Agenda

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C. 69

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Date:	January 19, 2021

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

RECEIVE Recommendation from Sustainability Commission Regarding Planning for Just Transition and REFER Matter to Sustainability Committee

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 01/19/2021

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

Jody London, 925-674-7871

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: January 19, 2021
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

RECEIVE recommendation from Sustainability Commission regarding community group suggestions for planning for a just transition to an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels and REFER the matter to the Sustainability Committee.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact. Informational report only.

BACKGROUND:

On September 22, 2020, the Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution that, among other things, resolves that the Board of Supervisors and the County Sustainability Commission seek input from the community, workers, and business/industry to help the County anticipate and plan for an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels, helps plan for a “Just Transition” away from a fossil-fuel dependent economy, and considers how the County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can incorporate the County’s climate goals.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

On November 20, 2020, the Board received a letter from 60 organizations that commends the Board for the Climate Emergency Resolution and urges the Board to: (1) secure commitments from Marathon and Phillips 66 to cover direct and indirect costs associated with downsizing and ultimate decommissioning of

their refineries in Contra Costa County, and to pay their fair share of the costs for just transitions for workers and communities; (2) pass an ordinance or resolution that aims to establish financial accountability requirements for refineries and other fossil fuel infrastructure; and (3) strongly advocate for state action supporting just transitions for fossil fuel workers and communities, as well as full site cleanups to unrestricted use. The letter is attached.

At its December 14, 2020, meeting the Sustainability Commission reviewed the November 20 letter. The Sustainability Commission believes that the letter raises significant issues that should be considered. The Sustainability Commission recommends that the Board refer the letter to the Sustainability Committee for investigation and report back to the Board.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

Failure to refer the letter to the Sustainability Committee or otherwise respond to the letter would result in the County missing an opportunity to engage with the community on Just Transition issues.