
Westside & Nash Airport 7.4
Gilroy 21.2
Compiled by: Kittelson & Associates, Inc., 2025
10.3 13.5
23.6 7.7
12.0 22.6
Evacuation Zone HOL-0017
Community Center 2.5
21.9 2&7
50.2 14.9
21.7 56.2
2.7 9.5
45.2 3.3
10.1 47.9
11.6 15.2
26.6 7.2
9.7 33.6
0.2 2.8
243
0.4 2.7
26.7 Table 5 shows the estimated travel times (in minutes) during the flooding scenario for the 2045 conditions. As seen in the table below, the increase in travel time with an evacuation varies between 0.6 to 108.2 minutes. The 2040 Hollister general plan projects more than 3,000 additional housing units west of the San Benito River in the area bounded by SR -156B and Union Road. Due to road closures modeled in the flooding scenario, residents in this area would need to evacuate to Gilroy. As a result„ Gilroy experiences significant additional demand, causing travel times to increase by more than one hour compared than the Existing Conditions.
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Bixby Road N. of SR 156 Airport
Gilroy
Community Center
Union Rd. E. of SR 156 Airport
Gilroy
January 8, 2026
Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Results
Table 5. Estimated Travel Time (minutes), Flooding Scenario (2045 Conditions) Evacuation Zone SBC-041
Community Center 11.7
14.8 23.6
8.3 12.0
23.8 Evacuation Zone HOL-0017
Community Center
S. of San Juan E. of
River Airport
Gilroy
Community Center
Westside & Nash Airport
Gilroy
2.5 7.6
22.7 2.9
8.0 23.9
33.0 41.6
118.9
26.7 35.3
132.0
3.1 11.8
105.7
3.4 12.1
109.0
21.3 26.8
95.3 18.4
23.3 108.2
0.6 4.2
83.0 0.5
4.1 85.1
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Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Results
This section presents the congestion location and travel times analysis under the earthquake conditions for all the analysis scenarios. The origin and destination location are identified based on the evacuation area boundaries defined for this earthquake scenario and likely evacuation destinations in San Benito County. However, evacuation destinations are subject to change during an actual evacuation event based on direction from the City Police Department and/or County Sheriff's Office or evacuating persons' personal preferences.
Existing Conditions
Figure 7 shows the congestion locations during the flooding scenario. Congestion is estimated to increase to over capacity at SR -25 south of Sunset drive and the San Benito Street -Maple Street intersection. 2045 Conditions
Figure 8 shows the congestion locations during the flooding scenario. Congestion is estimated to increase to over capacity at the following locations:
• SR -25 South of Fairview Road
• Cienega Road South of Union Road
• Nash Road from Westside Boulevard to Riverside Road
• SR -156B from SR -156 to SR -25
• SR -156 from SR -25 to SR -156B
• The San Benito Street -Maple Street intersection.
• The SR -156B -McCloskey Road intersection
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
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Evacuating Areas
r — —
i _ _I Hollister City Boundary
Volume -to -Capacity Ratio
V/C > 1.0
V/C = 0.90 - 0.99
V/C < 0,90
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Roadway Capacity - Existing Conditions
Scenario 2 - Earthquake along Calaveras Fault
Hollister General Plan Update
Hollister, CA
Figure67
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Hoffister, CA
64 January 8, 2026
Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Results
Estimated Travel Times
Table 6 shows the estimated travel times (in minutes) during the earthquake scenario for the existing conditions. As seen in the table below, the increase in travel times with an evacuation varies between 0.3 to 38.5 minutes.
Table 6: Estimated Travel Time (minutes), Earthquake Scenario (Existing Conditions) Fairgrounds
W. of SR 25 N. of 4th Airport
Gilroy
Fairgrounds
W. of SR 25 Bypass S. of Airport
Meridian
Gilroy
Fairgrounds
Plaza San Benito Airport
Gilroy
Fairgrounds
W. of SR 25 Bypass S. of
Airport
Gilroy
Meridian
Evacuation Zone HOL-0014
14 4.7
19.1 12.7
6.1 20.5
Evacuation Zone HOL-0021
10.9 8.2
22.6 Evacuation Zone HOL-S047
9.5 10.2
24.5 52.5
5.5 2L2
50.4 6.9
22.5 48.5
8.5 24.2
46.8 10.5
26.2 38.5
0.8 2.1
37.7 0.8
2 37.6
0.3 1.6
37.3 0.3
L7
Table 7 shows the estimated travel times (in minutes) during the earthquake scenario for the 2045 conditions. As seen in the table below, the increase in travel time with an evacuation varies between 0.8 to 106.7 minutes. The 2040 Hollister General Plan projects more than 2,000 additional households in the area around Ridgemark, just south of Hollister. These residents would primarily evacuate to the Fairgrounds due to its close proximity. As such, the Fairgrounds receive additional demand under the 2045 conditions, causing travel times from other areas of Hollister to increase by more than one hour compared to Existing Conditions.
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Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Results
Table 7. Estimated Travel Time (minutes), Earthquake Scenario (2045 Conditions) W. of SR 25 N. of 4th
W. of SR 25 Bypass S. of
Meridian
Plaza San Benito
W. of SR 25 Bypass S. of
Meridian
Fairgrounds
Airport
Gilroy
Fairgrounds
Airport
Gilroy
Fairgrounds
Airport
Gilroy
Fairgrounds
Airport
Gilroy
Compiled by: Kittelson & Associates, Inc., 2025
Evacuation Zone HOL-0014
14.8 4.7
20.6 12.7
6.1 22
Evacuation Zone HOL-0021
10.9 8.2
24.1 Evacuation Zone HOL-S047
121.3
15 22.3
119.5
16.3 23.6
1175
17.6 24.9
106.5
10.3 1.7
106.8
10.2 1.6
106.6
9.4 0.8
10.7 117.4 106.7
9.7 25.6
19.7 27
10 1.4
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Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Planning Considerations
This section describes evacuation projects and strategies that may be considered to improve the capacity and resilience of the city's roadway network to support future evacuation events. The projects and strategies were identified based on previous congestion and evacuation studies, review of recent evacuation efforts, and effective evacuation planning practices identified by US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The strategies are organized into five categories:
1. Roadway Management
2. Communications
3. Vulnerable Populations
4. Public Education
5. Resource Management
ROADWAY MANAGEMENT
This section contains infrastructure -related strategies that will aid in improving the capacity of the evacuation roadway network, which can be a challenging element in a successful evacuation. For each infrastructure -related treatment, it is necessary to consider downstream capacity limitations and identify if those limits nullify the potential benefits of the treatment as well as other competing roadway design needs to serve other functions and goals. Table 8 outlines each of these strategies and provides a brief description of the strategy and desired outcomes.
Of these strategies, the most effective for increasing evacuation capacity would be those that involve manual control of traffic combined with contra flow operations that allow evacuation on both inbound and outbound lanes of streets, combined with maintaining clear passages for emergency vehicles.
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Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Planning Considerations
Table 8: Roadway and Intersection Capacity and Resilience Related Strategies Limited/unlimited
contra flow on
highways
Limited/unlimited
contra flow on
unlimited access
arterials
Restrict left -turn
movements
Stage tow trucks
Adjust signal timing
Signal operation
during power outage
Traffic control points
Reoamnlendats
Establish temporary control points to temporarily
close inbound travel lanes on selected highways to
allow outbound traffic to utilize these lanes during
evacuation.
Establish temporary control points to temporarily
close inbound travel lanes on selected unlimited
access arterials (such as parkways and boulevards)
to allow outbound traffic to utilize these lanes
during evacuation.
Establish temporary control points to minimize
left -turn movements along evacuation routes and
on roads leading to evacuation routes.
Consider how to stage tow trucks at bottleneck
locations along evacuation routes to help detect
and clear minor crashes and maintain traffic flows.
Increase the green time and/or progression band
of traffic signals for through movements leading
out of an evacuation zone.
Install signal battery backups in case signal
operations need to be maintained during a power
outage. Consider using channeling devices, static
signs, and coning strategies to manage
intersection flow during power outage if the
signals lack power.
Establish traffic control points (i.e., locations along designated evacuation routes with emergency
management personnel) to maintain a greater
degree of evacuation management. These
locations could enhance the efficiency of an
evacuation, reduce public confusion, and allow
increased operational flexibility during an
evacuation.
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Hollister Public
Works
(Engineering),
Hollister Police
Department
Hollister Police
Department,
Hollister Public
Works (Fleet
Services)
Hollister Public
Works
(Engineering),
Caltrans
Hollister Public
Works
(Engineering),
Caltrans
Hollister Police
Department
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Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Planning Considerations
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Floodplain
Management
Work with the San Benito County Floodplain
Manager and San Benito County Office of
Emergency Services to ensure proper management
of the floodplain to reduce the severity of
potential floods. Strategies such as those outlined
in the Pajaro River Watershed integrated Regional
Water Management PIan3 can minimize the
number of people needing to evacuate.
San Benito County
Floodplain
Manager, San
Benito County
Office of Emergency
Services, Hollister
Public Works
3 https://staticl .squarespace.com/static/5c0806f83917ee62c5270383/t/5e7a25c4b8ae72565ed007e6/1585063387814/ Pajaro+IRWM+Plan+Update+2019_v03-24-20_compiled.pdf
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Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Planning Considerations
COMMUNICATIONS
This section describes communication strategies that address how information may be shared among agencies, organizations, and the general public for evacuations. During an emergency evacuation event, two types of communication take place: (1) communication among entities involved in the management of response, and (2) communication between the City and the general public. Table 9 outlines each of these strategies and provides a brief description of the strategy and desired outcomes.
Table 9. Communication Strategies for Evacuations
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Establish and
maintain
communications
Variable/Dynamic
Message Signage
Public Posts and
Flyers
Traffic
counters/CCTV
cameras
Strengthen and maintain communication among
coordinating emergency event agencies. This could be
achieved through systems such as the Public
Information Emergency System and Emergency Satellite
Communications.
Use variable message board equipment and targeted
installation of permanent dynamic message signs on
evacuation routes to improve communication and
reduce public confusion.
Post signs and flyers in public places, such as
businesses, community centers, and parks, with
instructions on where to go in an evacuation and key
evacuation information. Signs and flyers should be
posted in multiple languages. For digital posts, ensure notifications are sent in real-time and reach a broad
audience.
Install traffic counters and/or CCTV cameras on
freeways, which can help assess traffic flow, volume of vehicles evacuating, and monitor incidents during
emergency evacuation events.
Hollister Fire
Department,
Hollister
Communications
Manager
Hollister Public
Works
(Engineering)
Hollister Public
Works,
Community
Services and
Parks
Caltrans,
Hollister Public
Works
(Engineering)
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January 8, 2026 Page 27
Hollister Evacuation Analysis Evacuation Planning Considerations
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
This section identifies strategies specifically for evacuation of vulnerable populations.4 Vulnerable populations include community members that are at an increased risk in an evacuation and may need additional assistance, such as people with disabilities, unhoused persons, and people without access to a private vehicle. The city can use demographic data and U.S. Census data to identify vulnerable population locations and communities. City staff and emergency response teams may work with specialized organizations such as hospitals, medical associations, public service organizations, public health staff, and other providers or community groups to identify and locate relevant population segments and the types of assistance needed. Public awareness and messaging of programs and resources to help vulnerable populations needs to be communicated ahead of time. Table 10 outlines considerations by need.
The San Benito County Emergency Response Team is responsible for carrying out these recommendations. During an emergency event, there will likely be an increase in demand and responsibility on the Emergency Response Team, which includes the Hollister Fire Department, Hollister Police Department, San Benito County Emergency Medical Services, San Benito County American Medical Response, and San Benito County Office of Emergency Services. City of Hollister staff should communicate with them to ensure that the city is served as well as possible.
Table 10: Additional Steps for Evacuation of Vulnerable Populations Illllllllllllllllllllllf
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impaired
Hearing
impaired
Mobility
impaired
May be reluctant to leave familiar surroundings when the request for evacuation comes from a stranger. People who are blind or partially sighted may have to depend on their guide dogs and/or others to lead them to safety.
Partner with neighboring cities/private/non-profit agencies to provide adequate paratransit services for those who
need assistance in an evacuation.
May need additional evacuation warning resources. Include visual aids such as pictures or maps to reinforce key
messages during evacuations. Continue to provide written updates via communication channels, such as Everbridge
and Genesis, and on social media channels.
May need special assistance such as paratransit. Partner with San Benito County/private/non-profit agencies to
provide adequate paratransit services for those who need assistance in an evacuation.
Hollister Police
Department, San
Benito County
Community
Emergency
Response Team
Hollister Police
Department, San
Benito County
Community
Emergency
Response Team
Hollister Police
Department, San
Benito County
Community
Emergency
4 Using Highways for No -Notice Evacuations: Five Planning Considerations, FHWA, Accessed August 2022.
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Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Planning Considerations
Need
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vehicles
Non -English-
speaking
persons
People with
medical
conditions
Unhoused
(Homeless)
population
Children at
school
Emphasize the importance of carpooling with neighbors or other community members. Provide information on transit routes and transit stops. Work with local transit agencies on using buses for evacuations. Identify areas that would
benefit from a carpooling program (e.g., communities with limited ingress/egress). Coordinate with neighbors, local businesses, and local transit to identify volunteers for carpooling at the local level. For businesses or commercial centers, identify if there are commercial vehicles (e.g., delivery trucks) that can be used for evacuation of people or supplies.
Provide bilingual or multilingual materials to support
communication with non-English speaking populations
during evacuation. Communications should be created in
English and Spanish.
Communicate in advance the location and availability of hospitals or facilities with emergency/life-sustaining
medical equipment that residents can go to during an
evacuation. Identify the transportation mode of transfers to other facilities, based on the criticality of patients/clients and type of health needs.
Arrange for food, shelter, and transportation for unhoused (homeless) population. Offer age -appropriate emergency and evacuation information to homeless children.
Coordinate with schools and school districts in advance to ensure they have proper procedures to evacuate students and reunite them with their family should they need to do so during school hours.
Response Team,
San Benito
County Express
Hollister Police
Department, San
Benito County
Community
Emergency
Response Team,
San Benito
County Express
Hollister Police
Department, San
Benito County
Community
Emergency
Response Team
Hollister Police
Department, San
Benito County
Community
Emergency
Response Team
Hollister Police
Department, San
Benito County
Community
Emergency
Response Team
Hollister Police
Department,
Hollister School
District, San
Benito High
School District,
San Benito
County
Community
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Hollister Evacuation Analysis
Evacuation Planning Considerations
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January 8, 2026 Page 30
Hollister Evacuation Analysis Evacuation Planning Considerations
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Sharing information is a critical element to help educate the general public on how to prepare in advance for an evacuation. San Benito County publishes a list of emergency preparedness resources to educate the public on hazards and evacuation planning. The public education strategies the City may consider could also include:
• Defining the meaning of different types of evacuation orders; • Sharing how evacuation orders are declared and communicated to the public; • Providing information on preparations to carry out in advance, such as emergency "go" kits, family evacuation plans, and available vehicles for evacuation; • Conducting a public affair campaign(s) to share best practices in an evacuation, such as distributing easy -to -read evacuation maps with alternate routes, encouraging families to take one car, etc. • Providing information on available transportation options, including for vulnerable populations; • Providing information on evacuation shelters and support services offered during evacuation, including shelters for large farm animals.
• Providing regular emergency preparedness trainings in multiple languages at convenient, accessible locations.
• Building capacity of resilience hubs, community -based organizations, and other community groups to support community -based disaster preparedness efforts through direct or passthrough funding, grant writing support, information sharing, etc.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Evacuations are resource -intensive events that require significant personnel, facilities, and equipment to implement successfully. The City should determine what resources are available as well as what resources will be needed for staff to perform their responsibilities during an evacuation successfully, which can include the following:
Outline staff roles and expertise available in the City's Emergency Operations Plans, including number of staff available to help people evacuate from homes and other buildings Facilities available (e.g., traffic operations center, shelters, livestock evacuation shelters, etc.); • Available information systems to support the evacuation (e.g., ITS, computer networks, ancillary hardware such as cameras, road sensor loops, etc.);
• Communication systems (e.g., landline, mobile phones, radio system, email, sirens); Vehicles/transports (e.g., staff transport, tow trucks, transit vehicles, heavy equipment); and, Miscellaneous materials to support implementation of evacuation strategies (e.g., traffic cones, channeling devices, static signs).
If critical resource gaps are identified, the City may look to work with other agencies to determine additional resources and needs. The City may also work with private sector entities to expand the resource base. For example, utilities companies may keep cell and internet services running in vulnerable communities during public safety power shutoffs. Private service companies such as ambulance operators and towing companies can provide additional assets during evacuation. These companies can clarify what Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
January 8, 2026 Page 31
Hollister Evacuation Analysis Evacuation Planning Considerations is expected of them during a potential evacuation event to ensure theft services are available, when needed.
Next Steps
This memorandum describes the results of the evacuation analysis as well as evacuation planning considerations and strategies to help improve the capacity and resilience of the City of Hollister's roadway network to support future evacuation events. This information will be used to frame supportive policies for the 2040 General Plan update. These strategies and policies can be used to identify potential evacuation resiliency improvements throughout the city.
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
PLACEWORKS
ORANGE COUNTY • BAY AREA • SACRAMENTO • CENTRAL COAST • LOS ANGELES • INLAND EMPIRE placeworks.com
Barn and rows of crops image by Rene Rodriguez.
Aerial view of park image by Michael Grzan.
View of mountain image by Rene Rodriguez.
ist
Public Review Draft
January 2026
Prepared for:
City of Hollister
375 Fifth Street
Hollister, CA 95023
Prepared By: PlaceWorks
2040 Bancroft Way, Suite 400
Berkeley, California 94704
t 510.848.3815
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ES -1
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets ES -1
Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Forecast ES -2
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies ES -4
Community -wide GHG Emissions Reduction ES -8
1. Introduction 1
Purpose of the Climate Action Plan 1
Relationship to Hollister 2040 General Plan 2
Plan Contents 4
Sustainability in Hollister and the Region 5
State of California Regulations and Guidance 6
2. Climate Change in Hollister 11
Climate Science and Climate Change Impacts 11
3. GHG Emissions in Hollister 23
Community -Wide GHG Inventory 23
CAP Study Area GHG Forecasts 29
4. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy 37
Background 37
GHG Emissions Reduction Targets 37
Achieving the Targets: Existing and New Reduction Strategies 39 Achieving the Targets: Existing Local Actions to Reduce GHG Emissions 40 Achieving the Targets: New GHG Emission Reduction Strategies 41 Summary of Total GHG Emissions Reductions 89
5. CAP Implementation Strategy 91
Implementing the Climate Action Plan 91
Appendix A A-1
State GHG Emission Reductions A-12
Technical Data for Existing and Planned Activities A-16 Appendix B B-1
January 2026
Pa e
TABLES
Table ES -1 GHG Emissions Targets in CAP Study Area (MTCO2e) ES -2 Table ES -2 Hollister City Limits GHG Emissions, 2005 and 2024 ES -3 Table ES -3 GHG Emissions within CAP Study Area by Sector, 2024-2045 ES -3 Table ES -4 Hollister CAP Study Area GHG Emission Reductions from State, Regional, and Local Activities, 2024 to 2045 ES -4
Table ES -5 GHG Reduction Strategies ES -6
Table ES -6 List of Implementation Strategies ES -7
Table ES -7 Progress to GHG Emissions Targets in CAP Study Area ES -8 Table 1 Annual GHG Emissions and Proportions by Sector within City Limit in 2005 and 2024 26 Table 2 Percentage Change of GHG Emissions by Sector within City Limit in 2005, 2019, and 2024 28 Table 3 GHG Emissions within Existing City Limit, Sphere of Influence, and Combined Total (CAP Study Area) in 2024 28
Table 4 Forecast GHG Emissions within City Limit, 2024-2045 30 Table 5 Forecasted GHG Emissions within Sphere of Influence by Sector, 2024-2045 32 Table 6 Forecasted GHG Emissions within CAP Study Area by Sector, 2024-2045 34 Table 7 Forecasted Emissions within City Limit, Sphere of Influence, and CAP Study Area 35 Table 8 State GHG Emission Reduction Targets 38
Table 9 Targets for Hollister CAP Study Area 38
Table 10 GHG Emission Reductions from State Actions in CAP Study Area, 2024 40 Table 11 GHG Emission Reductions from Local Actions in CAP Study Area, 2024 to 2045 41 Table 12 Progress to GHG Emissions Targets in CAP Study Area (MTCO2e) 89 Table 13 CAP Implementation Table 95
Table A-1 Emissions Factors, 2005, 2019, and 2024 A-1
Table A-2 Transportation Activity Data and GHG Emissions within City Limit, 2005 and 2024 A-3 Table A-3 Residential Electricity Activity GHG Emissions by Subsector within City Limit, 2005 and 2024 A-4 Table A-4 Residential Natural Gas Activity and GHG Emissions within City Limit, 2005 and 2024 A-4 Table A-5 Nonresidential Electricity Activity and GHG Emissions by Subsector within City Limit, 2005 and 2024 A-5 Table A-6 Nonresidential Natural Gas Activity and GHG Emissions within City Limit, 2005 and 2024 A-6 Table A-7 Solid Waste Activity and GHG Emissions within City Limit, 2005 and 2024 A-6 Table A-8 Off -Road Equipment GHG Emissions by Subsector within City Limit, 2005 and 2024 A-7 Table A-9 Water and Wastewater Activity and GHG Emissions by Subsector within City Limit, 2005 and 2024 A-8 Table A-10 Fertilizer Use and GHG Emissions within City Limit, 2005 and 2024 A-9 Table A-11 Land Use Change and Street Tree Biomass within City Limit 2005 and 2024 A-10 Page ii
January 2026
Table A-12 Combined 2024 GHG Emissions — Existing City Limit, Sphere of Influence, and Combined Total (CAP Study Area) A-10
Table A-13 City of Hollister Demographic Projection within City Limit, 2024-2045 A-11 Table A-14 Hollister Demographic Projection in Sphere of Influence, 2024-2045 A-12 Table A-15 GHG Emission Reductions from State Actions in City Limit, 2024-2045 A-14 Table A-16 GHG Emission Reductions from State Actions in the Sphere of Influence, 2024 — 2045 A-15 Table A-17 GHG Emission Reductions from State Actions in the CAP Study Area, 2024 — 2045 A-15
FIGURES
Figure 1 CAP Study Area 3
Figure 2 California's GHG Reduction Targets 7
Figure 3 California GHG Emissions, 2000 through 2020 (MMTCO2e) 13 Figure 4 Past and Projected Extreme Heat Days in Hollister 17 Figure 5 City of Hollister Flood Zones 18
Figure 6 City of Hollister Fire Hazard Severity Zones 21 Figure 7 GHG Emissions by Sector (MTCO2e) within City Limit, 2005, 2019, and 2024 27 Figure 8 Forecast GHG Emissions within City Limit, 2024-2045 31 Figure 9 Forecasted GHG Emissions within Sphere of Influence, 2024-2045 33 Figure 10 Forecasted GHG Emissions within CAP Study Area, 2024-2045 35 Figure 11 Hollister CAP Study Area GHG Emissions with Reduction Strategies, 2005 to 2045 90 January 2026 Page
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Page iv
January 2Q26
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
°F: degrees Fahrenheit
3CE: Central Coast Community Energy
AB: Assembly Bill
AMBAG: Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
CAP: Climate Action Plan
CAPCOA: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association CARB: California Air Resources Board
CCA: community choice aggregation
CCES: Central Coast Energy Services
CEC: California Energy Commission
CEQA: California Environmental Quality Act
CH4: methane
CO2: carbon dioxide
CO2e: carbon dioxide equivalent
DOE: United States Department of Energy
EV: electric vehicle
GHG: greenhouse gas
IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
JPA: joint powers authority
kWh: kilowatt-hours
LCFS: Low Carbon Fuel Standard
MBARD: Monterey Bay Air Resources District
MTCO2e: metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
N20: nitrous oxide
OPR: California Governor's Office of Planning and Research PG&E: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
January 2026
a
PSPS: Public Safety Power Shutoff
PV: photovoltaic
RDWWTP: Regional Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant
RPS: Renewables Portfolio Standard
SB: Senate Bill
SBCWD: San Benito County Water District
S01: sphere of influence
US EPA: Unites States Environmental Protection Agency
VMT: vehicle miles traveled
WUI: wildland urban interface
ZEV: zero -emissions vehicle
Page vi
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Photo credit: Kent Ross;
This Climate Action Plan (CAP) is Hollister's strategic plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to adapt to changing climate conditions. The CAP allows the City of Hollister's decision makers, staff, and community to understand the sources and magnitude of local GHG emissions and the impacts of climate change on the community, prioritize steps to achieve long-term GHG emissions targets, and increase resilience.
As part of the CAP, the City assessed GHG emissions both within city limits and inside the City's Sphere of Influence (SOI). This combined area, known as the CAP Study Area, represents the potential expanded area of the city boundary if all growth areas are annexed and incorporated into the City of Hollister as anticipated by the Hollister 2040 General Plan. This CAP is a direct update to the 2024 CAP. The City updated the technical data underpinning the CAP to maintain alignment with the Hollister 2040 General Plan.
This update also maintains the status of the CAP as a qualified GHG reduction strategy for the purposes of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) streamlining.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS
The State of California has adopted two regulatory GHG reduction targets, which are intended to guide local jurisdictions in determining local GHG reduction goals. Senate Bill (SB) 32 (2016) requires that the State reduce GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Assembly Bill (AB) 1279 (2022) requires California to reduce GHG emissions 85 percent below 1990 levels and to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2045. Although the State does not have an adopted GHG reduction target for 2040, a 2040 target of 64 percent below 1990 levels is consistent with the State's planned GHG reduction trends. With the State targets as a guide, the January 2026
Page ES -1
City developed a set of GHG remissions reduction targets for Hollister and this CAP, which are tailored to reflect the local emissions profile and sources in Hollister in a manner consistent with the State targets. GHG emissions targets for the CAP Study Area are shown in Table ES -1.
Table ES --1 GHG Emissions Targets in CAP Study Area (MTCO2e) Target
Reduction Targets
2030
MTCO2e
126,090
(40 percent below 1990 levels)
GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY AND FORECAST
2040
MTCO2e
69,580
2045
MTCO2e
37,830
(67 percent below 1990 levels) (82 percent below 1990 levels) A GHG inventory is a summary of the GHG emissions generated by activities that take place within a community, and a GHG forecast shows projected future GHG emissions without implementation of any GHG reduction measures. The GHG emissions inventories and the GHG forecast lay the groundwork for the CAP, which seeks to align the City's GHG reduction efforts with State reduction targets. The CAP contains GHG inventories for the years 2005, 2019, and 2024. These inventories assess emissions produced by transportation, residential and nonresidential energy use, off -road equipment, solid waste, water and wastewater, agriculture, and land use, including development and sequestration.
As seen in Table ES -2, GHG emissions within Hollister city limits increased by about 36 percent between 2005 and 2024. In 2005, the City of Hollister emitted 247,240 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTC02e). In 2005, transportation was the largest emitter (45 percent of emissions), followed by nonresidential energy (22 percent). In 2024, the City of Hollister emitted 335,960 MTCO2e.
Transportation remained the largest emitter, accounting for 62 percent of emissions.
In 2024, GHG emissions in the Study Area were 349,880 MTC02e, as shown in Table ES -3. A GHG emissions forecast uses estimates of future community populations and job growth to predict how emissions would grow over time if no action is taken at the federal, state, local, or regional level to reduce them. The CAP includes a GHG forecast for the calendar years 2030, 2040, and 2045 for the CAP Study Area, consistent with the Hollister 2040 General Plan. As shown in Table ES -3, Hollister's CAP Study Area GHG emissions are expected to increase by 45 percent between 2024 and 2045 if no action is taken to reduce emissions.
Page ES -2
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Table ES --2 Hollister City Limits GHG Emissions, 2005 and 2024 Sector
Transportation
Nonresidential energy
Residential energy
Off -road equipment
Solid waste
Water and wastewater
Agriculture
Land use and sequestration
Development activities
Total Annual MTCO2e
2005 Inventory
MTCO2e
110,140
55,120
36,210
32,400
11,330
2,340
400
-2,300
1,600
247,240
2005 Proportion
of Total
45%
22%
15%
13%
5%
1%
Less than 1%
-10/0
Less than 1%
100%
2024 Inventory
MTCO2e
Table ES -3 GHG Emissions within CAP Study Area by Sector, 2024-2045 Sector
Transportation
Nonresidential energy
Residential energy
Off -road equipment
Solid waste
Water and wastewater
Agriculture
Land use and sequestration
Development activities
Total
2024*
MTCO2e
210,710
20,850
36,490
58,720
17,310
2,730
100
-2,500
1,610
346,010
2030*
MTCO2e
229,230
25,940
44,390
71,900
21,190
3,350
60 -2,950
1,640
394,750
2040*
MTCO2e
260,140
32,680
57,350
91,050
26,760
4,230
0 -3,530
2,090
470,770
2024 Proportion
of Total
209,840
20,130
33,300
54,710 ,
16,140
2,550
0 -2,110
1,400
335,960
2045*
MTCO2e
63%
6%
10%
16%
5010
1%
Less than 10/0
-1%
Less than 1%
100%
Percentage Change,
2024 to 2045
275,580
36,080
63,830
100,630
29,540
4,670
0'
-3,530
560
507,360
28%
73%
75%
71%
71%
710/0
-1000/0
410/0
-65%
450/0
* Data shown for 2024 are the inventory of community -wide GHG emissions. The data shown for 2030, 2040, and 2045 are GHG emission forecasts based on projections from the 2024 inventory.
January 2026
Pa e ES -3
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION STRATEGIES
This CAP accounts for GHG emissions reductions anticipated from the City's existing climate policies and programs, as well as actions already and soon -to -be implemented at the state level. As shown in Table ES -4, with the implementation of existing State and local actions, the CAP Study Area's GHG emissions are projected to be at 267,750 MTCO2e by 2030, 196,040 by 2040, and 161,530 by 2045.
Table ES -4
Hollister CAP Study Area GHG Emission Reductions from State, Regional, and Local Activities, 2024 to 2045
GHG EMISSIONS
Forecasted emissions without State actions
Reductions from Renewables Portfolio Standard
Renewable natural gas
Reductions from Clean Car standards
Reductions from Title 24
Reductions from LCFS (off -road only)
Reductions from Senate Bill 1383
Reductions from all State actions
Emissions with State actions
3CE renewable energy portfolio
Emissions reductions from existing local actions
Emissions with State and local actions (excludes CAP)
2024
MTCO2e
346,010
346,010
346,010
2030
MTCO2e
394,750
1,150
2,980
41,030
1,770
54,710
3,530
105,170
289,580
21,830
21,830
267,750
2040
MTCO2e
470,770
10,910
9,960
153,490
7,880
69,590
4,460
256,290
214,490
18,450
18,450
196,040
2045
MTCO2e
507,360
39,230
12,940
201,370
10,430
76,940
4,930
345,840
161,530 -35010
0'
0 161,530 -54%
Percentage
Change
2024 to 2045
450/o
Page ES -4
January 2026
Eft
MI -
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
While implementation of existing State and local actions will bring the city closer to meeting its GHG emission targets, these actions are insufficient on their own. Thus, the CAP identifies future strategies that will help the community meet its long-term emissions reductions targets. The 35 strategies, listed in Table ES -5, are organized by eight goals, one for each key topic area:
Sustainable Energy and Resilience
Reduced energy use through use of energy -efficient appliances, lighting, and materials in our homes, businesses, and City facilities.
Carbon -Free Energy
Existing and new buildings, facilities, and operations are resilient and powered by carbon -free electricity or other low carbon, clean energy sources
Transportation
A connected and efficient transportation network that provides equitable access to low carbon motorized and GHG-free nonmotorized mobility options.
Off -road Equipment
Hollister encourages residents, businesses, and industries to electrify off -road equipment when feasible.
Solid Waste
Hollister residents, businesses, and visitors minimize waste sent to the landfill.
Water and Wastewater
The community maintains a sustainable supply of drinking water and efficient indoor and outdoor water use in homes, businesses, and operations.
Natural Resources and Agriculture
Preserve and expand natural resources and agricultural land.
Governance and Leadership
Work with regional partners to implement the CAP and take actions to increase community resilience against climate hazards.
January 2026
Page ES -5
Executive Summary
Sustainable Energ°
1 Municipal energy efficiency and conservation
2 Sustainable community -wide building standards
3 Residential energy efficiency and conservation
4 Nonresidential energy conservation and efficiency
5 Onsite solar energy for new development
6 Municipal renewable and carbon -free energy
7 Community -wide renewable, carbon -free, and resilient energy systems 8 Electrification
9 Building code updates and incentives for electrification of new buildings 10 Vehicle miles traveled
11 Active transportation infrastructure
12 Safe Routes to Schools
13 Transit access
14 Electric vehicles (EVs)
15 Low carbon municipal vehicles, school buses, and transit options 16 Car share program
17 Anti -idling ordinance
18 Increase in residential density
19 Electrification of construction and landscaping equipment 20 Reduce community -wide waste generation
21 Recycling and composting education
22 Methane capture at landfills
Table ES --5 GHG Reduction Strategies
Page ES -6
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Strategy by Sector
tter and Was
23 Reduce community -wide water use
24 Reduce municipal water use
25 Methane capture for wastewater treatment facilities
Natural Resources and Agriculture
26 Natural resources and open space
27 Tree planting and preservation
28 Green infrastructure
29 Local food systems
30 Sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration
Governance and Leadership.
31 Regional cooperation
32 Community resilience resources
33 Safety for outdoor workers
34 Green jobs
35 Climate change awareness and education
Implementing the CAP will require City leadership to put the strategies in the CAP into effect and report progress. To ensure that the implementation process is efficient and transparent, this CAP includes a work plan that identifies responsible departments, partners, and time frames associated with each strategy. Implementation strategies are shown in Table ES -6.
Table ES -6 List of Implementation Strategies
CAP Implementation Strategies
Develop and Staff a New Climate Action Program.
2 Monitor and Report Progress Toward Climate Action Plan Target Achievement on an Annual Basis. 3 Continue Collaborative Partnership with Agencies and Community Groups that Support Climate Action Plan Implementation.
4 Secure Necessary Funding to Implement the Climate Action Plan. 5 Prepare Community -wide and City Operations GHG Emissions Inventory Regularly. 6 Maintain and Update the Climate Action Plan to Allow for Greater Resilience.
January 2026
Paye ES -7
COMMUNITY -WIDE GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTION
In conjunction with existing local and State programs, CAP strategies provide a path to reduce the CAP Study Area's (city limits and S01) GHG emissions to 201,630 MTCO2e by 2030, 95,540 by 2040, and 37,740 MTCO2e by 2045, as shown in Table ES -7. The CAP Study Area has the potential to exceed the City's reduction target of 82 percent below 1990 levels by 2045.
Table ES -7 Progress to GHG Emissions Targets in CAP Study Area GHG Emissions
Reduction targets
2030
MTCO2e
126,090
(40 percent below
1990 levels)
Forecasted emissions without actions (business -as -usual) 394,750 Forecasted emissions with State actions and 3CE 267,750 Emissions with State Actions, 3CE, and CAP 201,630
Target achieved? No
Gap to target 75,720
2040
MTCO2e
69,580
(67 percent below
1990 levels)
470,770
196,040
95,540
No
25,960
2045
MTCO2e
37,830
(82 percent below
1990 levels)
507,360
161,530
37,740
Yes
-90
This CAP allows Hollister to achieve a level of GHG reduction consistent with the State's long-term reduction targets, adjusted to account for the sources of GHG emissions present in Hollister. The performance standards associated with the strategies that achieve these reductions are in line with the modeling prepared for the State's 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan and provide a demonstrable path to meeting the 2045 GHG reduction target without significantly exceeding the statewide modeling assumptions.
The CAP does not quantitatively demonstrate net -carbon neutrality, as the State has not yet provided guidance for how local governments can do so. However, this CAP supports a path to net -carbon neutrality by providing strategies to increase carbon sequestration and commits to a reduction of GHG emissions to at least 82 percent below 1990 levels by 2045, a level shown to be locally consistent with the State's GHG reduction target. This CAP does not achieve the State's shorter -term 2030 target, as quantitatively modeling that level of reduction would require establishing and rapidly accelerating programs at a level that is not feasible. However, it does enable Hollister to make significant and meaningful reductions in community GHG emissions in the short- term and accelerate reductions in the long-term.
It is likely that in future years, new policies and regulations, new technologies, changes in personal and economic behaviors and preferences, and other factors will reduce Hollister's GHG emissions. However, these reductions cannot be accurately forecasted at this time. Future updates to this CAP will be able to better assess emerging trends and unexpected changes and include them in the GHG reduction strategy as appropriate.
Page ES -8 January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
INTRODUCTION
Michael Grzan.
PURPOSE OF THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
The Hollister Climate Action Plan (CAP) serves as the strategic plan for how the City of Hollister will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and foster a more sustainable community through 2045 and beyond. The City prepared this CAP concurrently with the comprehensive update of the City's 2040 General Plan, which ensured consistency between the two plans and allowed the City to conduct simultaneous community outreach and engagement for both planning efforts. Hollister's City Council adopted the initial version of the CAP with the 2040 General Plan in December 2024.' In 2025, the City Council repealed the General Plan's adoption and directed City staff to revise the projected level of development, also referred to buildout, in the city and sphere of influence through 2040. This technical revision to the CAP updates the initial 2024 CAP to be consistent with the revised 2040 General Plan, as directed by the Hollister City Council. The CAP is consistent with the community vision, goals, and policies presented in the 2040 General Plan. This CAP describes the causes and impacts of climate change in Hollister, assesses the community's existing and projected future GHG emissions, and establishes GHG reduction strategies and an associated implementation plan.
Climate action planning brings together decision makers, community members, and stakeholders to better understand what climate change means to the community, identify the sources and magnitude of local GHG emissions from different sectors, establish GHG reduction goals, and develop a pathway for reducing local GHG emissions and adapting to changing climate hazards for a more sustainable future. Local climate action planning focuses on activities that cities can directly control or influence, like land use planning, transportation options, infrastructure improvements, open space management, and other activities. The primary purpose of this CAP is to reduce the amount of GHG emissions released into the atmosphere to meet regulatory emission targets and help lessen the ' Hollister City Council Ordinance 2024-202.
January 2026
Pau 1
Photo credit: Jacquelyn Scirneca
impacts of climate change, also known as climate mitigation. In addition to reducing emissions, climate mitigation strategies often yield numerous social, economic, and ecological co -benefits that enhance quality of life. These benefits may include a healthier and more robust economy, cost savings from lower energy and resource use, improved public health, and greater community equity, among many others.
As part of the CAP, the City assessed GHG emissions both within city limits and inside the City's Sphere of Influence (SOI). This combined area, known as the CAP Study Area and shown in Figure 1, represents the potential expanded area of the city boundary if all growth areas are annexed and incorporated into the City of Hollister as anticipated by the Hollister 2040 General Plan.
Under the CEQA Guidelines for Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (California Code of Regulations Section 15183.5)2 development and implementation of CAPs and other strategic plans to reduce GHG emissions can streamline the environmental review process for new development projects subject to CEQA. If a CAP meets the State criteria, including identification of measures and performance standards to meet GHG reduction targets, projects that are consistent with the GHG emission reduction approach in the CAP could be determined to have a less -than -significant impact on GHG emissions, reducing the need for additional analyses or mitigation measures. CAPs that may be used this way are referred to as Qualified GHG Reduction Strategies or Plans. This CAP is consistent with the State CEQA Guidelines and has been reviewed as part of the General Plan Environmental Impact Report.
The details of this benefit are further described in the State of California Regulations and Guidance section.
RELATIONSHIP TO HOLLISTER 2040 GENERAL PLAN
This CAP is consistent with Hollister's 2040 General Plan, which establishes the community's vision for the future of Hollister and serves as a blueprint for decisions affecting land use, housing, transportation, operations management, and other topics regarding public services in Hollister over the next 20 years. The Hollister 2040 General Plan is a comprehensive long-range planning document that contains community -wide goals and policies regarding land use, housing, open space, circulation, economic development, public services, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and community health, among other topics.
Several Hollister 2040 General Plan goals and policies are relevant to climate change. Environmental justice policies address inequities in the built environment in compliance with SB 1000, approved in 2016. SB 1000 requires local governments to identify disadvantaged communities and address environmental justice in the 2040 General Plan through policies that aim to reduce health risks in disadvantaged communities, promote inclusive civic engagement in the planning process, and prioritize improvements that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.' The Hollister 2040 General Plan identifies goals, policies, and objectives that reduce health risks caused by environmental pollution and reduce disparities in access to amenities, prioritizing improvements in disadvantaged communities most affected.
2024 CEQA Guidelines are available online: https://www.califaep.org/statute_and_guidelines.php . 3 California State Senate. 2016, September 24. Senate Bill No. 1000. California Legislative Information. htts://le ).le_islatureca.-Jov facesMINavClientAtml?bill id-201520160SB1QC O.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Figure 1 CAP Study Area
El Planning Area
I= Urban Service Area
Ell Existing Sphere of Influence
Proposed Sphere of Influence Expansion
City Limit
Creeks and Waterways
Parks
Source: ESRI, 2020; Place Works, 2025; San Benito County, 2020; USGS, 2019 January 2026
Pau3
The General Plan Health and Safety Element addresses public safety concerns related to the natural and built environment. The Health and Safety Element provides information about risks from natural and human -made hazards and includes goals, policies, and actions designed to protect the community and its property from hazards. In accordance with SB 379 (2015), the Health and Safety Element includes a vulnerability assessment that identifies the unique risks to the community caused by climate change and informs policies to address those vulnerabilities.'
Other Hollister 2040 General Plan elements include policies and actions that affect GHG emission reduction and resilience:
The Land Use Element encourages infill development, mixed -use development, and development around transit to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and associated transportation emissions.
The Open Space and Agriculture Element encourages the preservation of parks, natural lands, and agricultural land, which can help to mitigate the heat-island effect, support ecosystem services, and increase local carbon sequestration.
The Natural Resources and Conservation Element encourages water and energy conservation, green infrastructure, and restoration of key wildlife habitats, which can help improve air and water quality, support biodiversity, and mitigate climate change impacts.
Nature -based solutions, such as wetland and riparian restoration projects, can protect against flooding and managing oak woodland habitats can protect against damaging wildfires.
Each of these elements plays a role in enhancing Hollister's resilience and sustainability. The Hollister 2040 General Plan references this plan, recognizing the City's climate action planning efforts must be updated on a more regular basis than the General Plan to be responsive to changing regulations, guidance, technology, best practices, and science.
PLAN CONTENTS
The following chapters summarize the community's GHG emissions and introduce strategies to reduce emissions, adapt to changing conditions, and promote sustainability.
• This chapter, Chapter 1, introduces climate planning and context for the CAP, including an overview of the city and region's climate change work to date, and the relationship between the CAP and State and regional planning efforts. • Chapter 2 describes climate change and primary climate change impacts and hazards in Hollister. • Chapter 3, GHG Emissions in Hollister, contains several sections:
• The Community -Wide GHG Inventory summarizes and analyzes GHG inventory results for 2005 and 2024 and shows how emissions in the city boundary, SOI, and CAP Study Area have changed over time. ■ The CAP Study Area GHG Forecasts section presents the results of the GHG emissions forecasts for the city boundary, SOI, and CAP Study Area for 2030, 2040, and 2045.
• Chapter 4, GHG Emission Reduction Strategy, has four sections in addition to Background and Summary sections:
■ The GHG Emissions Reduction Targets section explains the GHG emission reductions needed for Hollister to meet the State's emission reduction targets.
4 California State Senate. 2015, October 8. Senate Bill No. 379. California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB379 .
January 2026
City of Hollister
• The Achieving the Targets: Existing and New Reduction Strategies section outlines the existing and new local and State initiatives that are expected to reduce Hollister's future GHG emissions and move the community closer to achieving its targets.
• The Achieving the Targets: Existing Local Actions to Reduce GHG Emissions section describes various regional and local initiatives that help further reduce Hollister's community -wide GHG emissions. • The Achieving the Targets: New GHG Emission Reduction Strategies section outlines the strategies that show a viable path for Hollister to reach its established GHG emission reduction targets. This section charts progress toward reaching State emissions reduction targets and presents goals, strategies, and actions for Hollister to achieve its local GHG emissions targets.
• Chapter 5, CAP Implementation Strategy, describes the implementation details for the strategies in the CAP and a potential approach to putting these strategies into effect.
• Appendix A provides details on the community -wide inventory sector, State GHG emission reductions, and technical data for existing and planned activities.
• Appendix B provides detailed information about climate regulations in California that guide local climate action planning and sustainability programs.
Sustainability in Hollister and the Region
This is Hollister's first CAP. As Hollister develops its sustainability programs, the City will continue to collaborate with regional partners to improve sustainability in the region, including with neighboring jurisdictions, San Benito County, and the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG).5
As part of its Energy Watch Program, which was active between 2006 and 2020, AMBAG provided funding and technical assistance to help its 21 jurisdictions achieve sustainability goals and reduce GHG emissions in an equitable and economical manner. During the program, AMBAG conducted energy audits for 220 municipal facilities in the Monterey Bay area and helped fund renewable energy projects that generated more than 110 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, equivalent to 15 million dollars of savings in utility costs.
AMBAG also worked closely with some jurisdictions to create reports and Energy Action Strategies, which provided an analysis of annual energy consumption patterns alongside conservation initiatives that are feasible and appropriate for each jurisdiction. Currently, AMBAG is focused on providing technical assistance to support climate action planning in the Monterey Bay region, including using a standardized approach to prepare community -wide GHG inventories for all member jurisdictions, including Hollister. Results of Hollister's community -wide GHG inventory are discussed in Chapter 3. Additionally, AMBAG staff provides resources and opportunities for peer learning to member jurisdictions who are working to develop, adopt, and implement CAPs.
Hollister is already taking action to increase local clean energy supply options for residents, businesses, and City operations by participating in the Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) program. Residents and businesses in 3CE's service area, including Hollister, are automatically enrolled in 3CE's 3Cchoice program, which is distributed to customers through Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E's) existing grid infrastructure. 3CE has committed to accelerating the deployment of renewable energy to their AMBAG is the regional Joint Powers Authority (JPA) covering Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. AMBAG performs metropolitan - level transportation planning for the region, including transportation demand modeling, regional housing assessments, and population and employment forecasts. AMBAG also provided climate action planning support on a regional and local scale through its Energy Watch Program.
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CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY ENERGY
(3CE)
3CE began operation as the region's
Community Choice Aggregation program
in 2016, serving as the default electricity
provider for all communities in San Benito
County as well as many other communities
in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast
region. 3CE provides two choices for
electricity: 3Cchoice (a mix of renewable
and non-renewable sources) and 3Cprime
(a 1000/o -renewable option). As a public
agency, 3CE sells power at a lower price
than PG&E, resulting in economic benefits
for Hollister residents and businesses,
supporting the local economy. 3CE also
dedicated millions of dollars to local energy
programs such as solar power for low-
income families and installation of electric
vehicle charging stations.
power mix to supply 60 percent of electricity from eligible renewable sources by the end of 2025 and 100 percent of electricity from eligible renewable sources by the end of 2030. In 2024, the default power supply for 3CE's service was 56 percent renewable. Customers also have an option to receive 100 percent of their electricity from eligible renewable sources. In 2022, there were 3,470 locations that have installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Hollister, mostly on residential buildings. These facilities generate an estimated 44.5 million kWh annually.
Hollister has a year-round downtown farmer's market (managed by the Hollister Downtown Association), supports technical assistance to promote green business practices (through the San Benito County Green Business Program) and has 31 publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
California law first directly addressed climate change in 1988, when Assembly Bill (AB) 4420 directed State agencies to prepare a GHG inventory and study the impacts of climate change. Since then, California has adopted several laws to assess climate change, analyze GHG emissions and their effects, reduce emissions, identify climate change impacts, and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Figure 2 shows the State's major GHG reduction targets. This section briefly summarizes the key State and regional climate change legislation, guidance, and actions that set specific GHG emissions reductions targets, with which this plan is required to comply. Appendix B provides more details of applicable State climate change legislation and guidance.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Figure 2 California's GHG Reduction Targets
1990 emission levels
2020: Reduce to 1990 levels
(AB 32)
2030: Reduce 40% below 1990 levels
(SB 32)
2045: Reduce to at least 85% below 1990
(AB 1279)
2045 and beyond:
Acheive and maintain net negative
GHGs (AB 1279)
• Executive Order S-03-05 and Assembly Bill 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006). In 2005, former Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-03-05, which established the first statewide GHG reduction goals for California and directed the State to: reduce emissions to 2000 levels by 2010, reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and reduce emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2045. In 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. AB 32 codified the 2020 reduction goal, requiring California to reduce statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
• Executive Order B-30-15 and Senate Bill 32. In 2015, former Governor Jerry Brown signed Executive Order B-30-15, which directed State agencies to take several steps to reduce statewide GHG emissions and adapt to changing climate conditions.
One section of this executive order set a GHG reduction goal for the State of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. In 2016, the Legislature passed, and the governor signed SB 32, which codified the 2030 GHG reduction goal into law. • Executive Order B-55-18 and Assembly Bill 1279. In 2018, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-55-18, which established an additional statewide goal of achieving carbon neutrality (no net GHG emissions) by 2045. Under this goal, any GHGs that are emitted by California must be fully offset by other activities by 2045. In September 2022, Governor Newsom signed AB 1279, the California Climate Crisis Act, which requires the State to achieve net -zero GHG emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative GHG emissions thereafter. The bill also requires California to reduce statewide GHG emissions by at least 85 percent compared to 1990 levels and directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to work with relevant State agencies to achieve these goals.
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Climate Change Scoping Plan
The Climate Change Scoping Plan (Scoping Plan) was first adopted by CARB in 2008. It lays out the State's plan to reduce GHG emissions in accordance with adopted targets, including direct regulations, alternate compliance mechanisms, incentives, voluntary actions, and market -based approaches like a cap -and -trade program. CARB updated the Scoping Plan in 2014 and 2017 to reflect new State targets and additional opportunities for GHG emission reduction.
In December 2022, CARB adopted a third update to the Scoping Plan. Core strategies outlined in the 2022 Scoping Plan include:
• Transitioning to zero -emission vehicles (ZEVs) and near-ZEV technologies. • Continued investment in renewables, such as solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy. • Greater use of low carbon fuels.
• Integrated land conservation and development strategies. • Coordinated efforts to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (methane, black carbon, and fluorinated gases). • Integrated land use planning to support livable, transit -connected communities and conserve agricultural and other lands. • Requirements for GHG reductions at stationary sources complement local air pollution control efforts by the local air districts to tighten criteria air pollutant and toxic air contaminant emissions limits on a broad spectrum of industrial sources.
California Environmental Quality Act
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires many proposed development projects to conduct an environmental review that identifies how the project may impact the environment, including changes to GHG emissions. CEQA Guidelines require local governments to use adopted plans for reducing GHG emissions to address the cumulative impacts of individual future projects on GHG emissions (see CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(1)).
Consistent with CEQA Guidelines, lead agencies may use adopted GHG reduction plans, such as a CAP, to assess the cumulative impacts of projects on climate change at a programmatic level. If the adopted plan is consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5, the analysis and GHG reduction efforts in the plan may be applied to individual projects, meaning that the projects would not have to conduct separate GHG analyses and project -specific environmental documents may tier from and/or incorporate by reference the existing programmatic review. Projects that have cumulative impacts on GHG emissions may still need to prepare a separate GHG analysis and environmental review. This CAP's GHG emissions reductions strategies are assessed as part of the 2040 General Plan Environmental Impact Report.
After adoption, the City may use the CAP to assess the cumulative impacts of projects on climate change at a programmatic level. The GHG reduction efforts in the CAP may be applied to the individual projects, meaning that the projects would not have to conduct a separate GHG analysis, and project -specific environmental documents may tier from and/or incorporate by reference the existing programmatic review. A project -specific environmental document that relies on the Hollister CAP for its GHG impacts analysis must show consistency with the CAP, identify specific GHG reduction strategies from the Hollister CAP that are applicable to the project, and demonstrate how the project will implement these strategies. Project applicants and City staff will identify specific strategies applicable to each project during project review. If applicable strategies are not otherwise binding and enforceable, they must be incorporated as mitigation strategies for the project.
January 2026
City of Hollister
This CAP meets the requirements in the CEQA Guidelines that allow it to be applied to individual projects by:
• Quantifying emissions, both existing and projected over a specified period, resulting from activities within a defined geographic area, as discussed in Chapter 3.
• Establishing a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution of emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable. A CAP seeking to be a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy must have a GHG emission reduction target or targets that substantially reduce GHG emissions, can be feasibly achieved, and can be reasonably tracked and reported over time. Chapter 3 of this CAP identifies the local GHG reduction targets, as informed by the State's GHG reduction targets. The State's targets are:
■ Reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. • Reduce emissions to 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045. • Supporting net carbon neutrality by 2045.
• Identifying and analyzing the emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of actions anticipated within the geographic area.
• Specifying GHG reduction strategies or a group of strategies, including performance standards that, if implemented on a project -by -project basis, substantial evidence demonstrates they would collectively achieve the specified emissions level. • Establishing a mechanism to monitor the plan's progress toward achieving specific levels and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving those levels.
• Including an environmental review of the Hollister CAP. The Hollister CAP is evaluated by the Hollister 2040 General Plan Environmental Impact Report, certified by the City Council on December 10, 2024 (State Clearinghouse number 2021040277).
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January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
2. CLIMATE CHANGE IN HOLLISTER
Valc:r,. Key,
CLIMATE SCIENCE AND CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS
What is Climate Change?
Climate refers to the long-term average of weather conditions, such as temperature and precipitation. While it is normal for Earth's climate system to experience gradual shifts in these average conditions, human activity is causing global climate change at a much faster pace than in the past. These activities, predominantly the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, emit heat -trapping gases called greenhouse gases (GHGs) that build up in the atmosphere. As GHG levels increase, Earth's atmosphere traps more heat, triggering changes in the global climate system that may have serious and potentially catastrophic impacts on people, community assets, and natural systems.
1010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010 GHGs are naturally occurring gases, such
as water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2),
methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide
(N2O), that absorb heat radiated from
the Earth's surface.
The heat -trapping effect of GHGs is known as the "greenhouse effect" because the Earth's atmosphere acts like a greenhouse, warming the planet in much the same way that an ordinary greenhouse warms the air inside its glass walls. However, human activities are exerting a major and growing influence on the climate by increasing concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere, especially by the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. As GHG concentrations increase, more heat is trapped in the atmosphere, increasing global temperatures, and causing changes to Earth's climate system.
January 2026 Page 11
The largest contributing sectors of human -created GHG emissions in the United States are from energy production and transportation, due to reliance on fossil fuel -burning power plants and vehicles. Emissions are also generated by waste decomposition; by industrial, commercial, and residential land uses; and from agriculture, among other activities.
According to the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections, average 2021-2040 temperatures are likely to be 2.16 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to 3.2°F warmer than 1986-2005 average temperatures, and potentially over 10.26°F warmer by 2100 under the highest emissions scenario. If this increase in concentration of GHG emissions continues, this is expected to lead to further changes in the global climate system and pose even greater risks than those currently seen.
The State of California began implementing measures to reduce GHGs in 1988. As shown in Figure 3, statewide emissions have generally gradually declined since 2000, from a high of 486 MMTCO2e of GHG emissions in 2004 to a low of 369 MMTCO2e in 2020.
Notably, the State reached its 2020 emissions reduction goal of 1990 levels in 2016, four years ahead of schedule. However, significant progress is still needed to achieve the State's goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.
Local and State reductions in emissions will not be immediately reflected as corresponding declines in atmospheric concentrations of GHGs. Global carbon dioxide concentrations have increased by about 30 percent over the past six decades. Similarly, atmospheric levels of other greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide, and certain fluorinated gases) continue to increase.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Figure 3 California GHG Emissions, 2000 through 2020 (MMTCO2e) Metric Tons CO2e
200
180
160
140
120
100
80 60
Transportation
Electric Power
Industrial
Commercial & Residential
— _
0 Agriculture
o N m cr Lf1 LD N 00 O'i O N m L LD N 00 Cn O N m
O O O CDO CC O o O c rl v--1 r -I
O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N
Source: California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2025. "2000-2023 GHG Inventory." Current California GHG Emission Inventory Data. Accessed January 2026. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/ghg-inventory-data .
January 2026
Climate Change Impacts in Hollister
Climate change is already having dire impacts on communities around the world. Past years have broken records for extreme heat globally, communities have experienced devastating floods, wildfires, drought, and storms with significant consequences for public health, safety, and economic well-being. Increasingly, communities are experiencing unprecedented and often unpredictable extreme events that are connected to or caused by climate change. Scientists expect climate change to increase the frequency and severity of several climate hazards that can affect Hollister, which include flooding, extreme heat, drought, and wildfire. Without aggressive action to reduce emissions to mitigate the worst effects, and immediate measures to adapt to a changing climate, these hazards will become more deadly and destructive. This section describes how climate change could affect Hollister in the short- and long-term future.
This CAP is one of several City plans and initiatives to reduce community -wide risks from natural hazards and increase resilience. It integrates and is consistent with several planning and emergency preparedness documents, recognizing that natural hazards will continue to occur and likely worsen due to climate change. • The General Plan provides a long-term vision for development and operations in the city. The Health and Safety Element focuses on natural and human -caused hazards and provides a range of policies and programs to address risks associated with those hazards.
• The Vulnerability Assessment Report, prepared for the Health and Safety Element, evaluates how people and key community assets (such as buildings, infrastructure, and economic systems) may be affected by climate change hazards and the degree to which they are vulnerable.
• The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is a short-term planning document that provides a detailed overview of hazards in the city and a set of specific hazard mitigation strategies with an implementation timeline of five years. • The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is the City and County's internal plan for emergency response and recovery, which goes into effect during an emergency or disaster. This plan describes specific roles for City and County departments, along with regional or State agencies, in responding to a disaster.
This section includes brief summaries of the background information on hazards provided in the LHMP and Health and Safety Element; Chapter 4 provides strategies to address vulnerabilities identified in the Vulnerability Assessment, focusing on strategies that help Hollister both adapt to climate change hazards and reduce GHG emissions. For more detailed information and maps related to hazards and vulnerabilities described in this section, we recommend reviewing the City's General Plan, Vulnerability Assessment, LHMP, and EOP.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Agricultural and Ecosystem Pests and Diseases
Projections show temperatures getting warmer earlier in the year and remaining warmer until later in the year, which creates a wider activity window for pests and diseases. Agriculture and ecosystem pests and diseases can severely harm the agriculture and outdoor recreation industries in and surrounding Hollister. Row crops and vineyards can be affected by fungal pathogens and invasive disease vectors as temperatures continue to rise, affecting the quality and viability of crops., Farmworkers are also highly vulnerable to reduced work opportunities and economic hardships resulting from crop losses.'
Drought
A drought is defined as a period in which precipitation, including rainfall and snow, decreases. The Monterey Bay region is particularly susceptible to severe drought because the area relies heavily on annual precipitation to restore water aquifers and sustain agricultural operations. When the City prepared its Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment in March 2022, Hollister and San Benito County were experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions., In future drought conditions, the city could experience a drop in annual precipitation from an average of 16 inches per year to an average of 12.7 inches per year.9 Hollister residents receive water from two suppliers, the City of Hollister and the Sunnyslope County Water District. Both purveyors source groundwater from local wells in the city and surrounding North San Benito Groundwater Basin, and the City also sources imported surface water from the Central Valley Water Project through the San Benito County Water District (SBCWD). The Central Valley Water Project is a complex water supply and distribution network made up of a series of 20 dams and reservoirs along the foothills of the Sierra Nevada that provides water to urban areas in the greater Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area regions.10 Snowpack levels in the Sierra Nevada dropped by 25 percent during the 2011 to 2016 drought, and the average springtime snowpack is expected to drop 64 percent by 2100.11 In 2022, the statewide snowpack was 68 percent of the average for March 1, making it the driest documented year in state history.12
Photo credit Jenny Knerr
California Climate and Agricultural Network. 2019. Cultivating Climate Resilience in Farming: Ensuring California Farms and Ranches Thrive in the Face of Climate Change. https://calclimateag.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cultivating-Resilience-August-2019.pdf .
Roos, Michelle. 2018. "Climate Justice Summary Report." California's Fourth Climate Change Assessment. E4 Strategic Solutions. Publication number: SUM-CCCA4-2018-012.
National Drought Mitigation Center. University of Nebraska -Lincoln. 2022. "U.S. Drought Monitor, California." httpslidrr�ugh'tmonitor,unl.edu/CurrentMaa StateDroughtMonitor.as)x?CiA. 9 Cal -Adapt. 2018. "Extended Drought Scenarios." https://cal-adapt.org/tools/extended-drought/ . 1° Bureau of Reclamation. 2020. "California -Great Basin: Central Valley Project." https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvp/ . 1 ARCCA. 2018. From Mountain to Cities: Exploring California's Urban Connections to Sierra Nevada Ecosystems. https://a rccacalifornia.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/08/ARCCA-UrbanRural-Whitepaper.pdf. 1z California Department of Water Resources. 2022. "Statewide Snowpack Falls Well Below Average Following Consecutive Dry Months." https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2022/Ma rch-22/March-2022-Snow-Survey.
January 2026 Page 15
Current modeling and analysis indicate that extended drought conditions will become more frequent and more severe because of climate change. Warmer temperatures and greater swings in precipitation levels are likely to lead to increased frequency and intensity of drought events, including an increase in severe, long-lasting "mega -drought" events.13 Warmer temperatures, decreased levels of snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, and faster melting of snow are likely to contribute to the increased frequency of droughts.
A reduction in water supplies could cause water shortages, mandatory water restrictions, and increased costs for water and goods, increasing economic instability of low-income and low-resourced residents. A reduction in Central Valley Project water supplies may cause the city to use more water from the North San Benito Groundwater Basin, which may cause groundwater overdraft. In addition, an increase in the number and intensity of drought years, along with an increase in extreme heat events, may increase the frequency and severity of wildfire events.
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat events are days when high temperatures significantly exceed normal levels, which for Hollister are temperatures above 97°F. The annual number of extreme heat days in Hollister is projected to increase from a historical average of four days to an average of 14 days by mid-century and an average of 24 by the end of the century.14 Figure 4 shows the past and projected extreme heat days in Hollister.
Extreme heat can cause heat -related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, in addition to worsening respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Populations especially vulnerable to extreme heat include outdoor workers, low-income communities of color, renters, seniors, and persons experiencing homelessness. Some homes in Hollister lack air conditioning; people living in these homes may be more susceptible to harm from extreme heat events. Residents may not be able to cool homes or keep medications cooled if extreme heat events cause public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events. If extreme heat coincides with wildfire or other poor air quality conditions, residents may have to choose between opening windows to cool their homes and keeping windows closed, causing indoor air temperatures to rise to unhealthy levels. There is only one cooling center in the region, the Hollister Veterans Memorial Building.
Energy delivery services and associated infrastructure are highly vulnerable to extreme heat, as high temperatures can stress and overload the grid, causing power outages and damage to transmission lines. The agricultural economy is also highly vulnerable to extreme heat, as higher temperatures may alter the variety of crops that can be grown in Hollister Valley. Yields of vegetable and row crops are expected to decrease and water demand is expected to rise due to extreme heat conditions.15 A future increase in temperatures is expected to contribute to longer and more severe droughts, which could create significant challenges for water supplies, natural ecosystems, and agricultural operations. 13 Langridge, Ruth. 2018. "Central Coast Summary Report." California's Fourth Climate Change Assessment. University of California, Santa Cruz.
Publication number: SUM-CCCA4-2018-006.
14 Cal -Adapt. 2018. "Extreme Heat Days & Warm Nights." https://cal-adapt.org/tools/extreme-heat/ . 15 Langridge, Ruth. 2018. "Central Coast Summary Report." California's Fourth Climate Change Assessment. University of California, Santa Cruz.
Publication number: SUM-CCCA4-2018-006.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Figure 4 Past and Projected Extreme Heat Days in Hollister 45 4o
16 35
Z 3O
E 25
2 2O
' 15
1 5
Year
-Observed --Projected
Sources: Cal -Adapt, 2021; National Weather Service, 2022.
Flooding
Potential flooding in Hollister would likely occur in low-lying areas adjacent to waterways, largely around the San Benito River to the southwest and Santa Ana Creek to the northeast of Hollister. As shown in Figure 5, several areas in and surrounding Hollister are in the 100 -year and 500 -year floodplain, which have an elevated risk of flooding. Few areas within the city limits are in a flood zone; however, areas adjacent to the San Benito River, Pacheco Creek, and Santa Ana Creek are in the 100 -year flood zone. During heavy rainfall events, flooding occurs at the airport, and in commercial, residential, and agricultural areas.
Regional flooding typically occurs every four to five years. As the climate changes, floods are expected to occur more frequently, affecting how the community defines and experiences a "normal" flood. For example, what is currently considered a 100 -year flood, or a flood that has a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year, may occur with greater frequency (such as a 2 or 5 percent chance in any given year). More intense and frequent flooding could exceed the capacity of the San Benito River and Santa Ana Creek basins, which are principal drainage basins for the region. Damage from flooding in and around Hollister would largely occur on agricultural lands resulting in crop losses, field work delays, and crop damage or loss. Flooding in urban areas can damage buildings, homes, streets, bridges, and utility infrastructure.
January 2026 Page 17
Chapter 2
Climate Change in Hollister
Figure 5 City of Hollister Flood Zones
D
A
Planning Area
Urban Service Area
Existing Sphere of Influence
Proposed Sphere of
Influence Expansion
City Limit
Hollister Industrial
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Hollister Water Reclamation
Facility
Levees
FEMA Flood Zones
100 -Year Flood Zone
500 -Year Flood Zone
DWR Awareness 100 -Year
Floodplain
2020; FEMA, 202.0; PlaceWorks, 2025; B
Source: ESRI San Benito County, 2020; USCS, 2019
Tres Pinos
January 2026
City of Hollister
NOTABLE FLOOD EVENTS IN HOLLISTER AND THE REGION
2004: A storm event brought 4 inches of rain to San Benito County and winds up to 10 miles per hour, causing flooding along East and Second Streets.
2010: A storm overwhelmed the storm drain system, flooding San Benito Street near Nash Road. 2014: A large storm brought 3.8 inches of rain to San Benito County, causing flooding, mudslides, and knocking over trees.
Landslides and flooding caused Southside School to close along Southside Road. 2017: A storm brought 2.37 inches of rain over a week period, causing flooding along Pacheco Creek, Approximately 59 people evacuated from their homes and a state of emergency was declared in San Benito County.
Wildfire
Wildfires are a regular feature of the landscape in much of California; however, nearly 85 percent of wildfires are caused by humans.16 Wildfires can be sparked by lightning, malfunctioning equipment, vehicle crashes, or other causes." Warmer temperatures, an increase in drought conditions, and extreme wind events are likely to create more fuel for fires in natural and rural areas, leading to a greater chance that a spark will grow into a potentially dangerous blaze. Climate change is also expected to extend the fire season.
Areas that are especially vulnerable to wildfire are identified according to fire hazard severity zones. Fire hazard severity zones are areas of significant fire hazard based on fuels, terrain, weather, and other relevant hazards, separated into zones of Moderate, High, and Very High severity.18 Approximately 450 acres of Hollister is in one of these zones. Most of these areas are Moderate hazard zones along the City's eastern and southwestern edges, although approximately 11 acres of a drainage basin, south of the developed areas of Hollister, is a Very High zone. Figure 6 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Hollister.
Major roads and highways, including those that serve as evacuation routes, such as Highway 25 and 4th Street, can be blocked by wildfire flames or debris, making it difficult for residents to evacuate and emergency personnel to reach certain areas of the city. The entire energy delivery system, including electric transmission lines, can be damaged by wildfires. Homes can be burned and damaged by wildfires.
Several agricultural areas surrounding the city are also in fire hazard severity zones and are therefore vulnerable to crop loss and damage from wildfire. Recurring wildfires may make recovery difficult, especially if adaptation measures are not implemented to boost economic resilience.
16 Balch, J. K., Bradley, B. A., Abatzoglou, J. T., Nagy, R. C., Fusco, E. J., & Mahood, A. L. 2017. "Human -started wildfires expand the fire niche across the United States." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(11), 2946-2951. https://wwvj nas.orp/ doi!10.1 073/:mas.161 73941 14 17 National Park Service. 2022. Wildfire Causes and Evaluations. httls:// w.nps.gov/artic.,lesjwildfire-causes-and-evaluation.htm 18 California Office of the State Fire Marshal. 2021. Fire Hazard Severity Zones. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/community-wildfire-preparedness- and-mitigation/wildfire-preparedness/fire-hazard-severity-zones/.
January 2026 Page 19
The city's proximity to fire -prone areas also increases the potential for smoke from wildfires to increase air pollution levels, creating significant health risk in the region. Smoke and ash can damage crops, farms, and agricultural fields, as well as altering the nutrients in the soil and polluting water supplies. Smoke can prevent visitors from traveling to the city to participate in outdoor recreation and tourism, including recreation at nearby state and regional parks, and ash from wildfires can pollute water supplies.
The populations in Hollister face frequent, and potentially severe, disruptions, hardships, and health impacts due to wildfire.
WHAT ARE PUBLIC SAFETY POWER
SHUTOFFS?
Electricity utility companies throughout
California, including Pacific Gas and Electric
Company (PG&E), initiate PSPS events that "de -
energize", or turn off the electricity for power
lines that run through areas when there is an
elevated fire risk. This is intended to reduce the
risk of power lines sparking or being damaged
and starting a wildfire. PSPS events result in a loss
of power for customers served by the affected
power lines. A PSPS event may occur at any time
of the year, though they are most common
during high wind events and dry conditions.
PSPS events may be limited to specific
communities, or they may affect broad swaths of
the state, Planned PSPS events to prevent
wildfires have already impacted persons who
depend on electricity for air conditioning or their
medically necessary equipment.
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Figure 6 City of Hollister Fire Hazard Severity Zones
ED Planning Area
ICI Urban Service Area
. Hollister Industrial
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Hollister Water Reclamation
if= Existing Sphere of Influence Facility
w Proposed Sphere of
Influence Expansion
© City Limit
Creeks and Waterways
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
(State Responsibility Area)
Very High
High
Moderate
(Local Responsibility Area)
Very High
High
Moderate
Source: CAL FIRE, 2025; ESRI, 2020; PlaceWorks, 2025; San Benito County, 2020; USGS, 2019 January 2026 Page 21
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January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
3. GHG EMISSIONS IN HOLLISTER
Sabrina Stark
GHG emissions are generated by various activities that are commonplace in daily life. Some daily activities release GHG emissions in the location of the activity, such as gases released anytime a car is driven. On the other hand, some activities cause GHG emissions to be released elsewhere, such as someone using electricity to power their home, which generates GHG emissions in the location of the power plant that supplies the power and not in the home itself.
The CAP considers GHG emissions caused by activities in the CAP Study Area, which is made up of the territory within the City's jurisdictional boundary and the land that falls within the City's SOI (see Figure 1). Hollister's 2040 General Plan identifies the SOI as areas that are currently outside of the City's official boundary but that the City may annex in the future.
This chapter presents the methods used to prepare the GHG emissions inventories, the results of the GHG inventories and forecasts, an overview of emissions reduction targets, and recommended GHG reduction strategies to achieve the targets.
COMMUNITY -WIDE GHG INVENTORY
A community -wide GHG inventory identifies GHG emissions resulting from the activities of residents, employees, and other community members occurring within the city boundary. Examples include residents driving cars, homes using water, and businesses using electricity. Conducting a GHG inventory helps the City identify the most significant contributors to community GHG emissions and establish a baseline that the City
WHAT IS A CITY LIMIT, SOI, AND CAP
STUDY AREA?
The City boundary is the existing urban
area that comprises the city limits in
Hollister. By contrast, the Sphere of
Influence (S0l) is the area that has the
potential tor annexation in the future.
The CAP Study Area is the existing urban
area plus the SOI.
January 2026
can use to track emissions reductions over time. Knowing which activities release these GHG emissions allows the City to develop policies and programs that facilitate a decrease in emissions for each activity.
Inventory Method
A series of guidance documents, called protocols, provide recommendations on how to assess GHG emissions. These protocols provide guidance on what activities to evaluate in GHG inventories and how emissions from those activities should be measured. GHG inventories are estimates of GHG emissions based on these standard methods and verified datasets. While they are not direct measurements of GHG emissions, the use of the standard methods identified in the protocol, in combination with accurate data from appropriate sources, allows GHG inventories to provide reliable estimates of local emission levels. Using standard methods allows for an easy comparison of GHG emission levels across multiple years and communities. The City updated GHG inventories consistent with the guidance in widely adopted, standard protocol documents:
• The CAP Study Area GHG inventory uses the United States Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (U.S.
Community Protocol), which was first developed in 2012 and updated most recently in 2019. The OPR encourages cities and counties in California g
to follow the U.S. Community Protocol for community -wide GHG emissions. • The Global Protocol for Community -Scale Greenhouse Gas Inventories (Global Protocol) was first developed in 2014 and is intended for use in preparing international community -scale GHG inventories. It is largely consistent with the U.S. Community Protocol, although it contains additional guidance and resources to support a wider range of activities that may be found in other countries. The project team has used the Global Protocol to assess GHG emissions from sources that are not covered in the U.S. Community Protocol.
UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
GHG inventories assess emissions in a
unit called carbon dioxide equivalent
(CO2e), which is a combined unit of all
GHGs analyzed in the inventory. As
different GHGs have different effects on
the processes that drive climate change,
CO2e is a weighted unit that reflects the
relative potency of the different GHGs.
These inventories report amounts of
GHGE in metric tons of CO2e (MTCO e),
equal to 1,000 kilograms or
approximately 2,205 pounds.
Prior to preparation of this CAP, AMBAG prepared community -wide GHG inventories for Hollister for the baseline year of 2005 and 2019. The 2005 inventory provides a baseline for establishing targets, while the 2019 inventory, at the time of the initial publication and adoption of this CAP in 2024, was the most recent available indication of how emissions have changed since the baseline. With the 2025 technical update of the CAP, the City was able to use more recent data from 2024 to provide a more accurate estimation of what GHG emissions are like in Hollister today; 2024 is also the year from which future emissions are forecasted. The City revised the existing AMBAG GHG inventories for 2005 and 2019 to use consistent and current methods and data sources that are in line with recommended guidance and best practices. These revisions included the addition of new sectors and sources, revised emission factors, updated global warming potentials for certain GHGs, different data sources for certain sectors for consistency with the 2040 General Plan, and adjustments to methods for certain sectors. The new sectors added to the updated inventories are agriculture and land use and sequestration. Updates in methods most noticeably affect the results of the transportation sector; all other changes are minor.
Details about the inventory update process are in Appendix A.
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Emission Factors
The City calculated most of its GHG emissions using data on GHG-generating activities in combination with emission factors. An emissions factor describes how many MTCO2e are released per unit of an activity. For instance, an emissions factor for electricity describes the MTCO2e produced per kWh of electricity used, and an emission factor for on -road transportation describes the MTCO2e produced per mile of driving. Appendix A provides more detail about the GHG emissions inventory process, including a table of emissions factors for all sectors (refer to Table A-1).
GHG Inventory Results
The City conducted GHG inventories for the area within the city boundary and the entire CAP Study Area. Both inventories assessed GHG emissions from the following eight categories of activities, known as sectors:
Transportation includes GHG emissions created by driving on -road vehicles, including passenger and freight vehicles.
Nonresidential energy includes GHG emissions attributed to the use of electricity and natural gas in nonresidential buildings.
Residential energy includes GHG emissions attributed to the use of electricity and natural gas in residential buildings.
Solid waste includes the GHG emissions released from trash collected in Hollister. Estimates of emissions released by the solid waste sector are derived from figures for the tonnage of solid waste collected within Hollister. Decomposition emission rates vary by waste material type and are estimated according to statewide waste composition statistics. Primary generators of decomposition emissions include paper and cardboard materials, food, leaves and branches, lumber, textiles, and medical and construction waste.
Off -road equipment includes GHG emissions from equipment that does not provide on -road transportation, such as tractors for construction or equipment used for landscape maintenance.
Agriculture includes GHG emissions from fertilizer use for crop cultivation.
Water and wastewater accounts for the electricity used to transport every gallon of water or wastewater to residents and businesses, as well as direct emissions resulting from the processing of wastewater material.
Land use and sequestration includes GHG emissions released into the atmosphere from the development of previously undeveloped land and GHG emissions saved from carbon absorption and storage in trees.
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Chapter 3
GHG Emissions in. Hollister
The amount and proportion of each sector's contribution to the community's annual GHG emissions in 2005, 2019, and 2024 is shown in Table 1 and Figure 7. Table 1 shows how GHG emissions changed across sectors between 2005, 2019, and 2024.
Table 1 Annual GHG Emissions and Proportions by Sector within City Limit in 2005 and 2024 Sector
Transportation
Nonresidential energy
Residential energy
Off -road equipment
Solid waste
Water and wastewater
Agriculture
Land use and
sequestration
Development activities
Total Annual MTCO2e
2005
Inventory
MTCO2e
110,140
55,120
36,210
32,400
11,330
2,340
2005
Proportion of
Total
45010
22%
15%
13%
5%
1%
400 Less than 1%
2019
Inventory
MTCO2e
140,350
11,160
24,270
48,780
17,930
1,040 Less than 1%
320 Less than 1%
2019
Proportion of
Total
-2,300 -1 %o -2,460
1,600 Less than 1%
247,240 100%
58%
50/0
10010
20%
70/0
-1%
500 Less than 1010
241,890 100%
2024
Inventory
MTCOze
2024
Proportion of
Total
209,840 62%
20,130 6%
33,300 10%
54,710 16%
16,140 5%
2,550 1%
0 Less than 10/0
-2,110 -1%
1,400 Less than 1%
335,960 100%
As shown in Table 1, the transportation sector was the largest source of GHG emissions in Hollister for all inventory years, increasing steadily from 45 percent in 2005, to 58 percent in 2019, to 62 percent of community -wide emissions in 2024. The transportation sector was followed by the nonresidential energy sector and residential energy sectors as the second- and third -largest sources of GHG emissions in 2005. However, in 2019 and 2024, when emissions from electricity use dropped dramatically due to the availability of cleaner sources of electricity, the off -road equipment sector rose to the second -highest emitting sector, followed by the residential energy sector.
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Figure 7 GHG Emissions by Sector (MTCO2e) within City Limit, 2005, 2019, and 2024 350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
O
-50,000
110,140
17,930
140,350
16,140
209,840
2OO5 2O19 2O24
Transportation
• Off -road equipment
• Agriculture
• Nonresidential energy
Solid waste
Residential energy
Water and wastewater
• Land use and sequestration • Development activities
Note: Data labels for sectors comprising less than 5 percent of total emissions are not included in the chart to maintain legibility. See Table 1 for complete data.
In 2005, the sectors with the highest emissions were transportation and nonresidential energy. In 2019 and 2024, the sectors with the highest emissions were transportation and off -road equipment. Overall, emissions increased 36 percent between 2005 and 2024.
Emissions from nonresidential and residential energy decreased between 2005 and 2024 by 63 and 8 percent, respectively. While nonresidential energy was the second -highest emitting sector in 2005, it fell below residential energy as the fourth -highest emitter in 2019 and 2024. Hollister's electricity providers, 3CE and PG&E, both supplied most of their electricity in 2019 and 2024 from renewable and carbon -free sources, leading to a reductions in GHG emissions from the residential energy, nonresidential energy, and water and wastewater sectors.
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Chapter 3
GHG Emissions in. Hollister
Table 2 Percentage Change of GHG Emissions by Sector within City Limit in 2005, 2019, and 2024 Sector
Transportation
Nonresidential energy
Residential energy
Off -road equipment
Solid waste
Water and wastewater
Agriculture
Land use and sequestration
Development activities
Total Annual MTCO2e
2005
MTCO2e
110,140
55,120
36,210
32,400
11,330
2,340
400
-2,300
1,600
247,240
2019
MTCO2e
140,350
11,160
24,270
48,780
17,930
1,040
320
-2,460
500
241,890
Percentage
Change from
2005 to 2019
2024
MTCO2e
27% 209,840
-80010 20,130
-33010 33,300
51% 54,710
58% 16,140
-56% 2,550
-20% 0 -1000/o
7% -2,110 -8%
-69% 1,400 -13%
-2010 335,960 36%
Percentage
Change
2005 to 2024
91%
-63010
-8%
69%
42%
9%
Four sectors experienced an increase in GHG emissions from 2005 to 2024: solid waste, off -road equipment, transportation, and water and wastewater. GHG emissions from the solid waste sector, which are estimated based on waste produced by Hollister residents only, increased by 42 percent due to population growth within the city. Off -road equipment GHG emissions increased by 69 percent, due at least in part to an increase in construction activity and population growth. Despite an increase in fuel efficiency and adoption of EVs, GHG emissions from the transportation sector increased by 91 percent, driven by a substantial increase in VMT. Water and wastewater emissions also increased due to an increase in population and accompanying increase in water use. 2024 Inventory for CAP Study Area
As noted in the introduction to this document, the General Plan anticipates that Hollister will grow within its existing boundary and through the annexation of land outside of the current city boundary but within the General Plan's CAP Study Area. This land consists primarily of agricultural or low -density residential land west, south, and east of the city boundary, as shown in Figure 1. GHG emissions in 2024 for the CAP Study Area are shown in Table 3. The SOI is responsible for approximately 7,900 MTCO2e emissions.
Table 3 GHG Emissions within Existing City Limit, Sphere of Influence, and Combined Total (CAP Study Area) in 2024
Area
City Limit
Sphere of Influence Only
CAP Study Area (Total)
2024 Emissions (MTCO2e)
335,960
13,910
349,870
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City of Hollister
CAP STUDY AREA GHG FORECASTS
The CAP Study Area forecast is a projection of future GHG emissions from the sources included in Hollister's GHG inventory. For consistency with the 2040 General Plan, the CAP assesses emissions through the General Plan's horizon year of 2040 and beyond.
The forecast projects emissions in the years 2030, 2040, and 2045 to function as a foundation for exploring strategies to decrease emissions consistent with State reduction targets and goals for these years (as further explained in Chapter 4). This section presents future GHG emissions for the existing city boundary, the SOI, and the combined CAP Study Area. These forecasts assume that each person in Hollister will continue to produce the same amount of GHG emissions as they did in 2024, so that the amount of GHG emissions changes proportionally to the projected change in community demographics.
GHG Emissions Forecast within City Limit
Emissions forecasts are based on the 2024 GHG emissions inventory for the city boundary, taking into account Hollister's 2024 demographics and predicted demographic trends used in the Hollister 2040 General Plan. Table 4 and Figure 8 show these projected emissions. Appendix A provides projected changes in population, households, jobs, service population, and VMT between 2024 and 2045.
The forecast is a worst -case projection that assumes that no action is taken at any level, including by State, regional, and local agencies.
As shown in Table 4 and Figure 8, GHG emissions are expected to increase by 40 percent between 2024 and 2045 within the existing city boundary. This projection accounts for GHG emission changes from land use and carbon sequestration from urban trees.
The four sectors projected to have the largest increase in GHG emissions between 2024 and 2045 are as follows:
Nonresidential energy emissions are projected to increase by 57 percent.
Residential energy emissions are projected to increase by 59 percent.
Off -road emissions are projected to increase by 56 percent.
Solid waste emissions are projected to increase by 55 percent.
Increases in emissions are due to projected increases in the city's population and number of jobs over the next two decades.
Agriculture is the only sector whose emissions are projected to remain at zero. Emissions from agriculture dropped to zero between 2019 and 2024 due to land use changes and development. Agriculture emissions will remain at zero due to no remaining agricultural lands within the city limits.
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Chapter 3
GHG Emissions in. Hollister
Table 4 Forecast GHG Emissions within City Limit, 2024-2045 Sector
Transportation
Nonresidential energy
Residential energy
Off -road equipment
Solid waste
Water and wastewater
Agriculture2
Land use and sequestration
Development activities
Total
2024'
209,840
20,130
33,300
54,710
16,140
2,550
0 -2,110
1,400
335,960
2030'
20401
228,250
23,790
38,810
64,190
18,950
3,000
0'
-2,240
1,140
375,890
258,950
28,930
48,140
78,180
23,020
3,640
0 -2,450
1,230
439,640
2045'
274,300
31,520
52,810
85,180
25,050
3,960
0 -2,450
240
470,610
Percentage
Change,
2024 to 2045
310/0
57%
59%
56%
55%
55%
0%
16%
-83%
40%
1. Data shown for 2024 are inventoried GHG emissions. The data shown for 2030, 2040, and 2045 are GHG emission forecasts based on projections from the 2024 inventory.
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Figure 8 Forecast GHG Emissions within City Limit, 2024-2045 GHG Emissions (MTCO2e)
500,000
400,000
300,000
2OO, OOO
100,000
O
400,000
2O24
• Transportation
• Off -road equipment
■ Agriculture
2O3O
Year
2O4O
Nonresidential energy
Solid waste
■ Land use and sequestration
Emissions Forecast of Hollister's Sphere of Influence
2O45
• Residential energy
• Water and wastewater
Hollister's projected future SOI emissions result from activities occurring within the SOI, excluding the area within the existing city boundary. As with the forecast for the city boundary, the forecast of GHG emissions in the SOI is based on the results of the 2024 community -wide GHG emissions inventory for the SOI, the SOI's 2024 demographics, and future demographic projections. These population, housing, and employment projections are based on the estimates of future buildout under the Hollister 2040 General Plan in the SOI. Appendix A shows the demographic projections used to prepare the GHG emissions forecast of the SOI.
Table 5 and Figure 9 show the SOI's forecasted GHG emissions through 2045. This forecast shows that GHG emissions are expected to increase by 164 percent by 2045 relative to 2024 levels. This increase in GHG emissions is attributed to the dramatic increase in the population of this area between 2024 and 2045.
The four sectors in the SOI projected to experience the largest increase in GHG emissions between 2024 and 2045 are nonresidential energy (533 percent increase in emissions), solid waste (284 percent increase in emissions), water and wastewater (294 percent increase in emissions), and off -road equipment (285 percent increase in emissions). Increases in emissions associated with off -road equipment, nonresidential and residential energy, and solid waste sectors between 2024 and 2045 are attributed to a large increase in the number of households and jobs in Hollister's SOI during this period.
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Chapter 3
GHG Emissions in. Hollister
Like the GHG emission forecast for the city boundary, GHG emissions from the agriculture sector in the SOI gradually decline through 2045 due to conversion of agricultural land to urban uses. Similar to the land use and sequestration sector in the city boundary GHG inventory, the SOI land use and sequestration sector experiences a net decrease in GHG emissions since urban street trees sequester carbon and offset the release of emissions from new urban development.
Table 5 Forecasted GHG Emissions within Sphere of Influence by Sector, 2024-2045 Sector
Transportation
Nonresidential energy
Residential energy
Off -road equipment
Solid waste
Water and wastewater
Agriculture'
Land use and sequestration
Development activities
Total
2024'
870
720
3,190
4,010
1,170
180
100
-390
210
10,060
2030
980
2,150 ,
5,580
7,710
2,240
350
60 -710
500
18,860
2040
2045
1,190
3,750
9,210
12,870
3,740
590
0'
-1,080
860
31,130
1,280
4,560
11,020
15,450
4,490
710
0 -1,080
320
36,750
Percentage
Change,
2024 to 2045
47%
533%
245%
285%
284%
294%
-100%
177%
52010
164%
1. Data shown for 2024 are inventoried GHG emissions. The data shown for 2030, 2040, and 2045 are GHG emission forecasts based on projections from the 2024 inventory.
2. GHG emission projections for agriculture assume that by 2040, all agricultural land will be developed and converted to other land uses.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Figure 9 Forecasted GHG Emissions within Sphere of Influence, 2024-2045 40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0 -5,000
2024
• Transportation
• Off -road equipment
• Agriculture
2030
Nonresidential energy
Solid waste
2040
2045
• Residential energy
• Water and wastewater
• Land use and sequestration • Development activities
GHG Emissions Forecast of Hollister's CAP Study Area
For the purposes of the GHG inventory and forecast in the CAP, in addition to analyzing the GHG emissions in the city limits and growth areas, it is important to analyze the combined area of the city boundary and SOI. This combined area, known as the CAP Study Area, represents the potential expanded area of the city boundary if all growth areas are annexed and incorporated into the City of Hollister as planned. Urban expansion in Hollister has the potential to significantly increase community -wide GHG emissions in the future.
Appendix A shows the demographic projections used to prepare the GHG emissions forecast for the comprehensive CAP Study Area.
In the CAP Study Area, GHG emissions are expected to increase by 265 percent in 2045 relative to 2024 levels. Table 6 and Figure 10 show Hollister's forecasted GHG emissions in the CAP Study Area through 2045.
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Chapter 3
GHG Emissions in. Hollister
Table 6 Forecasted GHG Emissions within CAP Study Area by Sector, 2024-2045 Sector
Transportation
Nonresidential energy
Residential energy
Off -road equipment
Solid waste
Water and wastewater
Agriculture
Land use and sequestration
Development activities
Total
2024*
2030*
2040*
210,710 229,230 260,140
20,850 25,940 32,680
36,490 44,390 57,350
58,720 71,900 91,050
17,310 21,190 26,760
2,730 3,350 4,230
100 60 0
-2,500 -2,950 -3,530
1,610 1,640 2,090
346,020 394,750 470,770
2045*
275,580
36,080
63,830
100,630
29,540
4,670
0 -3,530
560
507,360
Percentage Change,
2024 to 2045
31%
73%
75%
71%
71%
710/0
-100%
41%
-65%
47%
* Data shown for 2024 are the inventory of GHG emissions. The data shown for 2030, 2040, and 2045 are GHG emission forecasts based on projections from the 2024 inventory.
The five sectors in the CAP Study Area that are projected to experience the largest increase in GHG emissions between 2024 and 2045 are the nonresidential energy (73 percent increase in emissions), residential energy (75 percent increase in emissions), and off -road equipment sectors (71 percent increase in emissions), solid waste (71 percent increase in emissions), and water and wastewater (71 percent increase in emissions). The increase in emissions in these sectors is the result of a substantial increase in the CAP Study Area's projected population and number of jobs over the next two decades. As shown in Table 7, emissions in the CAP Study Area are projected to increase by 47 percent between 2024 and 2045.
Land use GHG emissions, which are comprised of emissions sequestered by street trees and released by developing land, are expected to decrease overall in the CAP Study Area because, while a portion of the annexed land that is currently used primarily for agricultural and open space uses, will be converted to urban land uses, the GHG emissions associated with this land conversion are more than offset by the absorption of carbon by urban street trees. In Hollister's CAP Study Area, similar to the GHG emission forecast for the city boundary (not including the growth areas), the agriculture sector is projected to experience a gradual decrease in GHG emissions in the future.
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Figure 10
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Forecasted GHG Emissions within CAP Study Area, 2024-2045 GHG Emissions (MTCO2e)
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0 -100,000
Table 7
2024
Transportation
Off -road equipment
■ Agriculture
2030
Year
■ Nonresidential energy
■ Solid waste
2040
Residential energy
2045
■ Water and wastewater
Land use and sequestration ■ Development activities
Forecasted Emissions within City Limit, Sphere of Influence, and CAP Study Area Geographic Boundary
City Limit
Sphere of Influence
CAP Study Area (Total)
2024
335,960
10,060
346,020
2030
375,890
18,860
394,750
2040
439,640
31,130
470,770
2045
470,610
36,750
507,360
Percentage
Change
2024 to 2045
40%
265%
47010
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City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
4. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION STRATEGY
Photo credit: Rene Rodriguez
BACKGROUND
This chapter describes Hollister's GHG reduction targets and the community's path to reducing GHG emissions to meet or exceed its targets, including existing/planned efforts led by state, regional, and local agencies, and new strategies in this CAP.
GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS
Hollister's GHG emissions reduction target is the quantity of GHG emissions that the City commits to reduce by a certain year. GHG reduction targets apply to all GHGs attributed to the community and all sectors as identified in the City's GHG inventories.
State GHG Reduction Targets
California has committed to achieving GHG emission reductions through legislative actions and executive orders. Legislative actions are binding targets that are codified in State law. Executive orders do not have the force of law but provide an indication of the State's goals and intentions. Table 8 shows the State's GHG emission reduction targets.
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Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
Table 8 State GHG Emission Reduction Targets
Target Year
Target
2020 Reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels.
Reduce GHG emissions by 40 percent below 1990
levels.
Carbon neutrality.
2045 Reduce GHG emissions 85 percent below 1990 levels, at a minimum.
2030
Establishing Act
Assembly Bill 32 (2006)
Senate Bill 32 (2016)
Executive Order B-55-18 (2018) Assembly Bill 1279
(2022)
AB 1279 establishes the statewide goal of achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2045 and reducing GHG emissions by 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045.
Targets for Hollister
For the CAP, the City has selected local GHG emissions reduction targets that are in alignment with the State's recommendations in the 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan of 40 percent and 85 percent below 1990 levels in 2030 and 2045, respectively. Under the Scoping Plan, local jurisdictions are able to determine their own GHG reduction targets as long as they are generally consistent with the State's direction. The City of Hollister has calculated its targets by identifying the GHG emission sources present in the community, determining the level of reductions in these sectors as anticipated by the Scoping Plan to achieve the statewide targets, and setting its target at this level of reduction relative to existing efforts. This results in a 2045 target of 82 percent below 1990 levels, Hollister's locally -applicable equivalent to the State target of 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045. Under this approach, the 2030 target remains unaltered at 40 percent below 1990 levels. In addition, Hollister has selected an interim target of 67 percent below 1990 levels by 2040, as an interpolation between the 2030 and 2045 targets. These emissions targets are consistent with State guidance while reflecting the particular sources of GHG emissions in Hollister. Table 9 shows these targets.
Table 9 Targets for Hollister CAP Study Area
Target Year
2030
2040
2045
Target GHG Emissions
126,090 MTCO2e
69,580 MTCO2e
37,830 MTCO2e
Description
40 percent below 1990 levels
67 percent below 1990 levels
82 percent below 1990 levels
Carbon Neutral Target
California has set a State goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The State encourages local jurisdictions to take ambitious, coordinated climate action at the community scale that is consistent with and supportive of the State's climate goals while also reflective of a community's characteristics, goals, and resources. Under a carbon neutral target, the community pledges to aggressively reduce GHG emissions to a certain level or as close to zero as possible and offset the remaining GHG emissions. The community will still produce some GHG emissions, but these will be balanced out by removing GHGs from the atmosphere through carbon sequestration, carbon offsets, or similar carbon removal practices. The CAP will substantially reduce GHG emissions, meeting the targets shown
January 2026
City of Hollister
above while also supporting the achievement of carbon neutrality statewide. Additionally, the CAP includes strategies and actions to help implement local and regional sequestration activities that can support the State's goal of carbon neutrality.
ACHIEVING THE TARGETS: EXISTING AND NEW REDUCTION STRATEGIES Progress Toward GHG Reduction Targets
To understand the level of action necessary to achieve the City's reduction targets, the CAP analyzes GHG emissions reductions from existing, planned, and new actions.
By first assessing GHG emissions reductions from existing State and local actions, the City can measure progress achieved and identify opportunities to further reduce emissions. These new strategies can further close the gap between projected GHG emission levels and the reduction targets and guide development and implementation of future programs. Each of the GHG reduction strategies assessed includes performance metrics and GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of the measures in the Technical Data for Existing and Planned Activities section of Appendix A. The implementation matrix in Chapter 5 also provides actions for monitoring and evaluation of GHG reduction strategies.
State Initiatives to Reduce GHG Emissions
Since passing AB 32, the State has enacted regulations and programs to reduce GHG emissions. Although statewide in scope, these actions affect several sources of Hollister's emissions, so the local benefits of these State efforts can be "credited" to Hollister, even in cases where the community did not need to take any action. This CAP includes the local benefits from five State policies:
• Renewable Portfolio Standard: The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) was first established in 2002 and has been amended multiple times, most recently in 2018 by SB 100. It requires all electricity providers in the State to obtain at least 33 percent of their electricity from eligible renewable resources by the end of 2030, and all their electricity from carbon -free (although not necessarily eligible renewable) resources by the end of 2045. • Clean Car Standards: In 2002, California adopted AB 1493, the New Passenger Motor Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards, or Pavley standard. It required a reduction in tailpipe GHG emissions from new vehicles produced from 2009 to 2015. In 2012, CARB adopted an extension of this policy, the Advanced Clean Car Standards, which requires more stringent reductions in tailpipe GHG emissions from vehicles produced from 2016 to 2025. In 2022, the State adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II standards, which applies to vehicles produced from 2026 to 2035, and requires that all new light -duty vehicles sold in California be zero emission by 2035. Similar standards, known as the Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Fleets, and Innovative Clean Transit regulations, require GHG reductions for larger vehicles and select organizations that operate vehicle fleets.
• Title 24 Energy -Efficiency Standards: California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, is California's energy -efficiency standards for new and renovated buildings, applied at the local level through the project review/building permit process.
The standards are strengthened every three years. The most recent set of Title 24 standards went into effect on January 1, 2023, with minor updates in July 2024, although the reductions shown from this policy include past, current, and anticipated future Title 24 standards.
• Low Carbon Fuel Standard: The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) was adopted in 2009 and required a 10 percent reduction in the carbon intensity of all transportation and off -road equipment fuels by 2020.
January 2026 Page 39
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
■ The short-lived climate pollutants law (SB 1383): SB 1383, approved in 2016, proposes a comprehensive strategy to reduce methane and other emissions of short-lived GHGs through regulations on dairy operations and urban landfills, including higher diversion rates of food waste from landfills.
Renewable Energy Emissions Reductions in 2045
As required by the State's RPS, all electricity sold in California must be carbon free by 2045. Consequently, future GHG reduction strategies that only reduce electricity use or increase renewable electricity supplies will show zero GHG reductions in 2045.
According to the forecast in Table 10, GHG emissions in the CAP Study Area are projected to increase by 45 percent between 2024 and 2045. However, when State actions are accounted for, GHG emissions decrease by 35 percent between 2024 and 2045. Table 10 shows the GHG emissions reductions resulting from State actions.
Table 10 GHG Emission Reductions from State Actions in CAP Study Area, 2024 GHG Emissions
Emissions without State actions
Reductions from RPS
Renewable natural gas
Reductions from Clean Car standards
Reductions from Title 24
Reductions from LCFS (off -road only)
Reductions from SB 1383
Reductions from all State actions
Emissions with State actions
2024
MTCO2e
346,020
2030
MTCO2e
394,750
1,150
2,980
41,030
1,770
54,710
3,530
105,170
346,020 289,580
2040
MTCO2e
470,770
10,910
9,960
153,490
7,880
69,590
4,460
256,290
214,490
2045
MTCO2e
ACHIEVING THE TARGETS: EXISTING LOCAL ACTIONS TO REDUCE GHG EMISSIONS 507,360
39,230
12,940
201,370
10,430
76,940
4,930
345,840
161,530
Percentage
Change
2024- 2045
470/o
-530/o
Regional and local initiatives help to further reduce Hollister's community -wide GHG emissions (see Table 11). The actions the City has already taken to reduce GHG emissions include:
■ Partnership with 3CE, the default electricity provider in Hollister, to provide affordable renewable energy to community members.
■ Water recycling program at the Hollister Water Reclamation Facility. ■ Installation of residential and commercial solar energy systems in the community. ■ Installation of EV charging stations.
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Table 11 GHG Emission Reductions from Local Actions in CAP Study Area, 2024 to 2045 Number
1 Existing Action
Solar installations throughout the city.
2 3CE renewable energy portfolio
3 EV charger installations throughout the city.
Total
2030 MTCO2e
Less than 10
21,830
Less than 10
610
2040 MTCO2e
ACHIEVING THE TARGETS: NEW GHG EMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGIES Less than 10
18,450
Less than 10
400
2045 MTCO2e
Less than 10
0 Less than 10
Less than 10
While GHG savings from existing State and local actions are significant, they are not sufficient to meet the City's GHG reduction targets.
The CAP introduces new strategies to help Hollister meet these targets and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. To identify strategies for achieving these goals, the project team began with the conservation, natural resources, and transportation policies in the City's General Plan. There were also opportunities to develop strategies to address new and emerging issues not covered in the General Plan. The project team developed the CAP strategies based on several sources, including:
• Past and recent GHG inventories and forecast.
▪ The existing and planned State, regional, and local accomplishments. • Existing and revised policies in the General Plan.
The CAP introduces 35 strategies and recommended implementation actions to reduce emissions that are consistent with Hollister 2040 goals and policies relating to climate, energy, and natural resource conservation. These strategies align with the existing emergency response and recover framework provided in the EOP, the short-term hazard mitigation actions in the LHMP, and the long-term policies and programs in the Health and Safety Element.
January 2026 Page 41
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
These 35 strategies are organized by eight goals, listed here with their corresponding sectors:
64; I :4: 6
,
:S „ ,
Sustainable Energy and Resilience: Reduced energy use through use of energy -efficient appliances, lighting, and materials in our homes, businesses, and City facilities.
Carbon -Free Energy: Existing and new buildings, facilities, and operations are resilient and powered by carbon -free electricity or other low carbon, clean energy sources Transportation: A connected and efficient transportation network that provides equitable access to low carbon motorized and GHG free non -motorized mobility options.
Off -road Equipment: Hollister encourages residents, businesses, and industries to electrify off -road equipment when feasible.
Solid Waste: Hollister residents, businesses, and visitors minimize waste sent to the landfill.
Water and Wastewater: The community maintains a sustainable supply of drinking water and efficient indoor and outdoor water use in homes, businesses, and operations.
Natural Resources and Agriculture: Preserve and expand natural resources and agricultural land.
Governance and Leadership: Work with regional partners to implement the CAP and take actions to increase community resilience against climate hazards.
Each strategy includes a description; the anticipated 2030, 2040, and 2045 GHG reductions achieved by the strategy at the projected performance level; and the recommended actions necessary for successful implementation.
Recommended actions represent the City's current understanding of best practices in achieving GHG emissions reductions and community equity, availability of technology, and local regulations, as well as the current State and federal regulatory environment.
The implementation strategies presented in Chapter 5 provide guidelines for City staff to follow when implementing GHG reduction strategies to track annual progress, while allowing flexibility to integrate new opportunities or expand programs when feasible.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Calculating Credit
This CAP uses a process called quantification to estimate the absolute number of GHG emissions savings associated with each existing and new GHG reduction strategy. Quantification uses activity data for each sector in the GHG inventory, such as VMT or kWh, and projected participation rates and the change in activity resulting from each strategy to calculate the net GHG emissions savings for each strategy. This approach ensures that the GHG reductions from the CAP strategies are tied to current and future activities that are occurring in the community.
Calculations for reduction in activity data come from tools and reports provided by State and federal agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Energy Commission, CARB, the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA), the US Department of Energy (DOE), and the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD). If accurate data is not available from these sources, the quantification uses case studies from comparable communities and applicable scholarly research. Detailed information about how GHG emissions savings from each strategy are calculated appears in Appendix A.
The City was able to quantify GHG reductions for most of the strategies in the CAP. However, the savings from some strategies are not quantified due to lack of data and/or the lack of a reliable quantification method. These strategies are still expected to reduce GHG emissions, but exact emissions reductions cannot be accurately determined. These strategies are labeled "supportive".
This plan identifies GHG reductions for most strategies. However, there are a few that do not have a specific reduction level due to missing data or the lack of a reliable assessment method.
As stated previously, the State's RPS requirements mean that strategies that only reduce electricity use or increase renewable electricity supplies will show zero GHG reductions in 2045. However, local renewable energy systems and energy -efficiency strategies will continue to provide several benefits to the community, including lower electricity bills and increased resiliency against power disruptions, even if there are no measurable additional GHG reductions (see co -benefits section that follows).
The results of quantifying GHG reduction potential of the strategies in this CAP show that, with successful implementation of the strategies, Hollister can meet its 2045 emissions reduction targets. It is likely that new technologies, policies and regulations, personal and economic behaviors and preferences, and other factors t will emerge in future years that may contribute to additional GHG emission reductions in a way that cannot be accurately forecasted in the CAP at this time. Future updates to Hollister's CAP will be able to assess emerging trends more accurately, along with any unexpected changes in GHG emissions, and will revise Hollister's GHG emission reduction strategy as appropriate.
January 2026 Page 43
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
Co -benefits of GHG Reduction Strategies
In addition to reducing GHG emissions, these strategies provide co -benefits that improve mobility, equity, and the quality of the natural environment. Some co -benefits resulting from the GHG reduction strategies include energy bill savings for households and businesses, improved air quality, increased water and energy conservation, and increased demand for green jobs. This plan highlights 12 co -benefits that a GHG reduction strategy can provide, although strategies may provide additional benefits beyond those identified here. The 12 co -benefits are listed below. The description of each strategy also identifies the co -benefits of the strategy.
Co -benefits assessed for each climate action strategy
Conserves Natural
Resources
e
Improves Habitability
Promotes Technological
Innovation
Promotes Community
Resilience
Promotes Economic Savings Encourages Active Mobility
Promotes Social Equity Supports Local Agriculture Supports the Local Economy Improves Air Quality
Opt ---A)/
Supports Workforce
Development
Promotes Local
Governance and
Leadership
January 2026
City of Hollister
Sustainable Energy
Goal: Reduced energy use through use of energy -efficient appliances, lighting, and materials in our homes, businesses, and City facilities.
The Sustainable Energy category includes energy -efficiency measures for residential, nonresidential, and government buildings. Most buildings use electricity and natural gas to operate appliances and equipment. While sources of electricity have become much cleaner over time and will continue to become cleaner due to State law and utility policies, the GHG emissions associated with fossil fuels, such as natural gas, have remained constant. Hollister strives to increase community -wide participation rates in efficient appliance rebate programs, energy -efficiency retrofits, and weatherization programs. Households, businesses, and government operations can benefit from retrofits that improve energy efficiency of the building envelope, especially in older buildings, through improved comfort and energy cost savings. For more details about implementation, refer to Chapter 5, CAP Implementation Strategy.
January 2026
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
Strategy 1 MUNICIPAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION Existing and new City -owned and operated facilities achieve optimal energy conservation and efficiency in their performance.
Strategy 1 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SO1
STRATEGY 1 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
2030
Promotes Cost
Savings
20 Less than 10
Improves
Air Quality
2040
60 Less than 10
2045
70 Less than 10
Promotes
Technological
Innovation
STRATEGY 1 ACTIONS
1-1: Require Cal Green Tier 1 compliance for all new City buildings. 1-2: Retrofit City -owned streetlights and traffic lights with LED fixtures by 2030. 1-3: Conduct benchmarking of energy use at all City -owned and operated facilities. 1-4: Audit existing City buildings and facilities to identify opportunities for energy conservation and efficiency upgrades or retrofits that optimize energy performance of buildings and operations and save the City energy and operating costs over time.
1-5: Conduct a municipal operations inventory to identify opportunities for energy and resource conservation within the City's vehicle usage, employee commuting, water and wastewater use and generation, and solid waste disposal. 1-6: Add energy -efficiency improvement projects to the City's Capital Improvement Program annually and complete energy -efficiency capital projects on the list with support from San Benito County, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), and other partners, as appropriate.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Strategy 2 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY -WIDE BUILDING STANDARDS Expand and promote residential energy -efficiency of existing and new market rate homes in Hollister.
Strategy 2 GHG Reduction (MTC02e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
2,540
350
2,890
2040
3,460
600
4,060
2045
3,460
150
3,610
Strategy 2 Key Metrics
=El=
Number of residential
units retrofit
STRATEGY 2 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
STRATEGY 2 ACTIONS
Improves
Habitability
2030
2040
2045
5,160 8,010 8,570
OPEN
Promotes Workforce
Development
Supports the
Local Economy
2-1: Ensure the City's existing design review guidelines, as applicable, account for energy -efficient design consistent with the California Building and Energy Codes and requirements. 2-2: Evaluate the effectiveness of the City's current land use, energy, water use, stormwater management, and design codes and permitting processes in to achieve energy -efficient, carbon free, and sustainable design and operations and update applicable codes, programs, and processes as needed to improve building performance as part of the City's building and development review processes.
2-3: Support AMBAG Energy Watch and San Benito County efforts to conduct outreach and education with local contractors to ensure they are kept up to date on local code requirements and energy -efficient appliances and devices.
January 2026 Page 47
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
2-4: Continue to require residential projects, including renovations, to meet Title 24 energy -efficiency requirements, and, where possible, require structural design to make use of natural heating and cooling, as well as landscaping design to reduce the heat island effect.
Strategy 3 RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION Expand and promote residential energy -efficiency of existing and new below market -rate homes in Hollister.
Stra
e
GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
320
40 360
2040
540
90 630
2045
760
130
900
Strategy 3 Key Metrics
Number of low-income
residential units retrofit
STRATEGY 3 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
STRATEGY 3 ACTIONS
Improves Habitability
2030
5,160
2040
Promotes cost
savings
8,010
2045
8,570
Promotes technological
innovation
3-1: Promote and support efforts of Central Coast Energy Services (CCES) and other similar community -based organizations and local contractors to provide affordable energy -efficiency retrofits and low- to no -cost weatherization services to low-income homeowners and renters. 3-2: Seek grant funding for weatherization programs that support low-income households. 3-3: Develop an inventory of residential buildings in the city that were constructed prior to 1980 to identify the greatest opportunities for energy efficiency and conservation improvements and targeted outreach and education campaigns. Prepare information materials targeted to these buildings and engage with the owners of the buildings to promote energy -efficiency upgrades.
January 2026
Number of nonresidential units
retrofit
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
3-4: Support and promote programs and incentives for installation of all -electric appliances in new residential construction and remodels by partnering with 3CE AM BAG Energy Watch. 3-5: Partner with San Benito County Water District and San Benito County to establish or expand existing recycling and appliance rebate programs for energy- and water -efficient washing machines and electric, including heat pumps and dryers.
3-6: Support AMBAG Energy Watch, San Benito County, 3CE, and other partners with their outreach and education campaigns, including, but not limited to, promoting programs through City communication and promotion tools, engaging in person or online with homeowners and contractors, maintaining a City webpage of resources, and sharing permitting data to inform targeted outreach.
Strategy 4 NONRESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY Support energy conservation and efficiency improvements in nonresidential uses, including businesses, office complexes, commercial and retail buildings, shopping centers, medical facilities and hospitals, warehouses, and industrial facilities.
Strategy 4 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
2040
2,440
200
2,640
4,180
440
4,620
2045
4,250
470
4,720
Strategy 4 Key Metrics
2030
2040
2045
280
520
550
January 2026 Page 49
Chapter 4
STRATEGY 4 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
STRATEGY 4 ACTIONS
Improves Habitability
Promotes economic
savings
Promotes technological
innovation
4-1: Support existing 3CE and AMBAG Energy Watch programs by publicizing energy -efficiency programs, technical assistance, and financing opportunities for businesses and nonprofit organizations. 4-2: Encourage businesses to conduct energy audits. Use the business license process (new and renewals) as an opportunity to share information about incentives for energy efficiency improvements. 4-3: Support outreach to small business owners by partnering with the Cal Coastal Small Business Development Center. 4-4: Expand energy -saving opportunities and assistance for large and small commercial and industrial businesses by working with AMBAG Energy Watch, 3CE, and nonprofit organizations. 4-5: Expand the distribution of free or subsidized energy and water efficiency and conservation toolkits, devices, and services to residents and businesses citywide through partnerships with public libraries, AMBAG Energy Watch, and local nonprofit organizations.
Photo credit PlaceWorks.
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Carbon -Free Energy
Goal: Existing and new buildings, facilities, and operations are resilient and powered by carbon -free electricity or other low carbon, clean energy sources.
Electricity is fundamental to life and well-being in Hollister because it powers homes, businesses, and essential facilities, such as hospitals, schools, water treatment plants, police stations, and fire stations. Hollister aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by increasing municipal and community -wide participation in 3CE's low carbon electricity services, promoting the phase -out of natural- gas appliances, and encouraging distributed generation of renewable energy. Buildings can be retrofitted or newly constructed to be mostly- or all -electric to reduce GHG emissions, improve energy resilience, and improve indoor air quality. In accordance with this plan, Hollister plans to modernize existing public facilities, build new facilities equipped with electricity -generating solar panels, and encourage community residents and businesses to invest in solar energy systems to promote energy resilience in the face of power shortages, PSPS events, and natural disasters. Larger properties or more energy -intensive uses can use ground -mounted solar energy systems or a combination of renewable energy technologies to meet all or part of their energy demand. The strategies in the Carbon - Free Energy category support Hollister 2040 General Plan's Carbon -Free Energy policy.
Strategy 5 ON -SITE SOLAR ENERGY FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT
Ensure new large nonresidential development includes on -site renewable energy to support the site's energy needs by promoting solar photovoltaic panels or other appropriate on -site renewable energy generation systems for the following types of projects:
■ New commercial and office buildings, or existing commercial and office building expansions greater or equal to 45,000 square feet in size.
■ New industrial or existing industrial buildings expansions greater than or equal to 99,000 square feet in size.
Strategy 5 GHG Reduction (MTC02e)
Geography
City Limit
SoI
CAP Study Area
2030
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
2040
2045
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
January 2026 Page 51
Metric
Chapter 4
Strategy 5 Key Metrics
2040
2045
2030
Solar installations on new
nonresidential buildings
STRATEGY 5 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
STRATEGY 5 ACTIONS
Promotes technological
innovation
90 270
Supports the
Local Economy
390
5-1: Prepare, adopt, and implement a reach code that requires certain large non-residential development to install and use renewable and carbon free energy generated and stored, as appropriate, on -site. At a minimum, this code will apply to new commercial and office buildings, or existing commercial and office building expansions greater or equal to 45,000 square feet in size and new industrial or existing industrial buildings expansions greater than or equal to 99,000 square feet in size.
5-2: Support outreach and education activities by community and regional partners and supplement with City -specific outreach as needed to raise awareness about the benefits of solar energy for businesses, promote incentives, and increase installations of nonresidential solar PV systems in Hollister. 5-3: Establish a solar permitting webpage on the City's website that summarizes requirements for installing solar PV systems to ensure the information is easily accessible to the public. Provide handouts at City Hall to promote the website.
5-4: Update City permit tracking as appropriate to track size and number of renewable energy installations. 5-5: Provide incentives and rebates for solar PV systems to encourage increased local use of renewable energy. 5-6: Work with San Benito County, 3CE, and regional partners to explore opportunities to provide financial incentives to residents and businesses purchasing small-scale on -site battery energy storage systems for new development.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Strategy 6 MUNICIPAL RENEWABLE AND CARBON -FREE ENERGY
Transition municipal operations and buildings to local, renewable, and resilient energy sources.
Strategy 6 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
2030
City Limit
Sol
CAP Study Area
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
2040
2045
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Strategy 6 Key Metrics
Metric
Number of new solar installations on
municipal property
STRATEGY 6 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
STRATEGY 6 ACTIONS
Promotes technological
Innovation
2030
2040
2045
5 Supports the
Local Economy
10 15
6-1: Conduct a feasibility study to identify opportunities and benefits of constructing and operating solar or other renewable, clean energy generation technology on or at existing City -owned properties. The study should consider optimized conservation and technology as well as new uses, including generating power for vehicle charging stations, supporting energy storage, and new City uses. 6-2: Install back-up power sources at City -owned community facilities, prioritizing solar energy battery storage and microgrid systems where feasible.
6-3: Partner with regional agencies and jurisdictions to establish a regional microgrid agency to support 3CE in developing local microgrids for energy resilience.
6-4: Seek grant funding to conduct a feasibility study for a microgrid to serve public facilities in Hollister.
January 2026 Page 53
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
Strategy 7 COMMUNITY -WIDE RENEWABLE, CARBON -FREE, AND RESILIENT ENERGY SYSTEMS Promote on -site renewable energy production and storage, and community -wide use of 3CE's renewable energy service in existing Hollister homes and businesses.
Strategy 7 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SO1
CAP Study Area
2030
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
2040
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
2045
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Strategy 7 Key Metrics
Metric
New solar installations
STRATEGY 7 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural Promotes Community
Resources Resilience
STRATEGY 7 ACTIONS
2030
2040
2045
430
Supports the
Local Economy
1,420
Promotes
Technological
Innovation
1,710
7-1: Develop and implement a community outreach and education program that promotes the benefits and incentives for renewable energy and energy resilience and increase awareness of the benefits and incentive programs for rooftop solar energy and on -site energy storage systems. This includes developing a City webpage to inform residents and business owners about the permitting process for residential and commercial solar energy systems and links to partner pages for more details about incentive programs. 7-2: Work with PG&E on its efforts to prepare the community for power outages through battery storage programs and incentives, including the Self -Generation Incentive Program and related energy resilience efforts. 7-3: Work with San Benito County, 3CE, and regional partners to explore opportunities to provide financial incentives to residents and businesses purchasing small-scale on -site battery energy storage systems for existing development.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Strategy 8 ELECTRIFICATION
Promote and incentivize the phase -out of gas appliances in existing homes and businesses throughout the community to advance GHG reductions, increase energy efficiency, and protect public safety and environmental health.
Strategy 8 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
7,900
680
8,580
2040
14,350
1,100
15,450
2045
16,380
1,090
17,470
Strategy 8 Key Metrics
STRATEGY 8 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
STRATEGY 8 ACTIONS
Number of residential units
undergoing electrification
Number of nonresidential
units undergoing electrification
Promotes
Technological
Innovation
Improves
Habitability
2030
3,770 8,810 11,320
140 400 520
Supports the Local
Economy
Improves
Air Quality
8-1: Support education and outreach to increase participation in electric appliance rebate programs offered by 3CE, AMBAG Energy Watch, and other providers with a focus on contractors and residents of older properties (constructed in or before 1980).
8-2: Identify and remove any existing code, permitting, or other City requirements that serve as barriers to all -electric conversions of existing homes and businesses and assess opportunities to provide incentives and streamline the permitting process through bundled projects and one -stop permits. 8-3: Update the City's permit tracking system as appropriate to track electrification improvements.
January 2026
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
8-4: Review City -supported weatherization and energy -efficiency programs and requirements, if applicable, to ensure they support all -electric, high -efficiency appliances. 8-5: Work with local contractors to increase public awareness about and participation in existing incentive programs that promote replacement of natural gas appliances with electric space and water heating systems. 8-6: Explore and adopt, as feasible, local building code amendments requiring replacement of natural gas -powered space and water heaters with electric models at end of life during the 2022 and successive Buildings Standards Code updates.
8-7: Work with local and regional partners to identify ways to decrease the financial burden of electrification of low- income households and rental units, including paying up -front costs or identification of financial incentives.
Strategy 9 BUILDING CODE UPDATES AND INCENTIVES FOR ELECTRIFICATION OF NEW BUILDINGS By 2026, require all new development to be "all electric," with minor exceptions for appropriate facilities, which may include restaurants, manufacturing, and industrial uses.
Strategy 9 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SoI
CAP Study Area
2030
2040
240 2,860
90 1,110
330 3,970
2045
5,040
1,970
7,010
Strategy 9 Key Metrics
Metric
Number of new residential units
built to be all -electric
Number of new nonresidential
units built to be all -electric
STRATEGY 9 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
Improves Habitability
2030
2040
2045
5,450 9,180
40 220 390
OPF
Supports Workforce
Development
Promotes Economic
Savings
,sill
Supports the Local
Economy
January 2026
City of Hollister
STRATEGY 9 ACTIONS
9-1: Identify and partner with local industry organizations, community -based organizations, and regional partners to inform the preparation of an All -Electric Reach Code for new development, which would leverage the use of the 3CE's Reach Code Incentive Program to offset some costs associated with adopting a Reach Code. 9-2: Seek grant funding for electrification of affordable housing, such as the California Energy Commission's (CEC's) Building Initiative for Low Emissions Development (BUILD) program (SB 1477). 9-3: Promote public awareness about and increase participation in existing incentive programs that promote electric space and water heating systems to upgrade and replace natural gas appliances.
January 2026 Page 57
Chapter 4
Transportation
Goal: A connected, and efficient transportation network that provides equitable access to low carbon motorized and GHG free non -motorized mobility options.
The personal automobile has long dominated Hollister's transportation landscape. While convenient, private vehicle travel releases significant volumes of GHGs, emits air pollutants, degrades roads, and poses safety concerns for the community. Promoting the expansion of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, especially near schools, business districts, and employment centers, makes it easier for all residents to participate in public life. Moreover, greater choice in transportation modes can promote public health and reduce fuel costs and time lost in traffic. This CAP aims to reduce transportation emissions by promoting EV adoption through municipal fleet electrification, community -wide EV charging stations, and rebates for EV purchases, as well as promoting public transit, carpooling, and active transportation. The strategies in the Transportation category support the Hollister 2040 General Plan's Infill and Mixed -Use Development policy, Low-Emission/No Carbon Transportation policy, and Municipal Fleet Alternative Fuel Vehicles policy.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Strategy 10 VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED
Reduce community -wide VMT and associated transportation -related emissions per resident and employee.
Strategy 10 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
10,400
70 10,470
2040
4,500
70 4,570
2045
2,720
50 2,770
Strategy 10 Key Metrics
Metric
Employees participating in commute
trip reduction programs
Residents in transit -oriented
developments
Jobs in transit -oriented
developments
STRATEGY 10 CO -BENEFITS
Improves Air Quality
STRATEGY 10 ACTIONS
Supports the Local
Economy
2030
2040
2045
1,080 5,290 9,880
650 4,090 8,160
530 2,030 3,580
10-1: Promote transit as a viable option for local and regional trips. o Collaborate with the San Benito Council of Governments, Caltrans, and San Benito County to ensure efficient and accessible public transit services are available to all residents, workers, and visitors. o Support further integration and overall expansion of public transit service within the city, region, and to and from Salinas, Central Coast communities, and Silicon Valley communities. o Promote transit -friendly street design by encouraging features such as bus stop shelters, street lighting, bus - only signal phases, curb extensions, and wayfinding.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
10-2: Collaborate with the San Benito Council of Governments, Caltrans, and San Benito County to develop, implement, and maintain park -and -ride facilities.
10-3: Assess the feasibility of incorporating infrastructure to support micro -mobility devices in the downtown or in other locations where such a program could have success.
10-4: Aid new and existing multifamily and commercial developments in implementing and expanding opportunities for transit -oriented development and affordable housing.
10-5: Encourage employers to provide ridership programs, public transit passes, parking cash -out programs, and offer telecommuting to employees. Regularly assess and update incentives to respond to employee needs. 10-6: Provide transportation -demand incentives to City employees, including telecommuting as a viable option to reduce VMT and GHGs, without compromising the ability to provide public services. 10-7: Collaborate with regional partners to explore the feasibility of a shuttle between Hollister and Pinnacles National Park during the high -traffic season.
10-8: Pilot a community -based travel planning program to provide households with customized information, incentives, and support to encourage the use of transportation alternatives in place of single occupancy vehicles.
Strategy 11 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Ensure the community has safe and connected opportunities for bicycling and walking, especially between and within residential areas and commercial areas, parks, schools, job centers, and transit centers.
Strategy 11 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
2040
2045
2,440
Less than 10
2,440
Metric
2030
Miles of new bike lanes
Total milage of pedestrian
facility improvements
19.1 2.5
1,790
Less than 10
1,790
2040
28.6 3.8
1,250
Less than 10
1,250
2045
38.2 5.1
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
STRATEGY 11 CO -BENEFITS
Encourages Active
Mobility
STRATEGY 11 ACTIONS
Promotes
Social Equity
1 1-1: Develop and adopt a Complete Streets Plan to support safety, accessibility, and equity in multi -mobility. 11-2: Conduct an assessment of the City's existing sidewalk and prepare a list of sidewalk improvement projects, with priorities to complete gaps and connectivity in existing sidewalks, provide safe connections between residential areas and key destinations like parks, schools, places of employment, and shopping centers. 11-3: Improve street design to include safe, accessible, and interconnected pedestrian routes and bicycle paths in the downtown area and near existing and planned commercial centers and job centers. Develop street design guidelines to ensure consistency and safety of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. 11-4: Improve bike and pedestrian connections as identified in the 2019 Hollister Parks Facilities Master Plan. 11-5: Require bicycle parking at new commercial centers, job centers, and large-scale mixed -use developments, and ensure all City facilities provide safe and secure bicycle parking. 11-6: Promote incentive programs to fund the purchase of bicycles or electric -assist bicycles for low-income community members.
11-7: Support community -led bicycle safety training and materials for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. 11-8: Coordinate with Caltrans and other agencies to ensure future Caltrans-funded projects in Hollister consider pedestrian and bicycle circulation improvements to incentivize active transportation trips. 11-9: Facilitate and support the development of shared micromobility programs in Hollister, including:
o Amending the City's municipal code to regulate parking for scooter and bike -share programs. o Developing and implementing regulations specifying right-of-way rules for e -bikes and e -scooters. o Identifying accessible and equitable locations for micromobility hubs. o Marketing micromobility programs across the community. o Working with service providers to keep micromobility safe and affordable.
January 2026 Page 61
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
Strategy 12 SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS
Support regional agencies in ensuring that K-12 students in Hollister have pollution -free, safe, and accessible modes to get to and from school.
STRATEGY 12 CO -BENEFITS
Encourages Active
Mobility
STRATEGY 12 ACTIONS
Promotes
Social Equity
12-1: Partner with school districts to promote "walk pools" or "walking buses" to increase the number of students who walk to school.
12-2: Work with regional partners to promote incentives to provide bicycles to low-income youth in the community. 12-3: Establish a committee in the city focused on implementing Safe Routes to Schools projects and programs. 12-4: Work with regional partners to offer bicycle safety and pedestrian education classes at schools. 12-5: Conduct walkability scores of residential neighborhoods, starting with neighborhoods within a 1 -mile radius of a public or private school. Use the results to inform identification of City projects that would improve or provide new safe, comfortable, and connected pedestrian networks between residential areas and schools.
Strategy 12 is not quantifiable; however, it supports community -wide GHG emissions reductions.
Strategy 13 TRANSIT ACCESS
Increase overall transit ridership and improve access to light -rail transit for commuting to Silicon Valley and Bay Area job centers.
Stra
e
3 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
9,280
50 9,330
2040
10,820
70 60
10,890 9,460
2045
9,400
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Metric
Number of new transit trips per year
STRATEGY 13 CO -BENEFITS
Encourages Active
Mobility
STRATEGY 13 ACTIONS
Promotes social equity
2030
76,110
2040
2045
Supports the Local
Economy
207,050
240,120
13-1: Work with Caltrain or San Benito County Express to offer express bus service from Hollister to Gilroy to provide a public transit link to Caltrain service and Bay Area employment centers. 13-2: Develop marketing materials to promote San Benito County Express regional transit services, to be distributed at public facilities, workshops, and electronically on the City's website and social media channels. 13-3: Cooperatively work with Councils of Government (COG), Caltrans, and San Benito County to develop, implement, and maintain public transit services.
13-4: Support development of a centrally located multi -modal transit hub to encourage transit ridership, improve connectivity, and build on existing services while reducing demand for parking and vehicle trips.
Strategy 14 ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Promote adoption of electric and clean -fuel vehicles and expansion of public and private EV charging infrastructure.
Strategy 14 GHG Reduction (MTC02e)
Geography
City Limit
S01
CAP Study Area
2030
9,420
40 9,460
2040
13,200
50 13,250
2045
24,980
90 25,070
January 2026
Chapter 4
New light -duty EVs
16,260
44,680
56,730
STRATEGY 14 CO -BENEFITS
Improves
Air Quality
Promotes
Technological Innovation
STRATEGY 14 ACTIONS
14-1: Install EV charging stations equitably throughout the community at City facilities, parks, and parking lots. 14-2: Review the City's municipal code to identify barriers and opportunities to accelerate the use of EVs by Hollister's residents and employees, and update the code as needed. This review should ensure parking areas, gas stations, and fossil -fuel dependent transportation -related uses provide low and no carbon fuel options. 14-3: Adopt an EV reach code with minimum requirements for parking spaces with EV charging capacity for multifamily residential buildings and nonresidential buildings.
14-4: Provide dedicated parking spaces for electric or low carbon car -share vehicles at park -and -ride lots, public transit centers, and core commercial and business areas.
14-5: Participate in 3CE's Central Coast Incentive Project and other existing or future programs. 14-6: Work with San Benito County Express to ensure equitable access to electric or low carbon carshare vehicles. 14-7: Collaborate with regional partners, such as 3CE and the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, among others, to support accelerated adoption of EVs through the provision of incentives and public outreach campaigns.
Strategy 15 Low CARBON MUNICIPAL VEHICLES, SCHOOL BUSES, AND TRANSIT OPTIONS Expand the municipal EV fleet and promote low carbon transportation options.
STRATEGY 15 CO -BENEFITS
Improves Air Quality
Promotes Social Equity
Supports Technological
Innovation
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
STRATEGY 15 ACTIONS
15-1: Work with regional public transit partners to increase the adoption of electric buses and alternative fueled buses. 15-2: Support the 3CE's Zero -Emission School Bus Program, the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, and other regional partners, to electrify school buses used for Hollister -area schools. 15-3: As part of preparation of a GHG emissions inventory of City Operations, identify present and future GHGs released by the City fleet and by contractor vehicles used to provide municipal services, including collection of trash, recycling, and compostable materials.
15-4: Transition the municipal vehicle fleet to hybrid, electric, or clean fuel vehicles to the greatest extent possible.
Incorporate an "electric vehicles first" policy into the City's vehicle replacement program to support this transition. 15-5: Install EV chargers at all City facilities as needed to provide sufficient chargers to City electric fleet vehicles.
Instead of being quantified as a stand-alone strategy, GHG emissions reductions for this strategy were quantified at the community -wide scale. As a result, there are no GHG reductions, assumptions, or performance targets specific to municipal operations. For the corresponding community -wide strategy, which includes municipal operations, refer to Strategy 14.
Strategy 16 CAR SHARE PROGRAM
Consider developing an EV Car -Share Program to provide an alternative for car ownership.
Strategy 16 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
630
Less than 10
630
2040
470
Less than 10
470
2045
320
Less than 10
320
Strategy 16 Key Metrics
Metric
Number of EVs in Car Share Program
2030
20 2040
40 2045
50 January 2026 Page 65
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
STRATEGY 16 CO -BENEFITS
Improves
Air Quality
Promotes
Social Equity
STRATEGY 16 ACTIONS
Supports
Technological
Innovation
16-1: Conduct a feasibility study of different car -share programs, such as a car -share program with dedicated parking spaces and "free-floating" car share, to be followed by a citywide pilot program. 16-2: Partner with San Benito County and neighboring jurisdictions and discuss opportunities for car -share programs with regional car -share operators.
16-3: Incentivize car -share program use by providing special parking privileges for car share vehicles and providing EV charging stations at dedicated parking spaces.
16-4: Consider strategies to overcome barriers to participating in and accessing car -share priority locations, including providing information in multiple languages and prioritizing locations near environmental justice communities and in easily accessible locations.
Strategy 17 HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK IDLING
Limit the idling of heavy-duty diesel- and gasoline -powered trucks in Hollister.
Strategy 17 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SoI
CAP Study Area
2030
870
Less than 10
870
2040
870
Less than 10
870
2045
600
Less than 10
600
Stra
e
7 Key Metrics
Metric
Reduction in truck idling time
2030
2040
40%
40%
2045
40%
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
STRATEGY 17 CO -BENEFITS
Improves
Air Quality
Promotes
Social Equity
STRATEGY 17 ACTIONS
Supports
Technological Innovation
17-1: Adopt an ordinance that matches or is more stringent than the State's maximum idling law, and coordinate with California Air Resources Board, Monterey Bay Air Resources District, and law enforcement to achieve compliance.
Strategy 18 RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
Promote infill development to reduce long commute times and vehicle miles traveled.
Strategy 18 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
2040
5,190
40 5,230
4,450
30 4,480
2045
2,190
10 2,200
Strategy 18 Key Metrics
Metric
Increase in dwelling units per acre
STRATEGY 18 CO -BENEFITS
ekb
Conserves Promotes
Natural Resources Active Mobility
2030
30%
Improves
Air Quality
2040
2045
64%
64%
January 2026 Page 67
Chapter 4
STRATEGY 18 ACTIONS
18-1: Explore incentives to encourage the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), including exploring incentives for ADUs that are zero -net energy or all -electric.
18-2: Incentivize diverse housing types and increased density near transit, employment centers, and community amenities through multiple mechanisms, including reduced development fees, changes to zoning, expedited permitting, reduced parking minimums, improved transit connectivity and support for mixed -use development, live -work spaces, and missing -middle housing.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Off -Road Equipment
Goal: Hollister encourages residents, businesses, and industries to electrify off -road equipment when feasible.
Off -road equipment is used in many important sectors of the Hollister economy, such as construction and landscaping. The use of off -road equipment contributes to GHG emissions, air pollution, and noise levels in Hollister. By encouraging the transition to electric off -road equipment, Hollister can improve quality of life and reduce air pollution while reducing GHG emissions.
Strategy 19 ELECTRIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION AND LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT Promote and incentivize the transition to electric construction and landscaping equipment.
Strategy 19 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SQl
CAP Study Area
2030
2040
Metric
Percentage of construction
equipment converted to electric
Percentage of landscaping
equipment converted to electric
Percent of all other off -road
equipment converted to electric
STRATEGY 19 CO -BENEFITS
Improves
Air Quality
Promotes Technological
Innovation
4,830
460
5,290
14,280
1,880
16,160
2045
19,670
2,890
22,560
2030
2040
2045
30% 75% 95%
40% 75% 95%
30% 75% 95%
January 2026 Page 69
Chapter 4
STRATEGY 19 ACTIONS
19-1: Promote the health and safety benefits of battery -operated or electric -powered landscaping equipment and collaborate with regional partners such as the Monterey Bay Air Resources District and 3CE to identify and provide incentives to support replacement of gas -powered landscaping equipment. 19-2: Develop and implement a ban on gas -powered leaf blowers. 19-3: Support State and regional efforts to replace diesel -powered construction and landscaping equipment with electric equipment.
19-4: Conduct targeted outreach to local construction and landscaping companies to raise awareness about and increase participation in available electric equipment rebate programs. 19-5: Require hybrid or clean -fuel construction and landscaping equipment in City contracts.
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Solid Waste
Goal: Hollister residents, businesses, and visitors minimize waste sent to the landfill.
Many materials, including food, paper products, and wood, release GHGs as they decompose. By reducing the volume of waste that community members send to landfills, Hollister can significantly reduce waste -based GHG emissions. Waste reduction can take a variety of forms, from reducing the amount of packing used in food service and retail products, as envisioned in Hollister 2040 General Plan's Zero -Waste Community policy, to reimagining alternative uses for items that might otherwise be considered garbage. For materials that do end up in landfills, emissions from decomposing waste can be captured and used for electricity, offsetting emissions from electricity use for facility operations.
Strategy 20 REDUCE COMMUNITY -WIDE WASTE GENERATION
Promote programs and behavioral shifts to reduce community -wide consumption and generation of trash sent to landfills.
Strategy 20 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SO1
CAP Study Area
2030
2,370
280
2,650
2040
2045
12,470
2,030
14,500
16,700
2,990
19,690
Strategy 20 Key Metrics
Metric
Reduction in solid waste
generation
STRATEGY 20 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural Resources
2030
15%
2040
65%
2045
80%
January 2026 Page 71
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
STRATEGY 20 ACTIONS
20-1: Work with Recology, San Benito County Waste Management Regional Agency, and community partners to establish a source -reduction program and associated outreach and education campaign that promotes options to rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, regenerate, recycle, and recover materials and work toward a zero -waste community goal. 20-2: Work with waste haulers and regional agencies to encourage efforts to promote recycling and composting of organic materials.
20-3: Establish sharing, exchange, and reuse program(s), including fix -it clinics, swap events, second-hand markets, and shop local campaigns by collaborating with community and regional partners. 20-4: Work with San Benito County to require the recycling of demolition materials or the use of recycled materials in new construction, as feasible.
20-5: Continue to implement the City's purchasing preference for products containing recycled materials, as described in Section 3.06.280 of the Hollister Municipal Code.
20-6: Develop and adopt an ordinance to prohibit specific types of single -use or disposable plastics, particularly for use by restaurants, caterers, and other commercial kitchens. 20-7: Engage with businesses and industry to encourage the purchase and use of recycled materials where possible. 20-8: Encourage the community to participate in waste exchanges and used goods resale programs.
Strategy 21 RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING EDUCATION
Publicize Recology's composting services and educational resources to homes and businesses in Hollister.
Strategy 21 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SoI
CAP Study Area
2030
420
50 2040
2045
510
80 1,110
200
470 590 1,310
Strategy 21 Key Metrics
Metric
Tons of solid waste
reduced
2030
2040
1,060
2045
1,330 2,940
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
STRATEGY 21 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural Resources
STRATEGY 21 ACTIONS
21-1: Support San Benito County and Recology's existing programs by publicizing information about composting services for homes and businesses through the city's website, mailers, social media, and other communication channels. 21-2: Work with Recology to ensure residents and businesses have access to compost bins. 21-3: Work with local and regional partners to ensure each residence in the city is provided with curbside composting pursuant to SB 1383.
21-4: Require composting and other food waste diversion techniques at restaurants citywide. 21-5: Require composting at City facilities and at public events requiring City approval.
Strategy 22 METHANE CAPTURE AT LANDFILLS
Support efforts to reduce methane emissions from regional landfills.
Strategy 22 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
STRATEGY 22 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural Resources
2030
2040
2045
2,600
310
2,910
2,480
400
2,880
2,450
440
2,890
January 2026 Page 73
Chapter 4
STRATEGY 22 ACTIONS
22-1: Encourage efforts of the John Smith Road Landfill to install or enhance existing methane capture technology and associated monitoring systems with a goal of increasing the methane capture rate to the greatest extent feasible. 22-2: Encourage the use of captured methane for flaring or generation of electricity to offset fossil fuel energy use and reduce GHG emissions.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Water and Wastewater
Goal: The community maintains a sustainable supply of drinking water and efficient indoor and outdoor water use in homes, businesses, and operations.
Water conservation reduces emissions by reducing the amount of energy needed to process, heat, and deliver water. In addition to saving energy, water conservation and efficiency helps protect one of California's most precious resources and helps Hollister be more resilient to drought and water shortages. Meanwhile, individual homes and businesses benefit from reduced utility costs. The CAP also includes strategies to increase efficiency of water and wastewater treatment processes, which can reduce the amount of electricity required to operate water treatment facilities, further reducing GHG emissions in the water and wastewater sector.
HOLLISTER WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY
The Hollister Water Reclamation Facility, owned by the City and operated by Veolia North America, is responsible for treating domestic, commercial, and industrial wastewater. It generates recycled water used for agricultural production (including horticultural crops such as lettuce and tomatoes), park irrigation, airport landscaping, and groundwater recharge. Water recycling conserves water by reducing community demand on limited surface water and saves energy used in the sourcing and distribution of freshwater.
Strategy 23 REDUCE COMMUNITY -WIDE WATER USE
Reduce water use in the community through water conservation, water -efficient retrofits, water -wise landscaping, graywater, and recycled water programs.
Strategy 23 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
260
30 290
560
90 650
2045
960
170
1,130
January 2026
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
Strategy 23 Key Metrics
Reduction in water use
(million gallons)
STRATEGY 23 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
STRATEGY 23 ACTIONS
2030
2040
2045
300
500
770
23-1: Work with Sunnyslope and San Benito County Water Districts to develop and implement a water conservation and storage plan to ensure sustainable water supply as droughts become more frequent. 23-2: Require a Plumbing Retrofit Water Conservation Certification in accordance with SB 407 upon sale of residential properties.
23-3: Provide educational resources and incentives to increase the planting of residential and commercial drought - tolerant landscaping.
23-4: Distribute resources from San Benito County Water District to educate homeowners and business owners about water -efficiency and water reuse appliances and devices and existing incentive programs. 23-5: Collaborate with regional partners to provide incentives for graywater, rainwater storage systems, and other on -site water reuse systems.
Strategy 24 REDUCE MUNICIPAL WATER USE
Reduce municipal water use.
Strategy 24 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
2030
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
2040
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
2045
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
STRATEGY 24 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural Resources
STRATEGY 24 ACTIONS
24-1: Require water -efficient retrofits in municipal buildings and facilities through implementation of requirements for water -conserving plumbing fixtures and other techniques. 24-2: Implement drought -tolerant landscaping and/or water -efficient irrigation systems for public parks and facilities. 24-3: Work with the Regional Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant (RDWWTP), the local wastewater treatment provider, to upgrade and replace wastewater treatment and pumping equipment with more energy -efficient equipment as feasible.
24-4: Assess and upgrade City -owned water pumping and treatment equipment, as needed, to increase energy efficiency and save energy costs.
Instead of being quantified as a stand-alone strategy, GHG emissions reductions for this strategy were quantified at the community -wide scale. As a result, there are no GHG reductions, assumptions, or performance targets specific to municipal operations. For the corresponding community -wide strategy, which includes municipal operations, refer to Strategy 23.
Strategy 25 METHANE CAPTURE FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES Work with the Regional Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant (RDWWTP), the City's wastewater treatment plant, to increase methane capture rate in the indirect wastewater treatment process.
Strategy 25 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
SoI
CAP Study Area
2030
100
10 110
2040
210
30 90
240 590
2045
500
January 2026
Chapter 4
STRATEGY 25 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural Resources
STRATEGY 25 ACTIONS
25-1: Work with RDWWTP to explore the possibility of generating electricity from captured methane to power various facilities and reduce operating costs.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Natural Resources and Agriculture
Goal: Preserve and expand natural resources and agricultural land.
Historically, Hollister was an agricultural community with abundant orchards, farms, and ranches. The remaining agricultural lands, including those classified as prime farmland, have the potential to sequester carbon through conversion of topsoil, minimization of tillage and erosion, and maximization of soil organic matter content. This CAP includes strategies that support the goals in the Hollister 2040 General Plan Open Space and Agriculture Element to promote conservation of existing natural and working lands. These strategies involve collaboration with regional partners, agencies, and members of the agricultural community to reduce GHG emissions from the agriculture sector in Hollister.
Strategy 26 NATURAL RESOURCES AND OPEN SPACE
Ensure the preservation and expansion of park land and open space land to provide space for natural habitat, carbon sequestration, and recreation opportunities.
STRATEGY 26 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves
Natural Resources
STRATEGY 26 ACTIONS
Supports
Local Agriculture
26-1: Explore opportunities to increase park space at locations identified in the Hollister Parks Master Plan. 26-2: Explore opportunities to increase tree plantings and vegetation in existing urban areas, such as requiring landscaping on public and private sites, such as entry areas, street medians, parks, parking lots, plazas, courtyards, and recreational areas.
26-3: Become a Tree City USA city, which requires designation of a staff person, board, or department to be responsible for the care of trees in the city and administering the program; adopting a tree care ordinance; ensuring the expenditure of $2 per capita per year on tree planting and maintenance; and adopting an annual Arbor Day proclamation.
26-4: Develop a Trail Master Plan with a gap -analysis study of existing parks, trails, and open spaces in Hollister to ensure equal access to natural resources and open space.
January 2026 Page 79
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
26-5: Collaborate with San Benito County on implementation of their Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan and implementation of the Hollister Parks Master Plan to ensure regional connectivity to trails and open space, along with County and City collaborated efforts to enhance the San Benito River frontage through the San Benito River Parkway Master Plan and other studies.
26-6: Create open space preservation opportunities. Through the development review process, preserve open space areas. Encourage the dedication of open space areas that are adjacent to public open space.
Strategy 26 is not quantifiable; however, it supports community -wide GHG emissions reductions.
Photo credit: Janet Chang.
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Strategy 27 TREE PLANTING AND PRESERVATION
Maintain and expand the City's existing tree canopy to improve urban environmental quality and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Strategy 27 GHG Reduction (MTCO2e)
Geography
City Limit
So'
CAP Study Area
2030
260
2040
2045
50 310
310
60 370
150
30 180
Strategy 27 Key Metrics
Metric
New trees planted
STRATEGY 27 CO -BENEFITS
Improves
Air Quality
STRATEGY 27 ACTIONS
2030
2040
100
Promotes Community Improves Habitability
Resilience
300
2045
500
27-1: Implement an urban forestry program to manage citywide tree planting and maintenance, conduct a citywide tree inventory and canopy cover, and monitor tree health to maintain and expand the city's existing tree canopy. 27-2: As part of preparation of an Urban Forest Master Plan, identify priority areas for tree planting, focusing on environmental justice communities, to mitigate the heat island effect in underserved neighborhoods. 27-3: Ensure that new and retrofitted large hardscaped areas, such as parking lots, incorporate trees and other green infrastructure appropriate for current and future climate conditions. 27-4: Explore grant funding opportunities for urban forestry, pervious concrete, and cool pavement. 27-5: Encourage property owners to plant and maintain trees in existing urban areas through a citywide "Adopt a Tree" program to reduce the urban heat island effect, while ensuring compliance with fire -safe planting protocols and maintaining defensible space, as applicable.
January 2026 Page 81
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
Strategy 28 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Incorporate drought -tolerant landscapes, bioswales, green roofs, and permeable pavements in new development to increase absorption of precipitation during heavy rain events and reduce surface water runoff.
STRATEGY 28 CO -BENEFITS
Supports the
Local Economy
STRATEGY 28 ACTIONS
Supports
Local Agriculture
28-1: Develop sustainable building design standards that include requirements for green infrastructure and landscaping for outdoor areas.
28-2: Adopt green infrastructure design standards to improve stormwater management at public facilities, streets, and parking lots based on recognized green. infrastructure design guidelines, such as the one developed by Flows to the Bay.
28-3: Incorporate green infrastructure standards into design review.
Strategy 28 is not quantifiable; however, it supports community -wide GHG emissions reductions.
Strategy 29 LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS
Promote local and sustainable food sources, including community gardens, home vegetable and fruit gardening, farmers markets, food cooperatives, and community -based efforts to grow and share locally grown food.
STRATEGY 29 CO -BENEFITS
Supports the
Local Economy
Supports
Local Agriculture
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
STRATEGY 29 ACTIONS
29-1: Identify locations for community gardens and work with community groups to establish gardens on appropriate sites.
29-2: Collaborate with community partners to share information and resources on the benefits of eating seasonally, locally grown food, which include reducing individual GHG emissions and support the local economy. 29-3: Work with community partners to increase reliable and affordable access to fresh and healthy food. 29-4: Support efforts of community partners to promote local and regional farms, viticulture, food processors, home gardeners, and other agriculture uses, including through educational farm tours, tasting events, farm -to -table community meals, gardening workshops, and more.
Strategy 29 is not quantifiable; however, it supports community -wide GHG emissions reductions.
Strategy 30 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION Work with regional partners and farmers to increase sustainable agricultural practices and carbon sequestration on agricultural lands.
Geography
City Limit
SOI
CAP Study Area
Metric
Acres of farmland in the Healthy Soils
Program
STRATEGY 30 CO -BENEFITS
Supports Local
Agriculture
2030
2040 I 2045
0 660
660
2030
180
0 0
0 0
0 0
2040
2045
0 0
January 2026 Page 83
Chapter 4
STRATEGY 30 ACTIONS
30-1: Implement Hollister 2040 goals and policies aimed at preserving agricultural lands in the City's SOI and mitigating the loss of such lands. Work with local and regional partners to track development at the State level pertaining to sequestration of natural and working lands, including through CARB's Natural and Working Lands GHG inventory and the California 2030 Natural and Working Lands Climate Change Implementation Plan. 30-2: Work with local and regional partners to explore innovative techniques to increase carbon sequestration on agricultural land, including through compost application, agroforestry, grazing land, grassland and cropland management, crop covering, mulching, reduced or no -till practices, and planting of windbreaks, among others. 30-3: Partner with farming groups, academic institutions, and other partners to review and implement suggestions in the State's Healthy Soils Initiative, which facilitates the management of farms and ranches specifically for carbon sequestration and other benefits, such as increased water -holding capacity and soil fertility. 30-4: Work with CARB and other local and regional partners and participating agencies to identify and implement actions to maximize the use of the city's natural and working lands, including exploration of funding opportunities such as green loans, mitigation and carbon banking, or pursuit of grant funding. 30-5: Work with local farmers and community organizations involved with local farms to highlight agricultural properties and operating farms in the city's SOI, and to encourage their operation. 30-6: Work with Resource Conservation Districts and nonprofit organizations to pursue funding for sustainable agriculture grants that can help incentivize farmers and ranchers to minimize synthetic pesticide and fertilizer use. 30-7: Develop and implement an ordinance that prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers on City -owned property.
WHAT IS CARBON SEQUESTRATION?
Carbon sequestration is absorption of CO7 into living biomass of trees, plants, and soils, which is accounted for in the Land Use and Sequestration sector. This CHC inventory estimates the amount of carbon sequestered by urban street trees (not including trees in open spaces and agricultural lands) over a period of 20 years in the total urban area based on average sequestration rates for urban trees in Hollister's climate lone.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Governance and Leadership
Goal: Work with regional partners to implement the CAP and take actions to increase community resilience against climate hazards.
The City of Hollister strives to serve as a regional leader of sustainability. The City recognizes that successful implementation of this CAP will require integration of sustainability practices and commitment across all City departments, throughout City operations, and at most City facilities to the greatest extent feasible. The City will rely on existing regional partnerships to support many initiatives in this plan, including those with 3CE, AMBAG, and San Benito County. By incorporating CAP strategies into city-wide municipal operations, the City will be well positioned to save money over time and increase community resilience, including continuity of services in the event of natural and climate -related hazards, power outages, and PSPS events. In addition, the City and community can benefit from enhanced community resilience through implementation of CAP sustainability measures that advance racial equity and environmental justice, including community resilience resources, green jobs, safety for outdoor workers, and climate change education.
The City is committed to support the State's goal of carbon neutrality statewide by 2045 and a minimum reduction of GHGs 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2045. This commitment will require dedicated staff and a budget for the implementation of this CAP, which is a change from the City's current day-to-day operations. Preparation of this CAP revealed data limitations and challenges, which should be addressed as part of implementation, including preparation of a City Operations GHG Inventory in the near term to support benchmarking and establishment of processes for tracking key metrics that support monitoring and reporting. The City's commitment to implementation is demonstrated through the strategies and actions under the Governance and Leadership goal and the implementation strategies presented in Chapter 5.
January 2026 Page 85
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
Strategy 31 REGIONAL COOPERATION
Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions, landfills, county agencies, the Central Coast Climate Collaborative, and community organizations to implement the Climate Action Plan.
STRATEGY 31 CO -BENEFITS
Promotes Local
Governance and
Leadership
STRATEGY 31 ACTIONS
31-1: Coordinate with regional partners to seek funding for regional climate projects, such as a weatherization program or energy -efficiency rebates.
31-2: Collaborate with regional partners to share updates, case studies, and lessons learned from implementation of climate actions.
Strategy 31 is not quantifiable; however, it supports community -wide GHG emissions reductions.
Strategy 32 COMMUNITY RESILIENCE RESOURCES
Provide emergency information, essential services, and financial assistance to the community to enhance resilience during climate hazard events.
STRATEGY 32 CO -BENEFITS
Promotes Community
Resilience
STRATEGY 32 ACTIONS
Promotes Social Equity
32-1: Partner with county agencies, local weather stations, and air quality districts to provide public health advisories regarding extreme heat and poor air quality.
32-2: Fund the creation and operation of centrally located accessible resilience hubs that can serve as shelters and resource centers during climate hazard events and natural disasters.
January 2026
City of Hollister
32-3: Work with community and regional partners to identify funding options and opportunities to provide temporary or permanent free air conditioning units and/or fans for highly vulnerable residents, including low-income households especially low-income households representing multiple characteristics of vulnerability to the effects of climate change.
32-4: Provide information on how to prepare for emergencies in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other natural disaster. 32-5: Partner with community organizations and faith -based groups to raise awareness about resilience resources and financial assistance programs, such as energy bill assistance and free air conditioning units.
Strategy 32 is not quantifiable; however, it supports community -wide GHG emissions reductions.
Strategy 33 SAFETY FOR OUTDOOR WORKERS
Ensure that workers in outdoor industries have adequate protection from environmental hazards.
STRATEGY 33 CO -BENEFITS
Promotes Social
Equity
STRATEGY 33 ACTIONS
33-1: Identify and support community organizations and regional partners that provide resources and training on workplace environmental hazards, including extreme heat, poor air quality, and diseases to all employers of outdoor workers (e.g., landscaping, construction, mining, farming) in Hollister.
Strategy 33 is not quantifiable; however, it supports community -wide GHG emissions reductions.
Strategy 34 GREEN JOBS
Provide green job training to create living wages and quality employment opportunities while reducing health and environmental impacts of local industries.
STRATEGY 34 CO -BENEFITS
Supports the Local
Economy
January 2026
Chapter 4
STRATEGY 34 ACTIONS
34-1: Partner with community colleges, local non -profits, and community groups to provide green jobs training for residents.
34-2: Provide information about green jobs, especially to people currently or recently working in polluting or extractive industries.
34-3: Collaborate with community -based organizations and regional partners to amend the City's economic development strategy and attract businesses to Hollister that contribute to a sustainable economy.
Strategy 34 is not quantifiable; however, it supports community -wide GHG emissions reductions.
Strategy 35 CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
Promote climate change awareness and GHG reduction community -wide, through a variety of mechanisms, including through support of climate change education in schools or community colleges.
STRATEGY 35 CO -BENEFITS
Conserves Natural
Resources
STRATEGY 35 ACTIONS
35-1: Promote educational resources to students and parents each year and encourage community educators to incorporate clean energy and climate change discussions into their curriculum by partnering with Gavilan College and school districts.
35-2: Use City newsletters to spotlight community members, including K-12 teachers and students, who are working on climate change or sustainability and who are making a difference in our community. 35-3: Increase energy and water educational resources in the Hollister School District by working with the San Benito County Office of Education.
35-4: Work with nonprofits and community -based organizations to develop a list of green volunteer opportunities and skills training for high school students, such as community gardening, tree planting, bicycle advocacy, food recovery, and composting.
Strategy 35 is not quantifiable; however, it supports community -wide GHG emissions reductions.
January 2026
City of Hollister
SUMMARY OF TOTAL GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
The climate action strategies detailed in this chapter, in conjunction with existing and planned local and State programs, provide a flexible path to reduce the community's GHG emissions in support of the State's adopted long-term goals. Table 12 shows projected emissions in 2030, 2040, and 2045 without any actions compared to emissions expected after implementation of existing and planned local and State actions and implementation of the City's new climate action strategies. The GHG reduction strategies described above present a potential path towards achieving the local GHG reduction goal in 2045. These strategies serve as a starting point and demonstrate the level of commitment from residents, property owners, businesses, and City staff required to achieve ambitious targets.
Figure 11 illustrates the City's GHG emissions from 2005 through 2045.
Table 12 Progress to GHG Emissions Targets in CAP Study Area (MTCO2e) Target
Forecasted Emissions without Actions
Forecasted Emissions with State and Local Actions
Emissions with State Actions, Local Actions, and CAP
Reduction Targets
2030
MTCO2e
394,750
267,750
201,810
126,090
2040
MTCO2e
470,770
196,040
95,540
69,580
2045
MTCO2e
507,360
161,530
37,740
37,830
Implementation of this CAP is projected to reduce the CAP Study Area's future GHG emissions to 201,810 MTCO2e (4 percent below 1990 levels) by 2030, 95,540MTCO2e (55 percent below 1990 levels) by 2040, and 37,740 MTCO2e (82 percent below 1990 levels) by 2045. The CAP thus allows Hollister to achieve a level of GHG reduction consistent with the local equivalent of the State's long- term reduction targets. The performance standards associated with the strategies that achieve these reductions are in line with the modeling prepared for the State's Climate Change Scoping Plan. There is a demonstrable path to meeting the 2045 GHG reduction target without significantly exceeding the statewide modeling assumptions.
The CAP does not quantitatively demonstrate net -carbon neutrality, as the State has not yet provided guidance for how local governments can achieve this. However, this CAP supports a path to net -carbon neutrality by providing strategies to increase carbon sequestration. This CAP also does not achieve the shorter -term 2030 target, as quantitatively modeling that level of reduction would require establishing and rapidly accelerating programs at a level that is not feasible. However, it does put Hollister on a path toward these reductions.
It is likely that in future years, new policies and regulations, new technologies, changes in personal and economic behaviors and preferences, and other factors will reduce Hollister's GHG emissions. These reductions cannot be accurately forecasted at this time, but they may enable future GHG emissions reductions. Future updates to this CAP will be able to better assess emerging trends and unexpected changes and include them in the GHG reduction strategy as appropriate.
January 2026 Page 89
Chapter 4
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy
Figure 11
Hollister CAP Study Area GHG Emissions with Reduction Strategies, 2005 to 2045 600,000
500,000
400,000
v
0 300,000
200,000
100,000
0 2024
2030
2040
2005
Plan reductions
amili�Forecast
Emissions with state efforts
State reductions
Target
Reductions from
CAP
Baseline
U Emission with CAP
2045
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
5. CAP IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
reelrt: Jenny Knerr
IMPLEMENTING THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Implementation Measures
To ensure the success of the CAP, the City of Hollister will prioritize and implement the strategies and actions detailed in Chapter 4.
Implementing this plan will require City leadership to execute these strategies and report progress. Staff will monitor progress on an annual basis and will provide an annual update to City decision makers.
As the City updates other planning documents, such as the municipal and zoning codes or specific plans, staff will ensure that these documents support and are consistent with the CAP. As part of CAP implementation, staff will apply some strategies and actions to existing or new development projects through the City's permit application and review process. A separate and forthcoming supplement to the Implementation Strategy will be screening tables for use by project applicants as part of applicable permit application processes.
The strategies in this CAP are accompanied by a list of recommended implementation actions selected by City staff and stakeholders.
The list represents suggested means of achieving the measure but are not a prescriptive path to implementation. Furthermore, not all the listed actions may be necessary for the City to achieve its GHG reduction target or support Hollister's GHG reduction goals.
The following strategies and associated actions are designed to guide Hollister in successfully implementing the CAP.
January 2026 Page 91
Chapter 5
CAP Implementation Strategy
Implementation Strategies
IS 1: DEVELOP AND STAFF A NEW CLIMATE ACTION PROGRAM TEAM. 1-1: Create a City Climate Action Team that includes staff assignments from all City departments. The Team should meet regularly and directly support implementation of this CAP. 1-2: Designate a City staff person responsible for implementation of the CAP and to coordinate the City Climate Action Team. Responsibilities include CAP implementation, climate action and sustainability communications, grant writing, GHG inventory data collection, and tracking progress. Assign responsibility for facilitating and supporting CAP implementation to the City's Community Development Department on an interim basis. 1-3: Identify a Climate Action Lead in each department, and division as appropriate, to support new and existing sustainability efforts that support CAP implementation. Identify their roles in providing information and updates for annual reporting and monitoring.
IS 2: MONITOR AND REPORT PROGRESS TOWARD CLIMATE ACTION PLAN TARGET ACHIEVEMENT ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. 2-1: Assign responsibility for monitoring and reporting on CAP implementation to the City's Community Development Department on an interim basis until a City CAP lead is designated by the City Manager. 2-2: Assess the implementation status and effectiveness of CAP strategies annually. 2-3: Prepare an annual progress report on implementation of the recommended GHG reduction strategies for review and consideration by the City Council. When information is available, provide updates on estimated GHG emissions reductions and current GHG emissions levels.
2-4: Continue to involve community partners and other key stakeholders in reviewing and recommending CAP action items.
IS 3: CONTINUE COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS THAT SUPPORT CLIMATE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION.
3-1: Continue formal membership and participation in local and regional organizations that provide tools and support for energy efficiency, energy conservation, GHG emissions reductions, adaptation, public information, and implementation of this CAP.
3-2: As appropriate and at the direction of the City Council, commit to formal membership through joint powers authorities or other partnerships to implement high -priority strategies from the CAP. 3-3: Provide policy input to partner agencies (e.g., League of Cities) on policy barriers that need to be addressed at the State level.
IS 4 SECURE NECESSARY FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN. 4-1: Identify and apply for grants to fund citywide programs and activities that implement the CAP. 4-2: Include grant funding and levels for reduction strategies as part of annual reporting. 4-3: Include emissions reduction strategies in department work plans, the capital improvement program, and other plans as appropriate.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
4-4: Pursue local, regional, State, and federal grants to support implementation. 4-5: Explore dedicated funding sources for CAP implementation. 4-6: Explore opportunities to allocate a portion of revenues from revenue -generating strategies to CAP implementation.
IS 5. PREPARE COMMUNITY -WIDE AND CITY OPERATIONS GHG EMISSIONS INVENTORY REGULARLY. 5-1: Support AMBAG's work to prepare annual community -wide GHG emissions inventories. 5-2: Prepare comprehensive community -wide GHG inventories, with modeled VMT and all sectors as required by the U.S. Community Protocol, every three to five years.
5-3: Prepare a City Operations GHG Emissions Inventory within two years of adoption of this CAP and conduct subsequent inventories every three to five years.
5-4: Review and update the CAP within five years of adoption to incorporate new technology, practices, and other options to further reduce emissions, adapt to changing climate conditions, and increase community resilience.
IS 6: MAINTAIN AND UPDATE THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN TO ALLOW FOR GREATER RESILIENCE. 6-1: Coordinate updates of the CAP, General Plan Safety Element (Hollister 2040), and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to ensure plan alignment and coordination of climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. 6-2: Update the CAP as needed in response to annual reviews of implementation progress and the effectiveness of CAP strategies.
Work Plan
The Work Plan shown in Table 13 contains information to support City staff in integrating CAP strategies into budgets, the Capital Improvement Program, and other programs and projects. Table 13 includes implementation details for the CAP, including the party responsible for implementing the strategy, the estimated time frame until completion, and potential community partners and sources of funding. The City can use this information to identify and prioritize strategies.
Terms used in Table 13 are defined as follows:
• Strategy number: The number used to refer to each
strategy in the CAP and all corresponding workbooks.
• Strategy: The language used to guide actions needed for reductions.
• Action(s): The action(s) that support each strategy.
•
Photo credit: City of Hollister Parks and Recreation Staff GHG Emission Reductions: The amount of GHG emissions that would be reached by 2030, 2040, and 2045 through full implementation of each strategy and its associated actions.
January 2026
Chapter 5
• Responsible Departments: The lead City department tasked with implementing the strategy and the City department that will support the lead department in implementing the strategy. • Metrics: Indicators of implementation progress.
• Partner Agencies/Organizations: Example local organizations that the City will partner with in implementing each strategy.
Additional community partners will be welcome.
• Time Frame: The year by which a strategy should be effective by fiscal year's end. The exact status of a strategy will vary based on its actions, and many strategies will be ongoing through and beyond 2030. An effective strategy is one that will be actively on track to achieve its targeted GHG emission reductions, support adaptation to climate change effects, or achieve long-term resilience. For a strategy to be effective, the necessary programs and efforts should be active, and any infrastructure or other capital improvements should be in place. The effective year is not the end year, as many strategies and programs are intended to remain in effect for the foreseeable future. • Funding Options: General options for funding sources to complete the implementation of each strategy.
Although significant GHG reduction and adaptation policies and initiatives are already in place, the actions proposed in this CAP, by necessity, far surpass the scale of existing efforts.
Implementing the CAP and ensuring that it results in real, deep GHG emissions reductions and improved resilience will require increased and deliberate coordination across sectors and institutionalizing climate protection efforts across the community.
This chapter outlines the process for turning the CAP into action. The CAP outlines reduction strategies and recommendations for implementation, including strategies and actions whose implementation can begin immediately. However, the CAP is not a technical implementation plan for Hollister programs and community actions. City staff will lead CAP implementation and will collaborate with and support community organizations, residents, businesses, and stakeholders as appropriate to create individual programs based on the goals, strategies, and actions outlined in this report.
While short-term priorities are illustrated, please note that priorities can and do shift based on funding availability, advances in technology, new and better ideas, and other reasons. The CAP, and this implementation section, should be considered a living document.
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Table 13 CAP Implementation Table
1. Strategy
Actions
Existing and new City -owned and operated facilities achieve optimal energy conservation and efficiency in their performance.
1-1.
1-2.
1-3.
1-4.
Require Cal Green Tier 1 compliance for all new City buildings.
Retrofit City -owned streetlights and traffic lights with LED fixtures by 2030.
Conduct benchmarking of energy use at all City -owned and operated facilities.
Audit existing City buildings and facilities to identify opportunities for energy conservation and efficiency upgrades or retrofits that optimize energy performance of buildings and operations and save the City energy and operating costs over time.
1-5. Conduct a municipal operations inventory to identify opportunities for energy and resource conservation within the City's vehicle usage, employee commuting, water and wastewater use and generation, and solid waste disposal.
1-6. Add energy efficiency improvement projects to the City's Capital Improvement Program annually and complete energy efficiency capital projects on the list with support from San Benito County, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), and other partners as appropriate.
2. Expand and promote residential energy -efficiency of existing and new market rate homes in Hollister. 2-1. Ensure the City's design review guidelines, as applicable, account for energy efficient design consistent with the California Building and Energy Codes and requirements.
2-2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the City's current land use, energy, water use, stormwater management, and design codes and permitting processes in to achieve energy -efficient, carbon free, and sustainable design and operations and update applicable codes, programs, and processes as needed to improve building performance as part of the City's building and development review processes. 2-3. Support AMBAG Energy Watch and San Benito County efforts to conduct outreach and education with local contractors to ensure they are kept up to date on local code requirements and energy -efficient appliances and devices.
2-4. Continue to require residential projects, including renovations, meet Title 24 energy efficiency requirements, and, where possible, require structural design to make use of natural heating and cooling, as well as landscaping design to reduce the heat island effect.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030
MTCOze
20 2,890
2040 2045
MTCOze MTCO2e
60 4,060
70 3,610
Metrics
Municipal buildings
receiving energy
efficiency retrofits
(number of buildings)
LED streetlights
installed (number of
lights)
Existing residential
units receiving energy
efficiency retrofits
(number of units)
Responsible
Departments
City Manager
Public Works
Department
Community
Development
Department
Partner Agencies Timeframe
Central Coast
Community Energy
(3CE)
Pacific Gas and Electric
Company (PG&E)
San Benito County
Other partners
AMBAG Energy Watch
San Benito County
Local builders and
suppliers
Midterm
(2026-28)
Midterm
(2026-28)
Funding
options
General Fund
General Fund
January 2026
Chapter 5
CAP Implementation Strategy
Strategy
Actions
Expand and promote residential energy -efficiency services to homeowners and of existing and new below market - rate homes in Hollister.
3-1. Promote and support efforts of Central Coast Energy Services (CCES) and other similar community -based organizations and local contractors to provide affordable energy efficiency retrofits and low- to no -cost weatherization services to homeowners and renters.
3-2. Seek grant funding for weatherization programs that support low-income households. 3-3. Develop an inventory of residential buildings in the city that were constructed prior to 1980 to identify the greatest opportunities for energy efficiency and conservation improvements and targeted outreach and education campaigns.
3-4. Prepare information materials targeted to these buildings and engage with the owners of the buildings to promote energy -efficiency upgrades.
3-5. Support and promote programs and incentives for installation of all -electric appliances in new residential construction and remodels by partnering with 3CE AMBAG Energy Watch. 3-6. Partner with San Benito County Water District and San Benito County to establish or expand existing recycling and appliance rebate programs for energy and water -efficient washing machines and electric, including heat pump, dryers.
3-7. Support AMBAG Energy Watch, San Benito County, 3CE, and other partners with their outreach and education campaigns, including but not limited to, promoting programs through City communication and promotion tools, engaging in person or online with homeowners and contractors, maintaining a City webpage of resources, and sharing permitting data to inform targeted outreach.
4. Support energy conservation and efficiency improvements in nonresidential uses, including businesses, office complexes, commercial and retail buildings, shopping centers, medical facilities and hospitals, warehouses, and industrial facilities.
4-1. Support existing 3CE and AMBAG Energy Watch programs by publicizing energy efficiency programs, technical assistance, and financing opportunities for businesses and non-profit organizations. 4-2. Encourage businesses to conduct energy audits. Use the business license process (new and renewals) as an opportunity to share information about incentives for energy efficiency improvements. 4-3. Support outreach to small business owners by partnering with the Cal Coastal Small Business Development Center.
4-4. Expand energy -saving opportunities and assistance for large and small commercial and industrial businesses by working with AMBAG Energy Watch, 3CE, and non-profit organizations. 4-5. Expand the distribution of free or subsidized energy and water efficiency and conservation toolkits, devices, and services to residents and businesses citywide through partnerships with public libraries, AMBAG Energy Watch, and local non-profit organizations.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030
MTCO2e
360
2,640
2040 2045
MTCO2e MTCO2e
630
4,620
900
4,720
Metrics
Existing residential
units receiving energy
efficiency retrofits
(number of units)
Existing nonresidential
units receiving energy
efficiency retrofits
(number of units)
Responsible
Departments
Community
Development
Department
Community
Development AMBAG
Department
Partner Agencies Timeframe
Central Coast Energy
Services
3CE
AM BAG
San Benito County
Water District
San Benito County
Administrative
Services
Department
3CE
Cal Coastal Small
Business Development
Center
Local nonprofit
organizations.
Midterm
(2026-28)
Near term (by
2026)
Funding
options
General Fund
Partnerships
General Fund
Partnerships
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Strategy
Actions
Ensure new large nonresidential development includes on -site renewable energy to support the site's energy needs by promoting solar photovoltaic panels or other appropriate on -site renewable energy generation systems for the following types of projects:
• New commercial and office buildings, or existing commercial and office building expansions greater or equal to 45,000 square feet in size.
• New industrial or existing industrial buildings expansions greater or equal to 99,000 square feet in size. 5-1. Prepare, adopt, and implement a reach code that requires certain large non-residential development to install and use renewable and carbon free energy generated and stored, as appropriate, on -site. At a minimum, this code will apply to new commercial and office buildings, or existing commercial and office building expansions greater or equal to 45,000 square feet in size and new industrial or existing industrial buildings expansions greater than or equal to 99,000 square feet in size.
5-2. Support outreach and education activities by community and regional partners and supplement with City - specific outreach as needed to raise awareness about the benefits of solar energy for businesses, promote incentives, and increase installations of nonresidential solar PV systems in Hollister. 5-3. Establish a solar permitting webpage on the City's website that summarizes requirements for installing solar PV systems to ensure the information is easily accessible to the public. Provide handouts at City Hall to promote the website.
5-4. Update City permit tracking as appropriate to track size and number of renewable energy installations. 5-5. Provide incentives and rebates for solar PV systems to encourage increased local use of renewable energy. 5-6. Work with San Benito County, 3CE, and regional partners to explore opportunities to provide financial incentives to residents and businesses purchasing small-scale on -site battery energy storage systems for new development.
6. Transition municipal operations and buildings to local, renewable, and resilient energy sources. 6-1. Conduct a feasibility study to identify opportunities and benefits of constructing and operating solar or other renewable, clean energy generation technology on or at existing City -owned properties. The study should consider optimized conservation and technology as well as new uses, including generating power for vehicle charging stations, supporting energy storage, and new City uses. 6-2. Install back-up power sources at City -owned community facilities, prioritizing solar energy battery storage and microgrid systems where feasible.
6-3. Partner with regional agencies and jurisdictions to establish a regional microgrid agency to support 3CE in developing local microgrids for energy resilience.
6-4. Seek grant funding to conduct a feasibility study for a microgrid to serve public facilities in Hollister.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030
MTCO2e
Less than 10
Less than 10
2040 2045
MTCO2e MTCO2e
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Less than 10
Metrics
Nonresidential solar
systems installed (total
kW installed)
Solar, battery, and
microgrid energy
systems installed at
City -owned sites (total
kW installed)
Responsible
Departments
Community
Development
Department
City Manager
Partner Agencies
San Benito County
3CE
Midterm
(2026-28)
Midterm
(2026-28)
General Fund
Partnerships
General Fund
January 2026
Chapter 5
CAP Implementation Strategy
Strategy
Actions
7. Promote on -site renewable energy production and storage, and community -wide utilization of 3CE's renewable energy service in existing Hollister homes and businesses. 7-1. Develop and implement a community outreach and education program that promotes the benefits and incentives for renewable energy and energy resilience and increase awareness of the benefits and incentive programs for rooftop solar energy and on -site energy storage systems. This includes developing a City webpage to inform residents and business owners about the permitting process for residential and commercial solar energy systems and links to partner pages for more details about incentive programs. 7-2. Work with PG&E on its efforts to prepare the community for power outages through battery storage programs and incentives, including the Self -Generation Incentive Program and related energy resilience efforts. 7-3. Work with San Benito County, 3CE, and regional partners to explore opportunities to provide financial incentives to residents and businesses purchasing small-scale on -site battery energy storage systems for existing development.
8. Promote and incentivize the phase -out of gas appliances in existing homes and businesses throughout the community to advance GHG reductions, increase energy efficiency, and protect public safety and environmental health.
8-1. Support education and outreach to increase participation in electric appliance rebate programs offered by 3CE, AM BAG Energy Watch, and other providers with a focus on contractors and residents of older properties (constructed in or before 1980).
Identify and remove any existing code, permitting, or other City requirements that serve as barriers to all -electric conversions of existing homes and businesses and assess opportunities to provide incentives and streamline the permitting process through bundled projects and one -stop permits. 8-2. Update the City's permit tracking system as appropriate to track electrification improvements. 8-3. Review City -supported weatherization and energy efficiency programs and requirements, if applicable, to ensure they support all -electric, high -efficiency appliances. 8-4. Work with local contractors to increase public awareness about and participation in existing incentive programs that promote replacement of natural gas appliances with electric space and water heating systems. 8-5. Explore and adopt, as feasible, local building code amendments requiring replacement of natural gas -powered space and water heaters with electric models at end of life during the 2022 and successive Buildings Standards Code updates.
8-6. Work with local and regional partners to identify ways to decrease the financial burden of electrification of low- income households and rental units, including paying up -front costs or identification of financial incentives.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030 2040 2045
MTCO2e MTCO2e MTCO2e
Less than 10
8,580
Less than 10
15,450
Less than 10
17,470
Metrics
Responsible
Departments
Partner Agencies Timeframe
Solar energy systems
installed (total kW
installed)
Community 3CE
Participation rate in Development PG&E
3CE among Hollister Department San Benito County
nonresidential
accounts (rate of
participation)
Existing buildings Community
converted to electric Development
(number of buildings) Department
3CE
AM BAG
Near term (by
2026)
Midterm
(2026-28)
Funding
options
General Fund
Partnerships
General Fund
Partnerships
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
9. By 2026, require all new development to be "all electric," with minor exceptions for appropriate facilities, which may include restaurants, manufacturing, and industrial uses. 9-1. Identify and partner with local industry organizations, community -based organizations, and regional partners to inform the preparation of an AII-Electric Reach Code for new development, which would leverage the use of the SCE's Reach Code Incentive Program to offset some costs associated with adopting a Reach Code. 9-2. Seek grant funding for electrification of affordable housing, such as the California Energy Commission's (CEC's) Building Initiative for Low Emissions Development (BUILD) program (SB 1477). 9-3. Promote public awareness about and participation in existing incentive programs that promote electric space and water heating systems to upgrade and replace natural gas appliances.
10. Reduce community -wide VMT and associated transportation -related emissions per resident and employee. 10-1. Promote transit as a viable option for local and regional trips. - Collaborate with the San Benito Council of Governments, Caltrans, and San Benito County to ensure efficient and accessible public transit services are available to all residents, workers, and visitors. — Support further integration and overall expansion of public transit service within the city, region, and to and from Salinas, Central Coast communities, and Silicon Valley communities. - Promote transit -friendly street design by encouraging features such as bus stop shelters, street lighting, bus -only signal phases, curb extensions, and wayfinding.
Collaborate with the San Benito Council of Governments, Caltrans, and San Benito County to develop, implement, and maintain park -and -ride facilities.
10-2. Assess the feasibility of incorporating infrastructure to support micro -mobility devices in the downtown or in other locations that such a program could have success. 10-3. Aid new and existing multifamily and commercial developments in implementing and expanding opportunities for transit -oriented development and affordable housing. 10-4. Encourage employers to provide ridership programs, public transit passes, and offer telecommuting to employees. Regularly assess and update incentives to respond to employee needs. 10-5. Provide transportation -demand incentives to City employees, including telecommuting as a viable option to reduce VMT and GHGs, without compromising the ability to provide public services. 10-6. Collaborate with regional partners to explore the feasibility of a shuttle between Hollister and Pinnacles National Park during high -traffic season.
330
10,470
3,970
4,570
7,010
2,770
AII-electric buildings
constructed (number
of new buildings)
Transit ridership
Vehicle miles traveled
(vehicle service miles)
Community
Development
Department
Community
Development
Department
Public Works
Department
Council of San Benito
County Governments
Caltrans
San Benito County
Near term (by
2026)
Midterm
(2026-28)
General Fund
General Fund
Partnerships
January 2026
Chapter 5
CAP Implementation Strategy
1 Strategy
Actions
Ensure the community has safe and connected opportunities for bicycling and walking, especially between and within residential areas and commercial areas, parks, schools, job centers, and transit centers. 1 1-1. Develop and adopt a Complete Streets Plan to support safety, accessibility, and equity in multi -mobility. 11-2. Conduct an assessment of the City's existing sidewalk and prepare a list of sidewalk improvement projects, with priorities to complete gaps and connectivity in existing sidewalks, provide safe connections between residential areas and key destinations like parks, schools, places of employment, and shopping centers. 11-3. Improve street design to include safe, accessible, and interconnected pedestrian routes and bicycle paths in the downtown area and near existing and planned commercial centers and job centers. Develop street design guidelines to ensure consistency and safety of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. 11-4. Improve bike and pedestrian connections as identified in the 2024 Hollister Parks Facilities Master Plan. 11-5. Require bicycle parking at all new commercial centers, job centers, and large-scale mixed -use developments, and ensure all City facilities provide safe and secure bicycle parking. 11-6. Promote incentive programs to fund the purchase of bicycles or electric -assist bicycles for low-income community members.
11-7. Support community -led bicycle safety training and materials for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. 11-8. Coordinate with Caltrans and other agencies to ensure future Caltrans-funded projects in Hollister consider pedestrian and bicycle circulation improvements to incentivize active transportation trips. 11-9. Facilitate and support the development of shared micro -mobility programs in Hollister, including:
— Amending the City's municipal code to regulate parking for scooter and bike -share programs.
Developing and implementing regulations specifying right-of-way rules for e -bikes and e -scooters. — Identifying accessible and equitable locations for micro -mobility hubs.
Marketing micro -mobility programs across the community.
Working with service providers to keep micro -mobility safe and affordable.
12. Support regional agencies in ensuring that K-12 students in Hollister have pollution -free, safe, and accessible modes to get to and from school.
12-1. Partner with school districts to promote "walk pools" or "walking buses" to increase the number of students who walk to school.
12-2. Work with regional partners to promote incentives to provide bicycles to low-income youth in the community. 12-3. Establish a committee in the City focused on implementing Safe Routes to Schools projects and programs. 12-4. Work with regional partners to offer bicycle safety and pedestrian education classes at schools. 12-5. Conduct walkability scores of residential neighborhoods, starting with neighborhoods within a 1 -mile radius of a public or private school. Use the results to inform identification of City projects that would improve or provide new safe, comfortable, and connected pedestrian networks between residential areas and schools.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030 2040 2045
MTCO2e MTCO2e MTCO2e
2,440
Supportive
1,790 1,250
Supportive
Supportive
Metrics
Bike lanes and
facilities (miles of bike
lanes)
Number of students
taking alternative
transportation to
school (number of
students)
Responsible
Departments
Public Works
Department
Parks and
Recreation
Public Works
Department
Partner Agencies Timeframe
Council of San Benito
County Governments
Caltrans
Schools
Midterm
(2026-28)
Near term (by
2026)
Funding
options
General Fund
General Fund
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
13. Increase overall transit ridership and improve access to light -rail transit for commuting to Silicon Valley and Bay Area job centers.
13-1. Work with Caltrain or San Benito County Express to offer express bus service from Hollister to Gilroy to provide a public transit link to Caltrain service and Bay Area employment centers. 13-2. Develop marketing materials to promote San Benito County Express regional transit services, to be distributed at public facilities, workshops, and electronically on the City's website, and social media channels. 13-3. Cooperatively work with Councils of Government (COG), Caltrans, and San Benito County to develop, implement, and maintain public transit services.
13-4. Support the development of a centrally located multi -modal transit hub to encourage transit ridership, improve connectivity, and build on existing services while reducing demand for parking and vehicle trips.
14. Promote adoption of electric and clean -fuel vehicles and expansion of public and private EV charging infrastructure.
14-1. Install electric vehicle charging stations equitably throughout the community at City facilities, parks, and parking lots.
14-2. Review the City's municipal code to identify barriers and opportunities to accelerate the use of EVs by Hollister's residents and employees, and update the code as needed. This review should ensure parking areas, gas stations, and fossil -fuel dependent transportation -related uses provide low and no carbon fuel options. 14-3. Adopt an EV reach code with minimum requirements for parking spaces with EV charging capacity for multifamily residential buildings and nonresidential buildings. 14-4. Provide dedicated parking spaces for electric or low carbon car -share vehicles at park -and -ride lots, public transit centers, and core commercial and business areas. 14-5. Participate in 3CE's Central Coast Incentive Project and other existing or future programs. 14-6. Work with San Benito County Express to ensure equitable access to electric or low carbon carshare vehicles. 14-7. Collaborate with regional partners such as 3CE and the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, among others, to support accelerated adoption of electric vehicles through the provision of incentives and public outreach campaigns.
9,330
10,890
9,460 l 13,250
9,460
25,070
Transit service miles
(vehicle service miles)
EVs registered
(number of cars)
EV chargers installed
(number of chargers)
Public Works
Department
Community
Development
Department
Caltrain
San Benito County
Express
Councils of
Government
Caltrans
San Benito County
3CE
Monterey Bay Air
Resources District
Caltrans
Midterm
(2026-28)
Midterm
(2026-28)
General Fund
Partnerships
General Fund
Partnerships
January 2026
Chapter 5
Strategy
Actions
15. Expand the municipal EV fleet and promote low carbon transportation options. 15-1. Work with regional public transit partners to increase the adoption of electric buses and alternative fueled buses.
15-2. Support the 3CE's Zero Emission School Bus Program, the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, and other regional partners, to electrify school buses used for Hollister -area schools. 15-3. As part of preparation of a GHG emissions inventory of City Operations, identify present and future CHGs released by the City fleet and by contractor vehicles used to provide municipal services, including collection of trash, recycling, and compostable materials.
15-4. Transition the municipal vehicle fleet to hybrid, electric, or clean fuel vehicles to the greatest extent possible.
Incorporate an "electric vehicles first" policy into the City's vehicle replacement program to support this transition.
15-5. Install electric vehicle chargers at all City facilities to provide sufficient chargers to City electric fleet vehicles.
16. Consider developing an EV Car -Share Program to provide an alternative for car ownership. 16-1. Conduct a feasibility study of different car share programs, such as a car -share program with dedicated parking spaces and "free-floating" car share, to be followed by a citywide pilot program. 16-2. Partner with San Benito County and neighboring jurisdictions and discuss opportunities for car -share programs with regional car share operators.
16-3. Incentivize car -share program use by providing special parking privileges for car share vehicles and providing EV charging stations at dedicated parking spaces.
16-4. Consider strategies to overcome barriers to participating in and accessing car share priority locations, including providing information in multiple languages and prioritizing locations near environmental justice communities and in easily accessible locations.
17. Limit the idling of heavy-duty diesel- and gasoline -powered trucks in Hollister. 17-1. Adopt an ordinance that matches or is more stringent than the State's maximum idling law, and coordinate with California Aft Resources Board, Monterey Bay Air Resources District, and law enforcement to achieve compliance.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030 2040 2045
MTCO2e MTCO2e MTCO2e
Supportive
630
870
Supportive
470
870
Supportive
320
600
18. Promote infill development to reduce long commute times and vehicle miles traveled. 18-1. Explore incentives to encourage the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), including exploring incentives for ADUs that are zero -net energy or all -electric. 18-2. Incentivize diverse housing types and increased density near transit, employment centers, and community amenities through multiple mechanisms, including reduced development fees, changes to zoning, expedited permitting, reduced parking minimums, improved transit connectivity and support for mixed -use development, live -work spaces, and missing -middle housing.
5,230
4,480
2,200
Metrics
City fleet EVs
registered (number of
cars)
EV chargers installed
(number of chargers)
Electric car sharing
rides (number of rides
or vehicle service
miles)
Reduction in truck
idling time (minutes
and/or percent)
Dwelling units per acre
Responsible
Departments
Public Works
Department
Community
Development
Department
Public Works
Department
Community
Development
Department
CAP Implementation Strategy
3CE
Monterey Bay Air
Resources District
San Benito County
Neighboring
jurisdictions
CalTrans
Transportation Agency
Monterey County
Midterm
(2026-28)
Midterm
(2026-28)
Near -term (by
2026)
Midterm
(2026-28)
Funding
options
General Fund
Partnerships
General Fund
General Fund
General Fund
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
19. Promote and incentivize the transition to electric construction and landscaping equipment. 19-1. Promote the health and safety benefits of battery operated or electric powered landscaping equipment and collaborate with regional partners such as the Monterey Bay Air Resources District and 3CE to identify and provide incentives to support replacement of gas -powered landscaping equipment. 19-2. Develop and implement a ban on gas -powered leaf blowers. 19-3. Support State and regional efforts to replace diesel -powered construction and landscaping equipment with electric equipment.
19-4. Conduct targeted outreach to local construction and landscaping companies to raise awareness about and increase participation in available electric equipment rebate programs. 19-5. Require hybrid or clean -fuel construction and landscaping equipment in City contracts.
20. Promote programs and behavioral shifts to reduce community -wide consumption and generation of trash sent to landfills.
20-1. Work with Recology, San Benito County Waste Management Regional Agency, and community partners to establish a source -reduction program and associated outreach and education campaign that promotes options to rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, regenerate, recycle, and recover materials and work toward a zero -waste community goal.
20-2. Work with waste haulers and regional agencies to encourage efforts to promote recycling and composting of organic materials.
20-3. Establish sharing, exchange, and reuse program(s), including fix -it clinics, swap events, second-hand markets, and shop local campaigns by collaborating with community and regional partners. 20-4. Work with San Benito County to require the recycling of demolition materials or the use of recycled materials in new construction, as feasible.
20-5. Continue to implement the City's purchasing preference for products containing recycled materials, as described in Section 3.06.280 of the Hollister Municipal Code. 20-6. Develop and adopt an ordinance to prohibit specific types of single -use or disposable plastics, particularly for use by restaurants, caterers, and other commercial kitchens. 20-7. Engage with businesses and industry to encourage the purchase and use of recycled materials where possible. 20-8. Encourage the community to participate in waste exchanges and used goods resale programs. 5,290
16,160
2,650 I 14,500
22,560
19,690
Offroad equipment
converted to electric
(number of units)
Solid waste generated
(tons municipal solid
waste)
Recovery rate (percent
of waste recovered)
Community
Development
Department
Public Works
Department
3CE
Monterey Bay Air
Resources District
San Benito County
Recology
San Benito County
Waste Management
Regional Agency
San Benito County
Near term (by
2026)
Midterm
(2026-28)
General Fund
General Fund
Partnerships
January 2026
Chapter 5
Strategy
Actions
21. Publicize Recology's composting services and educational resources to homes and businesses in Hollister. 21-1. Support San Benito County and Recology's existing programs by publicizing information about composting services for homes and businesses through the city's website, mailers, social media, and other communication channels.
21-2. Work with Recology to ensure residents and businesses have access to compost bins. 21-3. Work with local and regional partners to ensure each residence in the city is provided with curbside composting pursuant to Senate Bill 1383.
21-4. Require composting and other food waste diversion techniques at restaurants citywide.
22. Support efforts to reduce methane emissions from regional landfills. 22-1. Encourage efforts of the John Smith Road Landfill to install or enhance existing methane capture technology and associated monitoring systems with a goal of increasing the methane capture rate to the highest extent feasible.
22-2. Encourage the use of captured methane for flaring or generation of electricity to offset fossil fuel energy use and reduce GHG emissions.
23. Reduce water use in the community through water conservation, water efficient retrofits, water -wise landscaping, and graywater and recycled water programs.
23-1. Work with Sunnyslope and San Benito County Water District to develop and implement a water conservation and storage plan to ensure sustainable water supply as droughts become more frequent. 23-2. Require a Plumbing Retrofit Water Conservation Certification in accordance with SB 407 upon sale of residential properties.
23-3. Provide educational resources and incentives to increase the planting of residential and commercial drought - tolerant landscaping.
23-4. Distribute resources from San Benito County Water District to educate homeowners and business owners about water -conserving appliances and devices and existing incentive programs. 23-5. Collaborate with regional partners to provide incentives for graywater, rainwater storage systems, and other on - site water reuse systems.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030 2040 2045
MTCO2e MTCO2e MTCO2e
470
2,910
290
2,880
650
2,890
1,130
Metrics
Solid waste generated
(tons municipal solid
waste)
Recovery rate (percent
of waste recovered)
Methane captured
(metric tons of
methane)
Water used (millions
of gallons)
Water -efficiency
devices installed
(number of water -
efficiency water
retrofits conducted)
Responsible
Departments
Public Works
Department
Public Works
Department
Public Works
Department
CAP Implementation Strategy
Recology
San Benito County
Waste Management
Regional Agency
San Benito County
Sunnyslope County
Water District
San Benito County
Water District
Near term (by
2026)
Near term (by
2026)
Midterm
(2026-28)
Funding
options
General Fund
Partnerships
General Fund
General Fund
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
24. Reduce municipal water use.
24-1. Require water efficient retrofits in municipal buildings and facilities through implementation of requirements for water -conserving plumbing fixtures, and other techniques. 24-2. Implement drought tolerant landscaping and/or water efficient irrigation systems for public parks and facilities. 24-3. Work with the Regional Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant (RDWWTP), the local wastewater treatment provider, to upgrade and replace wastewater treatment and pumping equipment with more energy -efficient equipment as feasible.
24-4. Assess and upgrade City -owned water pumping and treatment equipment, as needed, to increase energy efficiency and save energy costs.
25. Work with the Regional Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant (RDWWTP), the City's wastewater treatment plant, to increase methane capture rate in the indirect wastewater treatment process. 25-1. Work with RDWWTP to explore the possibility of generating electricity from captured methane to power various facilities and reduce operating costs.
26. Ensure the preservation and expansion of park land and open space land to provide space for natural habitat, carbon sequestration, and recreation opportunities.
26-1. Explore opportunities to increase park space at locations identified in the Hollister Parks Master Plan. 26-2. Explore opportunities to increase tree plantings and vegetation in existing urban areas such as requiring landscaping on public and private sites such as entry areas, street medians, parks, schools, parking lots, plazas, courtyards, and recreational areas.
26-3. Become a Tree City USA city, which requires designation of a staff person, board, or department to be responsible for the care of trees in the city and administering the program; adopting a tree care ordinance; ensuring the expenditure of $2 per capita per year on tree planting and maintenance; and adopting an annual Arbor Day proclamation.
26-4. Develop a Trail Master Plan with a gap -analysis study of existing parks, trails, and open spaces in Hollister to ensure equal access to natural resources and open space. 26-5. Collaborate with San Benito County on implementation of their Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan and implementation of the Hollister Parks Master Plan to ensure regional connectivity to trails and open space, along with County and City collaborated efforts to enhance the San Benito River frontage through the San Benito River Parkway Master Plan and other studies.
26-6. Create open space preservation opportunities. Through the development review process, preserve open space areas. Encourage the dedication of open space areas that are adjacent to public open space.
Less than 10
110
Supportive
Less than 10
240
Supportive
Less than 10
590
Supportive
Water used (millions
of gallons)
Water -efficiency
devices installed
(number of water
efficiency water
retrofits conducted)
Methane captured
(metric tons of
methane)
Trees planted
(number of trees)
Park space created
(acres of parkland
created)
City Manager's
Office
Public Works
Department
Public Works
Department
Parks and
Recreation
Public Works
Department
Regional Domestic
Wastewater Treatment
Plant
Regional Domestic
Wastewater Treatment
Plant
San Benito County
Midterm
(2026-28)
General Fund
Near term (by
General Fund
2026)
Midterm
(2026-28)
General Fund
January 2026
Chapter 5
Strategy
Actions
27. Maintain and expand the City's existing tree canopy to improve urban environmental quality and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
27-1. Implement an urban forestry program to manage citywide tree planting and maintenance, conduct a citywide tree inventory and canopy cover, and monitor tree health to maintain and expand the City's existing tree canopy. 27-2. As part of the City's Urban Forest Master Plan, identify priority areas for tree planting, focusing on environmental justice communities, to mitigate the heat island effect in underserved neighborhoods. 27-3. Ensure that new and retrofitted large hardscaped areas, such as parking lots, incorporate trees and other green infrastructure appropriate for current and future climate conditions. 27-4. Explore grant funding opportunities for urban forestry, pervious concrete, and cool pavement. 27-5. Encourage property owners to plant and maintain trees in existing urban areas through a citywide "Adopt a Tree" program to reduce the urban heat island effect, while ensuring compliance with fire -safe planting protocols and maintaining defensible space, as applicable.
28. Incorporate drought -tolerant landscapes, bioswales, green roofs, and permeable pavements in new development to increase absorption of precipitation during heavy rain events and reduce surface water runoff. 28-1. Develop sustainable building design standards that include requirements for green infrastructure and landscaping for outdoor areas.
28-2. Adopt green infrastructure design standards to improve stormwater management at public facilities, streets, and parking lots based on recognized green infrastructure design guidelines, such as the one developed by Flows to the Bay.
28-3. Incorporate green infrastructure standards into design review.
29. Promote local and sustainable food sources, including community gardens, home vegetable and fruit gardening, farmers markets, food cooperatives, and community -based efforts to grow and share locally grown food. 29-1. Identify locations for community gardens and work with community groups to establish gardens on appropriate sites.
29-2. Collaborate with community partners to share information and resources on the benefits of eating seasonally, locally grown food, which include reducing individual GHG emissions and support the local economy. 29-3. Work with community partners to increase reliable and affordable access to fresh and healthy food. 29-4. Support efforts of community partners to promote local and regional farms, viticulture, food processors, home gardeners, and other agriculture uses, including through educational farm tours, tasting events, farm -to -table community meals, gardening workshops, and more.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030
MTCO2e
310
Supportive
Supportive
2040 2045
MTCO2e MTCO2e
Supportive
Supportive
180
Supportive
Supportive
Metrics
Trees planted
(number of trees)
Water used (millions
of gallons)
Landscaped areas
converted to drought -
tolerant landscaping
(acres of landscaping)
Community gardens
established (number
of gardens)
Food recovered (tons
of food)
Responsible
Departments
Public Works
Department
Public Works
Department
Community
Development
Department
Public Works
Department
Community
Development
Department
CAP Implementation Strategy
Landscape architects,
landscapers, architects,
and other design and
industry professionals
and organizations
Community -based
organization
Landscape architects,
landscapers, architects,
and other design and
industry professionals
and organizations
Community
organizations
Midterm
(2026-28)
Midterm
(2026-28)
Midterm
(2026-28)
Funding
options
General Fund
General Fund
General Fund
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
Strategy
Actions
30. Work with regional partners and farmers to increase sustainable agricultural practices and carbon sequestration on agricultural lands.
30-1. Implement Hollister 2040 goals and policies aimed at preserving agricultural lands in the City's SOI and mitigating the loss of such lands. Work with local and regional partners to track development at the State level pertaining to sequestration of natural and working lands, including through CARB's Natural and Working Lands GHG inventory and the California 2030 Natural and Working Lands Climate Change Implementation Plan. 30-2. Work with local and regional partners to explore innovative techniques to increase carbon sequestration on agricultural land, including through compost application, agroforestry, grazing land, grassland and cropland management, crop covering, mulching, reduced or no -till practices, and planting of windbreaks, among others. 30-3. Partner with farming groups, academic institutions, and other partners, to review and implement suggestions in the State's Healthy Soils Initiative, which facilitates the management of farms and ranches specifically for carbon sequestration and other benefits such as increased water holding capacity and soil fertility. 30-4. Work with CARB and other local and regional partners and participating agencies to identify and implement actions to maximize the use of the city's natural and working lands, including exploration of funding opportunities such as green loans, mitigation and carbon banking, or pursuit of grant funding. 30-5. Work with local farmers and community organizations involved with local farms to highlight agricultural properties and operating farms in the city's SOI, and to encourage their operation. 30-6. Work with Resource Conservation Districts and non-profit organizations to pursue funding for sustainable agriculture grants that can help incentivize farmers and ranchers to minimize synthetic pesticide and fertilizer use. 30-7. Develop and implement an ordinance that prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers on City -owned property.
31. Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions, landfills, county agencies, the Central Coast Climate Collaborative, and community organizations to implement the Climate Action Plan. 31-1. Coordinate with regional partners to seek funding for regional climate projects, such as a weatherization program or energy efficiency rebates.
31-2. Collaborate with regional partners to share updates, case studies, and lessons learned from implementation of climate actions partners.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030
MTCO2e
840
Supportive
2040 2045
MTCO2e MTCO2e
0 Supportive
0 Supportive
Metrics
Farm and grazing land
created (acres)
Responsible
Departments
Community
Development
Department
Community
Development
Department
Partner Agencies
CARB Resource
Conservation Districts
Central Coast Climate
Collaborative
San Benito County
Community
organizations
Midterm
(2026-28)
Near term (by
2026)
General Fund
General Fund
January 2026
Chapter 5
CAP Implementation Strategy
Strategy
Actions
32. Provide emergency information, essential services, and financial assistance to the community to enhance resilience during climate hazard events.
32-1. Partner with county agencies, local weather stations, and air quality districts to provide public health advisories regarding extreme heat and poor air quality.
32-2. Fund the creation and operation of centrally located accessible resilience hubs that can serve as shelters and resource centers during climate hazard events and natural disasters. 32-3. Work with community and regional partners to identify funding options and opportunities to provide temporary or permanent free air conditioning units and/or fans for highly vulnerable residents, including low-income households especially low-income households representing multiple characteristics of vulnerability to the effects of climate change.
32-4. Provide information on how to prepare for emergencies in the event of a wildfire, flood, or other natural disaster.
32-5. Partner with community organizations and faith -based groups to raise awareness about resilience resources and financial assistance programs, such as energy bill assistance and free air conditioning units.
33. Ensure that workers in outdoor industries have adequate protection from environmental hazards. 33-1. Identify and support community organizations and regional partners that provide resources and training on workplace environmental hazards, including extreme heat, poor air quality, and diseases to all employers of outdoor workers (e.g., landscaping, construction, mining, farming) in Hollister.
34. Provide green job trainings to create living wages and quality employment opportunities while reducing health and environmental impacts of local industries.
34-1. Partner with community colleges, local non -profits, and community groups to provide green jobs training for residents.
34-2. Provide information about green jobs, especially to people currently or recently working in polluting or extractive industries.
34-3. Collaborate with community -based organizations and regional partners to amend the City's economic development strategy and attract businesses to Hollister that contribute to a sustainable economy.
GHG Planning Area Emission
Reductions
2030 2040 2045
MTCO2e MTCO2e MTCO2e
Supportive
Supportive
Supportive Supportive
Supportive
Supportive
Supportive
Supportive
Supportive
Metrics
Responsible
Departments
Community
Development
Department
Community
Development
Department
Community
Development
Department
Partner Agencies Timeframe
San Benito County
Monterey Bay Air
Quality Management
District
Community
Organizations
Near term (by
2026)
Local and regional
community Near term (by
organizations and 2026)
service providers
Local community Midterm
groups (2026-28)
Funding
options
General Fund
General Fund
General Fund
January 2026
City of Hollister
Climate Action Plan
35. Promote climate change awareness and GHG reduction community -wide, through a variety of mechanisms, including through support of climate change education in schools or community colleges. 35-1. Promote educational resources to students and parents each year and encourage community educators to incorporate clean energy and climate change discussions into their curriculum, by partnering with Gavilan College and school districts.
35-2. Use City newsletters to spotlight community members, including K-12 teachers and students, who are working on climate change or sustainability and who are making a difference in our community. 35-3. Increase energy educational resources in the Hollister School District by working with the San Benito County Office of Education.
35-4. Work with nonprofits and community -based organizations to develop a list of green volunteer opportunities and skills trainings for high school students, such as community gardening, tree planting, bicycle advocacy, food recovery, and composting.
Supportive
Supportive
Supportive
Community
Development
Department
Gavilan College
Hollister School District
San Benito County
Office of Education
Near term (by
2026)
General Fund
Partnerships
January 2026
This page intentionally left blank.
January 2Q26
City of Hollister
APPENDIX A
This appendix provides additional details regarding the GHG emissions inventory, forecast, and reduction strategies. It summarizes the data sources, assumptions, and performance metrics used to calculate the potential for GHG savings from the community -wide reduction strategies in the Hollister Climate Action Plan (CAP).
The inventories include the years 2005 and 2024. These inventories assess emissions produced by transportation, residential and nonresidential energy use, off -road equipment, solid waste, water and wastewater, agriculture, and land use, including development and sequestration. For the purposes of the GHG inventory and forecast in the CAP, in addition to analyzing the GHG emissions in the city limits, the City assessed GHG emissions for the City's Sphere of Influence (SCI). This combined area, known as the CAP Study Area, represents the potential expanded area of the city boundary if all growth areas are annexed and incorporated into the City of Hollister as anticipated by the Hollister 2040 General Plan. Urban expansion in Hollister has the potential to significantly increase community -wide GHG emissions in the future if it's not done in a thoughtful way without consideration of related emissions.
Emission Factors
The City calculated most GHG emissions using data on GHG-generating activities in combination with emission factors. An emissions factor describes how many metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) are released per unit of an activity. Table A-1 shows the emissions factors for 2005 and 2024. Some sectors, including agriculture and off -road emissions, are calculated using formulas or models that do not have specific emission factors.
Table A-1 Emissions Factors, 2005, 2019, and 2024
Sector
PG&E electricity
3CE electricity
Natural gas
On -road transportation
(light- and medium -duty MTCO2e/mile 0.000418 0.000352 0.000350 California Air Resources Board vehicles)
On -road transportation
(heavy-duty vehicles)
On -road transportation
(all vehicle types)
Solid waste
(municipal solid waste)
* 3CE did not operate in 2005 and did not provide electricity data or emissions factors for that year.
Unit
2005
2019
2024
Source
MTCO2e/kWh
MTCO2e/kWh
MTCO2e/therm
0.000224
N/A*
0.005319
0.000002
0.000005
0.005319
0.000007
0.000189
0.005319
PG&E
3CE
U.S. Community Protocol
MTCO2e/mile 0.001483 0.001417 0.001357 California Air Resources Board MTCO2e/mile 0.000554 0.000489 0.000566 California Air Resources Board MTCO2e/ton 0.293219 0.286056 0.286070 AMBAG
January 2026
Page A-1
Appendix A
2005 and 2019 Inventory Updates (City Limit)
Prior to preparation of this CAP, the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) prepared community -wide GHG inventories for Hollister for the baseline year of 2005 and the most recent year of 2019. The 2005 inventory provides a baseline for establishing targets, while the 2019 inventory was the most recent indication of how emissions have changed since the baseline and is the year from which future emissions are forecasted.
In the 2024 Climate Action Plan, the City revised the existing AMBAG GHG inventories for 2005 and 2019 to use consistent and current methods and data sources that are in line with recommended guidance and best practices. These revisions included the addition of new sectors and sources, revised emission factors, updated global warming potentials for certain GHGs, different data sources for certain sectors for consistency with the 2040 General Plan, and adjustments to methods for certain sectors. The new sectors added to the updated inventories are agriculture and land use and sequestration. Updates in methods most noticeably affect the results of the transportation sector; all other changes are minor.
The revised 2005 GHG inventory identifies a large increase in transportation -related emissions from the AMBAG calculations, which is due to a change in the method of quantifying emissions from VMT. The original GHG inventories prepared by AMBAG used a method called the "boundary model". This model accounts for emissions from all travel miles that occurred within the geographic area, in this case, the city limits of Hollister. The boundary model does not account for travel miles outside of the area, even if the origin or destination of the trip was in Hollister. Although it does not account for travel demand, the original GHG inventories include a portion of "pass -through" or partial trips, which are those that do not begin or end in Hollister but pass through the community.
By contrast, the updated 2005 and 2019 GHG inventories, as well as the newly -added 2024 GHG inventory, use the "origin - destination" model, which accounts for travel demand by reporting all trips in which both the origin and destination are within the geographic area, as well as trips that have only an origin or destination within the area. The latter, known as transboundary trips, are quantified by allocating 50 percent of travel miles to the city where the trip began or ended. Due to the more comprehensive scope of the origin -destination model, which accounts for travel demand into and outside of the city limits, emissions associated with VMT are much higher in the updated GHG inventories.
The increase in emissions for the water and wastewater sector in the revised 2005 and 2019 inventories as compared to the original AMBAC results is due to a more complete analysis of activities and emissions for this sector. The 2024 GHG inventory is consistent with this revised method. The water and wastewater sector includes two types of GHG emissions: indirect and direct emissions. Indirect emissions are GHG emissions associated with electricity use for the supply, conveyance, distribution, and treatment of potable water and wastewater. Direct emissions are GHG emissions associated with biological processes that occur naturally through the treatment process. The original 2005 GHG inventory assessed only direct emissions of nitrous oxide associated with effluent discharge and wastewater treatment. The update to the 2005 and 2024 GHG inventories includes indirect water and wastewater use in addition to direct emissions.
After the CAP was adopted in 2024, the City of Hollister revised the projected buildout data for the Hollister 2040 General Plan, which initiated a technical update of the General Plan in 2025. The City conducted this technical update to the CAP to maintain consistency in demographic data with the General Plan. For the 2025 technical update to the CAP, the City also took the opportunity to base the current -year inventory on 2024 GHG emissions instead of 2019 as more recent activity data for energy use, vehicle miles traveled, and solid waste were available. For sectors that did not have 2024 data available, the City used a per -capita figure to project GHG emissions from the 2019 values.
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January 2026