ATTACHMENT B
Climate Protection Ad Hoc Committee 2024
2024 Ad hoc Committee Members: Council Member Vicki Veenker (Chair); Council Member Pat Burt
2024 Activities:
The Climate Protection Ad Hoc Committee (Committee) was formed by City Council in January 2024 to accelerate the implementation of the Climate Action workplan items of the Three-Year Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Workplan, including: Full Scale Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Program; Commercial HVAC Pilot Program; Single Family Whole Home Electrification Pilot Program; Multi-family Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Program; EV Strategic Plan; and S/CAP Funding Study.
Over the course of the year, the Committee held 21 Committee meetings and 10 Climate Protection Working Group Meetings. The Working Group is comprised of knowledgeable members of the community selected by the Committee to consult with the Committee and staff on S/CAP implementation priorities. The Working Group currently has 12 members, representing Stanford, advocacy groups, non-profits, students, and the Utilities Advisory Commission (please see Roster at end of report). The Working Group receives presentations on S/CAP Workplan implementation topics and provides feedback to the Committee and City staff.
The Committee received staff and consultant presentations, and reviewed and discussed various S/CAP Studies, Programs, and Plans.
Specifically, the Committee reviewed and discussed the following:
•Climate Change and the Natural Environment: Protection and Adaptation Council Priority Objectives
•Programs: Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Pilot, including pricing changes and program updates; HPWH Emergency Replacement; Whole Home Electrification; Multi- family Electric Vehicle Charging; and Commercial HVAC Rooftop Pilot Programs •Strategic Plans: Reliability & Resiliency, EV, and E-Mobility Strategic Plans •Studies: S/CAP Funding, Building Sector, and EV Charger Needs Assessment Studies •Grid Modernization and Advanced Metering Infrastructure •Greenhouse gas emissions inventories
•Climate Smart San Jose. The Committee met with City of San Jose staff to learn more about Climate Smart Jose and best practices the City of Palo Alto might explore. In addition, the Committee visited the Climate Smart San Jose electrification trailer. •Bay Area Air Quality Management District initiatives
The Working Group provided feedback on the following:
•HPWH Pilot Program
•HPWH Emergency Replacement Program
ATTACHMENT B
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•Climate Change and the Natural Environment: Protection and Adaptation Council Priority Objectives
•Programs: Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot, HPWH Emergency Replacement, Whole Home Electrification, Multi-family Electric Vehicle Charging; and Commercial HVAC Rooftop Pilot Programs
•Strategic Plans: Reliability & Resiliency, EV, and E-Mobility Strategic Plans •Studies: S/CAP Funding, Building Sector, and EV Charger Needs Assessment Studies Both the Committee and Working Group provided substantive feedback and asked salient questions that helped shape the S/CAP plans, studies, and programs and will have ongoing positive impacts. This was especially helpful in gauging the level of support the broader community might have for various S/CAP implementation items. In addition, the Committee guided staff on policy options to consider and areas to explore for further consideration. The Committee connected staff with valuable partners, such as the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, City of San Jose, and Stanford University, who shared best practices and the latest research on several S/CAP issues.
Climate Protection Working Group Roster:
•Bret Andersen, Carbon Free Palo Alto
•Lincoln Bleavens, Stanford University
•Justine Burt, Palo Alto Transportation Management Association •Rachel Croft, Utilities Advisory Commission
•Bruce Hodge, Carbon Free Palo Alto
•Mark Hoffberg
•Tom Kabat
•Phil Metz, Utilities Advisory Commission
•Debbie Mytels, 350 Silicon Valley Palo Alto
•Matt Passell
•Anu Ramamurty, Kat Kid Adventure
•Avroh Shah, Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition
•Julia Zeitlin, Silicon Valley Sunrise Hub and Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition (through summer 2024)