Norco City Council
October 21, 2026

PAGE 4.6.19

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4.6 Energy
support, rather than obstruct, the objectives of applicable State and local plans related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Therefore, the 2050 GPU would not conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency, and impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measure
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.
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This section of the Draft Program EIR (PEIR) addresses the potential for impacts associated with seismic, geologic, and soils conditions within the Planning Area. This section is based on, but not limited to, secondary source information, such as the Safety Element Existing Conditions Memorandum prepared for the 2050 General Plan Update (GPU) in November 2023, available in Appendix 4.7, and soil maps developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
a. Existing Conditions

1. Geologic Setting
The Santa Ana River, the Norco Hills, Beacon Hill, and the nearby San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and Santa Ana mountain ranges are the features of the natural environment within and near Norco that spatially frame the city. The bluffs overlooking the Santa Ana River define the northeastern to southwestern edge of the city. The Norco Hills, a north-south chain of hills, defines the eastern edge of the city. The rolling hills located throughout Norco divide the city into a number of small and discrete areas, of which a prominent feature is the Lake Norconian basin.

2. Soils
Soils in Norco are predominantly alluvial, reflecting the city’s location adjacent to the Santa Ana River in the north and within its broader watershed. These sandy and loamy soils support the City’s Residential Agricultural land use pattern, including horse trails, corrals, and unpaved shoulders.

3. Geological Hazards
Within the city’s hillside and bluff areas, soil disturbance can increase erosion and slope instability, particularly during intense storm events or high-wind conditions, such as Santa Ana winds, which can exacerbate wildfire risk and post-fire erosion. Along the Santa Ana River corridor, soils play an important role in groundwater recharge, habitat support, and flood conveyance.

Seismic Hazards (Seismic Shaking, Liquefaction, Landslide) Norco is in a seismically active region of southern California. Surrounded by active earthquake faults of varying size and significance, the city is prone to seismic hazards (earthquakes). Typically, seismic shaking and fault rupture are deemed the primary hazards as they occur because of an earthquake, as there are no active fault zones within the city, fault rupture is not a concern.

Liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides are considered secondary hazards since an earthquake event often triggers them. Often, earthquakes can trigger other effects such as building damage/collapse, infrastructure failure, pipeline breakage, and damage to fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
transportation and communication facilities. The size of the earthquake and distance from the epicenter typically determine the severity of these events.

Primary Seismic Hazard (Seismic Shaking)
Seismic shaking (ground shaking) is the term that refers to the movement of the earth’s surface resulting from an earthquake. This shaking is typically the primary cause of damage in earthquakes, which correlates to the magnitude of the earthquake and proximity to the event’s epicenter. Typically, the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale measures the intensity of seismic shaking, based on the amount of observed damage. Since the degree of shaking, and consequently damage, decreases as the seismic energy travels further away from the fault rupture’s point of origin, different parts of a city or region can report different shaking intensities.

The MMI uses a 12-point scale to measure shaking intensity. As shown in Figure 4.7-1, Norco Seismic Hazards, there are no active or potentially active faults in the Norco area. However, moderately strong shaking can still be expected in the city as a result from faults to the west (Chino/Elsinore fault zones).

Secondary Seismic Hazards
Secondary Seismic Hazards include those that involve the interaction/reaction of earth materials to a seismic event. The following are secondary seismic hazards of concern for the city:

Liquefaction
Liquefaction is a ground failure phenomenon that occurs because of a seismic event. Ground failure typically occurs when the following conditions exist:
• Loose unconsolidated granular soils
• Shallow groundwater conditions
• Strong seismic shaking
When all three conditions are met, and liquefaction occurs, soils experience a total or substantial loss of shear strength and behave like a liquid. Thin alluvium that amplifies earthquake shaking also contributes to a moderately high liquefaction potential and can occur in Norco where the bedrock is shallow and impedes the downward flow of groundwater. As shown in Figure 4.7-2, Norco Liquefaction Zones, the only area where this is an issue is along the Santa Ana River channel.

Earthquake-Induced Landslide
Ground failure resulting from an earthquake can also occur in the form of a landslide. These failures typically happen in areas with steep slopes or unstable soil conditions. Usually, post wildfire conditions and intense precipitation can further exacerbate these unstable hillside conditions, contributing to greater landslide vulnerability. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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FIGURE 4.7-1, NORCO SEISMIC HAZARDS

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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
SOURCE: California Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey – 2026. PAGE 4.7.3 Fa ult Traces
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FIGURE 4.7-2, NORCO LIQUEFACTION ZONES

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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
SOURCE: California Natural Resources Agency GIS – 2026. PAGE 4.7.4 /4
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fil~ lft]® CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
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...

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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Landslides can impact structures, sever utility lines, block roadways, and impact people and properties if they are located within the path of the ground failure. The potential for earthquakeinduced landslides is minor in Norco because of the hard bedrock that underlies most of the city and the absence of geologic formations that are typical in most California landslides. Most of the city is in an area of either low or very low potential for slope stability caused by ground shaking. The only area of moderate potential is on vacant land immediately adjacent to the river in the northeast corner of the city.

Paleontological Resources
Paleontological resources are the fossilized biotic remains of ancient environments. They are valued for the information they yield about the history of the earth and its past ecological settings. Norco lies in the Mojave Desert region, part of the Mojave Block, which has a complex geologic history with multiple sedimentary basins. Paleontological resources in the area are typically associated with Pleistocene and Miocene deposits, including fossiliferous alluvial fans and basin-fill sediments. Known localities often yield vertebrate remains (e.g., rodents, marsupials, and occasional large mammals) and invertebrate fossils. Paleontological resources in Norco have been documented in past projects, with specific fossil localities identified in the Silverlakes area.
b. Regulatory Setting

1. Federal
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) was established by the United States Congress when it passed the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, Public Law 95- 124. In establishing the NEHRP, Congress recognized that earthquake-related losses could be reduced through improved design and construction methods and practices, land use controls and redevelopment, prediction techniques and early-warning systems, coordinated emergency preparedness plans, and public education and involvement programs. The four basic goals remain unchanged:
• Develop effective practices and policies for earthquake loss reduction and accelerate their implementation;
• Improve techniques for reducing earthquake vulnerabilities of facilities and systems; • Improve earthquake hazards identification and risk assessment methods and their use; and
• Improve the understanding of earthquakes and their efforts.

Several key Federal agencies contribute to earthquake mitigation efforts. There are four primary NEHRP agencies:
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• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the Department of Commerce; • National Science Foundation (NSF);
• United States Geological Survey (USGS) of the Department of the Interior; and • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the Department of Homeland Security.

Implementation of NEHRP priorities is accomplished primarily through original research, publications, and recommendations to assist and guide State, regional, and local agencies in the development of plans and policies to promote safety and emergency planning.

2. State
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
The purpose of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act is to identify hazards associated with surface fault ruptures and to prevent the construction of buildings on active faults. The State Geologist is required to establish and map zones around the surface traces of active faults, which are then distributed to county and City agencies to be incorporated into their land use planning and construction policies. Proposed development needs to be proven through geologic investigation to not be located across active faults before a city or county can permit the implementation of projects. If an active fault is found, development for human occupancy is prohibited within a 50-foot setback from the identified fault.

Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act of 1990 (Public Resources Code Section 2690 et seq.) was enacted to reduce the threat to public safety and minimize property damage caused by earthquakes. The Act requires the California Geological Survey to identify and map areas of the state susceptible to earthquake-related hazards, including liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides. Local jurisdictions are required to regulate development within designated Seismic Hazard Zones. Prior to approval of development projects within these zones, site-specific geotechnical investigations may be required to evaluate potential seismic hazards and identify appropriate mitigation measures.

California Building Standards Code
The California Building Standards Code (CBC), Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, establishes minimum standards for building design and construction throughout California. The CBC incorporates the International Building Code and includes structural design requirements intended to reduce potential impacts associated with seismic shaking and other geologic hazards. The CBC contains provisions related to structural integrity, foundation design, grading, and seismic safety to ensure that buildings are designed to protect public health, safety, and fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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welfare. Local jurisdictions, including the City of Norco, enforce the CBC through the building permit review process.

California Geological Survey
The California Geological Survey (CGS) provides Statewide geologic mapping, seismic hazard identification, and guidance for evaluating geologic hazards. CGS is responsible for implementing the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, including the delineation of Earthquake Fault Zones and Seismic Hazard Zones. CGS also provides technical guidelines used by local jurisdictions and geotechnical professionals to evaluate geologic hazards associated with development projects.

California Public Resources Code, Section 5097.5 Protection of Archaeological, Paleontological, and Historic Resources Section 5097.5 of the Public Resources Code prohibits the removal, destruction, or defacement of archaeological, paleontological, and historic resources on public lands. Section 5097.5 states the following:
“No person shall knowingly and willfully excavate upon, or remove, destroy, injure or deface any historic or prehistoric ruins, burial grounds, archaeological or vertebrate paleontological site, including fossilized footprints, inscriptions made by human agency, or any other archaeological, paleontological or historical feature, situated on public lands, except with the express permission of the public agency having jurisdiction over such lands. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor.”

3. Local
City of Norco Municipal Code and Building Regulations
Development within the City of Norco is subject to the requirements of the City’s Municipal Code and building regulations, which incorporate and enforce the California Building Standards Code.

Through the building permit review process, the City requires compliance with applicable structural design standards and may require site-specific geotechnical investigations to evaluate potential geologic hazards. These investigations may address issues such as seismic hazards, soil stability, and foundation design to ensure that development does not pose a risk to public health, safety, or property.
c. Methodology
The evaluation of the potential for implementation of the 2050 GPU to cause a substantial adverse effect related to geological hazards or soil resources was based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Impacts were evaluated by comparing the 2050 GPU against the geological and soil conditions within the city limits, as currently understood based on the best available data and information. The geological and soil resources documented in this section were determined fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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through a review of California Department of Conservation geologic and regulatory maps, as well as U.S. Department of Agriculture NRCS soil maps.
d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
For the purposes of this PEIR, implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU may have a significant adverse impact if it would result in any of the following:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent AlquistPriolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault?
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv. Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil; c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or off-site landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse;
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property; e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater; or
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic features.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold a. Would the project directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving rupture of a known earthquake fault; strong seismic ground shaking; seismicrelated ground failure, including liquefaction; or landslides? Less than Significant Impact. The 2050 GPU would facilitate future development that could result in impacts related to seismic hazards should construction occur in areas prone to rupture of a known earthquake fault, strong seismic ground shaking, or seismic-related ground failure. As discussed above, there is a low risk for landslides in the city, and the only area of moderate fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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potential is on vacant land immediately adjacent to the river in the northeast corner of the city.

However, this area has a land use designation of Open Space under the 2050 GPU, which is intended to conserve Norco’s natural and riparian open spaces for ecological, recreational, and aesthetic benefits; and to provide land within the city that accommodates parks, athletic fields, recreational facilities, and event centers for recreational activities and community and regional events.

Strong ground shaking may result in moderate to heavy structure and infrastructure damage.

Infrastructure damage could include road failure, thus restricting emergency and public access, as well as disruption or failure of utility services such as telephone, electricity, gas, and water.

Other seismic-activity related hazards could result in urban fires or toxic chemical releases.

The following Open Space and Conservation and Safety Element policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to seismic hazards are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized in conjunction with future development:

GOAL OSC-16: SLOPE AND SOIL STABILITY. The City will protect public safety and infrastructure by minimizing soil erosion, slope instability, and geologic hazards.

POLICIES
OSC-16.1 Geotechnical Investigation. Require site-specific geotechnical investigations for development in areas with potential soil constraints, including expansive soils, liquefaction susceptibility, slope instability, or flood-related erosion.

OSC-16.2 Hillside Grading. Limit grading on hillsides and bluffs to the minimum extent necessary to accommodate permitted development, access, and public safety improvements, while preserving natural landforms, topography, and drainage patterns. Prohibit grading or excavation undertaken primarily to extract, export, or sell soil, rock, or other earth materials, except where incidental to an approved development or public infrastructure project.

OSC-16.4 Post-construction Stabilization. Ensure post-construction stabilization measures, including revegetation and soil binding techniques, are implemented to prevent long-term erosion.

GOAL OSC-17: RIVER CORRIDOR PROTECTION. The City will protect and enhance the soil and hydrologic functions of the Santa Ana River corridor to support groundwater recharge, habitat integrity, and flood management.

POLICIES
OSC-17.1. Riparian Soil Protection. Preserve natural soils and riparian vegetation within and adjacent to the Santa Ana River corridor to support groundwater recharge, habitat function, and flood management.
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OSC-17.2. River Corridor Infiltration. Ensure development near the Santa Ana River corridor incorporates setbacks, biofiltration, and low-impact development techniques to maintain natural infiltration capacity.

All future development would be required to comply with applicable State laws and local regulations pertaining to seismic hazards, including the CBC, Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, and Chapter 15.90 of the Norco Municipal Code, which outlines the grading requirements for development activities in the City of Norco. Additionally, projects in areas with known geologic hazard conditions would be required to prepare a site-specific geotechnical investigation report, per Policy C-8.1, as well as adhere to other recommendations to minimize impacts associated with geologic hazards. As future projects are planned and developed, they will be required to adhere to the 2050 GPU policies and applicable State laws and local regulations. Therefore, potential seismic hazard impacts associated with development facilitated by the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.

Threshold b. Would the project result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?
Less than Significant Impact. As mentioned above, Norco’s soils are predominantly alluvial, reflecting the city’s location adjacent to the Santa Ana River and within its broader watershed.

Future development may result in soil erosion and/or loss of topsoil, as it would involve vegetation removal, grading, and potentially earth excavation, which would expose soils and increase the potential for soil erosion from wind or stormwater runoff. In hillside and bluff areas, soil disturbance can increase erosion and slope instability, particularly during intense storm events or high-wind conditions, such as Santa Ana winds, which can exacerbate wildfire risk and post-fire erosion. Other related impacts resulting from substantial short-term erosion or loss of topsoil include topography changes, potential release of dust contaminants leading to air quality health risks, and the creation of impervious surfaces in the Planning Area. As discussed in Section 4.3, Air Quality, the City’s Municipal Code outlines measures to control fugitive dust and requirements to create a stable soil surface, free from blowing dust and sand during the duration of the grading work.

The following Open Space and Conservation and Safety Element Policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to soil erosion hazards are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized in conjunction with future development:
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GOAL OSC-16: SLOPE AND SOIL STABILITY. The City will protect public safety and infrastructure by minimizing soil erosion, slope instability, and geologic hazards.

POLICIES
OSC-16.1 Geotechnical Investigation. Require site-specific geotechnical investigations for development in areas with potential soil constraints, including expansive soils, liquefaction susceptibility, slope instability, or flood-related erosion.

OSC-16.2 Hillside Grading. Limit grading on hillsides and bluffs to the minimum extent necessary to accommodate permitted development, access, and public safety improvements, while preserving natural landforms, topography, and drainage patterns. Prohibit grading or excavation undertaken primarily to extract, export, or sell soil, rock, or other earth materials, except where incidental to an approved development or public infrastructure project.

OSC-16.4 Post-construction Stabilization. Ensure post-construction stabilization measures, including revegetation and soil binding techniques, are implemented to prevent long-term erosion.

GOAL OSC-17: RIVER CORRIDOR PROTECTION. The City will protect and enhance the soil and hydrologic functions of the Santa Ana River corridor to support groundwater recharge, habitat integrity, and flood management.

POLICIES
OSC-17.1. Riparian Soil Protection. Preserve natural soils and riparian vegetation within and adjacent to the Santa Ana River corridor to support groundwater recharge, habitat function, and flood management.

OSC-17.2. River Corridor Infiltration. Ensure development near the Santa Ana River corridor incorporates setbacks, biofiltration, and low-impact development techniques to maintain natural infiltration capacity.

All future development would be required to comply with applicable State laws and local regulations pertaining to soil erosion, including the CBC, Chapter 6.32 of the City’s Municipal Code outlining the requirements related to soil erosion and dust control,1 as well as Chapter 15.90 outlining the grading requirements for development activities.2 Additionally, projects in areas with known potential for soil erosion would be required to prepare a site-specific geotechnical investigation and soils report, per Policy C-8.1, as well as adhere to the grading and other recommendations to minimize impacts associated with erodible soils. As future projects are 1 City of Norco. “Chapter 6.32 Excavations.” Municipal Code. Accessed May 2026. https://ecode360.com/48448033?highlight=dust&searchId=1871637687049039#48448033. 2 City of Norco. “Chapter 15.90 City of Norco Grading Requirements.” Municipal Code. Accessed May 2026. https://ecode360.com/48453396?highlight=grade&highlight=grading&searchId=1869023512007623#4845339

6. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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planned and developed, they will be required to adhere to the 2050 GPU policies and applicable State laws and local regulations. Therefore, potential soil erosion impacts associated with the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.

Threshold c. Would the project be located or occur on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
Threshold e. Would the project have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of water? Less than Significant Impact. The 2050 GPU would facilitate development that could result in impacts related to geologic instability should development occur on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse.

The majority of residents and businesses within the City of Norco are connected to the city’s sewer system. Existing residences still on septic systems are required to connect to the sewer system before the sale of the residence can occur. Therefore, it is not anticipated that development facilitated by the 2050 GPU would result in substantial adverse impacts associated with the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems and impacts would be less than significant.

The Safety Element policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to geologic instability are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized in conjunction with future development:

GOAL OSC-16: SLOPE AND SOIL STABILITY. The City will protect public safety and infrastructure by minimizing soil erosion, slope instability, and geologic hazards.

POLICIES
OSC-16.1 Geotechnical Investigation. Require site-specific geotechnical investigations for development in areas with potential soil constraints, including expansive soils, liquefaction susceptibility, slope instability, or flood-related erosion.

OSC-16.2 Hillside Grading. Limit grading on hillsides and bluffs to the minimum extent necessary to accommodate permitted development, access, and public safety fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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improvements, while preserving natural landforms, topography, and drainage patterns. Prohibit grading or excavation undertaken primarily to extract, export, or sell soil, rock, or other earth materials, except where incidental to an approved development or public infrastructure project.

OSC-16.4 Post-construction Stabilization. Ensure post-construction stabilization measures, including revegetation and soil binding techniques, are implemented to prevent long-term erosion.

GOAL OSC-17: RIVER CORRIDOR PROTECTION. The City will protect and enhance the soil and hydrologic functions of the Santa Ana River corridor to support groundwater recharge, habitat integrity, and flood management.

POLICY
OSC-17.1 Riparian Soil Protection. Preserve natural soils and riparian vegetation within and adjacent to the Santa Ana River corridor to support groundwater recharge, habitat function, and flood management.

Future development would be required to comply with applicable State laws and local regulations pertaining to geologic instability, including the CBC, Chapter 15.10 of the City’s Municipal Code outlining the requirements related to geologic instability,3 Chapter 15.90 of the City’s Municipal Code outlining the grading and information requirements for development activities in the City of Norco. Additionally, projects in areas with known geologic instability conditions would be required to prepare a site-specific geotechnical investigation and soils report, per Policy C-8.1, as well as adhere to the grading and other recommendations to minimize impacts associated with unstable soils. This would ensure that potential site specific liquefaction hazards are identified and properly mitigated prior to development. As future projects are planned and developed, they will be required to adhere to the GPU policies and applicable State laws and local regulations. Therefore, potential geologic instability impacts associated with the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.
3 City of Norco. “Chapter 15.10 Existing Building Code.” Municipal Code. Accessed May 2026. https://ecode360.com/48452863?highlight=seismic&searchId=1869318905099276#48452863. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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Threshold d. Would the project be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property?
Less than Significant Impact. Although not mapped at the Planning Area scale, individual sites may contain soils with expansive soil hazards. Expansive soils cause structural damage, cracked driveways and sidewalks, heaving of roads and highway structures, and disruption of pipelines and other utilities. Future development may be proposed and/or located on areas with expansive soils and could result in impacts should construction occur on expansive soils if not properly researched and mitigated. Potentially effective mitigation may include removal and replacement of expansive soils, mixing and re-compaction of native soils, certain types of foundation and pad design that resist deformation, etc. The following Open Space and Conservation Element and Safety Element policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to expansive soils are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized to the fullest extent feasible in conjunction with future development.

GOAL OSC-16: SLOPE AND SOIL STABILITY. The City will protect public safety and infrastructure by minimizing soil erosion, slope instability, and geologic hazards.

POLICIES
OSC-16.1 Geotechnical Investigation. Require site-specific geotechnical investigations for development in areas with potential soil constraints, including expansive soils, liquefaction susceptibility, slope instability, or flood-related erosion.

OSC-16.4. Post-construction Stabilization. Ensure post-construction stabilization measures, including revegetation and soil binding techniques, are implemented to prevent long-term erosion.

All future development would be required to comply with applicable State laws and local regulations pertaining to expansive soils, including the CBC. In particular, projects in areas with known expansive soil conditions would be required to prepare a site-specific geotechnical investigation and soils report, per Policy C-8.1, and adhere to grading and other recommendations in those reports to minimize impacts associated with expansive soils.

Implementation of 2050 GPU policies, compliance with the CBC, City ordinances and established development and engineering standards and codes, as well as conformance to the recommendations of a site-specific geotechnical report, would help minimize risks in conjunction with future development related to expansive soils. Therefore, potential expansive soil impacts associated with growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
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Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.

Threshold f. Would the project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic features? Less than Significant: Future development could result in direct impacts to paleontological resources should grading occur in areas of high paleontological sensitivity. Construction activities such as grading and excavation may result in the accidental destruction or disturbance of paleontological resources. Buildout of the 2050 GPU would implement Policy OSC 19.1, which requires paleontological resource assessments for development projects in areas with moderate to high paleontological sensitivity, and implement appropriate measures to avoid, minimize, document, and preserve significant paleontological resources and unique geologic features discovered during construction, consistent with applicable State regulations and professional standards.

Additionally, Section 5097.5 of the California Public Resources Code prohibits the removal, destruction, or defacement of paleontological resources on public lands without express permission by the jurisdiction (State of California 2015). As future projects are planned, they must adhere to applicable regulations which require adequate site plan review and monitoring.

Therefore, potential impacts to paleontological resources associated with growth forecast under the 2050 GPU would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

The following Open Space and Conservation and Safety Element policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to paleontological resources are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized in conjunction with future development:

GOAL OSC-18: PALEONTOLOGICAL AND GEOLOGIC RESOURCES. The City will protect Norco’s paleontological resources and unique geologic features by ensuring that development is planned and carried out in a manner that identifies, conserves, and appropriately manages significant resources, preserving the community’s scientific, educational, and natural heritage for future generations.

POLICY
OSC-18.1 Paleontological and Geologic Resource Protection. Require paleontological resource assessments for development projects in areas with moderate to high paleontological sensitivity and implement appropriate measures to avoid, minimize, document, and preserve significant paleontological resources and unique geologic features discovered during construction, consistent with applicable State regulations and professional standards.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
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Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.
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4.10 greenhouse Gas Emissions
This section addresses the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts associated with population growth facilitated by the land use designations proposed under the 2050 General Plan Update (GPU). In accordance with CEQA, this analysis evaluates the significance of project impacts in terms of: (1) whether, or not, the project would generate GHG emissions that may have a significant impact on the environment; and (2) whether, or not, the project would conflict with any applicable policy, plan, or regulation intended to reduce GHG emissions. a. Environmental Setting
Global climate change refers to changes in average climatic conditions on Earth as a whole, including changes in temperature, wind patterns, precipitation, and severe weather events.

Global warming, a related concept, is the observed increase in average temperature of Earth’s surface and atmosphere. One identified cause of global warming is an increase of GHGs in the atmosphere. GHGs are those compounds in Earth’s atmosphere that play a critical role in determining Earth’s surface temperature.

Earth’s natural warming process is known as the “greenhouse effect.” It is called the greenhouse effect because Earth and the atmosphere surrounding it are similar to a greenhouse with glass panes in that the glass allows solar radiation (sunlight) into Earth’s atmosphere but prevents radiative heat from escaping, thus warming Earth’s atmosphere. Some levels of GHGs keep the average surface temperature of Earth close to a hospitable 60 degrees Fahrenheit (ºF). However, as GHGs from human activities increase, they build up in the atmosphere and warm the climate, leading to many other changes around the world—in the atmosphere, on land, and in the oceans—with associated adverse climatic and ecological consequences.1 Scientists studying the particularly rapid rise in global temperatures have determined that human activity has resulted in increased emissions of GHGs, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (from motor vehicle travel, electricity generation, consumption of natural gas, industrial activity, manufacturing, etc.), deforestation, agricultural activity, and the decomposition of solid waste. Scientists refer to the global warming context of the past century as the “enhanced greenhouse effect” to distinguish it from the natural greenhouse effect.2 Global GHG emissions due to human activities have grown since pre-industrial times. As reported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), global carbon emissions from fossil fuels increased by over 16 times between 1900 and 2008 and by about 43 percent between 1990 and 2015. In addition, in the Global Carbon Budget 2023 report, published in December 2023, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in 2023 were 1 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). “Climate Change Indicators: Greenhouse Gases.” www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/greenhouse- gases. Accessed January 9, 2025. 2 Pew Center on Global Climate Change. Climate Change 101: Understanding and Responding to Global Climate Change.
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found to be 51 percent above the concentration at the start of the Industrial Revolution, and the present concentration is the highest during at least the last 800,000 years.3 Global increases in CO2 concentrations are due primarily to fossil fuel use, with land use change providing another significant but smaller contribution. Regarding emissions of non-CO2 GHGs, these have also increased significantly since 1990.4 In particular, studies have concluded that it is very likely that the observed increase in methane (CH4) concentration is predominantly due to agriculture and fossil fuel use.5
In August 2007, international climate talks held under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) led to the official recognition by the participating nations that global emissions of GHG must be reduced. According to the “Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments of Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol,” avoiding the most catastrophic events forecast by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) would entail emissions reductions by industrialized countries in the range of 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels. Because of the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism, which gives industrialized countries credit for financing emission-reducing projects in developing countries, such an emissions goal in industrialized countries could ultimately spur efforts to cut emissions in developing countries as well.6 In December 2015, the United States entered into the Paris Agreement, which has a goal of keeping global temperature rise this century below 2 degrees Celsius (ºC) above pre-industrial levels and limiting the temperature increase further to 1.5ºC. This agreement requires that all parties report regularly on emissions and implementation efforts to achieve these goals.

Regarding the adverse effects of global warming, as reported by SCAG:

Global warming poses a serious threat to the economic well-being, public health and natural environment in Southern California and beyond. The potential adverse impacts of global warming include, among others, a reduction in the quantity and quality of water supply, a rise in sea level, damage to marine and other ecosystems, and an increase in the incidences of infectious diseases. Over the past few decades, energy intensity of the national and state economy has been declining due to the shift to a more service-oriented economy. California ranked fifth lowest among the states in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption per unit of Gross State Product. However, in terms of total CO2 emissions, California is second only 3 P. Friedlingstein et al., Global Carbon Budget 2024. March 14, 2025. 4 USEPA. “Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data.” www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gasemissions-data. Accessed January 9, 2025. 5 USEPA. “Climate Change Indicators: Atmospheric Concentrations of Greenhouse Gas.” Updated July 2022. www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-atmospheric-concentrations-greenhouse-gases.

Accessed January 9, 2025.
6 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Press Release—Vienna UN Conference Shows Consensus on Key Building Blocks for Effective International Response to Climate Change. August 31, 2007. ~~117'"'•

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to Texas in the nation and is the 12th largest source of climate change emissions in the world, exceeding most nations. The SCAG region, with close to half of the state’s population and economic activities, is also a major contributor to the global warming problem.7
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14162 which provided direction to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations regarding withdrawing the United States from the "Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change." The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement became effective on January 27, 2026.

The Paris Agreement operates as an international framework and does not directly regulate GHG emissions from California cities or development projects. The State of California has affirmed its continued commitment to its own GHG reduction goals under AB 32, SB 32, and the 2022 Scoping Plan independent of Federal participation in the Paris Agreement. Accordingly, the U.S. withdrawal does not alter the State and regional regulatory framework applicable to the 2050 GPU or affect the conclusions of this analysis.

1. GHG Fundamentals
GHGs are those compounds in Earth’s atmosphere that play a critical role in determining temperature near Earth’s surface. GHGs include CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).8 More specifically, these gases allow high-frequency shortwave solar radiation to enter Earth’s atmosphere but retain some of infrared energy, which is radiated back from Earth toward space, resulting in a warming of the atmosphere. Compounds that are regulated as GHGs are discussed in Table 4.8-1, Description of Identified GHGs. 9,10
TABLE 4.8-1, DESCRIPTION OF IDENTIFIED GHGS
7 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The State of the Region—Measuring Regional Progress.

December 2006. p. 121.
8 As defined by California Assembly Bill (AB) 32 and Senate Bill (SB) 104. 9 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Second Assessment Report, Working Group I: The Science of Climate Change. 1995.
10 IPCC. Fourth Assessment Report, Working Group I Report: The Physical Science Basis. 2007. Table 2.14.

Greenhouse Gas
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
~~117'"'•
General Description
An odorless, colorless GHG, which has both
natural and anthropogenic sources. Natural
sources include the following: decomposition of
dead organic matter; respiration of bacteria,
plants, animals, and fungi; evaporation from
oceans; and volcanic outgassing. Anthropogenic
(human-caused) sources of CO2 are burning coal,
oil, natural gas, and wood.

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TABLE 4.8-1, DESCRIPTION OF IDENTIFIED GHGS
Greenhouse Gas
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
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General Description
A flammable gas and the main component of
natural gas. When one molecule of CH4 is burned
in the presence of oxygen, one molecule of CO2
and two molecules of water are released. A
natural source of CH4 is the anaerobic decay of
organic matter. Geological deposits, known as
natural gas fields, also contain CH4, which is
extracted for fuel. Other sources are from
landfills, fermentation of manure, and cattle.

A colorless GHG. High concentrations can cause
dizziness, euphoria, and sometimes slight
hallucinations. N2O is produced by microbial
processes in soil and water, including those
reactions which occur in fertilizers containing
nitrogen. In addition to agricultural sources, some
industrial processes (fossil fuel-fired power
plants, nylon production, nitric acid production,
and vehicle emissions) also contribute to its
atmospheric load. It is used in rocket engines,
race cars, and as an aerosol spray propellant.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are gases formed
synthetically by replacing all hydrogen atoms in
CH4 or ethane (C2H6) with chlorine and/or
fluorine atoms. CFCs are non-toxic, nonflammable, insoluble, and chemically unreactive in the troposphere (the level of air at Earth's
surface). CFCs were first synthesized in 1928 for
use as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and
cleaning solvents. Because they destroy
stratospheric ozone, the production of CFCs was
stopped as required by the Montreal Protocol in
1987. HFCs are synthetic man-made chemicals
that are used as a substitute for CFCs as
refrigerants. HFCs deplete stratospheric ozone
but to a much lesser extent than CFCs.

PFCs have stable molecular structures and do not
break down through the chemical processes in
the lower atmosphere. However, high-energy
ultraviolet rays about 60 kilometers above Earth's
surface are able to destroy the compounds. PFCs
have very long lifetimes, between 10,000 and
50,000 years. Two common PFCs are
tetrafluoromethane and hexafluoroethane. The

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TABLE 4.8-1, DESCRIPTION OF IDENTIFIED GHGS
Not all GHGs possess the same ability to induce climate change. Carbon dioxide is the most abundant GHG in Earth's atmosphere. Other GHGs are less abundant but have higher global warming potential (GWP) than CO2. Thus, emissions of other GHGs are commonly quantified in the units of equivalent mass of carbon dioxide (CO2e). GWP is based on several factors, including the radiative efficiency (heat-absorbing ability) of each gas relative to that of CO2, as well as the decay rate of each gas (the amount removed from the atmosphere over a given number of years otherwise referred to as atmospheric lifetime) relative to that of CO2.

The larger the GWP, the more that a given gas warms Earth compared to CO2 over that time.11 These GWP ratios are available from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Historically, GHG emission inventories have been calculated using the GWPs from the IPCC’s Second Assessment Report (SAR). The IPCC updated the GWP values in its Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). The GWPs in the IPCC AR4 are used by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for reporting Statewide GHG emissions inventories, consistent with international reporting standards. By applying the GWP ratios, Project-related CO2e emissions can be tabulated in 11 GWPs and associated CO2e values were developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and published in its Second Assessment Report (SAR) in 1996. Historically, GHG emission inventories have been calculated using the GWPs from the IPCC’s SAR. The IPCC updated the GWP values based on the latest science in its Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). CARB has begun reporting GHG emission inventories for California using the GWP values from the IPCC AR4.

Greenhouse Gas
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3)
General Description
two main sources of PFCs are primary aluminum
production and semi-conductor manufacturing.

An inorganic, odorless, colorless, non-toxic, and
non-flammable gas. SF6 is used for insulation in
electric power transmission and distribution
equipment, in the magnesium industry, in semiconductor manufacturing, and as a tracer of gas for leak detection.

An inorganic, non-toxic, odorless, non-flammable
gas. NF3 is used in the manufacture of semiconductors, as an oxidizer of high energy fuels, for the preparation of tetrafluorohydrazine, as an
etchant gas in the electronic industry, and as a
fluorine source in high power chemical lasers.

Source: Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP). Alternative Approaches to Analyze Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Global Climate Change in CEQA Documents, Final. June 29, 2007; United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) for Nitrogen Trifluoride.

September 2009; Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Climate Change 2014 Synthesis Report, Fifth Assessment Report. www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/syr/. Accessed May 2026. ~~117'"'•

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metric tons per year. Typically, the GWP ratio corresponding to the warming potential of CO2 over a 100-year period is used as a baseline.

The IPCC has issued an updated Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), which has revised down the majority of the GWP for key regulated pollutants. As CARB still uses AR4 values and the modeling software CalEEMod is built on these assumptions, AR4 GWP values are used for the Project.

Generally, the changes from AR4 to AR5 are reductions in warming potential for the GHG most associated with construction and operation of typical development projects. The GWP from AR4 and AR5 and atmospheric lifetimes for key regulated GHGs are provided in Table 4.8-2, Atmospheric Lifetimes and Global Warming Potentials.

TABLE 4.8-2, ATMOSPHERIC LIFETIMES AND GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIALS

2. Projected Impacts of Global Warming in California
In 2009, California adopted a Statewide Climate Adaptation Strategy (CAS) that summarizes climate change impacts and recommends adaptation strategies across seven sectors: Public Health, Biodiversity and Habitat, Oceans and Coastal Resources, Water, Agriculture, Forestry, and Transportation and Energy. The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) will be updating the CAS and is responsible for preparing reports to the Governor on the status of the CAS. The CNRA Gas
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
HFC-23: Fluoroform (CHF3)
HFC-134a: 1,1,1,2-
Tetrafluoroethane (CH2FCF3)
HFC-152a: 1, 1-Difluoroethane
(C2H4F2)
PFC-14: Tetrafluoromethane (CF4)
PFC-116: Hexafluoroethane (C2F6)
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3)
Atmospheric
Lifetime
(Years)
50-200
12 (+/-3)
114
270
14 1.4
50,000
10,000
3,200
740
Global Warming Global Warming
Potential (100-year Potential (100-year
Time Horizon) (AR4 Time Horizon) (ARS
Assessment) Assessment)
1 1
25 28
298 265
14,800 12,400
1,430 1,300
124 138
7,390 6,630
12,200 11,100
22,800 22,500
17,200 16,100
Source: IPCC, Climate Change 2007: Working Group I: The Physical Science Basis, Direct Global Warming Potentials, https://archive.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/ch2s2-10-2.html, accessed May 2026.
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has produced climate change assessments, which detail impacts of global warming in California.12 These include:
• Sea level rise, coastal flooding and erosion of California’s coastlines would increase, as well as sea water intrusion.
• The Sierra snowpack would decline between 70 and 90 percent, threatening California’s water supply. Higher risk of forest fires resulting from increasing temperatures and making forests and brush drier. Climate change will affect tree survival and growth. • Attainment of air quality standards would be impeded by increasing emissions, accelerating chemical processes, and raising inversion temperatures during stagnation episodes, resulting in public health impacts.
• Habitat destruction and loss of ecosystems due to climate change affecting plant and wildlife habitats.
• Global warming can cause drought, warmer temperatures, and saltwater contamination, resulting in impacts on California's agricultural industry.

With regard to public health, as reported by the Center for Health and the Global Environment at the Harvard Medical School, the following are examples of how climate change can affect cardio-respiratory disease: (1) pollen is increased by higher levels of atmospheric CO2; (2) heat waves can result in temperature inversions, leading to trapped masses or unhealthy air contaminants by smog, particulates, and other pollutants; and (3) the incidence of forest fires is increased by drought, secondary to climate change and to the lack of spring runoff from reduced winter snows. These fires can create smoke and haze, which can settle over urban populations causing acute and exacerbating chronic respiratory illness.13 b. Regulatory Setting
There are a number of plans, regulations, programs, and agencies that provide policies, requirements, and guidelines regarding GHG emissions at the Federal, State, regional, and local levels. As described below, these plans, guidelines, and laws include the following:
• Federal Clean Air Act
• Corporate Average Fuel Economy
Standards
• Energy Independence and Security Act
12 State of California, Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General. “Climate Change Impacts in California.” https://oag.ca.gov/environment/impact. Accessed July 22, 2025. 13 Paul R. Epstein, et al., Urban Indicators of Climate Change, Report from the Center for Health and the Global Environment. Harvard Medical School and the Boston Public Health Commission. August 2003. • California Air Resources Board
• California Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Targets
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• California Global Warming Solutions
Act (AB 32)
• Climate Change Scoping Plan
• Cap-and-Trade Program
• Emission Performance Standards
• Renewables Portfolio Standard
Program
• California Climate Crisis Act (AB 1279)
• Pavley Standards
• California Low Carbon Fuel Standard
• Advanced Clean Cars Regulations
• Sustainable Communities and Climate
Protection Act (SB 375)
• Senate Bill 743
• Executive Order N-79-20
• Executive Order B-55-18
• Assembly Bill 3265
• California Appliance Efficiency
Regulations
• Title 24, Building Standards Code and
California Green Building Standards
Code
• CEQA Guidelines
• South Coast Air Quality Management
District
• Southern California Association of
Governments Regional Transportation
Plan/ Sustainable Communities
Strategy

1. Federal
Federal Clean Air Act
The USEPA is responsible for implementing Federal policy to address GHGs. The United States Supreme Court (Supreme Court) ruled in Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency, 127 S.Ct. 1438 (2007), that CO2 and other GHGs are pollutants under the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA), which the USEPA must regulate if it determines they pose an endangerment to public health or welfare. In December 2009, the USEPA issued an endangerment finding for GHGs under the CAA, setting the stage for future regulation. On August 1, 2025, USEPA published a proposed rule titled “Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards.” The proposed rule seeks to remove all Federal GHG emission standards for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles and engines that have been implemented since the original finding in 2009.

The Federal government administers a wide array of public-private partnerships to reduce the GHG intensity generated in the United States. These programs focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, CH4 and other non-CO2 gases, agricultural practices, and implementation of technologies to achieve GHG reductions. The USEPA implements numerous voluntary programs that contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions. These programs (e.g., the ENERGY STAR fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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labeling system for energy-efficient products) play a significant role in encouraging voluntary reductions from large corporations, consumers, industrial and commercial buildings, and many major industrial sectors.

Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards
In response to the Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency ruling, President George W.

Bush issued Executive Order 13432 in 2007, directing the USEPA, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), and the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) to establish regulations that reduce GHG emissions from motor vehicles, non-road vehicles, and non-road engines by 2008. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) subsequently issued multiple final rules regulating fuel efficiency for and GHG emissions from cars and lightduty trucks for model year 2011 and later for model years 2012–2016 and 2017–2021. In March 2020, the USDOT and the USEPA issued the final Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule, which amends existing CAFE standards and tailpipe CO2 emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks and establishes new standards covering model years 2021 through 2026.14 These standards set a combined fleet wide average of 36.9 to 37 miles per gallon (mpg) for the model years affected.15 In February 2022, the USEPA issued the Revised 2023 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards.16 This final rule revises current GHG standards for vehicles in model year 2023 through model year 2026 and establishes the most stringent GHG standards ever set for the light-duty vehicle sector that are expected to result in average fuel economy label values of 40 mpg, while the standards they replace (i.e., the SAFE rule standards) would achieve only 32 mpg in model year 2026 vehicles.17 In addition to the regulations applicable to cars and light-duty trucks described above, in 2011 the USEPA and NHTSA announced fuel economy and GHG standards for medium- and heavyduty trucks for model years 2014–2018. The standards for CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are tailored to three main vehicle categories: combination tractors, heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans, and vocational vehicles. According to the USEPA, this regulatory program would reduce GHG emissions and fuel consumption for the affected vehicles by 6 to 23 percent over the 2010 baselines. Building on the first phase of standards, in August 2016, the USEPA and NHTSA finalized Phase 2 standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles through model year 2027 that 14 USEPA. Final Rule for Model Year 2021–2026 Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards. April 30, 2020.
15 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards.” www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations/corporate-average-fuel-economy. Accessed January 9, 2025. 16 USEPA. “Revised 2023 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards:

Regulatory Update. Vol. 86, No. 248.” Federal Register. December 30, 2021. Page 74434. 17 USEPA. “Revised 2023 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards:

Regulatory Update. Vol. 86, No. 248.” Federal Register. ~~117'"'•

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will improve fuel efficiency and cut carbon pollution. The Phase 2 standards are expected to lower CO2 emissions by approximately 1.1 billion metric tons.18 Energy Independence and Security Act
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) facilitates the reduction of national GHG emissions by requiring the following:
• Increasing the supply of alternative fuel sources by setting a mandatory Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that requires fuel producers to use at least 36 billion gallons of biofuel in 2022;
• Prescribing or revising standards affecting regional efficiency for heating and cooling products, procedures for new or amended standards, energy conservation, energy efficiency labeling for consumer electronic products, residential boiler efficiency, electric motor efficiency, and home appliances;
• Requiring approximately 25 percent greater efficiency for light bulbs by phasing out incandescent light bulbs between 2012 and 2014; requiring approximately 200 percent greater efficiency for light bulbs, or similar energy savings, by 2020; and • While superseded by the USEPA and NHTSA actions described above, (i) establishing miles per gallon targets for cars and light trucks and (ii) directing the NHTSA to establish a fuel economy program for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and create a separate fuel economy standard for trucks.

Additional provisions of EISA address energy savings in government and public institutions, promote research for alternative energy, additional research in carbon capture, international energy programs, and the creation of “green jobs.”19

2. State
California Air Resources Board
CARB, a part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), is responsible for the coordination and administration of both Federal and State air pollution control programs within California. In this capacity, CARB conducts research, sets the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), compiles emission inventories, develops suggested control measures, and provides oversight of local programs. CARB establishes emissions standards for motor vehicles sold in California, consumer products (such as hairspray, aerosol paints, and barbecue lighter fluid), and various types of commercial equipment. It also sets fuel specifications to further 18 USEPA. EPA and NHTSA Adopt Standards to Reduce GHG and Improve Fuel Efficiency of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles for Model Year 2018 and Beyond. August 2016.
19 A green job, as defined by the United States Department of Labor, is a job in business that produces goods or provides services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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reduce vehicular emissions. CARB has primary responsibility for the development of California’s State Implementation Plan (SIP), for which it works closely with the Federal government and the local air districts. The SIP is required for the State to take over implementation of the Federal CAA. CARB adopted the 2022 SIP in September 2022.20 CARB also has primary responsibility for adopting regulations to meet the State’s goal of reducing GHG emissions. The State has met its goals to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.21 Subsequent State goals include reducing GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

California Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
Executive Order S-3-05
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced on June 1, 2005, through Executive Order S-3-05, the following GHG emission reduction targets:
• By 2010, California shall reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels; • By 2020, California shall reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels; and • By 2050, California shall reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels.

In accordance with Executive Order S-3-05, the Secretary of CalEPA is required to coordinate efforts of various agencies, which comprise the California Climate Action Team (CAT), in order to collectively and efficiently reduce GHGs. The CAT provides periodic reports to the Governor and Legislature on the state of GHG reductions in California, as well as strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

The CAT stated that smart land use is an umbrella term for strategies that integrate transportation and land-use decisions. Such strategies generally encourage jobs/housing proximity, promote transit-oriented development (TOD), and encourage high-density residential/commercial development along transit corridors. These strategies develop more efficient land-use patterns within each jurisdiction or region to match population increases, workforce, and socioeconomic needs for the full spectrum of the population.

Executive Order B-30-15
On April 29, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown issued Executive Order B-30-15. Therein, the Governor directed the following:
• Established a new interim Statewide reduction target to reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
20 California Air Resources Board (CARB). “2022 State Implementation Program.” https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/2022-state- strategy-state-implementation-plan-2022-state-sipstrategy. Accessed January 9, 2025. 21 CARB. Final 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan (Chapter 1). Adopted December 2022. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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• Ordered all State agencies with jurisdiction over sources of GHG emissions to implement measures to achieve reductions of GHG emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 reduction targets.
• Directed CARB to update the Climate Change Scoping Plan to express the 2030 target in terms of million metric tons of CO2e (MMTCO2e).

Executive Order B-55-18
Executive Order B-55-18, issued by Governor Jerry Brown in September 2018, establishes a new Statewide goal to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative emissions thereafter. Based on this executive order, CARB would work with relevant State agencies to develop a framework for implementation and accounting that tracks progress toward this goal, as well as ensuring future scoping plans identify and recommend measures to achieve the carbon neutrality goal.

In October 2020, CARB released a study, which evaluated three scenarios that achieve carbon neutrality in California by 2045. The study was used by CARB in development of the 2022 Scoping Plan.22 More ambitious carbon reduction scenarios that achieve carbon neutrality prior to 2045 may be considered as part of future analyses by the State.

The scenarios analyzed to achieve carbon neutrality include a High Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) scenario, Zero Carbon Energy scenario, and a Balanced scenario. The High CDR scenario achieves GHG reductions by relying on CO2 removal strategies. The Zero Carbon Energy scenario is based on the assumption of zero-fossil fuel emissions by 2045. The Balanced scenario represents a middle point between the High CDR scenario and Zero Carbon Energy scenario.

The scenarios would achieve at least an 80-percent reduction in GHGs by 2045, relative to 1990 levels. Remaining CO2 would be reduced to zero by applying CO2 removal strategies, including sinks from natural and working lands and negative emissions technologies, such as direct air capture.23,24
Under each of these scenarios, CARB proposed reduction strategies for various sectors that contribute GHG emissions throughout the state. Although specific details are not yet available for the GHG reduction measures discussed above, implementation of these measures would require regulations to be enforced by the State.

California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006
In 2006, the California State Legislature adopted Assembly Bill (AB) 32 (codified in the California Health and Safety Code (HSC), Division 25.5—California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006), 22 Energy+Environmental Economics (E3). Achieving Carbon Neutrality in California, PATHWAYS Scenarios Developed for the California Air Resources Board. October 2020.
23 Sinks are defined as natural or artificial reservoirs that accumulate and store a carbon-containing chemical compound for an indefinite period.
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which focuses on reducing GHG emissions in California to 1990 levels by 2020, which the State has achieved. HSC Division 25.5 defines regulated GHGs as CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 and represents the first enforceable Statewide program to limit emissions of these GHGs from all major industries, with penalties for noncompliance. The law further requires that reduction measures be technologically feasible and cost effective. Under HSC Division 25.5, CARB has the primary responsibility for reducing GHG emissions. CARB is required to adopt rules and regulations directing State actions that would achieve GHG emissions reductions.

To achieve these goals, AB 32 mandates that CARB establish a quantified emissions cap, institute a schedule to meet the cap, implement regulations to reduce Statewide GHG emissions from stationary sources consistent with the CAT strategies, and develop tracking, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that reductions are achieved. In order to achieve the reduction targets, AB 32 requires CARB to adopt rules and regulations in an open public process that achieves the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective GHG reductions.25 In 2016, the California State Legislature adopted Senate Bill (SB) 32 and its companion bill AB 197, and both were signed by Governor Jerry Brown. SB 32 and AB 197 amend HSC Division

25.5, establish a new climate pollution reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and include provisions to ensure that the benefits of State climate policies reach disadvantaged communities. The new goals outlined in SB 32 update the scoping plan requirement of AB 32 and involve increasing renewable energy use, imposing tighter limits on the carbon content of gasoline and diesel fuel, putting more electric cars on the road, improving energy efficiency, and curbing emissions from key industries.

AB 197, signed September 8, 2016, is a bill associated with SB 32, which prioritizes efforts to cut GHG emissions in low-income or minority communities. AB 197 requires CARB to make available, and update at least annually, on its website the emissions of GHGs, criteria pollutants, and toxic air contaminants for each facility that reports to CARB and air districts. In addition, AB 197 adds two members of the Legislature to the CARB board as ex officio, non-voting members and creates the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies to ascertain facts and make recommendations to the Legislature and the houses of the Legislature concerning the State’s programs, policies, and investments related to climate change.

Climate Change Scoping Plan
The Scoping Plan is a GHG reduction roadmap developed and updated by CARB at least once every five years, as required by AB 32. It lays out the transformations needed across various sectors to reduce GHG emissions and reach the State’s climate targets. CARB adopted the Final 25 CARB’s list of discrete early action measures that could be adopted and implemented before January 1, 2010, was approved on June 21, 2007. The three adopted discrete early action measures are (1) a low‑carbon fuel standard, which reduces carbon intensity in fuels statewide; (2) reduction of refrigerant losses from motor vehicle air conditioning system maintenance; and (3) increased methane capture from landfills, which includes requiring the use of state-of-the-art capture technologies. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality (2022 Scoping Plan) in December 2022, as the third update to the initial plan that was adopted in 2008. The initial 2008 Scoping Plan laid out a path to achieve the AB 32 target of returning to 1990 levels of GHG emissions by 2020, a reduction of approximately 15 percent below business as usual activities.26 The 2008 Scoping Plan included a mix of incentives, regulations, and carbon pricing, laying out the portfolio approach to addressing climate change and clearly making the case for using multiple tools to meet California’s GHG targets. The 2013 Scoping Plan Update (adopted in 2014) assessed progress toward achieving the 2020 target and made the case for addressing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs).27 The 2017 Scoping Plan28 shifted the focus to the newer SB 32 goal of a 40- percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2030 by laying out a detailed cost-effective and technologically feasible path to this target, and also assessed progress toward achieving the AB 32 goal of returning to 1990 GHG levels by 2020. The 2020 goal was ultimately reached in 2016, four years ahead of the schedule called for under AB 32.

The 2022 Scoping Plan is the most comprehensive and far-reaching Scoping Plan developed to date. It identifies a technologically feasible, cost-effective, and equity-focused path to achieve new targets for carbon neutrality by 2045 and to reduce anthropogenic GHG emissions to at least 85 percent below 1990 levels, while also assessing the progress California is making toward reducing its GHG emissions by at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, as called for in SB 32 and laid out in the 2017 Scoping Plan.29 The 2030 target is an interim but important stepping stone along the critical path to the broader goal of deep decarbonization by 2045. The relatively longer path assessed in the 2022 Scoping Plan incorporates, coordinates, and leverages many existing and ongoing efforts to reduce GHGs and air pollution, while identifying new clean technologies and energy. Given the focus on carbon neutrality, the 2022 Scoping Plan also includes discussion for the first time of the natural and working lands sectors as sources for both sequestration and carbon storage, and as sources of emissions as a result of wildfires. The estimated Statewide GHG emissions reductions from the 2022 Scoping Plan are provided in Table 4.8-3, Estimated Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions in the 2022 Scoping Plan.

TABLE 4.8-3, ESTIMATED STATEWIDE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS IN THE 2022 SCOPING PLAN
26 CARB. Climate Change Scoping Plan: A Framework for Change. December 2008. 27 CARB. First Update to the Climate Change Scoping Plan: Building on the Framework. 2014. 28 CARB. California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan. November 2017. 29 CARB. California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan. ~~117'"'•

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Emissions Scenario GHG Emissions (MMC02e)
2019 State GHG Emissions 404
2030 Business-As-Usual (BAU) Forecast 312

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TABLE 4.8-3, ESTIMATED STATEWIDE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS IN THE 2022 SCOPING PLAN
The 2022 Scoping Plan reflects existing and recent direction in the Governor’s Executive Orders and State Statutes, which identify policies, strategies, and regulations in support of and implementation of the Scoping Plan. Among these include Executive Order B-55-18 and AB 1279 (The California Climate Crisis Act), which identify the 2045 carbon neutrality and GHG reduction targets required for the Scoping Plan.

Table 4.8-4, Major Climate Legislation and Executive Orders Enacted Since the 2017 Scoping Plan provides a summary of major climate legislation and executive orders issued since the adoption of the 2017 Scoping Plan.

TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
~~117'"'•
Emissions Scenario
2030 GHG Emissions without Carbon Removal and
Capture
2030 GHG Emissions with Carbon Removal and
Capture
2030 Emissions Target Set by AB 32 (i.e., 1990 level
by 2030)
Reduction below BAU necessary to achieve 1990
levels by 2030
2045 BAU Forecast
2045 GHG Emissions without Carbon Removal and
Capture
2045 GHG Emissions with Carbon Removal and
Capture
GHG Emissions (MMC02e)
233
226
260
52 (16.7%)a
266
72 (3)
Notes: MMTCO2e = million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents; parenthetical numbers represent negative values.
a 312 - 260 = 52. 52 / 312 = 16.7%
Source: California Air Resources Board (CARB). Final 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan. Adopted December 2022.

Bill/Executive Order
AB 1279 (Muratsuchi, Chapter 337, Statutes of
2022)
The California Climate Crisis Act
Summary
AB 1279 establishes the policy of the State to
achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible, but
no later than 2045; to maintain net negative GHG
emissions thereafter; and to ensure that by 2045
Statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions are
reduced at least 85 percent below 1990 levels.

The bill requires CARB to ensure that the Scoping
Plan updates identify and recommend measures

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
Bill/Executive Order
SB 905 (Caballero, Chapter 359, Statutes of 2022)
Carbon Capture, Removal, Utilization, and Storage
Program
SB 846 (Dodd, Chapter 239, Statutes of 2022)
Diab/a Canyon Powerplant: Extension of Operations
SB 1020 (Laird, Chapter 361, Statutes of 2022)
Clean Energy,Jobs, and Affordabili"ty Act of 2022
~~117'"'•
Summary
to achieve carbon neutrality, and to identify and
implement policies and strategies that enable CO2
removal solutions and carbon capture, utilization,
and storage (CCUS) technologies.

This bill is reflected directly in the 2022 Scoping
Plan.

SB 905 requires CARB to create the Carbon
Capture, Removal, Utilization, and Storage
Program to evaluate, demonstrate, and regulate
CCUS and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects
and technology.

The bill requires CARB, on or before January 1,
2025, to adopt regulations creating a unified State
permitting application for approval of CCUS and
CDR projects. The bill also requires the Secretary
of the CNRA to publish a framework for governing
agreements for two or more tracts of land
overlying the same geologic storage reservoir for
the purposes of a carbon sequestration project.

The 2022 Scoping Plan modeling reflects both
CCUS and CDR contributions to achieve carbon
neutrality.

SB 846 extends the Diablo Canyon Power Plant's
sunset date by up to five additional years for each
of its two units and seeks to make the nuclear
power plant eligible for Federal loans. The bill
requires that the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) not include and disallow a
load-serving entity from including in their adopted
resource plan, the energy, capacity, or any
attribute from the Diablo Canyon power plant.

The 2022 Scoping Plan explains the emissions
impact of this legislation.

SB 1020 adds interim renewable energy and zero
carbon energy retail sales of electricity targets to
California end-use customers set at 90 percent in
2035 and 95 percent in 2040. It accelerates the
timeline required to have 100 percent renewable
energy and zero carbon energy procured to serve
State agencies from the original target year of
2045 to 2035. This bill requires each State agency

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
Bill/Executive Order
SB 1137 (Gonzales, Chapter 365, Statutes of
2022)
Oil & Gas Operations: Location Restrictions: Notice
of Intention: Health protection zone: Sensitive
receptors
SB 1075 (Skinner, Chapter 363, Statutes of 2022)
Hydrogen: Green Hydrogen: Emissions of
Greenhouse Gases
~~117'"'•
Summary
to individually achieve the 1 00 percent goal by
2035 with specified requirements. This bill
requires the CPUC, California Energy Commission
(CEC), and CARB, on or before December 1, 2023,
and annually thereafter, to issue a joint reliability
progress report that reviews system and local
reliability.

The bill also modifies the requirement for CARB to
hold a portion of its Scoping Plan workshops in
regions of the State with the most significant
exposure to air pollutants by further specifying
that this includes communities with minority
populations or low-income communities in areas
designated as being in extreme Federal nonattainment
The 2022 Scoping Plan describes the implications
of this legislation on emissions.

SB 1137 prohibits the development of new oil and
gas wells or infrastructure in health protection
zones, as defined, except for purposes of public
health and safety or other limited exceptions. The
bill requires operators of existing oil and gas wells
or infrastructure within health protection zones to
undertake specified monitoring, public notice, and
nuisance requirements. The bill requires CARB to
consult and concur with the California Geologic
Energy Management Division (CalGEM) on leak
detection and repair plans for these facilities,
adopt regulations as necessary to implement
emission detection system standards, and
collaborate with CalGEM on public access to
emissions detection data.

SB 1075 requires CARB, by June 1, 2024, to
prepare an evaluation that includes: policy
recommendations regarding the use of hydrogen,
and specifically the use of green hydrogen, in
California; a description of strategies supporting
hydrogen infrastructure, including identifying
policies that promote the reduction of GHGs and
short-lived climate pollutants; a description of
other forms of hydrogen to achieve emission
reductions; an analysis of curtailed electricity; an
estimate of GHG and emission reductions that

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
Bill/Executive Order
AB 1757 (Garcia, Chapter 341, Statutes of 2022)
California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006:

Climate Goal: Natural and Working Lands
~~117'"'•
Summary
could be achieved through deployment of green
hydrogen through a variety of scenarios; an
analysis of the potential for opportunities to
integrate hydrogen production and applications
with drinking water supply treatment needs; policy
recommendations for regulatory and permitting
processes associated with transmitting and
distributing hydrogen from production sites to end
uses; an analysis of the life-cycle GHG emissions
from various forms of hydrogen production; and
an analysis of air pollution and other
environmental impacts from hydrogen
distribution and end uses.

This bill would inform the production of hydrogen
at the scale called for in the 2022 Scoping Plan.

AB 1757 requires the CNRA, in collaboration with
CARB, other State agencies, and an expert
advisory committee, to determine a range of
targets for natural carbon sequestration, and for
nature-based climate solutions, that reduce GHG
emissions in 2030, 2038, and 2045 by January 1,
2024. These targets must support State goals to
achieve carbon neutrality and foster climate
adaptation and resilience.

This bill also requires CARB to develop standard
methods for State agencies to consistently track
GHG emIssIons and reductions, carbon
sequestration, and additional benefits from
natural and working lands over time. These
methods will account for GHG emissions
reductions of CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide
related to natural and working lands and the
potential impacts of climate change on the ability
to reduce GHG emissions and sequester carbon
from natural and working lands, where feasible.

This 2022 Scoping Plan describes the next steps
and implications of this legislation for the natural
and working lands sector.

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
Bill/Executive Order
SB 1206 (Skinner, Chapter 884, Statutes of 2022)
Hydrofluorocarbon gases: sale or distribution
SB 27 (Skinner, Chapter 237, Statutes of 2021)
Carbon Sequestration: State Goals: Natural and
Working Lands: Registry of Projects
SB 596 (Becker, Chapter 246, Statutes of 2021)
Greenhouse Gases: Cement Sector: Net- zero
Emissions Strategy
~~117'"'•
Summary
SB 1206 mandates a stepped sales prohibition on
newly produced high-GWP HFCs to transition
California's economy toward recycled and
reclaimed HFCs for servicing existing HFC-based
equipment. Additionally, SB 1206 also requires
CARB to develop regulations to increase the
adoption of very low-GWP technologies (i.e., GWP
< 1 O and no-GWP) in sectors that currently rely on
higher-GWP HFCs.

SB 27 requires CNRA, in coordination with other
State agencies, to establish the Natural and
Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy by July 1,
2023. This bill also requires CARB to establish
specified CO2 removal targets for 2030 and
beyond as part of its Scoping Plan. Under SB 27,
CNRA is tasked to establish and maintain a registry
to identify projects in the state that drive climate
action on natural and working lands and are
seeking funding.

CNRA also must track carbon removal and GHG
emission reduction benefits derived from projects
funded through the registry.

This bill is reflected directly in the 2022 Scoping
Plan as CO2 removal targets for 2030 and 2045 in
support of carbon neutrality.

SB 596 requires CARB, by July 1, 2023, to develop
a comprehensive strategy for the State's cement
sector to achieve net-zero-emissions of GHGs
associated with cement used within the state as
soon as possible, but no later than December 31,
2045. The bill establishes an interim target of 40
percent below the 2019 average GHG intensity of
cement by December 31 , 2035. Under SB 596,
CARB must:
• Define a metric for GHG intensity and
establish a baseline from which to
measure GHG intensity reductions.
• Evaluate the feasibility of the 2035
interim target (40 percent reduction in
GHG intensity) by July 1, 2028.

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
~~117'"'•
Bill/Executive Order Summary
Executive Order N-82-20
• Coordinate and consult with other State
agencies.
• Prioritize actions that leverage State and
Federal incentives.
• Evaluate measures to support market
demand and financial incentives to
encourage the production and use of
cement with low GHG intensity.

The 2022 Scoping Plan modeling is designed to
achieve these outcomes.

Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-82-
20 in October 2020 to combat the climate and
biodiversity crises by setting a Statewide goal to
conserve at least 30 percent of California's land
and coastal waters by 2030. The Executive Order
also instructed the CNRA, in consultation with
other State agencies, to develop a Natural and
Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy that serves
as a framework to advance the State's carbon
neutrality goal and build climate resilience. In
addition to setting a Statewide conservation goal,
the Executive Order directed CARB to update the
target for natural and working lands in support of
carbon neutrality as part of this Scoping Plan, and
to take into consideration the NWL Climate Smart
Strategy.

Executive Order N-82-20 also calls on the CNRA in
consultation with other State agencies, to
establish the California Biodiversity Collaborative
(Collaborative). The Collaborative shall be made
up of governmental partners, California Native
American tribes, experts, business and community
leaders, and other stakeholders from across the
state. State agencies will consult the Collaborative
on efforts to:
• Establish a baseline assessment of
California's biodiversity that builds upon
existing data and can be updated over
time.

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
Bill/Executive Order
Executive Order N-79-20
~~117'"'•
Summary
• Analyze and project the impact of climate
change and other stressors in California's
biodiversity.
• Inventory current biodiversity efforts
across all sectors and highlight
opportunities for additional action to
preserve and enhance biodiversity.

CNRA also is tasked with advancing efforts to
conserve biodiversity through various actions,
such as streamlining the State's process to
approve and facilitate projects related to
environmental restoration and land management.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture
(CDFA) is directed to advance efforts to conserve
biodiversity through measures, such as
reinvigorating populations of pollinator insects,
which restore biodiversity and improve
agricultural production.

The Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart
Strategy informs the 2022 Scoping Plan.

Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-79-
20 in September 2020 to establish targets for the
transportation sector to support the State in its
goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The
targets established in this Executive Order are:
• 100 percent of in-state sales of new
passenger cars and trucks will be zeroemission by 2035. • 100 percent of medium- and heavy-duty
vehicles will be zero-emission by 2045 for
all operations where feasible, and by
2035 for drayage trucks.
• 1 00 percent of off-road vehicles and
equipment will be zero- emission by 2035
where feasible.

The Executive Order also tasked CARB to develop
and propose regulations that require increasing
volumes of zero-electric passenger vehicles,
medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, drayage trucks,
and off- road vehicles toward their corresponding

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
Bill/Executive Order
Executive Order N-19-19
~~117'"'•
Summary
targets of 1 00 percent zero-emission by 2035 or
2045, as listed above.

The 2022 Scoping Plan modeling reflects achieving
these targets.

Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-19-
19 in September 2019 to direct State government
to redouble its efforts to reduce GHG emissions
and mitigate the impacts of climate change while
building a sustainable, inclusive economy. This
Executive Order instructs the Department of
Finance to create a Climate Investment Framework
that
• Includes a proactive strategy for the
State's pension funds that reflects the
increased risks to the economy and
physical environment due to climate
change.
• Provides a timeline and criteria to shift
investments to companies and industry
sectors with greater growth potential
based on their focus of reducing carbon
emissions and adapting to the impacts of
climate change.
• Aligns with the fiduciary responsibilities of
the California Public Employees'
Retirement System, California State
Teachers' Retirement System, and the
University of California Retirement
Program.

Executive Order N-19-19 directs the State
Transportation Agency to leverage more than $5
billion in annual State transportation spending to
help reverse the trend of increased fuel
consumption and reduce GHG emIssIons
associated with the transportation sector. It also
calls on the Department of General Services to
leverage its management and ownership of the
State's 19 million square feet in managed
buildings, 51,000 vehicles, and other physical
assets and goods to minimize State government's
carbon footprint. Finally, it tasks CARB with

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
Bill/Executive Order
SB 576 (Um berg, Chapter 374, Statutes of 2019)
Coastal Resources: Climate Ready Program and
Coastal Climate Change Adaptation, Infrastructure
and Readiness Program
AB 65 (Petrie- Norris, Chapter 347, Statutes of
2019)
Coastal Protection: Climate Adaption: Project
Prioritization: Natural Infrastructure: Local General
Plans
~~117'"'•
Summary
accelerating progress toward California's goal of
five million ZEV sales by 2030 by:
• Developing new criteria for clean vehicle
incentive programs to encourage
manufacturers to produce clean,
affordable cars.
• Proposing new strategies to increase
demand in the primary and secondary
markets for ZEVs.
• Considering strengthening existing
regulations or adopting new ones to
achieve the necessary GHG reductions
from within the transportation sector.

The 2022 Scoping Plan modeling reflects efforts to
accelerate ZEV deployment.

Sea level rise, combined with storm-driven waves,
poses a direct risk to the State's coastal resources,
including public and private real property and
infrastructure. Rising marine waters threaten
sensitive coastal areas, habitats, the survival of
threatened and endangered species, beaches,
other recreation areas, and urban waterfronts. SB
576 mandates that the Ocean Protection Council
develop and implement a coastal climate
adaptation, infrastructure, and readiness program
to improve the climate change resiliency of
California's coastal communities, infrastructure,
and habitat. This bill also instructs the State
Coastal Conservancy to administer the Climate
Ready Program, which addresses the impacts
and potential impacts of climate change on
resources within the conservancy's jurisdiction.

This bill requires the State Coastal Conservancy,
when it allocates any funding appropriated
pursuant to the California Drought, Water, Parks,
Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access
For All Act of 2018, to prioritize projects that use
natural infrastructure in coastal communities to
help adapt to climate change. The bill requires the
conservancy to provide information to the
Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate
Innovation (LCI) on any projects funded pursuant

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
Bill/Executive Order
Executive Order B-55-18
SB 100 (De Le6n, Chapter 312, Statutes of 2018)
California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program:
emissions of greenhouse gases
~~117'"'•
Summary
to the above provision to be considered for
inclusion into the clearinghouse for climate
adaptation information. The bill authorizes the
conservancy to provide technical assistance to
coastal communities to better assist them with
their projects that use natural infrastructure.

Governor Jerry Brown signed Executive Order B55-18 in September 2018 to establish a Statewide goal to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as
possible, and no later than 2045, and to achieve
and maintain net negative emissions thereafter.

Policies and programs undertaken to achieve this
goal shall:
• Seek to improve air quality and support
the health and economic resiliency of
urban and rural communities, particularly
low-income and disadvantaged
communities.
• Be implemented in a manner that
supports climate adaptation and
biodiversity, including protection of the
State's water supply, water quality, and
native plants and animals.

This Executive Order also calls for CARB to:
• Develop a framework for implementation
and accounting that tracks progress
toward this goal.
• Ensure future Scoping Plans identify and
recommend measures to achieve the
carbon neutrality goal.

The 2022 Scoping Plan is designed to achieve
carbon neutrality no later than 2045, and the
modeling includes technology and fuel transitions
to achieve that outcome.

Under SB 100, the CPUC, CEC, and CARB shall use
programs under existing laws to achieve 1 00
percent clean electricity. The statute requires
these agencies to issue a joint policy report on SB
100 every four years. The first of these reports was
issued in 2021.

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TABLE 4.8-4, MAJOR CLIMATE LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS ENACTED SINCE THE 2017 SCOPING PLAN
Bill/Executive Order
AB 2127 (Ting, Chapter 365, Statutes of 2018)
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Assessment
SB 30 (Lara, Chapter 614, Statutes of 2018)
Insurance: Climate Change
AB 2061 (Frazier, Chapter 580, Statutes of 2018)
Near-zero-emission and Zero- emission Vehicles
~~117'"'•
Summary
The 2022 Scoping Plan reflects the SB 1 00 Core
Scenario resource mix with a few minor updates.

This bill requires the CEC, working with CARB and
the CPUC, to prepare and biennially update a
Statewide assessment of the electric vehicle
charging infrastructure needed to support the
levels of electric vehicle adoption required for the
State to meet its goals of putting at least 5 million
ZEV on California roads by 2030 and of
reducing emissions of GHGs to 40 percent below
1990 levels by 2030. The bill requires the CEC to
regularly seek data and input from stakeholders
relating to electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

This bill supports the deployment of ZEVs as
modeled in the 2022 Scoping Plan.

This bill requires the Insurance Commissioner to
convene a working group to identify, assess, and
recommend risk transfer market mechanisms
that, among other things, promote investment in
natural infrastructure to reduce the risks of
climate change related to catastrophic events,
create incentives for investment in natural
infrastructure to reduce risks to communities, and
provide mitigation incentives for private
investment in natural lands to lessen exposure
and reduce climate risks to public safety, property,
utilities, and infrastructure. The bill requires the
policies recommended to address specified
questions.

Existing State and Federal laws set specified limits
on the total gross weight imposed on the highway
by a vehicle with any group of two or more
consecutive axles. Under existing Federal law, the
maximum gross vehicle weight of that vehicle may
not exceed 82,000 pounds. AB 2061 authorizes a
near-zero-emission vehicle or a zero-emission
vehicle to exceed the weight limits on the power
unit by up to 2,000 pounds.

This bill supports the deployment of cleaner trucks
as modeled in this 2022 Scoping Plan.

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The 2022 Scoping Plan Scenario identifies the need to accelerate AB 32’s 2030 target, from 40 percent to 48 percent below 1990 levels. The Cap-and-Trade Program continues to play a large factor in the reduction of near-term emissions for meeting the 2030 reduction target. Every sector of the economy will need to begin to transition in this decade to meet these GHG reduction goals and achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045. The 2022 Scoping Plan approaches decarbonization from two perspectives, managing a phasedown of existing energy sources and technologies, as well as increasing, developing, and deploying alternative clean energy sources and technology. The Scoping Plan Scenario is summarized in Table 2-1 starting on page 72 of the Scoping Plan. It includes references to relevant statutes and executive orders, although it is not comprehensive of all existing new authorities for directing or supporting the actions described. Table 2-1 identifies actions related to a variety of sectors, such as smart growth and reductions in Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT); light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and zeroemission vehicles (ZEVs); truck ZEVs; reduce fossil energy, emissions, and GHGs for aviation, ocean-going vessels, port operations, freight and passenger rail, oil and gas extraction; and petroleum refining; improvements in electricity generation; electrical appliances in new and existing residential and commercial buildings; electrification and emission reductions across industries, such as construction equipment, chemicals and allied products, pulp and paper, stone/clay/glass/cement, other industrial manufacturing, and agriculture; retiring of combined heat and power facilities; low carbon fuels for transportation, business, and industry; improvements in non-combustion methane emissions, and introduction of low GWP refrigerants.

Achieving the targets described in the 2022 Scoping Plan will require continued commitment to and successful implementation of existing policies and programs, and identification of new policy tools and technical solutions to go further, faster. California’s Legislature and State agencies will continue to collaborate to achieve the State’s climate, clean air, equity, and broader economic and environmental protection goals. It will be necessary to maintain and strengthen this collaborative effort, and to draw upon the assistance of the Federal government, regional and local governments, tribes, communities, academic institutions, and the private sector to achieve the State’s near-term and longer-term emission reduction goals and a more equitable future for all Californians. The 2022 Scoping Plan acknowledges that the path forward is not dependent on one agency, one state, or even one country. However, the State can lead by engaging Californians and demonstrating how actions at the State, regional, and local levels of governments, as well as action at community and individual levels, can contribute to addressing the challenge.

Aligning local jurisdiction action with State-level priorities to tackle climate change and the outcomes called for in the 2022 Scoping Plan is identified as critical to achieving the statutory targets for 2030 and 2045. The 2022 Scoping Plan discusses the role of local governments in meeting the State’s GHG reductions goals. Local governments have the primary authority to plan, zone, approve, and permit how and where land is developed to accommodate population growth, economic growth, and the changing needs of their jurisdictions. They also make critical fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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decisions on how and when to deploy transportation infrastructure, and can choose to support transit, walking, bicycling, and neighborhoods that do not force people into cars. Local governments also have the option to adopt building ordinances that exceed Statewide building code requirements, and play a critical role in facilitating the rollout of ZEV infrastructure. As a result, local government decisions play a critical role in supporting State-level measures to contain the growth of GHG emissions associated with the transportation system and the built environment—the two largest GHG emissions sectors over which local governments have authority.

Cap-and-Trade Program
The Climate Change Scoping Plan identified a Cap-and-Trade Program as one of the strategies California would employ to reduce GHG emissions. CARB asserts that this program will help put California on the path to meet its goal of ultimately achieving an 80-percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2050. Under the Cap-and-Trade Program, an overall limit on GHG emissions from capped sectors was established, and facilities subject to the cap will be able to trade permits to emit GHGs.

CARB designed and adopted a California Cap-and-Trade Program30 pursuant to its authority under AB 32. The Cap-and-Trade Program was designed to reduce GHG emissions from public and private major sources (deemed “covered entities”) by setting a firm cap on Statewide GHG emissions and employing market mechanisms to achieve the State’s emission-reduction mandates. The Statewide cap for GHG emissions from the capped sectors31 (e.g., electricity generation, petroleum refining, and cement production) commenced in 2013 and will decline over time, achieving GHG emission reductions throughout the Cap-and-Trade Program’s duration.

Under the Cap-and-Trade Program, CARB issues allowances equal to the total amount of allowable emissions over a given compliance period and distributes these to regulated entities.

Covered entities that emit more than 25,000 MTCO2e per year must comply with the Cap-andTrade Program.32 Triggering of the 25,000 MTCO2e per year “inclusion threshold” is measured against a subset of emissions reported and verified under the California Regulation for the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Mandatory Reporting Rule or MRR).33 Each covered entity with a compliance obligation is required to surrender “compliance instruments”34 for each MTCO2e of GHG they emit. Covered entities are allocated free 30 California Code of Regulations 17, Sections 95800–96023. 31 California Code of Regulations 17, Sections 95811, 95812. 32 California Code of Regulations 17, Section 95812.
33 California Code of Regulations 17, Sections 95100–95158. 34 Compliance instruments are permits to emit, the majority of which will be “allowances,” but entities also are allowed to use CARB-approved offset credits to meet up to 8 percent of their compliance obligations. ~~117'"'•

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allowances in whole or part (if eligible), and can buy allowances at auction, purchase allowances from others, or purchase offset credits.

The Cap-and-Trade Program provides a firm cap, ensuring that the Statewide emission limits will not be exceeded. In sum, the Cap-and-Trade Program will achieve aggregate, rather than sitespecific or project-level, GHG emissions reductions. Also, due to the regulatory framework adopted by CARB in AB 32, the reductions attributed to the Cap-and-Trade Program can change over time depending on the State’s emissions forecasts and the effectiveness of direct regulatory measures.

The Cap-and-Trade Program covers the GHG emissions associated with electricity consumed in California, whether generated in-state or imported.35 Accordingly, for projects that are subject to CEQA, GHG emissions from electricity consumption are covered by the Cap-and-Trade Program. The Cap-and-Trade Program also covers fuel suppliers (natural gas and propane fuel providers and transportation fuel providers) to address emissions from such fuels and from combustion of other fossil fuels not directly covered at large sources in the Cap-and-Trade Program’s first compliance period.36
The Cap-and-Trade Program applies to emissions that cover approximately 80 percent of the State’s GHG emissions. Demonstrating the efficacy of AB 32 policies, California achieved its 2020 GHG reduction target four years earlier than mandated. The largest reductions were the result of increased renewable electricity in the electricity sector, which is a covered sector in the Capand-Trade Program.

AB 398 was enacted in 2017 to extend and clarify the role of the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program through December 31, 2030. As part of AB 398, refinements were made to the Cap-and-Trade Program to establish updated protocols and allocation of proceeds to reduce GHG emissions.

Energy-Related (Stationary) Sources
Emission Performance Standards
SB 1368, signed on September 29, 2006, is a companion bill to AB 32, which requires the CPUC and the CEC to establish GHG emission performance standards for the generation of electricity.

These standards also generally apply to power that is generated outside of California and imported into the state. SB 1368 provides a mechanism for reducing the emissions of electricity providers, thereby assisting CARB to meet its mandate under AB 32.

Renewables Portfolio Standard
SB 1078 (Chapter 516, Statutes of 2002) required retail sellers of electricity, including investorowned utilities and community choice aggregators, to provide at least 20 percent of their supply from renewable sources by 2017 as a Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS). Subsequent 35 California Code of Regulations 17, Section 95811(b). 36 California Code of Regulations 17, Sections 95811, 95812(d). fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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amendments provided additional targets throughout the years. On October 7, 2015, SB 350 (Chapter 547, Statutes of 2015), also known as the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act, further increased the RPS to 50 percent by 2030. The legislation also included interim targets of 40 percent by 2024 and 45 percent by 2027. SB 350 also requires the State to double Statewide energy efficiency savings in electricity and natural gas end uses by 2030. The 2017 Scoping Plan incorporated the SB 350 standards and estimated the GHG reductions would account for approximately 21 percent of the Scoping Plan reductions.37 On September 10, 2018, SB 100 provided additional RPS targets of 44 percent by 2024, 52 percent by 2027, and 60 percent by 2030, and that CARB should plan for 100 percent eligible renewable energy resources and zerocarbon resources by 2045.38 Assembly Bill 1279 (The California Climate Crisis Act)
The California Legislature enacted AB 1279,39 the California Climate Crisis Act, on September 16, 2022. AB 1279 establishes the policy of the State to achieve net zero GHG emissions, carbon neutrality,40 as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative GHG emissions thereafter. Additionally, AB 1279 ensures that by 2045 Statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions are reduced at least 85 percent below 1990 levels. AB 1279 also requires CARB to ensure that the 2022 Scoping Plan identified and recommended measures to achieve carbon neutrality and to identify and implement policies and strategies for CO2 removal solutions and carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies. It also requires CARB to submit an annual report on progress in achieving the 2022 Scoping Plan’s goals.

Mobile Sources
Pavley Standards
AB 1493 (Chapter 200, Statutes of 2002), enacted on July 22, 2002, required CARB to set GHG emission standards for passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, and other vehicles whose primary use is non-commercial personal transportation manufactured in and after 2009. In 2004, CARB approved the Pavley regulation to require automakers to control GHG emissions from new passenger vehicles for the 2009 through 2016 model years. Upon adoption of subsequent Federal GHG standards by the USEPA that preserved the benefits of the Pavley regulations, the Pavley regulations were revised to accept compliance with the Federal standards as compliance 37 CARB. California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan. Table 3, p. 31. Calculated as: (108 – 53) / 260 = 21 percent. 38 California Legislative Information. SB-100 California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: Emissions of Greenhouse Gases.
39 California Legislative Information. AB 1279 The California Climate Crisis Act. 2022. 40 Carbon neutrality means “net zero” emissions of GHGs. In other words, it means that GHG emissions generated by sources such as transportation, power plants, and industrial processes must be less than or equal to the amount of carbon dioxide that is stored, both in natural sinks and through mechanical sequestration. AB 1279 uses the terminology net zero and the 2022 Scoping Plan uses the terminology carbon neutrality or carbon neutral. These terms mean the same thing and are used interchangeably. ~~117'"'•

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with California’s standards in the 2012 through 2016 model years. This is referred to as the “deemed to comply” option.

In January 2012, CARB approved GHG emission regulations, which require further reductions in passenger GHG emissions for 2017 and subsequent vehicle model years. As noted above, in August 2012, the USEPA and USDOT adopted GHG emission standards for model year 2017 through 2025 vehicles.41 On November 15, 2012, CARB approved an amendment that allows manufacturers to comply with the 2017–2025 national standards to meet State law. Automobile manufacturers generally comply with these standards through a combination of improved energy efficiency in vehicle equipment (e.g., air conditioning systems) and engines, as well as sleeker aerodynamics, use of strong but lightweight materials, and lower-rolling resistance tires.42
In 2018, the USEPA proposed the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule (SAFE), which would roll back fuel economy standards and revoke California’s waiver. The rule amended certain average fuel economy and GHG standards for passenger cars covering model years 2021 through 2026. On March 30, 2020, the SAFE Rule was finalized and published in the Federal Register, commencing a review period. Subsequent legal challenges from a coalition of states, including California, and private industry groups were issued. However, in December 2021, the NHTSA repealed the SAFE Vehicle Rule Part One. Although the SAFE Vehicle Rule Part One has been repealed, GHG modeling contained in regional plans, such as SCAG’s 2024–2050 RTP/SCS, have not been updated to account for this repeal.

Subsequently, on March 20, 2024, USEPA announced new, more protective final standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty and medium-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027. The final rule builds upon USEPA’s standards for Federal GHG emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2023 through 2026, established in 2021. These standards will phase in over model years 2027 through 2032.

California Low Carbon Fuel Standard
Executive Order S-01-07 was enacted by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on January 18, 2007.

The order mandates the following: (1) that a Statewide goal be established to reduce the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020; and (2) that a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) for transportation fuels be established in California. The final regulation was approved by the State’s Office of Administrative Law and filed with the Secretary of State on January 12, 2010; the LCFS became effective on the same day. In September 2015, 41 USEPA. 2017 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards.
42 CARB. California’s Advanced Clean Cars Midterm Review. P. ES-17, C-9. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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CARB approved the re-adoption of the LCFS, which became effective on January 1, 2016, to address procedural deficiencies in the way the original regulation was adopted.43 The development of the 2017 Scoping Plan identified LCFS as a regulatory measure to reduce GHG emissions to meet the 2030 emissions target. In September 2018, the standards were amended by CARB to require a 20-percent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, aligning with California’s 2030 targets set by SB 32.44
Advanced Clean Cars Regulations
In 2012, CARB approved the Advanced Clean Cars program, an emissions-control program for model years 2015–2025.45 The components of the Advanced Clean Cars program include the Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) regulations that reduce criteria pollutants and GHG emissions from light- and medium-duty vehicles, and the ZEV regulation, which requires manufacturers to produce an increasing number of pure ZEVs (meaning battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles), with provisions to also produce plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in the 2018 through 2025 model years.46 During the March 2017 midterm review, CARB voted unanimously to continue with the vehicle GHG emission standards and the ZEV program for cars and light trucks sold in California through 2025.47
In addition, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order (Executive Order No. N-79-20) on September 23, 2020, that would phase out sales of new gas-powered passenger cars by 2035 in California with an additional 10-year transition period for heavy vehicles. The State would not restrict used car sales or forbid residents from owning gas-powered vehicles. In accordance with the executive order, the 2020 Mobile Source Strategy, a comprehensive analysis that presents scenarios for possible strategies to reduce the carbon, toxic and unhealthy pollution from cars, trucks, equipment, and ships, was developed by CARB. The Mobile Source Strategy was heard by the CARB members on October 28, 2021. The 2020 Mobile Source Strategy has been forwarded to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the California Legislature as required by SB 44. The programs and concepts in the 2020 Mobile Source Strategy support other planning efforts, such as the SIP, the 2022 Scoping Plan, and community emissions reduction plans, with the State planning efforts incorporating the Mobile Source Strategy as they 43 CARB. “Low Carbon Fuel Standard, About.” ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/low-carbon-fuel-standard/ about. Accessed January 9, 2025.
44 CARB. “CARB amends Low Carbon Fuel Standard for wider impact.” 2018. ww2.arb.ca.gov/index.php/news/ carb-amends-low-carbon-fuel-standard-wider-impact. Accessed January 9, 2025. 45 CARB. “Advanced Clean Cars Program, About.” ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-carsprogram/about. Accessed January 9, 2025. 46 CARB. “Advanced Clean Cars Program, About.”
47 CARB. News Release: CARB finds vehicle standards are achievable and cost-effective. ww2.arb.ca.gov/ news/carbfinds-vehicle-standards-are-achievable-and-cost-effective. Accessed January 9, 2025. ~~117'"'•

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are developed. CARB has begun development of the 2025 Mobile Source Strategy, beginning outreach in January 2024.

The primary mechanism for achieving the ZEV target for passenger cars and light trucks is CARB’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) Program. The ACC II regulations focus on post-2025 model year light-duty vehicles, as requirements are already in place for new vehicles through the 2025 model year. The rulemaking for ACC II regulations was adopted on November 30, 2022.

Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act (SB 375) The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008, or SB 375 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008), which was adopted by the State on September 30, 2008, establishes mechanisms for the development of regional targets for reducing passenger vehicle GHG emissions. SB 375 finds that the “transportation sector is the single largest contributor of greenhouse gases of any sector.”48 Under SB 375, CARB is required, in consultation with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), to set regional GHG reduction targets for the passenger vehicle and light-duty truck sector for 2020 and 2035. SCAG is the MPO in which the City of Los Angeles is located. CARB set targets for 2020 and 2035 for each of the 18 MPO regions in 2010 and updated them in 2018.49 In March 2018, CARB updated the SB 375 targets for the SCAG region to require an 8-percent reduction by 2020 and a 19-percent reduction by 2035 in per capita passenger vehicle GHG emissions.50 As discussed further below, SCAG adopted an updated Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Community Strategies (2024–2050 RTP/SCS) subsequent to the update of the emission targets. The 2024–2050 RTP/SCS is expected to reduce per capita transportation emissions by 19.8 percent by 2035, which exceeds the SB 375 compliance target for the SCAG region with respect to meeting the State’s GHG emission reduction goals.51
Under SB 375, the target must be incorporated within that region’s RTP, which is used for longterm transportation planning, in an SCS. Certain transportation planning and programming activities would then need to be consistent with the SCS; however, SB 375 expressly provides that the SCS does not regulate the use of land and further provides that local land use plans and policies (e.g., general plans) are not required to be consistent with either the RTP or SCS.

Senate Bill 743
Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 743 in 2013, which creates a process to change the way that transportation impacts are analyzed under CEQA. Specifically, the focus of transportation analysis shifted from vehicular delay using a level of service (LOS) method to vehicle miles traveled (VMT). As stated in PRC Section 21099(b)(2), “automobile delay, as described solely by 48 State of California. Senate Bill No. 375. September 30, 2008. 49 CARB. “Sustainable Communities & Climate Protection Program, About.” ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/ programs/sustainable-communities-climate-protection-program/about. Accessed December 22, 2023. 50 CARB. SB 375 Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets. 2018. 51 SCAG. Final 2024–2050 RTP/SCS. Chapter 5.2: Regional Benefits. 2024. p. 187. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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level of service or similar measures of vehicular capacity or traffic congestion, shall not be considered a significant impact on the environment…” Thus, a project’s CEQA transportationrelated analysis and resulting impacts are assessed via a VMT methodology and the LOS methodology is no longer applicable for purposes of identifying a project’s CEQA transportationrelated impacts. Further, and particularly within areas served by transit, the required criteria must “promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the development of multimodal transportation networks, and a diversity of land uses.” Measurements of transportation impacts may include “vehicle miles traveled, vehicle miles traveled per capita, automobile trip generation rates, or automobile trips generated.”
Building Standards and Other Regulations
California Appliance Efficiency Regulations
The Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20, Sections 1601 through 1608), adopted by the CEC, include standards for new appliances (e.g., refrigerators) and lighting, if they are sold or offered for sale in California. These standards include minimum levels of operating efficiency, and other cost-effective measures, to promote the use of energy- and water-efficient appliances.

Title 24 – Building Standards Code
The CEC first adopted the Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (CCR, Title 24, Part 6) in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce energy consumption in the state. Although not originally intended to reduce GHG emissions, increased energy efficiency, and reduced consumption of electricity, natural gas, and other fuels would result in fewer GHG emissions from residential and nonresidential buildings subject to the standard. The standards are updated periodically to allow for the consideration and inclusion of new energy efficiency technologies and methods.

Part 11 of the Title 24 is referred to as the California Green Building Standards (CALGreen) Code and was developed to help the State achieve its GHG reduction goals under HSC Division 25.5 (e.g., AB 32) by codifying standards for reducing building-related energy, water, and resource demand, which in turn reduces GHG emissions from energy, water, and resource demand. The purpose of the CALGreen Code is to “improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories: (1) Planning and design; (2) Energy efficiency; (3) Water efficiency and conservation; (4) Material conservation and resource efficiency; and (5) Environmental air quality.”52 The CALGreen Code is not intended to substitute for or be identified as meeting the certification requirements of any green building program that is not established and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission. The CALGreen Code establishes mandatory measures for new residential and non-residential buildings. Such mandatory measures include 52 California Building Standards Commission. 2010 California Green Building Standards Code. 2010. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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energy efficiency, water conservation, material conservation, planning and design and overall environmental quality.53
On September 11, 2024, the CEC adopted the 2025 Title 24 Standards, which will go into effect on January 1, 2026. The 2025 standards continue to improve upon the previous (2022) Title 24 standards for new construction of, and additions and alterations to, residential and nonresidential buildings.54 The 2025 Title 24 Standards builds upon the 2022 code by substantially expanding the use of heat pumps for both space and water heating, strengthens ventilation standards, encourages electric-ready buildings, and updates solar and battery storage regulations. These changes aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and improve indoor air quality.

CEQA Guidelines
In August 2007, the California State Legislature adopted SB 97 (Chapter 185, Statutes of 2007), requiring LCI to prepare and transmit new CEQA Guidelines for the mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions to the Resources Agency by July 1, 2009. In response to SB 97, the LCI adopted the new guidelines that became effective on March 18, 2010. In late 2018, LCI finalized amendments to the CEQA Guidelines, including changes to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4, which addresses the analysis of GHG emissions. The amendments became effective on December 28, 2018.

However, neither a threshold of significance nor any specific mitigation measures are included or provided in the CEQA Guidelines.
55 The CEQA Guidelines require a lead agency to make a goodfaith effort, to the extent possible based on scientific and factual data, to describe, calculate, or estimate the amount of GHG emissions resulting from a project. Discretion is given to the lead agency whether to (1) use a model or methodology to quantify GHG emissions resulting from a project, and which model or methodology to use; or (2) rely on a qualitative analysis or performance-based standards. Furthermore, three factors are identified that should be considered in the evaluation of the significance of GHG emissions:
a. The extent to which a project may increase or reduce GHG emissions as compared to the existing environmental setting;
b. Whether the project emissions exceed a threshold of significance that the lead agency determines applies to the project; and
53 California Building Standards Commission. 2010 California Green Building Standards Code. 54 California Energy Commission (CEC). “Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Non-Residential Buildings.” 2025. https://www.energy.ca.gov/publications/2025/2025-building-energy-efficiency-standardsresidential-and-nonresidential. Accessed September 23, 2025. 55 See 14 Cal. CCR Section 15064.7 (generally giving discretion to lead agencies to develop and publish thresholds of significance for use in the determination of the significance of environmental effects), 15064.4 (giving discretion to lead agencies to determine the significance of impacts from GHGs). fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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c. The extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a Statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of GHG emissions.56
The administrative record for the amendments to the CEQA Guidelines clarifies “that the effects of greenhouse gas emissions are cumulative, and should be analyzed in the context of California Environmental Quality Act’s requirements for cumulative impact analysis.”57 On September 11, 2024, the California State Legislature adopted AB 3265, codified in Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21168.6.6, which “establish[es] streamlined procedures for the administrative and judicial review of the environmental review and approvals granted for an environmental leadership media campus project.” As specified therein, an environmental leadership media campus project must satisfy a specific list of requirements in order to qualify for the administrative and judicial streamlining provisions set forth in PRC Section 21168.6.6.

Requirements set forth in PRC Sections 21168.6.6(b)(3) and (4), pertain to GHG emissions.

Specifically, PRC Sections 21168.6.6(b)(3) and (4) state the following with regard to GHG emissions:
“(3) The project will achieve … at least 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions reductions necessary to achieve zero net additional greenhouse gas emissions as required by paragraph (4) will be from onsite and local reduction measures.
(4) The project does not result in any net additional greenhouse gas emissions, including, but not limited to, from employee transportation. A project is deemed to meet the requirements of this paragraph if the project applicant demonstrates to the lead agency that the project applicant has a binding commitment that it will mitigate impacts resulting from the greenhouse gas emissions, if any, in accordance with [PRC] Section 21183.6.”

3. Regional
South Coast Air Quality Management District CEQA Guidance The City of Norco is located in the South Coast Air Basin (Air Basin), which consists of Orange County, Los Angeles County (excluding the Antelope Valley portion), and the western, non-desert portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, in addition to the San Gorgonio Pass area in Riverside County. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible for air quality planning in the Air Basin and developing rules and regulations to bring the area into attainment of the ambient air quality standards. This is accomplished through air quality 56 California Code of Regulations 14, Section 15064.4(b). 57 Letter from Cynthia Bryant, Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research to Mike Chrisman, California Secretary for Natural Resources, dated April 13, 2009. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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monitoring, evaluation, education, implementation of control measures to reduce emissions from stationary sources, permitting and inspection of pollution sources, enforcement of air quality regulations, and by supporting and implementing measures to reduce emissions from motor vehicles.

In 2008, SCAQMD released draft guidance regarding interim CEQA GHG significance thresholds.58 A GHG Significance Threshold Working Group was formed to further evaluate potential GHG significance thresholds.59 SCAQMD proposed the use of a percent emission reduction target to determine significance for commercial/residential projects that emit greater than 3,000 MTCO2e per year. Under this proposal, commercial/residential projects that emit fewer than 3,000 MTCO2e per year would be assumed to have a less-than-significant impact on climate change. On December 5, 2008, the SCAQMD Governing Board adopted the staff proposal for an interim GHG significance threshold of 10,000 MTCO2e per year for stationary source/industrial projects where the SCAQMD is the lead agency. However, SCAQMD has yet to adopt a GHG significance threshold for land use development projects (e.g., residential/commercial projects). The Working Group has been inactive since 2011, and SCAQMD has not formally adopted any GHG significance threshold for other jurisdictions.

SCAG Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy Sustainable Communities Strategy
To implement SB 375 and reduce GHG emissions by correlating land use and transportation planning, SCAG adopted the 2024–2050 RTP/SCS in April 2024. Similar to the prior 2020–2045 RTP/SCS, the 2024–2050 RTP/SCS is a long-term plan for the Southern California region that details investment in the transportation system and development in communities to meet the existing and future needs of the region through projects, investments, policies and strategies.

The 2024–2050 RTP/SCS remains focused on its core responsibilities and on the requirements of comprehensive regional transportation planning integrated with the development of a sustainable communities strategy, and also encompasses a holistic approach to programs and strategies that support success of the RTP/SCS, such as workforce development, broadband, and mobility hubs. The primary goals of the 2024–2050 RTP/SCS include:
• Mobility: Build and maintain an integrated multimodal transportation network; • Communities: Develop, connect, and sustain livable and thriving communities; • Environment: Create a healthy region for the people of today and tomorrow; and 58 South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Board Meeting, December 5, 2008. Agenda No. 31. www3.aqmd.gov/hb/2008/December/081231a.htm. Accessed June 2026. 59 SCAQMD. Greenhouse Gases CEQA Significance Thresholds. www.aqmd.gov/home/regulations/ceqa/air- qualityanalysis-handbook/ghg-significance-thresholds. Accessed June 2026. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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• Economy: Support a sustainable, efficient, and productive regional economic environment that provides opportunities for all people in the region.

The 2024–2050 RTP/SCS was approved by the California Air Resources Board on May 7, 2025.

4. Local
WRCOG Climate Action Plan
The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) 2014 CAP establishes a subregional GHG emissions target of 15 percent below 2010 levels by 2020 and 49 percent below 2010 levels by 2035 (WRCOG 2018). The WRCOG Subregional CAP establishes policies and programs that are consistent with and support Statewide GHG emissions reductions targets and strategies. The WRCOG Subregional CAP is not however a qualified plan that would allow for streamlining of GHG emissions impacts analyses. Norco is a participant party to the WRCOG Subregional CAP and is subject to applicable policies and programs.

City of Norco General Plan
The City of Norco 2050 General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element (Chapter 8) contains Goals and Policies relevant to air quality and GHG emissions reduction. Section I of Chapter 8 identifies principal sources of air pollution in Norco, the role of the South Coast AQMD, and the City's capacity to promote local and regional air quality through land use decisions and active transportation. Section L sets forth the Element's Goals and Policies. The following policies in Chapter 8 are relevant to GHG emissions and are applicable to this analysis:

POLICIES
OSC-13.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Facilities. Encourage new development to meet minimum State requirements for on-site solar photovoltaic facilities.

OSC-13.4 Energy Efficiency. Promote energy efficiency in both municipal operations and within the community at large.

OSC-14.1 Building Electrification. Promote building electrification through cost-effective building design and technologies.

OSC-14.3 Zero- and Low-Emission Vehicle Fleet. Encourage the transition of the municipal vehicle fleett, including employee commute, carpool, and similar transportation vehicles, to zero-emission and low-emission vehicles. This policy does not apply to construction equipment, emergency response vehicles, or other specialized vehicles where electrification and zero-emission options are not currently feasible or would compromise operational needs.

OSC-14.4 Active Transportation Facilities. Facilitate the expansion of facilities facilities that support walking, cycling, horseback riding, and other non-motorized forms of transportation, including pedestrian pathways, bicycle facilities, equestrian trails, and other connections that provide alternatives to automobile travel. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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OSC-15.6 Transportation-Related Emissions. Undertake and support efforts to reduce transportation-related emissions.

OSC-3.2 Dedicated Space for Trails. Require new development projects to dedicate easements for and build trails, trailheads, and other needed improvements where feasible and appropriate.
c. Existing Conditions

1. Existing Statewide GHG Emissions
GHG emissions are the result of both natural and human-influenced activities. Regarding human-influenced activities, motor vehicle travel, consumption of fossil fuels for power generation, industrial processes, heating and cooling, landfills, agriculture, and wildfires are the primary sources of GHG emissions. Without human intervention, Earth maintains an approximate balance between the emission of GHGs into the atmosphere and the storage of GHGs in oceans and terrestrial ecosystems. Events and activities, such as the industrial revolution and the increased combustion of fossil fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, coal, etc.), have contributed to the rapid increase in atmospheric levels of GHGs over the last 150 years. As reported by the CEC, California contributes less than one percent of global and 5.9 percent of national GHG emissions.60,61,62 California represents approximately 12 percent of the national population. Approximately 77 percent of GHGs in California consist of CO2 produced from fossil fuel combustion.63
The current California GHG inventory compiles Statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions and carbon sinks/storage from years 2000 to 2020.64 It includes estimates for CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6. The GHG inventory for California for years 2015 through 2022 is presented in Table 4.8-5, California GHG Inventory. As shown therein, the GHG inventory for California in 2022 was 371.1 million MTCO2e. Based on data presented above, the 2016 Statewide GHG inventory fell below 1990 levels, consistent with the goals of AB 32.65 60 USEPA. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2022. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/us-ghg-inventory-2024-main-text_04-18-2024.pdf.

Accessed June 2026.
61 CARB. California Greenhouse Gas Emissions from 2000 to 2022: Trends of Emissions and Other Indicators. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/nc-2000_2022_ghg_inventory_trends.pdf. June 2026. 62 Climate Watch. “Historical GHG Emissions.” https://www.climatewatchdata.org/ghgemissions?chartType=area&end_year=2022&start_year=1990. Accessed June 2026. 63 CARB. “Current California GHG Emission Inventory Data.” https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/ghg-inventory-data. Accessed June 2026.
64 A carbon inventory identifies and quantifies sources and sinks of greenhouse gases. Sinks are defined as a natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores some carbon-containing chemical compound for an indefinite period.
65 CARB. Press Release Number 18-37. ”Climate pollutants fall below 1990 levels for the first time.” July 11, 2018. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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TABLE 4.8-5, CALIFORNIA GHG INVENTORY
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Sector 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Transportation 161 .2 165.0 166.4 165.2 162.3 135.6 145.6 139.9 On Road 150.0 154.0 155.4 153.6 151 .3 126.4 135.8 129.9 Passenger Vehicles 114.4 117.1 117.5 116.6 116.2 94.1 104.1 102.5 Heavy Duty Trucks 35.6 37.0 37.9 37.0 35.1 32.3 31.8 27.4 Ships& 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.8
Commercial Boats
Aviation (Intrastate) 4.1 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.4 2.9 3.5 3.9
Rail 1.7 1.5 1.3 1.9 1.4 1.3 1.3 1 .1
Unspecified 1.9 1.6 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.2 1 .1
Percent of Total 38% 40% 41% 40% 40% 37% 38% 38%
Emissions
Industrial 82.7 81.2 81.4 82.0 80.8 73.3 73.9 72.7
Off-Road 1.8 1.8 1.9 2.4 2.6 1.9 1.9 1.8
Refineries and 28.5 29.9 30.2 30.2 28.8 25.8 26.2 26.2
Hydrogen Production
General Fuel Use 12.2 12.4 12.2 11 .9 12.6 11.4 11.5 11 .9 Diesel 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3
Natural Gas 8.6 9.1 8.9 8.8 9.5 8.3 8.4 8.5
Other Fuels 3.0 2.8 2.8 2.6 2.7 2.7 2.7 3.0
Oil & Gas: Production 18.0 15.3 15.5 15.1 15.1 12.8 12.8 11.9 & Processing1
Fuel Use 16.3 13.8 13.9 13.4 13.3 11 .3 11 .3 10.6
Fugitive Emissions 1.7 1.4 1.6 1.8 1.9 1.6 1.5 1.3
Cement Plants 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.9 7.8 7.5 7.6 7.4
Clinker Production 4.7 4.7 4.9 5.0 4.9 4.7 4.7 4.6
Fuel Use 2.8 2.9 2.8 2.9 2.9 2.3 2.9 2.9
Cogeneration Heat 6.8 6.4 6.1 6.8 6.0 6.2 6.1 5.7
Output
Other Fugitive and 7.9 7.8 7.9 7.9 7.9 7.7 7.7 7.8
Process Emissions
Natural Gas 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.2 4.2 4.2
Transmission &
Distribution

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TABLE 4.8-5, CALIFORNIA GHG INVENTORY
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Sector 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Manufacturing 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Wastewater 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9
Treatment
Other 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6
Percent of Total 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 19% 20%
Emissions
Electric Power 86.3 70.8 64.4 65.0 60.2 59.5 62.4 59.8
In-State Generation 52.3 44.4 40.4 40.5 38.6 41 .0 42.5 42.2 Diesel 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.0
Natural Gas 48.2 40.3 36.9 37.0 35.2 38.2 39.8 38.9
Other Fuels 3.0 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 1.9 2.0 2.5
Fugitive and Process 1.2 1.5 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.7
Emissions
Imported Electrici"ty 33.9 26.4 23.9 24.6 21 .7 18.6 19.8 17.5 Unspecified Imports 11 .2 9.7 8.9 11 .6 9.9 8.8 8.5 8.9 Specified Imports 22.7 16.7 15.1 13.0 11 .8 9.8 11 .3 8.6 Percent of Total 20% 17% 16% 16% 15% 16% 16% 16%
Emissions
Commercial and 37.2 37.7 38.3 37.5 40.6 38.9 38.8 39.5
Residential
Residential Fuel Use 22.9 23.4 24.0 23.4 25.9 25.4 24.8 24.7 Diesel 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.0
Natural Gas 20.6 21.0 21.6 21.0 23.3 22.9 22.2 22.3
Other Fuels 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.5
Fugitive Emissions 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
Commercial Fuel Use 12.5 12.4 12.4 12.1 12.8 11 .7 12.2 13.0 Diesel 1 .1 1.0 0.8 1.0 0.9 0.7 0.7 0.6
Natural Gas 9.9 10.1 10.2 10.0 10.5 9.3 10.1 10.6
Other Fuels 1.6 1.3 1.4 1 .1 1.4 1.7 1.4 1.8
Commercial 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
Cogeneration Heat
Output

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TABLE 4.8-5, CALIFORNIA GHG INVENTORY
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Sector 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Other Commercial and 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
Residential
Percent of Total 9% 9% 9% 9% 10% 10% 10% 11 %
Emissions
Agricultured 32.6 32.1 31 .6 32.1 31 .3 31.5 30.9 29.8
Livestock 22.9 22.6 22.8 22.7 22.5 22.4 21.7 20.9
Enteric 11 .0 10.9 11 .1 11 .1 11 .0 11 .0 11 .0 11 .0
Fermentation
(Digestive Process)
Manure 11.9 11.6 11.7 11.5 11.5 11.4 10.7 9.9
Management
Crop Growing & 6.5 6.7 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.8 6.8 6.8
Harvesting
Fertilizers 4.9 5.0 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.2 5.2 5.2
Soil Preparation and 1.5 1.6 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
Disturbances
Crop Residue 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Burning
General Fuel Use 3.2 2.8 2.2 2.7 2.2 2.4 2.4 2.2
Diesel 2.6 2.2 1.7 2.1 1.6 1.8 1.7 1.5
Natural Gas 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.6
Gasoline 0.03 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.0
Other Fuels 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Percent of Total 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 9% 8% 8%
Emissions
High Global Warming 18.8 19.4 20.1 20.5 20.7 21.3 21.3 21.3 Potential
Ozone Depleting 18.3 19.0 19.6 20.1 20.3 20.8 20.8 20.9 Substance Substitutes
Electricity Grid SF6 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1
Losses
Semiconductor 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
Manufacturingh
Percent of Total 4% 5% 5% 5% 5% 6% 6% 6%
Emissions

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TABLE 4.8-5, CALIFORNIA GHG INVENTORY
d. Significance Thresholds and Methodology

1. Thresholds of Significance
The following thresholds are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. An impact is considered significant if population growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU would:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment; or
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Section 15064.4 of the CEQA Guidelines requires that lead agencies make a good faith effort to quantify GHG emissions of projects and recommends the consideration of several other factors that may be used in the determination of significance of GHG emissions from a project: the extent to which the project may increase or reduce GHG emissions; whether a project exceeds an applicable significance threshold; and the extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a reduction or mitigation of GHGs.

Lead agencies have the discretion to establish significance thresholds for their respective jurisdictions, and in establishing those thresholds, a lead agency may appropriately look to thresholds developed by other public agencies, or suggested by other experts, such as the Sector 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Recycling and Waste 8.1 7.9 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.6 8.4 8.2
Landfi!!sb 7.8 7.6 7.8 7.9 8.0 8.2 8.0 7.9
Composting 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3
Percent of Total 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%
Emissions
Total Net Emissions 426.9 414.2 410.6 410.7 404.4 368.7 381.3 371.1 Notes:
a Includes equipment used in construction, mining, oil drilling, industrial and airport ground operations. b Reflects emissions from combustion of fuels plus fugitive emissions.

C These categories are listed in the Industrial sector of CARB's GHG Emission Inventory sectors. d This category is listed in the Electric Power sector of CARB's GHG Emission Inventory sectors. e Reflects use of updated USEPA models for determining emissions from livestock and fertilizers.

Source: California GHG Inventory for 2000-2022-by Category as Defined in the 2008 Climate Change Scoping Plan million metric tons of CO2e-(based on IPCC Fourth Assessment Reports 100-yr Global Warming Potentials).
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California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA), as long as any threshold chosen is supported by substantial evidence (see CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.7(c)).

CNRA released a technical advisory on CEQA and climate change that provided some guidance on assessing the significance of GHG emissions, and states that “lead agencies may undertake a project-by-project analysis, consistent with available guidance and current CEQA practice,” and that while “climate change is ultimately a cumulative impact, not every individual project that emits GHGs must necessarily be found to contribute to a significant cumulative impact on the environment.”66 Furthermore, the CNRA’s technical advisory states that “CEQA authorizes reliance on previously approved plans and mitigation programs that have adequately analyzed and mitigated GHG emissions to a less than significant level as a means to avoid or substantially reduce the cumulative impact of a project.”67
Per CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(h)(3), a project’s incremental contribution to a cumulative impact can be found not cumulatively considerable if the project would comply with an approved plan or mitigation program that provides specific requirements that would avoid or substantially lessen the cumulative problem within the geographic area of the project.68 To qualify, such plans or programs must be specified in law or adopted by the public agency with jurisdiction over the affected resources through a public review process to implement, interpret, or make specific the law enforced or administered by the public agency.69 Examples of such programs include a “water quality control plan, air quality attainment or maintenance plan, integrated waste management plan, habitat conservation plan, natural community conservation plans [and] plans or regulations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”70 Therefore, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(h)(3) allows a lead agency to make a finding of a less than significant impact for GHG emissions if a project complies with adopted programs, plans, policies and/or other regulatory strategies to reduce GHG emissions.

The City has not adopted a numeric threshold for the analysis of GHG impacts. As noted above, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4(b)(2) allows the City to determine a threshold of significance that applies to the Project, and, accordingly, the threshold of significance applied here is whether the Project is consistent with applicable plans, policies, regulations, or requirements adopted to implement a Statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of GHG emissions.

For this Project, as a land use development project, the most directly applicable adopted 66 See, generally, California Natural Resources Agency, Final Statement of Reasons for Regulatory Action, December 2009, pages 11-13, 14 and 16; see also Letter from Cynthia Bryant, Director of the Office of Planning and Research to Mike Chrisman, Secretary for Natural Resources, dated April 13, 2009. 67 Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR). Technical Advisory – CEQA and Climate Change: Addressing Climate Change through California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Review. OPR is currently known as Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI).
68 California Code of Regulations 14, Section 15064(h)(3). 69 California Code of Regulations 14, Section 15064(h)(3). 70 California Code of Regulations 14, Section 15064(h)(3). ~~117'"'•

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regulatory plan to reduce GHG emissions is SCAG’s 2024–2050 RTP/SCS, which is designed to achieve regional GHG reductions from the land use and transportation sectors as required by SB 375 and the State’s long-term climate goals. This analysis also considers qualitative consistency with regulations or requirements adopted by the 2022 Scoping Plan.

As discussed above, LCI has noted that lead agencies “should make a good-faith effort to calculate or estimate GHG emissions” from a project.71

2. Methodology
Amendments to Section 15064.4 of the CEQA Guidelines were adopted to assist lead agencies in determining the significance of the impacts of GHG emissions. Consistent with existing CEQA practice, Section 15064.4 gives lead agencies the discretion to determine whether to assess those emissions quantitatively or qualitatively. If a qualitative analysis is used, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4 recommends certain factors that may be used in the determination of significance (i.e., extent to which the project may increase or reduce GHG emissions compared to the existing environment; whether the project exceeds an applicable significance threshold; and the extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a plan for the reduction or mitigation of GHGs). The amendments do not establish a threshold of significance; rather, lead agencies are granted discretion to establish significance thresholds for their respective jurisdictions, including looking to thresholds developed by other public agencies, or suggested by other experts, such as CAPCOA, so long as any threshold chosen is supported by substantial evidence (see CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.7(c)). The CNRA has also clarified that the CEQA Guidelines amendments focus on the effects of GHG emissions as cumulative impacts, and that they should be analyzed in the context of CEQA’s requirements for cumulative impact analysis (see CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(h)(3)).72 The City has not adopted a numerical significance threshold for assessing impacts related to GHG emissions and has not formally adopted a local plan for reducing GHG emissions. In addition, SCAQMD, LCI, CARB, CAPCOA, or any other State or regional agency has not yet adopted a numerical significance threshold for assessing GHG emissions that is applicable to the Project. Since there is no applicable adopted or accepted numerical threshold of significance for GHG emissions, the analysis included herein focuses on the Project’s consistency with Statewide and regional plans and local initiatives adopted for the purpose of reducing and/or mitigating GHG emissions. CARB’s Scoping Plan, which serves as California’s roadmap to reducing GHG emissions, sets forth actions local jurisdictions can implement to assist in 71 OPR. Technical Advisory. CEQA and Climate Change: Addressing Climate Change Through California Environmental Quality Act Review. June 2008. p. 5. OPR is currently known as LCI. 72 See generally California Natural Resources Agency, Final Statement of Reasons for Regulatory Action (December 2009), pp. 11–13, 14, 16; see also Letter from Cynthia Bryant, Director of the Office of Planning and Research to Mike Chrisman, Secretary for Natural Resources, April 13, 2009. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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achieving legislative and policy initiatives with regard to reducing GHG emissions.73 One approach identified in the Scoping Plan is the development of projects that achieve net-zero GHG emissions. These projects, while contributing to the growth forecasted to occur, would do so without increasing GHG emissions. Without an increase in GHG emissions, a project would not have a GHG impact. In accordance with the provisions of AB 3265, the Project would be implemented with net-zero GHG emissions. Thus, without resulting in an increase in GHG emissions, the Project would have a less than significant GHG impact. Notwithstanding, the evaluation of consistency with such plans is used as an additional basis for determining the significance of the Project’s GHG emissions-related impacts on the environment.

Notwithstanding, for informational purposes, the analysis provided below also calculates the amount of GHG emissions that would be attributable to the Project, as described below. The primary purpose of quantifying the Project’s GHG emissions is to satisfy CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4(a), which calls for a good-faith effort to describe and calculate emissions. The estimated emissions inventory is also used to determine if there would be a reduction in the Project’s incremental contribution of GHG emissions as a result of compliance with regulations and requirements adopted to implement plans for the reduction of GHG emissions as well as additional measures beyond these regulations and requirements that would also reduce GHG emissions. Further, compliance with the provisions set forth in AB 3265 and the analysis of Project consistency with the identified GHG-related plans and policies serve as the basis for assessing the significance of the Project’s GHG impacts.

Consistency with Plans
The 2050 GPU’s GHG impacts are evaluated using two complementary approaches that together provide a complete basis for the significance determination under both CEQA thresholds.

The first approach evaluates the 2050 GPU against a locally applicable, project-specific efficiency threshold derived from the State's SB 32 GHG reduction target, as described in the 2050 GPU Specific Efficiency Threshold subsection below. This provides a quantitative basis for determining whether the 2050 GPU would generate GHG emissions that may have a significant impact on the environment under Threshold A.

The second approach evaluates the 2050 GPU for consistency with applicable Statewide, regional, and local GHG reduction plans and regulations. This provides the basis for the significance determination under Threshold B. The plans and regulations evaluated include CARB's 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan, SCAG's 2024–2050 RTP/SCS, the WRCOG Subregional CAP, the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), the 2025 Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, and SB 375.
73 CARB. 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality. Appendix D. December 2022. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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Appendix D, Local Actions, of the 2022 Scoping Plan includes recommendations intended to build momentum for local government actions that align with the State’s climate goals, with a focus on local GHG reduction strategies and the approval of new land use development projects through CEQA review. The State encourages local governments to adopt a CEQA-qualified Climate Action Plan (CAP) addressing the three priority areas (transportation electrification, VMT reduction, and building decarbonization). The State recognizes, however, that nearly half of California jurisdictions do not have an adopted CAP. Jurisdictions acting in the absence of a CEQA-qualified CAP are advised to prioritize these same three areas when developing local climate policies and actions, as they address the largest sources of GHG emissions within a local jurisdiction.

The City of Norco does not have an adopted CAP or other programmatic GHG reduction plan from which to tier. The LCI encourages lead agencies to make use of programmatic mitigation plans and programs from which to tier when they perform individual project analyses. At the Statewide level, the 2022 Scoping Plan provides measures to achieve AB 32 and SB 32 targets.

At the regional level, SCAG’s 2024–2050 RTP/SCS contains measures to achieve VMT reductions required under SB 375. In the absence of a local CAP, this analysis evaluates the 2050 GPU's consistency with these Statewide and regional plans directly, using the 2050 GPU's adopted Goals and Policies in the Open Space and Conservation Element (Chapter 8) as the basis for the consistency determination. The 2050 GPU's policies addressing active transportation, building electrification, energy efficiency, natural lands conservation, and transportation-related emissions reduction are evaluated against the applicable plans in Table 4.8-9 under Threshold B. If the 2050 GPU is consistent with these plans, policies, and regulations, it would not create conditions under which their goals could not be achieved, and the impact would be less than significant.
2050 GPU Specific Efficiency Threshold
This analysis evaluates potential GHG emissions generated by the 2050 GPU against a locally appropriate, project-specific efficiency threshold derived from the SB 32 target and the City’s GHG inventory from 2010, which is consistent with current best practices in the industry (AEP 2016). This provides a quantitative assessment of the project’s GHG emissions compared to a project-specific threshold. Because the GHG emissions target set by SB 32 is significantly more stringent than the AB 32 target, if the project is found to be consistent with the SB 32 emission reduction target, then it is considered consistent with the AB 32 reduction target as well.

The locally appropriate, project-specific efficiency threshold used in this analysis was created to comply with the CEQA Guidelines and interpretive GHG case law. An efficiency threshold is calculated by dividing the allowable GHG emissions inventory for a selected calendar year by the service population (residents plus employees) in that year. This calculation identifies the quantity of emissions that can be generated on a per-service-person basis without significantly impacting the environment. This approach is appropriate for the 2050 GPU because it measures fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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communitywide GHG emissions efficiency relative to State regulatory reduction goals on a local, per-service-person basis, consistent with CARB's recommendation that local governments adopt locally appropriate, quantitative goals aligned with the State's GHG reduction objectives.

For the 2050 GPU, an efficiency threshold was calculated based on the target GHG emission levels that would be consistent with the State's SB 32 reduction goal, applied to the projected service population of the City of Norco in year 2050. This locally appropriate, quantitative threshold is derived from the City's 2017 GHG inventory, consistent with the approach supported by the Golden Door (2018) and Newhall Ranch (2015) decisions, which affirmed the correlation between State targets and locally calibrated, evidence-based thresholds. Accordingly, the threshold established here is a project-specific threshold applicable to the 2050 GPU, as opposed to a threshold adopted for general use.

As part of the WRCOG Subregional CAP, the City of Norco completed a GHG inventory that calculated communitywide emissions of 207,963 MTCO2e per year for the 2010 baseline and 198,809 MTCO2e per year for 2017 (refer to Table 4.8-6, City of Norco Inventory). The 2017 inventory serves as the baseline for the efficiency threshold calculation because it represents the most recent measured emissions data available for the city. Energy use associated with potable water conveyance was included in the residential and commercial energy sectors. There is no wastewater treatment facility within Norco; therefore, no emissions were associated with the wastewater sector. All sector emissions within the city's inventory are applicable to this analysis and were used in developing the efficiency threshold, as growth under the 2050 GPU will generate GHG emissions from transportation, residential and commercial energy use, and waste.

TABLE 4.8-6, CITY OF NORCO INVENTORY
SB 32 established a Statewide GHG reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

To be consistent with this target, communitywide annual GHG emissions within Norco would need to be reduced by approximately 73,078 MTCO2e per year from the 2017 baseline of 198,809 MTCO2e per year, resulting in an allowable emissions level of approximately 125,731 MTCO2e per year. Dividing this allowable emissions level by the City's projected 2050 service population of 51,725 persons (29,225 residents plus 22,500 jobs) yields the GPU-specific efficiency threshold, as shown in Table 4.8-7, Locally Applicable Project-Specific Efficiency Threshold.

Source Total (MT of C02e)
CAP Baseline Inventory (2010) 207,963
CAP Inventory Update (2017) 198,809
Note: GHG Inventory Report includes the following jurisdictions; Riverside, Temecula,Jurupa Valley, Hemet, Perris, Norco, San Jacinto, Banning, Eastvale, Wildomar, Calimesa, and Canyon Lake Source: WRCOG. 2018.
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TABLE 4.8-7, LOCALLY APPLICABLE PROJECT-SPECIFIC EFFICIENCY THRESHOLD 2050 GPU Service Population
Norco has a Year 2026 population of 25,401. Norco is currently growing at a rate of 0 percent annually and its population has increased by 0.01 percent since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 25,398 in Year 2020. The 2050 GPU will address growth projected through 2050 for the city. The projected growth includes pipeline projects (specific projects that have been entitled for development but not yet built), and future growth (development that could occur by the year 2050 on some of Norco’s vacant and underutilized parcels).

The 2050 GPU would guide future growth and development within the city through the year 2050 while maintaining the existing city boundary of approximately 9,808 acres. Implementation of the proposed land use plan would accommodate moderate growth within the city, including an increase in households from approximately 7,147 to 8,257, employment from approximately 15,006 to 16,800 jobs, and population from approximately 25,401 to 29,225 residents by year 2050.
e. Impact Analysis
This section evaluates the potential impacts of growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU on GHG emissions. The analysis addresses two thresholds: whether the 2050 GPU would generate GHG emissions that may have a significant impact on the environment, and whether the 2050 GPU would conflict with applicable plans, policies, or regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. GHG emissions associated with individual future development projects do not, in isolation, generate sufficient emissions to substantially affect global climate change. Rather, this analysis addresses GHG emissions on a cumulative, program level, consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(h)(3), which recognizes that GHG impacts are inherently cumulative in nature.

1. Thresholds of Significance
An impact is considered significant if population growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU would:

Target Year
2017 Baseline Levels1
Planned GHG Emissions Reductions by 2030
2050 Service Population2
2050 GPU Specific Efficiency Threshold3
Note:
1 2017 emission levels (Table 4.8-6.)
2 29,225 residents + 22,500 jobs.
3 125,731 MTC02e/year I 51,725 persons.
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Value
198,809 MTCO2e/year
73,078 MTCO2e/year
51,725 persons

2.4 MT of CO2e per service person per year

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a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment; or
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold a. Would the 2050 GPU generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? Less than Significant. Growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU would result in GHG emissions from transportation, residential and commercial energy use, solid waste disposal, and water conveyance associated with an increase in households, employment, and population through 2050. However, as demonstrated below, these emissions would not result in a significant impact on the environment when evaluated against the locally applicable efficiency threshold of 2.4 MTCO2e per service person per year established in Table 4.8-7.

Communitywide GHG Forecast
To evaluate whether the 2050 GPU would generate GHG emissions that may have a significant impact on the environment, this analysis forecasts Norco's communitywide GHG emissions under 2050 GPU buildout conditions in 2030 and 2050 under two scenarios: (1) Adjusted Business as Usual, reflecting the effects of adopted State regulatory programs applied to projected growth; and (2) Adjusted Business as Usual with Local Measures, which adds the emissions reduction effects of the 2050 GPU's land use policies and General Plan programs.

Because the City does not have a concurrent Climate Action Plan providing a project-specific emissions forecast, this analysis applies CARB's documented sector-level reduction trajectories from the 2022 Scoping Plan to Norco's 2017 communitywide GHG inventory of 198,809 MTCO2e per year. This methodology is consistent with CARB's recommendation that local governments adopt locally appropriate, quantitative targets aligned with Statewide per-capita and per-service population reduction goals. The 2017 inventory is allocated across emission sectors based on proportions consistent with CARB's Statewide inventory data for comparable suburban communities in Southern California, with transportation comprising the largest share given Norco's land use pattern and limited industrial base.

Table 4.8-8, Forecasted Communitywide GHG Emissions presents the resulting forecast of communitywide GHG emissions for 2030 and 2050 under each scenario, along with the perservice-person emission rate and comparison to the applicable efficiency threshold. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 4.8.44

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4.10 greenhouse Gas Emissions
TABLE 4.8-8, FORECASTED COMMUNITYWIDE GHG EMISSIONS
State Regulatory Reductions
The Adjusted BAU scenario reflects mandatory State programs already adopted and phasing in over the planning horizon that will substantially reduce communitywide GHG emissions in Norco independent of the 2050 GPU's specific land use decisions.

Transportation is the largest source of GHG emissions in Norco's community inventory, comprising an estimated 55 percent of the 2017 baseline. CARB's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, adopted in November 2022, require 100 percent of new passenger vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. Combined with the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which reduces the carbon intensity of remaining liquid fuels, transportation-sector emissions are projected to decline approximately 80 percent from 2017 levels by 2050 as the vehicle fleet turns over to zero-emission technology.
~~117'"'•
Sector/Source 2017 Baseline 2030 (State 2050 (State 2050 (State + Measures) Measures) Local GPU
Measures)
Transportation 109,345 71,074 21,869 20,338
Residential Energy 43,738 27,056 6,561 6,364
Commercial/ 23,857 14,314 4,771 4,628
Industrial Energy
Solid Waste 9,940 5,964 3,976 3,777
Water/Wastewater 7,952 4,771 1,590 1,558
Other/Fugitive 3,976 3,380 2,783 2,783
Total (MTCO2e/year) 198,808 123,559 41,550 39,448
Service Population 40,407 -45,000 51,725 51,725
Emissions Rate 4.92 -2.75 0.80 0.76
(MTC02e/SP)
Efficiency Threshold 2.4 2.4
(MTC02e/SP)
Threshold Exceeded? No No
Source: Refer to Appendix 4.8 for calculation worksheets.

Note: 2017 sector allocations are estimated based on proportions consistent with CARB Statewide inventory data for comparable Southern California suburban communities, applied to the WRCOG-derived 2017 communitywide inventory total of 198,809 MTCO2e. Reduction factors are derived from CARB 2022 Scoping Plan sector trajectories. Transportation reductions reflect ACC II zero-emission vehicle requirements and Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Energy reductions reflect SB 100 grid decarbonization and Title 24 building standards. Solid waste reductions reflect SB 1383 organic waste diversion requirements. Service population for 2030 is an estimated midpoint. All values rounded to nearest whole number.

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 4.8.45

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 greenhouse Gas Emissions
In the energy sector, SB 100 requires that 100 percent of electricity sold in California come from renewable and zero-carbon sources by 2045. As the grid decarbonizes, indirect emissions from electricity consumption in residential and commercial buildings approach zero. The 2025 Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, effective January 1, 2026, substantially expand heat pump requirements for space and water heating in new construction, reducing natural gas consumption. Residential and commercial energy emissions are projected to decline approximately 85 and 80 percent from 2017 levels, respectively, by 2050 as these standards compound across the building stock.

Solid waste emissions will be reduced through SB 1383, which requires a 75 percent reduction in the landfilling of organic waste by 2025, substantially reducing methane generation from landfills serving Norco. Water-related energy emissions decline in proportion to grid decarbonization.

GPU Land Use Policy Reductions
The State plus Local Measures scenario reflects additional emission reductions attributable to the 2050 GPU's land use pattern and Open Space and Conservation Element policies. The 2050 GPU directs growth within the existing city boundary to focus areas where residential, employment, and services uses are in closer proximity, reducing trip lengths and supporting non-motorized travel. Policy OSC-3.2 requires new development to dedicate easements for and build trails and trailheads, expanding the City's trail network and reducing short vehicle trips.

Policy OSC-3.3 improves the Citywide trail network by closing gaps and improving freeway crossings, increasing trail connectivity for equestrian, pedestrian, and bicycle travel. Policy OSC15.4 facilitates the expansion of active transportation facilities Citywide. Together, these land use strategies are estimated to achieve an additional five to seven percent reduction in transportation-sector emissions beyond State regulatory reductions alone, consistent with the types of VMT reductions documented for compact land use patterns in comparable communities.

Significance Determination
As shown in Table 4.8-8, Norco's communitywide GHG emissions are projected to decline from 198,808 MTCO2e per year in 2017 to approximately 123,559 MTCO2e per year by 2030 and approximately 41,550 MTCO2e per year by 2050 under State measures alone. With the additional effect of GPU land use policies, 2050 emissions are projected at approximately 39,448 MTCO2e per year.

Expressed on a per-service-person basis, the city's baseline efficiency rate of 4.92 MTCO2e per SP in 2017 is projected to improve to approximately 2.75 MTCO2e per SP by 2030 and approximately 0.80 MTCO2e per SP by 2050 under State measures, and to approximately 0.76 MTCO2e per SP under State and local GPU measures. The GPU-specific efficiency threshold of

2.4 MTCO2e per service person per year established in Table 4.8-7 is adjusted to the 2050 horizon year. The combination of mandatory State regulatory programs phasing in through 2050 fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 4.8.46

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 greenhouse Gas Emissions
and the 2050 GPU's active transportation and land use policies provides a well-documented pathway to achieving the threshold at the applicable horizon year.

Therefore, growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU would not generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. This impact is less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Threshold b. Would the 2050 GPU conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs? Less than Significant. Growth forecast under the 2050 GPU would not conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A conflict with a GHG reduction plan occurs when a project creates conditions under which the goals of the applicable plan, policy, or regulation could not be achieved. As demonstrated below, the GPU's land use policies, General Plan goals, and the City's continued participation in applicable regional and subregional programs support, rather than obstruct, the GHG reduction goals established in the 2022 CARB Scoping Plan, SCAG's 2024–2050 RTP/SCS, and the WRCOG Subregional CAP.

SCAG 2024–2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy SCAG adopted the 2024–2050 RTP/SCS, known as Connect SoCal 2024, on April 4, 2024, and CARB approved it on May 7, 2025. The plan establishes regional per capita GHG reduction targets of 8 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 19 percent below 2005 levels by 2035 for the SCAG region, consistent with SB 375. The 2024–2050 RTP/SCS projects achieving a 19.8 percent per capita reduction by 2035, exceeding the SB 375 compliance target.

The 2050 GPU supports implementation of the RTP/SCS by proposing a land use pattern that concentrates future growth within the existing city boundary, establishes focus areas that bring housing and employment into closer proximity, and expands multimodal connectivity through pedestrian paths, cycling infrastructure, and the City's equestrian trail network. This pattern reduces trip lengths and supports reduced per capita vehicle travel consistent with the RTP/SCS's land use and transportation integration strategies. The 2050 GPU would therefore not conflict with the 2024–2050 RTP/SCS.

WRCOG Subregional Climate Action Plan
Norco is a participant in the WRCOG Subregional CAP, which establishes a subregional GHG emissions reduction target of 15 percent below 2010 levels by 2020 and 49 percent below 2010 levels by 2035. As shown in Table 4.8-6, Norco's communitywide emissions declined from fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 4.8.47

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 greenhouse Gas Emissions
207,963 MTCO2e in 2010 to 198,809 MTCO2e in 2017, a reduction of approximately 4.4 percent, reflecting early implementation of State regulatory programs. The GPU's land use policies, including participation in the WRCOG Subregional CAP measures, mixed-use planning, shared parking, local food production, and green building design beyond minimum CALGreen requirements, are consistent with the subregional CAP's local reduction measures and would not obstruct achievement of its targets.

Consistency with City of Norco General Plan
The City of Norco General Plan Conservation Element Chapter 8 contains Goals and Policies directly relevant to GHG emissions reduction, as identified above. Under CEQA, a conflict with a GHG reduction plan occurs when a project creates conditions under which the goals of the applicable plan, policy, or regulation could not be achieved. To assess whether the 2050 GPU creates such conditions, Table 4.8-9, City of Norco 2050 GPU Consistency with Applicable GHG Reduction Plans, Policies, and Regulations evaluates the GPU's consistency with each applicable GHG reduction plan and regulation by identifying the specific GHG reduction strategy or requirement established in that plan, the 2050 GPU policy or characteristic that responds to that strategy, and a determination of whether the 2050 GPU supports or obstructs achievement of the plan's goals. As shown in Table 4.8-9, the 2050 GPU's Open Space and Conservation Element policies directly support building decarbonization, active transportation, natural lands preservation, and regional transportation integration strategies of the 2022 Scoping Plan, SCAG's Connect SoCal 2024–2050 RTP/SCS, and the WRCOG Subregional CAP. All future development under the 2050 GPU will also remain subject to mandatory State GHG reduction requirements as a condition of building permit issuance.

TABLE 4.8-9, CITY OF NORCO 2050 GPU CONSISTENCY WITH APPLICABLE GHG

REDUCTION PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
Applicable Plan /
Regulation
CARB 2022 Climate
Change Scoping
Plan
GHG Reduction
Strategy or
Requirement
Reduce per-capita VMT
through land use
patterns and
infrastructure that
support walking, cycling,
and transit.

Relevant GPU Policy
Policy OSC-3.2: Require
new development to
dedicate easements for
and build trails and
trail heads.

Policy OSC-15.4:

Facilitate the expansion
of active transportation
facilities.

Policy OSC-16.6:

Undertake and support
efforts to reduce
Consistency
Determination
Consistent. GPU policies
directly support the
Scoping Plan's VMT
reduction strategy by
expanding Norco's nonmotorized trail network
and requiring active
transportation
infrastructure in new
development.
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 4.8.48

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 greenhouse Gas Emissions
TABLE 4.8-9, CITY OF NORCO 2050 GPU CONSISTENCY WITH APPLICABLE GHG

REDUCTION PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
Applicable Plan /
Regulation
CARB 2022 Climate
Change Scoping
Plan
CARB 2022 Climate
Change Scoping
Plan
GHG Reduction
Strategy or
Requirement
Decarbonize the
building stock through
energy efficiency,
electrification, and green
building standards.

Encourage performance
beyond minimum State
requirements.

Support natural and
working lands as carbon
sinks. Preserve open
space and agricultural
lands.

Relevant GPU Policy
transportation-related
emissions.

Policy OSC-14.1:

Encourage new
development to exceed
minimum State
requirements for on-site
solar PV.

Policy OSC-14.3:

Promote energy
efficiency in municipal
operations and the
community at large.

Policy OSC-15.1 :

Promote building
electrification through
cost-effective building
design and technologies.

Policy OSC-1.4: Protect
the ecological functions
of the Santa Ana River
corridor by ensuring
recreational
improvements and
adjacent development
minimize habitat
disturbance and
maintain wildlife
movement.

Policy OSC-2.4: Protect
native vegetation and
habitat areas within the
Norco Hills.

Policy OSC-8.1 : Support
the removal of invasive
species and the
restoration of natural
habitats along the Santa
Ana River.
~~117'"'•
Consistency
Determination
Consistent. GPU Policy
OSC-74. 7 encourages
building performance
beyond the minimum
CALGreen and Title 24
standards. All new
construction under the
2050 GPU will be subject
to the 2025 Title 24
Building Energy
Efficiency Standards,
effective January 1, 2026.

Consistent. GPU policies
protect Norco's open
space and natural lands,
supporting natural
carbon sequestration.

The 2050 GPU directs
growth inward within the
existing city boundary,
preserving surrounding
open space and rural
character.

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 4.8.49

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 greenhouse Gas Emissions
TABLE 4.8-9, CITY OF NORCO 2050 GPU CONSISTENCY WITH APPLICABLE GHG

REDUCTION PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Applicable Plan / GHG Reduction Relevant GPU Policy Consistency Regulation Strategy or Determination
Requirement
SCAG Connect Achieve regional per Policy OSC-3.2: Require Consistent. GPU policies SoCal2024-2050 capita GHG reduction new development to support SCAG's land use RTP/SCS targets of 8% below dedicate easements for and transportation 2005 levels by 2020 and and build trails and integration approach by 19% below 2005 levels trail heads. expanding multimodal by 2035, consistent with Policy OSC-15.4: infrastructure. The 2050 SB 375. Integrate land Facilitate the expansion GPU's land use pattern, use and transportation of active transportation which concentrates to reduce per capita facilities. future growth within the VMT. existing city boundary in
focus areas with
multimodal access, is
consistent with the
RTP/SCS sustainable
communities strategy.

WRCOG Achieve subregional Policy OSC-15.1: Consistent. The GPU's Subregional GHG reduction targets Promote building energy and Climate Action Plan of 15% below 2010 electrification. transportation policies levels by 2020 and 49% Policy OSC-15.4: support the WRCOG below 201 0 levels by Facilitate the expansion Subregional CAP's local 2035. Implement local of active transportation reduction measures. As reduction measures facilities. shown in Table 4.8-6,
across transportation, Norm's communitywide
energy, waste, and land Policy OSC-16.6: GHG emissions declined use sectors. Undertake and support from 207,963 MTCO2e in efforts to reduce 201 O to 198,809
transportation-related MTCO2e in 2017,
emissions. Norco is a demonstrating early
participant party to the progress toward
WRCOG Subregional subregional targets.

CAP and remains subject
to its applicable policies
and programs.

California Green Mandatory green Policy OSC-14.1: Consistent. All future Building Standards building requirements Encourage new development under the Code (CALGreen) for all new residential development to exceed 2050 GPU is required to and non-residential minimum State comply with mandatory construction, including requirements for on-site CALGreen standards as energy efficiency, water solar PV. a condition of building conservation, material Policy OSC-15.1: permit issuance. GPU Promote building policies encourage
performance exceeding

PAGE 4.8.50

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 greenhouse Gas Emissions
TABLE 4.8-9, CITY OF NORCO 2050 GPU CONSISTENCY WITH APPLICABLE GHG

REDUCTION PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
Applicable State Regulatory Requirements
Future development under the 2050 GPU would also remain subject to all applicable mandatory State GHG reduction requirements as conditions of building permit issuance, including the 2025 ~~117'"'•
Applicable Plan /
Regulation
2025 Title 24
Building Energy
Efficiency
Standards
SB375
(Sustainable
Communities and
Climate Protection
Act of 2008)
GHG Reduction
Strategy or
Requirement
use, and indoor air
quality.

Mandatory energy
efficiency and
electrification
requirements for new
construction, effective
January 1, 2026.

Substantially expanded
heat pump
requirements for space
and water heating.

Requires regional
transportation plans to
include a sustainable
communities strategy
demonstrating how the
region will achieve GHG
reduction targets
through integrated land
use and transportation
planning.

Relevant GPU Policy
electrification through
cost-effective building
design and technologies.

Policy OSC-14.3:

Promote energy
efficiency in municipal
operations and the
community at large.

Policy OSC-15.1 :

Promote building
electrification through
cost-effective building
design and technologies.

Policy OSC-3.2: Require
new development to
dedicate easements for
and build trails and
trail heads.

Policy OSC-15.4:

Facilitate the expansion
of active transportation
facilities.

Policy OSC-16.6:

Undertake and support
efforts to reduce
transportation-related
emissions.

Consistency
Determination
these minimums. The
2050 GPU does not
authorize any exemption
from CALGreen
requirements.

Consistent. All future
development approved
under the 2050 GPU will
be subject to the 2025
Title 24 Standards. GPU
policies encourage
performance beyond
these minimums. The
2050 GPU does not
authorize any exemption
from Title 24
requirements.

Consistent. The 2050
GPU supports Norco's
contribution to the SCAG
region's SB 375 GHG
reduction targets
through active
transportation
infrastructure and land
use policies that reduce
per capita VMT.

Source: CARB. 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan. December 2022; SCAG. Connect SoCal 2024-2050 RTPISCS. April 2024; WRCOG. Subregional CAP; California Building Standards Commission. 2022 CALGreen Code; California Energy Commission. 2025 Title 24 Standards; SB 375 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008). GPU policies: City of Norco General Plan Conservation Element, Chapter 8.

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 4.8.51

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 greenhouse Gas Emissions
Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, CALGreen, SB 100 grid decarbonization, Advanced Clean Cars II zero-emission vehicle mandates, and SB 1383 organic waste diversion requirements. The 2050 GPU does not authorize any exemption from these requirements, and they apply to all future discretionary projects approved under the 2050 GPU regardless of local policy choices.

Significance Determination
For the reasons described above and as demonstrated in Table 4.8-9, the 2050 GPU includes Goals and Policies that affirmatively support the transportation, land use, and building decarbonization strategies of the 2022 Scoping Plan. The 2050 GPU supports the land use integration strategy of SCAG's 2024–2050 RTP/SCS and is consistent with the WRCOG Subregional CAP. Future development under the 2050 GPU will be subject to all mandatory State GHG reduction requirements. The 2050 GPU would not create conditions under which the goals of any applicable GHG reduction plan, policy, or regulation could not be achieved. This impact is less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 4.9.1

DRAFT PEIR

4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
This section of the Draft Program EIR (PEIR) describes the existing hazardous materials, emergency response and evacuation plans, and airport hazards in the Planning Area and assesses impacts associated with hazards and hazardous materials as a result of implementing the 2050 General Plan Update (GPU). The information presented in this section is based on the Safety Analysis prepared for the 2050 GPU in November 2023, and available in Appendix 4.7, and a review of the EnviroStor and GeoTracker databases. a. Existing Conditions
The City of Norco is a mostly urbanized community within unincorporated Riverside County.

Within any urbanized region, the potential for exposure to hazards and hazardous materials exists due to the presence of commercial and industrial activities; transportation and distribution of products, and use of hazardous materials. Other hazards to residents include the presence of aviation risks and the proximity of sensitive land uses to airport activities.

1. Hazardous Materials Transportation, Storage, Use, and Disposal, and Accidental Release
Hazardous Materials and Waste Transportation
Goods movement, which may involve hazardous materials, occurs both by rail and by truck.

These include petroleum and related products, chlorine, sulphuric and other acids, environmental and industrial hazardous waste products, and other hazardous and toxic materials. The Planning Area includes two major transportation routes commonly used for transporting hazardous waste – Hamner Avenue and the I-15. In addition, Sixth Street (from Hamner Avenue to California Avenue); California Avenue (from Sixth Street to North Drive); North Drive (in its entirety); and River Road (in its entirety through the city) are also truck routes utilized to minimize exposure to sensitive receptors.

Hazardous Materials Storage, Use, and Disposal
Hazardous materials are used or are a waste product of a variety of uses, including agriculture chemicals, manufacturing chemicals, solvents and waste products, service industries, fuels, and biological and non-biological materials and wastes, and medical wastes. Additional hazardous materials are likely to be found at some light manufacturing uses (e.g., solvents and toxic metals) and at some commercial uses (e.g., dry cleaners, underground storage tanks at automobile service stations, etc.). Generally, hazardous materials are not stored, used, or transported in areas designated as open space or residential, as these areas are designated for public use and permanent residences. Known hazardous material sites in the city are discussed further below. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials

PAGE 4.9.2

DRAFT PEIR

4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Hazardous Materials Emergency Response
The County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team consists of personnel from the Riverside County Fire Department and Environmental Health HazMat Program staff. This team responds jointly to hazardous materials incidents in the unincorporated areas of the County and any CalFire contracted city, such as the City of Norco. Team members are required to respond to hazardous materials emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2. Known Hazardous Materials Sites
Underground Storage Tanks (GeoTracker Database)
The GeoTracker database is the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) data management system for sites that impact groundwater, especially those that require groundwater cleanup (leaking underground storage tanks [LUSTs], Department of Defense, Site Cleanup Program) as well as permitted facilities such as operating underground storage tanks (USTs) and land disposal sites.

LUSTs are a significant source of petroleum impacts to groundwater and can also result in potential threats to health and safety. The SWRCB records soil and/or groundwater contamination caused by LUSTs in the GeoTracker database.

Hazardous Waste and Substances Site (EnviroStor Database) The State of California Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List (also known as the Cortese List) is a planning document used by State and local agencies to comply with CEQA requirements in providing information about the location of hazardous materials sites. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is responsible for preparing a portion of the information that comprises the Cortese List, through its EnviroStor database of sites listed pursuant to Section 25256 of the Health and Safety Code. This includes a listing of hazardous substance release sites selected for, and subject to, a response action. EnviroStor must update the list of sites at least annually to reflect new information regarding previously listed sites or the addition of new sites requiring a response action.

Database Search Results
A thorough review of the EnviroStor and GeoTracker databases for hazardous materials sites within the city was conducted on May 28, 2026. In the city, 19 sites were identified on the EnviroStor database, and 30 sites were identified on the Geotracker database, as shown in Figure 4.9-1 and Figure 4.9-2 and detailed in Appendix 4.9-1: EnviroStor Search and Appendix

4.9-2: GeoTracker Search. Almost all sites are classified as “Completed – Case Closed,” which means no further remediation action is required for that specified land use. Seven sites are classified as “Open” or “Active,” as shown in Table 4.9-1, Open/Active Hazardous Materials Sites. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

FIGURE 4.9-1, ENVIROSTOR RESULTS – 2050 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE

DRAFT PEIR

4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
SOURCE: California Department of Toxic Substances Control, EnviroStor – 2026. PAGE 4.9.3 71 71

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FIGURE 4.9-2, GEOTRACKER – 2050 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE

DRAFT PEIR

4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
SOURCE: California Regional Water Quality Control Boards, GeoTracker – 2026. PAGE 4.9.4 e.-...t~ -D
20,.i'l',S,A.iPI.,.

PAGE 4.9.5

DRAFT PEIR

4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
TABLE 4.9-1, OPEN/ACTIVE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES
1 DTSC. “Corona Naval Weapons Station.” EnviroStor. Accessed May 2026. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/profile_report.asp?global_id=80001224. 2 DTSC. “Wyle Labs – Norco Facility.” EnviroStor. Accessed May 2026. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/profile_report.asp?global_id=33730084. 3 SWRCB. “California Rehabilitation Center Norco.” GeoTracker. Accessed May 2026. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/profile_report.asp?global_id=T0606500571. 4 SWRCB. “Corona Annex.” GeoTracker. Accessed May 2026. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/profile_report.asp?global_id=DOD100086700. 5 SWRCB. “Corona Naval Weapons Center, Detachment Norco, IRP Site 2.

GeoTracker. Accessed May 2026.
https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/profile_report.asp?global_id=T10000006535. 6 SWRCB. “Corona NAVWPNCENDET Detachment Norco, PFAS AOI 1, Building 650 Public Works Facility.” GeoTracker. Accessed May 2026.
https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/profile_report.asp?global_id=T10000021545. ~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Location Site Name Status Type Contaminants of Concern
EnviroStor
In the City of Norco Corona Naval Active as of Open None specified west of 1-15 Weapons Station1 6/4/2014 Base
between 5th Street
and 3rd Street
1841 Hillside Wyle Labs - Active as of State Perchlorate, Polychlorinated Avenue Norco Facility2 10/04/2004 Response Biphenyls (PCBs), Volatile or NPL Organics
Geo Tracker
21 00 5th Street California Open- Cleanup Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) Rehabilitation Assessment Program
Center Norco3 & Interim Site
Remedial
Action as of
9/5/23
5th Street Corona Annex4 Open- Military None specified
Inactive as of Cleanup
6/20/2007 Site
Western Avenue Corona Naval Open - Site Military Arsenic, Dioxin/Furans, Lead, Weapons Center, Assessment Cleanup Polychlorinated Biphenyls Detachment as of Site (PCBs), Polynuclear Aromatic
Norco, IRP Site 25 3/5/2015 Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Western Avenue Corona Open - Site Military Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl NAVWPNCENDET Assessment Cleanup Substances (PFAs)
Detachment as of Site
Norco, PFAS AOI 12/15/20226

PAGE 4.9.6

DRAFT PEIR

4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
TABLE 4.9-1, OPEN/ACTIVE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES
A review of the Cortese List was also completed. There are no hazardous material sites in Norco included on the Cortese List.9
Older Structures
In addition to the handling or release of hazardous materials by commercial and industrial business operations, hazardous materials are commonly found in the building materials of older structures, including residential structures, built prior to approximately 1978. Buildings constructed prior to 1978 may contain hazardous building materials such as asbestoscontaining materials (ACMs), lead-containing surfaces (LCSs) including lead-based paint, and other toxic materials such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and Freon.

According to the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element, the city has approximately 7,472 housing units, of which 5,021 (67.2 percent) were built in or prior to 1979.10 There is a high likelihood that a large percentage of those older units have lead-based paints on the interior or exterior.

Currently, the City does not have a program that addresses residential or commercial building lead issues.
7 SWRCB. “Parcel F (Former Sewage Treatment Plant).” GeoTracker. Accessed May 2026. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/profile_report.asp?global_id=T10000014279. 8 SWRCB. “Wyle Laboratories.” GeoTracker. Accessed May 2026. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/profile_report.asp?global_id=SLT8R0843967, 9 California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). Cortese List. Accessed May 2026. https://calepa.ca.gov/sitecleanup/corteselist/.
10 City of Norco. 2021-2029 Norco General Plan Housing Element. October 2022. Accessed May 2026. https://www.norco.ca.us/departments/planning/general-plan-elements-zoning-maps/housing-element-update. ~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Location Site Name Status Type Contaminants of Concern
1, Building 650
Public Works
Facility
3387 Corydon Parcel F (Former Open- Cleanup Diesel, Polychlorinated Avenue Sewage Inactive as of Program Biphenyls (PCBs),
Treatment Plant)7 5/10/2010 Site Tetrachlorethylene (PCE), Waste
Oil/Motor/Hydraulic/Lubricati
ng
1841 Hillside Wyle Open- Cleanup Perchlorate, Trichlorethylene Avenue Laboratories8 Remediation Program (TCE)
as of Site
1/6/2015

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3. Emergency Response and Evacuation
Emergency response plans include elements to maintain continuity of government, emergency functions of governmental agencies, mobilization and application of resources, mutual aid, and public information. Emergency response plans are maintained at the Federal, State, and local level for all types of disasters. It is the responsibility of government to undertake an ongoing comprehensive approach to emergency management in order to avoid or minimize the effects of hazardous events. Local governments have the primary responsibility for preparedness and response activities.

Primary evacuation routes include River Road, Hamner Avenue, Norco Drive, Corydon Avenue, Sixth Street, California Avenue, Crestview Drive, North Drive, Fifth Street, Second Street, First Street, Norco Hills Road, and Hidden Valley Parkway.

4. Airport Hazards
Airport-related hazards can occur if departing or landing aircraft pose a safety risk to nearby development, or vice versa. Airports located near the City of Norco include the Corona Municipal Airport, located approximately 1.6 miles southwest of the city, and Chino Airport, located approximately six miles northwest of the city. These airports primarily serve general aviation activities, including private aircraft operations, flight training, and aviation-related services. Land use compatibility and safety planning for airports in Riverside County are guided by the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP), which establishes policies to reduce potential safety hazards associated with aircraft operations and to ensure that land uses surrounding airports are compatible with airport activities.

Corona Municipal Airport and Environs
The westernmost airport in Riverside County, Corona Municipal Airport provides basing for general aviation aircraft and flight training for aircraft from nearby airports in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties.

The Planning Area falls within Zone E in the Airport Influence Area (AIA), as shown in Figure 4.9- 3, Corona Municipal AIA, which is officially designated as “Other Airport Environs,” of the Corona Municipal Airport within the Riverside County ALUCP.11 The Corona Municipal ALUC defines its AIA as encompassing the southwestern corner of Norco, thus, the City of Norco has jurisdiction over lands affected by the airport. The Riverside County ALUCP finds that Norco is within the AIA, and is not within a noise contour associated with runway activities at nearby airports. The Corona Municipal ALUC sets no limits on dwelling units per acre. Zone E requires airspace review for structures that are over 100 feet in height, pursuant to 14 CFR Part 77; and discourages uses for 11 Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission. Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. October 2004. Accessed May 2026. https://rcaluc.org/sites/g/files/aldnop421/files/2023-06/Corona.pdf. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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sensitive receptors such as children’s schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.12 Any developments which exceed 50 feet above the runways would be reviewed under 14 CFR Part 77 to ensure that they do not adversely interfere with aircraft operations. There are no airportrelated height limits to zoning designations of the city within Zone E of the AIA. citywide zoning limits building heights to 50 feet, including parapets.13 b. Regulatory Setting

1. Federal
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
The RCRA gives the EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from the “cradle-to-grave.” This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

RCRA also sets forth a framework for the management of non-hazardous solid wastes. The 1986 amendments to RCRA enabled the EPA to address environmental problems that could result from underground tanks storing petroleum and other hazardous substances.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
The U.S. Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) in 1980. The purpose of CERCLA is to identify and remediate chemically contaminated sites that pose a significant environmental health threat. The Hazard Ranking System is used to determine whether a site should be placed on the National Priorities List for cleanup activities.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) primarily pertain to emergency management of accidental releases. SARA requires the formation of State and local emergency planning committees, which are responsible for collecting material handling and transportation data for use as a basis for their planning. Chemical inventory data is made available to the public under the “right-to-know” provision of this Act. SARA also requires annual reporting of continuous emissions and accidental releases of specified compounds. These annual submissions are compiled into a nationwide Toxics Release Inventory. 12 Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission. 04-Vol. 1 County wide Policies. Accessed May 2026. https://rcaluc.org/riverside-county-airport-land-use-compatibility-plan. 13 Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission. “35- Vol 2. Corona Municipal.” Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission. Accessed May 2026. https://rcaluc.org/riverside-county-airport-land-use-compatibility-plan. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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FIGURE 4.9-3, CORONA MUNICIPAL AIA

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SOURCE: Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission, Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan – 2004. PAGE 4.9.9 /I
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Hazardous Material Transportation Act
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) establishes regulations governing the safe transportation of hazardous materials by highway, rail, air, and water. The Act includes provisions for material classification, packaging, marking, labeling, placarding, and shipping documentation to reduce the risk of accidental releases during transport. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulates the transportation of hazardous materials through these requirements. In California, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) implements these regulations on State highways, and the California Highway Patrol enforces transportation safety requirements.

2. State
California Health and Safety Code
The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) has established rules governing the use of hazardous materials and the management of hazardous wastes. California Health and Safety Code Sections 25531, et seq., incorporate the requirements of SARA and the CAA as they pertain to hazardous materials. Health and Safety Code Section 25534 directs facility owners storing or handling acutely hazardous materials in reportable quantities to develop a Risk Management Plan (RMP). The RMP must be submitted to the appropriate local authorities, the designated local administering agency, and the EPA for review and approval.

The California Hazardous Waste Control Law
The Hazardous Waste Control Law (HWCL) is the primary hazardous waste statute in California.

HWCL implements RCRA as a “cradle-to-grave” waste management system in the state. The HWCL states that generators have the primary duty to determine whether their wastes are hazardous and to ensure their proper management. The HWCL also establishes criteria for the reuse and recycling of hazardous wastes. The HWCL exceeds Federal requirements by mandating source reduction planning, and a much broader requirement for permitting facilities that treat hazardous waste. It also regulates several types of waste and management activities that are not covered by RCRA.

California Code of Regulations
Most State and Federal regulations and requirements that apply to generators of hazardous waste are spelled out in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4.5. Title 22 contains detailed compliance requirements for hazardous waste generators and transporters as well as treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. Because California is a fully authorized state according to RCRA, most RCRA regulations (those contained in 40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 260, et seq.) have been duplicated and integrated into Title 22. However, because the California DTSC regulates hazardous waste more stringently than the EPA, Title 22 contains fewer exemptions and exclusions than 40 CFR Part 260. As with the California Health and Safety Code, fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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Title 22 also regulates a wider range of waste types and waste management activities than RCRA regulations in 40 CFR Part 260. To make regulatory requirements more accessible and easier to follow, California compiled the hazardous materials, waste, and toxics-related regulations contained in the California Code of Regulations, Titles 3, 8, 13, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, and 27, into one consolidated California Code of Regulations Title 26 “Toxics.” However, California hazardous waste regulations are still commonly referred to as Title 22.

California Education Code
Title 5 CCR Section 14010 establishes standards for school site selection intended to ensure that school facilities are safely located, adequately sized, and accessible to students. The regulation provides minimum acreage guidelines, safety requirements related to railroads and traffic, and allows flexibility where site constraints exist, provided that an adequate educational program can still be maintained.14

3. Regional
South Coast Air Quality Management District – Rule 1403 South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1403 governs work practice requirements for asbestos in all renovation and demolition activities. The purpose of the rule is to protect the health and safety of the public by limiting dangerous emissions from the removal and associated disturbance of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM). Rule 1403 includes requirements for asbestos surveying, notifications, ACM removal procedures and time schedules, ACM handling and clean-up procedures, and the storage, disposal, and landfilling requirements for resulting waste materials. All operators are also required to maintain records, including waste shipment records, and must use appropriate warning labels, signs, and markings.15
Southern California Hazardous Waste Management Authority The County of Riverside is a member of the Southern California Hazardous Waste Management Authority (SCHWMA) and, therefore, has agreed to work on a regional level to solve problems involving hazardous waste. SCHWMA was formed through a joint powers’ agreement between Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside counties and the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. Using a “fair share” approach, each SCHWMA county has agreed to take responsibility for the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste in an amount that is at least equal to the amount generated within that county. This responsibility can 14 Cornell Law School. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 5, § 14010 - Standards for School Site Selection. Accessed May 2026. https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/5-CCR-14010. 15 South Coast Air Quality Management District. Rule 1403 – Advisory Notice. March 2019. Accessed May 2026. https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/compliance/Asbestos-Demolition-/rule-1403-complianceadvisory.pdf?sfvrsn=b284ce61_10, fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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be met by siting hazardous waste management facilities (transfer, treatment and/or repository) capable of processing an amount of waste equal to or larger than the amount generated within the county, or by creating intergovernmental agreements between counties to provide compensation to a county for taking another county’s waste, or through a combination of both facility siting and intergovernmental agreements. Once an application to site a facility has been received, the County of Riverside will review the requested facility and its location against a set of established siting criteria to ensure that the location is appropriate and may deny the application based on the findings of this review. Presently, the County of Riverside does not have any of these facilities within its jurisdiction and therefore must rely on intergovernmental agreements to fulfill its fair share responsibility to SCHWMA.

Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan
As indicated in the Safety Element of the County of Riverside 2021 General Plan, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan (CIWMP) on September 12, 1989. With a framework of 24 existing and recommended programs, the CIWMP serves as the County’s primary planning document for the management of hazardous substances.

The CIWMP, in its entirety, is comprised of the following elements: Countywide Summary Plan; the Countywide Siting Element; and the Source Reduction and Recycling Elements (SRRE's), Household Hazardous Waste Elements (HHWE's), and Nondisposal Facility Elements (NDFE's) for Unincorporated Riverside County and each of the cities in Riverside County.

County of Riverside Operational Area, Multi-Hazard Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The purpose of the Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJLHMP) is to identify the County’s hazards, review and assess past disaster occurrences, estimate the probability of future occurrences, and set goals to mitigate potential risks to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural and human-caused hazards. The MJLHMP was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

The City of Norco is a participant in the Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan includes coordination among local jurisdictions, public safety agencies, and emergency management organizations to enhance response capabilities and community resilience.

County of Riverside Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
The County of Riverside Emergency Operations Plan was formally adopted by the County Board of Supervisors in 2024. The EOP intends to assist with facilitating an effective response to any emergency situation through collaboration between the County of Riverside Operational Area (OA), Emergency Operations Center (EOC), first responders, and other support agencies. The OA fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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consists of a combination of the County, all unincorporated areas, all cities, and all political subdivisions within the County’s geographic boundaries. The County’s EOP consists of the Base Plan, Appendices, and Emergency Support Functions.

Emergency response activities within the city are coordinated through the Riverside County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan. Implementation of the plan is coordinated by the Riverside County Emergency Management Department in collaboration with local law enforcement, fire protection agencies, and other emergency service providers.

Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
Adopted by the Riverside Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC), the Riverside County ALUCP Policy establishes policies applicable to land use compatibility planning in the vicinity of airports throughout Riverside, consisting of: including Banning Municipal Airport, Bermuda Dunes Airport, Blythe Airport, Chino Airport, Chiriaco Summit, Corona Airport, Desert Center Airport, Flabob Airport, French Valley Airport, Hemet-Ryan Airport, Jacqueline Cochran Airport, March Air Reserve Base, Palm Springs Airport, Perris Valley Airport, and Riverside Municipal Airport. The Riverside County ALUCP replaces the compatibility plans for individual airports adopted by the LAUC at various times from 1974 through 1998.

Resilient IE
Resilient IE was developed in collaboration with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) with funding from Caltrans. Resilient IE works to support regional and local efforts to prepare for and mitigate risks associated with climate adaptation on the region’s transportation infrastructure with five primary project components:

1. A newly established regional climate collaborative, the Inland Southern California Climate Collaborative (ISC3);

2. Subregional vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies;

3. City-level, climate-related transportation hazards and evacuation maps;

4. A regionally tailored climate resilient transportation infrastructure guidebook; and

5. A template regional climate adaptation and resiliency element.

In addition to aiding the various jurisdictions with mitigating risks associated with climate adaptation, the Resilient IE project also identified evacuation routes as part of the State’s SB 99 analysis requirements for Safety Elements.
c. Methodology
The analysis provided in this section is based on review of secondary source information, such as the Safety Analysis, available in Appendix 4.7, and a search of the EnviroStor and GeoTracker databases.
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d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
For the purposes of this PEIR, implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would have a significant adverse impact if it would do any of the following:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials;
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment;
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school; d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would create a significant hazard to the public or environment;
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area; or
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold a. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
Threshold b. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?
Less than Significant Impact.

Health Hazards
Agricultural Byproducts
The 2050 GPU would facilitate development that would involve the alteration, intensification, and redistribution of land uses in the Planning Area, including the conversion of agricultural lands to urban uses. Development near agricultural or equestrian uses could result in exposure to agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, noxious odors, etc., which may fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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pose a health hazard. Development on former agricultural sites could result in the exposure of future residents to potential soil contamination from past use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Depending upon how recent agricultural activities occurred, soils tests to measure levels of agri-chemicals may be warranted prior to site development.

Older Structures
During construction activities associated with future development, workers could be exposed to hazardous materials should building demolition occur. Demolition or major remodeling of buildings built prior to 1978 in the Planning Area may expose workers and occupants to ACMs or LBPs. Inhalation of asbestos-containing dust may cause acute or chronic toxicity. Exposure of persons other than construction workers to these hazardous materials would be minimized by the exclusion of non-authorized personnel in construction areas determined to contain potentially hazardous materials. Exposure of construction workers would be controlled through conformance with Cal-OSHA worker safety standards. Per Title 9, Chapter 95a.132 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, demolition and renovation of buildings built prior to 1978 would be required to abide by SCAQMD Rule 1403, which regulates the procedures pertaining to asbestos containing materials. Adherence to Rule 1403 would ensure that prior to any demolition or renovation of buildings, the building is properly surveyed and all ACMs are properly disposed of.

As with ACMs, lead based paint would be an issue on a project-by-project basis, however, required adherence to Cal-OSHA worker safety standards and regulations would ensure that construction workers are not exposed to and subject to adverse hazardous risks from leadbased paint that may potentially be present.

In addition to the Federal, State, and local regulations discussed above, the following policies in the Safety and Circulation Element policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to health hazards from hazardous materials are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized in conjunction with future development:

GOAL S-1: HUMAN-CAUSED HAZARDS. The City will work with partners to manage the risks associated with hazardous materials and airport hazards.

POLICIES
S-1.1 Business Licensing. Ensure that businesses involved in the use of hazardous materials comply with Federal, State, and local regulations through annual business licensing.

S-1.2 Proof of Compliance. Businesses or individuals involved in the use of hazardous materials shall require proof of compliance with all jurisdictional agencies (Federal, State, and local) prior to issuing or renewing a business license.

All future development projects would be required to comply with applicable Federal and State laws and local regulations pertaining to hazardous materials such as California Hazardous Waste Control Law, California HSC, California Fire Code, California Department of Public Health, The fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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City’s Code of Ordinances, SCAQMD, and RCRA regulations, along with 2050 GPU policies.

Potential health hazard impacts associated with the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Hazardous Materials – Routine Use, Transport, and Disposal and Accidental Release Routine Use, Transport, and Disposal
Residents commonly use and store household cleaning supplies, chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and other potentially hazardous materials. The amount of hazardous materials used by future residential users would be typical of what is found within existing neighborhoods throughout the region. The small number of hazardous materials and chemicals found in households may pose a minimal danger to the household during a spill or accidental release; however, these household spills and accidents are not expected to create significant hazards. As discussed in Section 4.18, Utilities the City contracts with USA Waste of California, Inc. (Waste Management) (WM) to provide waste collection services. WM transports waste to the El Sobrante Landfill, a privately-owned facility in the City of Corona, and would comply with the designated truck routes within the city to minimize potential adverse impacts from the transportation of hazardous materials.

The 2050 GPU would facilitate the development of commercial and industrial uses, which may manufacture, transport, store, use, and dispose of hazardous materials and waste. The transport of hazardous materials along the highways and local roads creates potential risks for spills or leaks from mobile sources. The alteration, intensification, and redistribution of land uses may also contribute to public exposure and environmental hazards during transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. In addition, industrial and commercial land uses which have the potential to manufacture, use, store, and/or transport hazardous materials could create some risk of accidental release of hazardous materials.

The Riverside County Department of Environmental Health is responsible for managing a list of all hazardous waste generators in the County. New hazardous waste generators that would be located in the Planning Area would be required to abide by County Department of Environmental Health policies and register on the hazardous waste generator list. This list provides residents and public officials information as to where hazardous materials are located throughout the City of Norco.

Currently, the city’s truck routes are: Interstate 15 (I-15); Hamner Avenue (in its entirety through the city); Sixth Street (from Hamner Avenue to California Avenue); California Avenue (from Sixth Street to North Drive); North Drive (in its entirety); and River Road (in its entirety through the city). Accidents and spills that occur during the transport of hazardous materials have the potential to affect sensitive receptors, and contaminate soil and water. The transport of hazardous materials is highly regulated by various government agencies, such as the Caltrans and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The cleanup and containment of these accidents are monitored by these same agencies. Emergency evacuation and response plans have been developed by the City to provide notification to residents during an emergency, including fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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hazardous waste spills. Additionally, in California, unless specifically exempted, it is unlawful for any person to transport hazardous waste unless the person holds a valid registration issued by the DTSC. The DTSC maintains a list of active hazardous waste transporters throughout the state.

Accidental Release
An accidental release of hazardous materials could occur during: (1) the routine use, transport, and disposal of materials during project operation (as discussed above); or (2) through the accidental upset of hazardous materials―either known or unknown―during excavation and construction. Exposure to hazardous materials could occur through direct contact with contaminants or contaminated soil or groundwater, through skin contact, ingestion or the inhalation of vapors or dust.

Sites of potential concern with respect to accidental releases of hazardous materials may be undocumented and could be present in the Planning Area. Sites of future development could also contain on-site contaminants both in the form of building materials and underground contaminants, such as pesticides and underground storage tanks.

Future development or construction activities may pose hazards to the public or the environment by disturbance of existing contaminated soils, groundwater, or hazardous building materials. Grading and excavation activities could disturb soils and cause contaminants below ground to become airborne. Excavation below the groundwater table or dewatering could also bring construction workers in contact with contaminants through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. In addition, excavation of land could expose workers to chemicals stored in or leaking from underground storage tanks, or pesticide residues.

Because there are potentially unknown sources of hazardous materials in the Planning Area, risks from accidental release of hazardous materials would be potentially significant. In the unlikely event of upset or accidental release, mandated protocols for reporting the release, notifying the public, and remediating the event (if determined necessary by regulatory agencies) would reduce public risks.

The following Safety and Circulation Element policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to the transport, use, disposal, and accidental release of hazardous materials are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized in conjunction with future development:

GOAL S-1: HUMAN-CAUSED HAZARDS. The City will work with partners to manage the risks associated with hazardous materials and airport hazards.

POLICIES
S-1.1 Business Licensing. Ensure that businesses involved in the use of hazardous materials comply with Federal, State, and local regulations through annual business licensing. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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S-1.2 Proof of Compliance. Businesses or individuals involved in the use of hazardous materials shall require proof of compliance with all jurisdictional agencies (Federal, State, and local) prior to issuing or renewing a business license.

S-1.3 Transport Around Sensitive Land Uses. When determined feasible and/or necessary by the Fire Department, require established routes of transport or disposal of hazardous materials to avoid potential impact to sensitive land uses from materials being routinely transported.

GOAL C-4: GOODS MOVEMENT. The City will enhance the safe and efficient movement of essential goods while reducing traffic conflicts and environmental impacts.

POLICIES
C-4.1 Designated Truck Routes. Continue to maintain and clearly mark designated truck routes to provide direct access to industrial and commercial zones that separate residential areas, schools, parks, and equestrian zones from freight corridors.

C-4.2 Truck Route Enforcement. Prohibit truck travel outside of designated truck routes, except for horse/ livestock trailers and local deliveries (e.g., hay), and actively enforce truck route restrictions to prevent unauthorized travel on non-designated roads, minimizing conflicts with non-motorized users.

All future development would be required to comply with applicable Federal and State laws and regional regulations pertaining to the transport, use, disposal, and accidental release of hazardous materials, including but not limited to CERCLA, RCRA, Title 22 of the California Public Health and Safety Code, the UFC, and Chapter 15.09 of the City’s Municipal Code which requires adherence to State fire laws and the Fire Chief regarding the storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials.16 Adherence to the 2050 GPU policies listed above would ensure that all hazardous materials transported through the city are along designated routes, and avoids sensitive land uses. As future projects are planned and developed, they must adhere to the 2050 GPU policies and applicable Federal and State laws and local regulations. Therefore, potential hazardous materials impacts associated with the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.
16 City of Norco. “Chapter 15.09 Fire Code.” Municipal Code. Accessed May 2026. https://ecode360.com/48452833?highlight=hazardous&highlight=hazards&highlight=materials&searchId=1894 547601512443#48452833.
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Threshold c. Would the project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within onequarter mile of an existing or proposed school? Less than Significant Impact. Under the 2050 GPU, new development of residential, industrial, and commercial uses could result in increased use and storage of hazardous materials within ¼-mile of existing or proposed schools. Commercial uses of concern include gas stations, dry cleaners, autobody shops, and medical laboratories.

As the 2050 GPU does not include any specific development projects, the quantity of hazardous materials proposed for use by future commercial and/or industrial developments within the city is currently unknown. However, the siting of school facilities would be subject to California Education Code,
17 which outlines the requirements for siting near or on known or suspected hazardous materials sites, or near facilities that emit hazardous air emissions, handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste. Furthermore, schools are required to prepare a Safe Schools Plan pursuant to California Education Code Section 32282, which is to be updated routinely.

Hazardous materials and waste generated from future development also would not pose a substantial health risk to nearby schools because all businesses that handle or have on-site storage of hazardous materials would be regulated by the HHMS and any additional elements as required by the California Health and Safety Code Article 1 Chapter 6.95 for Business Emergency Plan. As described in the Regulatory Section above, both the Federal and State governments require all businesses that handle more than a specified amount of hazardous materials to submit a business plan to a regulating agency.

In addition, the following Safety and Circulation Element policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to potential exposure of sensitive receptors within schools to hazardous materials are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized in conjunction with future development:

Policy S-1.3 Transport Around Sensitive Land Uses. When determined feasible and/or necessary by the Fire Department, require established routes of transport or disposal of hazardous materials to avoid potential impact to sensitive land uses from materials being routinely transported.

GOAL C-4: GOODS MOVEMENT. The City will enhance the safe and efficient movement of essential goods while reducing traffic conflicts and environmental impacts. 17 Section 17210 et seq.
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POLICIES
C-4.1 Designated Truck Routes. Continue to maintain and clearly mark designated truck routes to provide direct access to industrial and commercial zones that separate residential areas, schools, parks, and equestrian zones from freight corridors.

All future development would be required to comply with applicable Federal and State laws and regional regulations. Compliance with requirements of the HMMS and existing applicable Federal, State, and regional regulations, as well as adherence to applicable policies of the 2050 GPU, would minimize the risks associated with exposure of sensitive receptors within schools to hazardous materials. Accordingly, impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.

Threshold d. Would the project be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
Less than Significant Impact. The 2050 GPU would facilitate the alteration, intensification, and redistribution of land uses in Norco. As mentioned above, there are no hazardous materials sites within the city that are on the Cortese List, pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5.

Within the city, there are two sites listed on EnviroStor and 19 sites listed on GeoTracker, as shown in Table 4.9-1 above. Development occurring on listed hazardous materials sites in the city could lead to a significant hazard to the public. Sites that are identified as being contaminated by hazardous substances or containing underground storage tanks and/or generators of hazardous waste are required to undergo remediation and cleanup pursuant to regulations under the California DTSC and the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) before construction activities can begin. Listed sites are required to be remediated for the anticipated future land use (e.g., industrial, residential). Therefore, sites that have undergone remediation still need to be cleared for the proposed land use. If any future development site exceeded regulatory action contamination levels or the set environmental screening levels (ESLs) for the site, the project proponent would be required to undertake remediation procedures under the supervision of the County Environmental Health Division, DTSC, or RWQCB, depending on the nature of the contaminants.

The following policies in the Safety Element of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to future development on listed hazardous materials sites are taken into consideration and avoided, minimized, or mitigated to the fullest extent feasible:
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
GOAL S-1: HUMAN-CAUSED HAZARDS. The City will work with partners to manage the risks associated with hazardous materials and airport hazards.

POLICIES
S-1.1 Business Licensing. Ensure that businesses involved in the use of hazardous materials comply with Federal, State, and local regulations through annual business licensing.

S-1.2 Proof of Compliance. Businesses or individuals involved in the use of hazardous materials shall require proof of compliance with all jurisdictional agencies (Federal, State, and local) prior to issuing or renewing a business license.

All future development would be required to comply with applicable Federal and State laws and local regulations pertaining to hazardous materials, including but not limited to CERCLA, RCRA, Title 22 of the California Public Health and Safety Code, the UFC, and CEQA. Future development on hazardous materials sites are exceptions to any applicable exemptions under CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2, which states that “a categorical exemption shall not be used for a project located on a site which is included on any list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code.” Therefore, future development projects on known hazardous materials sites would be subject to future environmental review pursuant to CEQA and would be required to identify and assess the impacts of hazardous materials during the land use permitting process.

As future projects are planned and developed, they must adhere to the 2050 GPU policies and applicable Federal and State laws and local regulations discussed above. Therefore, potential impacts of development of a site included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 associated with the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.

Threshold e. Would the project be located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, resulting in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?
Less than Significant Impact. The Planning Area is in the vicinity of the Corona Municipal Airport, located approximately 1.6 miles to the southwest. The Planning Area falls within Zone E in the Airport Influence Area (AIA), officially designated as “Other Airport Environs,” of the Corona fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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Municipal Airport within the Riverside County ALUCP.
18 The Corona Municipal ALUC defines its
AIA as encompassing the southwestern corner of Norco. An AIA is where current or future airport-related noise, overflight, safety, or airspace protection factors may affect land uses or necessitate restrictions on those uses as determined by an ALUC. The Riverside County ALUCP finds that Norco is within the AIA and is not within a noise contour associated with runway activities at nearby airports. The Corona Municipal ALUC sets no limits on dwelling units per acre.

Zone E requires airspace review for structures that are over 100 feet in height, pursuant to 14 CFR Part 77; and discourages uses for sensitive receptors such as children’s schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.19 Any developments which exceed 50 feet above the runways would be reviewed under 14 CFR Part 77 to ensure that they do not adversely interfere with aircraft operations.

While the Planning Area is within the AIA for the Corona Municipal Airport, development facilitated by the 2050 GPU would adhere to the requirements of the Corona Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, as well as other applicable Federal and local regulations which ensure public safety. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.

Threshold f. Would the project impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Less than Significant Impact. The 2050 GPU would facilitate development that would involve the alteration, intensification, and redistribution of land uses in the City of Norco. Proposed land use changes as a result of development facilitated by the 2050 GPU would not result in changes to the city’s circulation patterns or emergency access routes.

The following Safety Element policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts related to emergency response and evacuation are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized to the fullest extent feasible in conjunction with future development:

GOAL S-2: FIRE HAZARDS. The City will work with public safety partners and strive to reduce wildfire risks and impacts.
18 Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission. Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. October 2004. Accessed May 2026. https://rcaluc.org/sites/g/files/aldnop421/files/2023-06/Corona.pdf. 19 Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission. 04-Vol. 1 County wide Policies. Accessed May 2026. https://rcaluc.org/riverside-county-airport-land-use-compatibility-plan. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

POLICIES
S-2.21 Existing Development. Ensure new development incorporates the necessary improvements to ensure roadway capacity for existing development can maintain evacuation and emergency equipment access capabilities.

S-2.23 Adequate Infrastructure. Require all new developments and major redevelopments to have adequate infrastructure in place to support daily demands and emergency response capabilities without degrading service levels for existing developments.

S-2.24 Response Capability. Ensure a high level of emergency response through the following measures:
• Ensure annual budgeting accounts for current and future emergency service needs.
• Periodically assess and update the City’s priorities for future emergency service needs.
• Coordinate with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department on effective use and training of fire equipment and personnel.

S-2.25 Two-Points of Access. Require all new subdivisions to provide at least two points of access to the circulation network that rely on two different roadways, wherever possible.

GOAL S-6: EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND EVACUATION. The City will work with partners to ensure the community is ready and able to evacuate when conditions require.

POLICIES
S-6.1 Evacuation Planning. Ensure areas prone to hazardous conditions requiring evacuation are prioritized in emergency management planning and training efforts.

S-6.2 Amateur Radio. Promote coordination and collaboration with local amateur radio clubs and service organizations that can assist in disaster assessment and recovery efforts.

S-6.3 Evacuation Zones/Routes. Periodically review and update evacuation zones and routes to ensure adequate capacity and connectivity within the circulation network is provided during emergency events.

S-6.4 Evacuation Improvements. Require new development, redevelopment, and major remodels to ensure effective future evacuations during emergencies by supporting feasible enhancements to the city’s evacuation network and facilities.

S-6.5 Points of Access. Require all new developments and redevelopments within Fire Hazard Severity Zones and the Wildland Urban Interface provide adequate points of access on public roads that can be used for emergency vehicle response and evacuation purposes, in compliance with applicable City, County, and State requirements.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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S-6.6 Private Streets. Design and ensure all private streets, as allowed by the Norco Municipal Code, are maintained for access of unrestricted emergency equipment and personnel in compliance with the California Fire Code, local ordinances, and Fire Safe Regulations.

S-6.7 Emergency Access Improvements. Identify the feasibility of constructing additional emergency access improvements for existing developments that do not meet minimum road standards for emergency equipment such as:
• Additional vehicle pullouts at key locations
• Limiting or restricting on-street parking at key locations • Potential for the construction of new or improved emergency access routes • Roadside clearance improvements
S-6.8 Existing Routes. Maintain functionality, make improvements, and expand capacity, where feasible, of existing emergency evacuation routes within the city, while considering current and future hazards.

S-6.9 Evacuation Outreach. Conduct public outreach and educational activities associated with emergency evacuation routes and procedures, prioritizing efforts for at-risk populations.

S-6.10 Animal Evacuation. Coordinate animal evacuation procedures, trainings, and exercises with partner agencies, community groups, and volunteers.

S-6.11 Evacuation Support. Coordinate with the County and neighboring jurisdictions to support animal rescue and evacuation through community experience, knowledge, and facilities during emergency events not impacting the city.

All future development would be reviewed and approved by the Riverside County Fire Department prior to issuance of building permits to ensure that it would not preclude or interfere with emergency access or fail to comply with fire department standards. Adherence to Resilient IE and 2050 GPU policies would ensure that the City’s emergency response plan and City ordinances are updated regularly to reflect current evacuation and emergency procedures.

Therefore, growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU would not conflict with an emergency response plan, and impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
This section describes the current regional and local watershed characteristics, including water quality, drainage patterns, and flood hazards. The analysis evaluates the potential effects of the proposed 2050 General Plan Update (GPU) on groundwater recharge, water quality, drainage patterns, runoff, and flooding.
a. Existing Conditions

1. Santa Ana River Watershed
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) divides surface watersheds in California into 10 Hydrologic Regions. The City of Norco lies within the South Coast Hydrologic Region (HR), which covers approximately 6.78 million acres (10,600 square miles) of watersheds draining to the Pacific Ocean.1 This region is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Transverse Ranges (including the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains) to the north, the Peninsular Ranges to the east, and the international boundary with Mexico to the south. The city lies within the Santa Ana River watershed, which is the primary regional drainage system.

2. Water Providers
The City owns and operates a potable domestic drinking water system and wastewater collection system within the city’s boundaries. The service area consists of approximately 15 square miles in western Riverside County, within the Santa Ana River Watershed. The City is a member agency of the Chino Desalter Authority (CDA), a Joint Powers Authority. The City’s water system serves water to approximately 25,800 people through 7,960 residential, commercial, and industrial service connections, and 156 miles of pipe in length. The City is an appropriator in the Chino Basin and a part of the Chino Basin Judgement. The City is also a member of the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA), a Joint Powers Authority. The City has groundwater wells in both the Temescal and Chino water basins. The City purchases reverse osmosis treated water from the Chino Desalter Authority, the Arlington Desalter, and the City of Riverside. The City can also purchase imported treated water from Western Municipal Water District through a meter connection to the City of Corona.

Overall, the city’s supply consists of approximately 17 percent local groundwater and approximately 83 percent purchased and imported water.

3. Water Supply Characterization
The City’s service area and distribution system overlies the Temescal Groundwater Basin, with a small portion of the service area overlying the southern end of the Chino Groundwater Basin.

The Chino Groundwater Basin is an adjudicated basin, managed by the Chino Basin 1 California Department of Water Resources. South Coast Hydrologic Region. Accessed March 2026. https://www.calwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Appendix_D_-_Basin-24.pdf. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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4.10 Hydrology and Water Quality

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4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
Watermaster. The City is a member of the Appropriative Pool in the Chino Basin. The majority of the city’s groundwater supplies are pumped from the Temescal and Chino groundwater basins.

The city has four (4) groundwater wells located in the Temescal basin that provide water directly to the water distribution system. Three (3) of these wells have become inactive over the last five years due to water quality concerns. The City owns three (3) inactive groundwater wells located in the Chino groundwater basin. Water purchased by the City from the Chino Desalter Authority is extracted from the Chino groundwater basin.

Water purchased by the City from the Arlington Desalter is extracted from the Arlington groundwater basin. The majority of the water purchased from the City of Riverside originates from the Raymond groundwater basin.

The City has designed and constructed an iron, manganese, and arsenic treatment removal facility to increase the production of local groundwater water relative to imported water. The City has been committed to utilizing local groundwater sources to meet current and expected future water demands.

Basin Description
The Temescal basin encompasses an area of approximately 26 square miles bounded by the Santa Ana River, La Sierra Hills, El Sobrante Hills, and the Santa Ana Mountains. Typical depths for the City’s wells in the Temescal basin range from 180 to 1,100 feet. Groundwater quality of these wells typically does not meet the EPA and Division of Drinking Water (DDW) maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for fluoride (2 mg/L), arsenic, and secondary standards for iron and manganese.

The Chino Basin is one of the largest groundwater basins in Southern California containing approximately 5,000,000 acre feet (AF) of water and has an unused storage capacity of approximately 1,000,000 AF. The Chino Basin consists of approximately 235 square miles of the upper Santa Ana River watershed and lies within portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties. Approximately 5 percent of the Chino Basin is located in Los Angeles County, 15% in Riverside County, and 80% in San Bernardino County. The Chino Basin is bounded by Cucamonga Basin and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the Temescal Basin to the south, Chino Hills and Puente Hills to the southwest, San Jose Hills, Pomona, and Claremont Basins on the northwest, and the Rialto/Colton Basins on the east.

Potable Water
Norco’s potable water system serves the community through residential, commercial, and industrial service connections. The water distribution system consists of an extensive network of pipelines and active wells located in the southwesterly portions of Norco. The City’s drinking water is derived primarily from purchased treated water, supplemented by groundwater from Norco’s wells that is treated at the City’s water treatment plant. The purchased drinking water fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
consists of treated groundwater produced by Arlington Desalter Facility, the Chino Basin Desalter Authority (WRCRWA) treatment plant for non-potable uses in Norco and other WRCRWA member agencies.

Reclaimed Water
The City of Norco and the City of Corona are discussing options that would allow Norco to provide recycled water to Corona’s recycled system. The City, as a member agency of WRCRWA, assists with the coordination and planning for regional beneficial uses of recycled water. The City is also pursuing other options or markets for its recycled water, including groundwater recharge in the Chino Basin.

Additional Water Resources (Non-Potable)
There are two water bodies in the city, Lake Norconian and the Santa Ana River, which are not utilized for consumption and are categorized as “other resources”, used primarily for aesthetic and recreational purposes. Lake Norconian is located at the Naval Warfare Assessment Center (NWAC), which is primarily off-limits to the public; and the Santa Ana River runs along the northern boundary of the city.

Lake Norconian is a manmade lake that was created for recreational purposes with the Norconian Hotel back in the 1920s. The State converted the hotel building into a drug rehabilitation incarceration center, which is now closed, and since that time, the lake has had little public use. Some fishing still occurs with a local fishing license obtained at the NWAC facilities office. Over the years, the lake has become an important riparian habitat for birds.

The Santa Ana River forms the northern boundary of the city and is a naturally occurring element in the landscape, though it has been changed greatly through human intervention. The river now contains year-round flow derived primarily from treated wastewater effluent that is continuously discharged into the river channel. The river itself is not used for potable water supplies but serves an important function in the regeneration of ground water aquifers, especially in Orange County. The function of the river for recreational purposes is limited to the aesthetic values for riverside trails (equestrian, pedestrian, and bicycle) and parks. As a riparian habitat, the river supports numerous species including plants, animals, fish, and fowl both for habitat and foraging.

4. Water Quality
The Federal government delegates responsibility for water quality control to the states, which in turn delegates authority to regional entities. Norco lies within Water Quality Control Region 8, which is managed by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (Santa Ana RWQCB).

As a municipal permittee within Region 8, the City must participate in the Area-Wide Urban Runoff Management Program and ensure that both existing and new development meets the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
Groundwater quality in the region is influenced by both naturally occurring constituents and historical land uses, including agricultural activities that have contributed to elevated nitrate levels. Water quality is managed through a combination of treatment, blending, and supplemental supply from regional sources. The City conducts routine monitoring and testing of its water supply to ensure compliance with State and Federal drinking water standards.

5. Flood Hazards
Flooding in Norco is managed through coordination with the Riverside County Regional Flood Control and Water Conservation District and implementation of the City’s Drainage Master Plan, which identifies local flood control infrastructure. The Santa Ana River, which forms much of the city’s northern boundary, is a primary regional flooding influence; however, bluffs along the river’s steep southern banks provide a natural barrier for most developed areas. The locations with the greatest flood risks within Norco include low-lying areas near the river, existing flood control facilities, and major drainage channels. Stormwaters flow from east to west through the city via drainage facilities, including the North and South Norco Channels. While channel improvements have reduced flooding in some areas, both channels may be inadequate to completely prevent flooding in the city. Figure 4.10-1, FEMA Flood Hazard Zones identifies the 100- and 500-year flood zones mapped throughout the city.

In addition to these hazard zones, Norco is also located downstream of two major dam facilities with the potential to inundate the city upon failure. Figure 4.10-2, Dam Inundation Zones identifies the dam inundation zones mapped for the Seven Oaks Dam and Lake Matthews. Based on this mapping, portions of the city along the Santa Ana River are susceptible to inundation from the Seven Oaks Dam. Areas along the western portion of the city are susceptible to inundation from Lake Matthews.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

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











§¨¦

































FEMA Flood Hazard

DRAFT















500-Year Floodplain
100-Year Floodplain
Floodway
Generalized Location -
LOMR Revised Area -
Effective Dec 9, 2025
n/a
4 1
2 3
City Hall
Norco Sheriff’s Substation
Fire Station 47 Emergency
Operations Center (EOC)
Fire Station 57
Fire Station 14
2 Public Safety Facilities
1 3
4 §¨¦

































Source: ESRI, City of Norco, Federal Emergency Management Administration N
SOURCE: ESRI; City of Norco; Federal Emergency Management Agency – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
PAGE 4.10.5
FIGURE 4.10-1, FEMA FLOOD HAZARD ZONES
•
•
• •

CITY OF N
2050 GENERAL PLA
~
r----""'
\
EB

§¨¦
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




 







  






















 











 


Lake Matthews
Seven Oaks Dam
n/a



























Dam Inundation Zones
4 1
2 3
LEGEND
Norco City Boundary
Other City Boundaries
Water Body
River
Streets

DRAFT










City Hall
Norco Sheriff’s Substation
Fire Station 47 Emergency
Operations Center (EOC)
Fire Station 57
Fire Station 14
2 Public Safety Facilities
1 3
4 Source: ESRI, City of Norco, California Department of Water Resources N
SOURCE: ESRI; City of Norco; California Department of Water Resources – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
PAGE 4.10.6
FIGURE 4.10-2, DAM INUNDATION ZONES
-
CJ •
•
• •
® CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
- J /
I
r - - r- - J
\
.,
EB

PAGE 4.10.7

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
b. Regulatory Setting

1. Federal
Clean Water Act
The Federal Clean Water Act, enacted by Congress in 1972 and amended several times since, is the primary Federal law regulating water quality in the United States and forms the basis for several State and local laws throughout the country. The Act established the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States. The Clean Water Act gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the authority to implement Federal pollution control programs, such as setting water quality standards for contaminants in surface water, establishing wastewater and effluent discharge limits for various industry contaminants in surface water, establishing wastewater and effluent discharge limits for various industry categories, and imposing requirements for controlling nonpoint-source pollution. At the Federal level, the Clean Water Act is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers. At the State and regional levels in California, the act is administered and enforced by the SWRCB and the nine RWQCBs.

Clean Water Act Section 303(d): List of Impaired Water Bodies As described above, Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires states to identify water bodies that do not meet water quality objectives and are not supporting their beneficial uses.

Each state must submit an updated list, called the 303(d) list, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency periodically. In addition to identifying the water bodies that are not supporting beneficial uses, the list also identifies the pollutant or stressor causing impairment, and establishes a priority for developing a control plan to address the impairment.

Clean Water Act Section 401
Under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the RWQCBs have regulatory authority over actions in waters of the United States and/or the State of California through the issuance of water quality certifications, which are issued in conjunction with any Federal permit (e.g., permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, described above).

Section 401 of the Clean Water Act provides the SWRCB and the RWQCBs with the regulatory authority to waive, certify, or deny any proposed activity that could result in a discharge to surface waters of the state. To waive or certify an activity, these agencies must find that the proposed discharge would comply with State water quality standards, including those protecting beneficial uses and water quality. If these agencies deny the proposed activity, the Federal permit cannot be issued. This water quality certification is generally required for projects involving the discharge of dredge or fill material to wetlands or other bodies. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 4.10.8

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
Clean Water Act Section 402
Section 402 of the Clean Water Act requires that all construction sites on an acre or greater of land, as well as municipal, industrial, and commercial facilities discharging wastewater or stormwater directly from a point source (e.g., pipe, ditch, or channel) into a surface water of the United States must obtain permission under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. All NPDES permits are written to ensure that the surface water receiving discharges will achieve specified water quality standards.

According to Federal regulations, NPDES permit coverage for stormwater discharges associated with construction activity can be obtained through individual state permits or general permits.

Individual permitting involves the submittal of specific data on a single construction project to the appropriate permitting agency that will issue a site-specific NPDES permit to the project.

NPDES coverage under a general permit involves the submittal of a Notice of Intent by the regulated construction project that they intend to comply with a general permit to be developed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or a state with delegated permitting authority.

In California, the NPDES program is administered by the SWRCB through the RWQCBs and requires municipalities to obtain permits that outline programs and activities to control wastewater and stormwater pollution. The Federal Clean Water Act prohibits discharges of stormwater from construction projects unless the discharge is in compliance with an NPDES permit. The SWRCB is the permitting authority in California and adopted an NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities (Construction General Permit) (Order 2009-0009, as amended by Orders 2010-0014-DWQ and 2012-006-DWQ). The Order applies to construction sites that include one or more acres of soil disturbance. Construction activities include clearing, grading, grubbing, excavation, stockpiling, and reconstruction of existing facilities involving removal or replacement. The Construction General Permit requires that the landowner and/or contractor file permit registration documents prior to commencing construction and then pay a fee annually through the duration of construction. These documents include a notice of intent, risk assessment, site map, stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), and signed certification statement. The SWPPP must include measures to ensure that: all pollutants and their sources are controlled; nonstormwater discharges are identified and eliminated, controlled, or treated; site Best Management Practices (BMPs) are effective and result in the reduction or elimination of pollutants in stormwater discharges and authorized non-stormwater discharges; and BMPs installed to reduce or eliminate pollutants after construction are completed and maintained. The Construction General Permit specifies minimum BMP requirements for stormwater control based on the risk level of the site. The Permit also specifies minimum qualifications for a qualified SWPPP developer and qualified SWPPP practitioner. Such Construction Site BMPs include material storage such as covering of stockpiles during the day and particularly during rain and wind events, silt fencing, straw wattles, stabilized construction entrances, routine cleaning, equipment drip pans, and dust control measures including water trucks. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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Clean Water Act Section 404
Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, proposed discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States require U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorization. Waters of the United States generally include tidal waters, lakes, ponds, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), and wetlands (with the exception of isolated wetlands). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers identifies wetlands using a multi-parameter approach, which requires positive wetland indicators in three distinct environmental categories: hydrology, soils, and vegetation.

According to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987), except in certain situations, all three parameters must be satisfied for an area to be considered a jurisdictional wetland.

When an application for a Section 404 permit is made, the Applicant must show it has:
• Taken steps to avoid impacts to wetlands or waters of the U.S. where practicable; • Minimized unavoidable impacts on waters of the U.S. and wetlands; and • Provided mitigation for unavoidable impacts.

National Flood Insurance Act/Flood Disaster Protection Act The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 made flood insurance available for the first time. The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 made the purchase of flood insurance mandatory for the protection of property located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. These laws are relevant because they led to mapping of regulatory floodplains and to local management of floodplain areas according to guidelines that include prohibiting or restricting development in flood hazard zones.

Drinking Water Regulations
The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act was enacted in 1974 and allows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate national primary drinking water standards specifying Maximum Contaminants Levels for each contaminant present in a public water system with an adverse effect on human health. Primary Maximum Contaminants Levels have been established for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also adopts secondary Maximum Contaminants Levels as non-enforceable guidelines for contaminants that may cause cosmetic or aesthetic effects. States have the discretion to adopt them as enforceable standards. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has delegated to the California Department of Public Health the responsibility for administering California’s drinkingwater program. In 1976, two years after the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act was passed, California adopted its own safe drinking water act.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the National Flood insurance Program (NFIP) to provide subsidized flood insurance to communities that comply with FEMA regulations limiting development in floodplains. FEMA issues Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that identify which land areas are subject to flooding. These maps provide flood information and identify flood hazard zones in the community. The design standard for flood protection is established by FEMA. FEMA’s minimum level of flood protection for new development is the 100- year flood event, also described as the magnitude flood that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year.

Additionally, FEMA has developed requirements and procedures for evaluating earthen levee systems and mapping the areas affected by those systems. Levee systems are evaluated for their ability to provide protection from 100-year flood events, and the results of this evaluation are documented in the FEMA Levee Inventory System (FLIS). Levee systems must meet minimum freeboard standards and must be maintained according to an officially adopted maintenance plan. Other FEMA levee system evaluation criteria include structural design and interior drainage.

2. State
California Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement
Sections 1600–1616 of the California Fish and Game Code require that any entity that proposes an activity that would divert or obstruct the natural flow of any river, stream or lake; change or use any material from the bed, channel, or bank of, any river, stream, or lake; or, deposit or dispose of debris, waste, or other material containing crumbled, flaked, or ground pavement where it may pass into any river, stream, or lake, must notify the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife requires a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement if it determines that the alteration may adversely affect fish and wildlife resources. The Agreement includes conditions necessary to protect those resources. The Agreement applies to any stream, including ephemeral streams and desert washes.

Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Division 7 of the California Water Code) is the primary statute covering the quality of waters in California. Under this act, the SWRCB has the ultimate authority over the State’s water quality policy. The SWRCB administers water rights, water pollution control, and water quality functions throughout the state, while the nine RWQCBs conduct planning, permitting, and enforcement activities. The RWQCBs also regulate water quality under this act through the regulatory standards and objectives set forth in Water Quality Control Plans (also referred to as Basin Plans) prepared for each region. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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California Safe Drinking Water Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has delegated to the California Department of Public Health the responsibility for administering California’s drinking-water program. In 1976, two years after the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act was passed, California adopted its own safe drinking water act (contained in the Health and Safety Code) and adopted implementing regulations (contained in Title 22 California Code of Regulations). California’s program sets drinking water standards that are at least as stringent as the Federal standards. Each community water system must also monitor for a specified list of contaminants, and the monitoring results must be reported to the State. Responsibility for the State’s Drinking Water Program was transferred from the Department of Public Health to the Division of Drinking Water, which is a division of the SWRCB that was created in July 2014.

California Drainage Law, Government Code 65302
Government Code Section 65302(a) requires cities and counties located within the state to review the Land Use, Conservation, and Safety elements of the general plan "for the consideration of flood hazards, flooding, and floodplains" to address flood risks. The code also requires cities and counties in the state to annually review the land use element within "those areas covered by the plan that are subject to flooding identified by floodplain mapping prepared by FEMA or the California DWR."
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
In September 2014, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a three-bill package known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) into law. SGMA establishes a framework for local groundwater management and requires local agencies to bring over drafted basins into balanced levels of pumping and recharge. In Medium- and High-priority groundwater basins, SGMA requires the formation of locally controlled Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs).

GSAs are responsible for developing and implementing Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) to guide groundwater management decisions and ensure long-term sustainability in their basins.

3. Regional
Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin The Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin (Basin Plan) contains the water quality standards (water quality objectives, beneficial uses, and anti-degradation policy) for the protection of surface and groundwaters within the Santa Ana Region. Additionally, the Basin Plan includes comprehensive watershed and groundwater management programs to implement water quality objectives, including total maximum daily loads salt nutrient management measures, and implementation plans.
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The Basin Plan for the Santa Ana Region includes the upper and lower Santa Ana River watersheds, the San Jacinto River watershed, and several other small drainage areas. The Santa Ana Region covers parts of southwestern San Bernardino County, western Riverside County, and northwestern Orange County.

4. Local
2025 Urban Water Management Plan
The Urban Water Management Plan Act (Act) requires water agencies to document their longterm resource planning responsibilities to ensure adequate water supplies are available to meet existing and future demands. The Act also requires agencies to develop a water shortage contingency plan, response plan during drought conditions, and water conservation programs and policies. The California Water Code requires urban water suppliers within the state to prepare and adopt Urban Water Management Plans (UWMPs) for submission to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). This report was prepared in compliance with the California Water Code, with the guidelines established by the DWR. The Norco City Council reviewed and adopted the 2025 UWMP on June 3, 2025.

Norco’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (Ordinance No. 1007) The City of Norco’s water supplies are required to be put to their maximum beneficial use. Water conservation is required even in the best of times, and wasteful or unreasonable uses must be prevented. Water conservation must be practiced so that adequate and reliable water supplies are available to serve customers of the City. The provisions of Section 14.04.700 shall supersede any inconsistent provisions of the City Municipal Code.

Ordinance No. 1007 includes five Water Shortage Response Levels to be implemented in response to worsening water shortage conditions or decreasing water supplies.2 c. Methodology
The evaluation of the potential for implementation of the 2050 GPU to cause a substantial adverse change in hydrology and water quality was based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines.

Impacts are based on evaluation of growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU against the current conditions of the Planning Area. Potential impacts relevant to water quality, groundwater, drainage, and flooding were based on secondary source information, including the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer mapper and Federal, State, and local regulations. 2 City of Norco. Ordinance No. 1007. September 2016. Accessed May 2026. https://www.norco.ca.us/departments/public-works-engineering/water-system/-folder201#docfold_599_1380_520_201. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
The following thresholds of significance are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. For the purposes of this Program EIR, implementation of 2050 GPU may have a significant adverse impact if it would:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality;
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin;
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
i. Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; ii. Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site;
iii. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or
iv. Impede or redirect flood flows.
d) In flood hazard tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation; or
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold a. Would the project violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality?
Less than Significant Impact. Development facilitated by the 2050 GPU would entail grading and other earth-moving activities during construction. Exposed soils could be eroded and deposited into the surrounding water bodies, increasing the amount of sediment and turbidity in these water bodies. Additionally, chemicals or fuels could accidentally spill and be released into receiving waters, which could adversely alter water chemistry. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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