With the lack of Federal policy addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, many communities in the United States are taking responsibility for addressing climate change at the local level.

In January 2007, the City of Richmond signed onto the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement, committing to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to meet or surpass the Kyoto Protocol targets of a seven percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2012.

Additionally, in September 2007, Richmond’s City Council directed staff to develop a comprehensive policy to lead by example in the fight against global warming.

On September 16, 2008, the City Council passed a resolution committing to the GHG emissions targets established by California’s Global Warming Solutions Act, or Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32). The City of Richmond is one of a handful of cities that have passed such resolutions.

AB 32 establishes the world’s first comprehensive program to achieve quantifiable and cost-effective reductions in GHG emissions.

Reduction Targets for the State of California

• 2000 levels by 2010
• 1990 levels by 2020
• 80% below 1990 levels by 2050

The City of Richmond is taking several important steps in reducing its GHG emissions. These include conducting a GHG emissions inventory and developing an Energy and Climate Change Element for the General Plan update. The City is also preparing to develop a Climate Action Plan.