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C. 47

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Date:	November 19, 2019

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

REFER to the Sustainability Committee Deliberation on Adoption of a Climate Emergency Resolution, As Recommended by the Sustainability Commission

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 11/19/2019

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: November 19, 2019
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

REFER to the Sustainability Committee a proposal by the Sustainability Commission that the Board of Supervisors adopt a Climate Emergency Resolution.

FISCAL IMPACT:

None at this time.

BACKGROUND:

Many jurisdictions across the country, particularly in California and the Bay Area are adopting resolutions declaring a climate emergency, calling for various actions to mobilize resources to address this crisis. The Sustainability Commission recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution due to the impacts of a changing climate affecting the quality of life, economy, and well-being of Contra Costa County. Most recent issues related to this include the wildfires and public safety power shutoffs.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

Attached are examples of recently adopted Climate Emergency Resolutions adopted by Sonoma County (2018); Austin, Texas (2019); San Mateo County (2019); the City of Alameda (2019); the State of California (2019); the City of Richmond (2018); and the City of Hayward (2019). Actions adopted by these jurisdictions that could be included in a climate emergency resolution include:

(1) Establishing an advisory group that will help the County anticipate and plan for an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuel extraction and processing, and helps plan for a transition from a fossil-fuel dependent economy. As the State of California adopts policies and goals for reducing pollution and addressing climate change, the County should consider what this will mean for County revenues, jobs, health, and infrastructure.

(2) Directing the County Administrator to establish an interdepartmental task force that will focus on implementing the County’s Climate Action Plan and identifying additional actions, policies, and programs the County can undertake to reduce and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.

(3) Identifying potential resources to support work in Contra Costa County to reduce and adapt to a changing climate.The Sustainability Commission advises that the Board refer this topic to the Sustainability Committee and direct the Department of Conservation and Development to prepare a report for the Sustainability Committee to evaluate whether the County should adopt a Climate Emergency Resolution.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

Contra Costa County would not have the opportunity to join the State, and other Bay Area cities and counties to take a serious and proactive approach to this issue by adopting a resolution.