SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- In a move toward sustainability and environmental stewardship, the county's Board of Supervisors has adopted the 2024 Climate Action Plan, also known as CAP. Approved on Wednesday, this comprehensive strategy aims to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 within the unincorporated areas and at county facilities. The 2024 CAP lays out an ambitious framework consisting of 70 targeted actions designed not only to reduce emissions but also to enhance public health, bolster environmental protections, and improve the quality of life for residents. Below average temps to bring ‘breezy, pumpkin-spice-like conditions’ to San Diego Key features of the 2024 CAP The 2024 CAP is organized into five main sectors for emissions reduction: Built environment and transportation Energy Solid waste Water and wastewater Agriculture and conservation This new plan stands out from its predecessor by addressing several crucial areas such as the following: Streamlined development: The CAP supports accelerated housing projects and job creation by promoting the shift to electric-powered buildings. Agricultural incentives: Enhanced incentives for agriculture operators will support carbon storage efforts. Infrastructure improvements: Upgrades to roadways, bike lanes, and sidewalks are designed to cut emissions and improve air quality. Renewable energy programs: New initiatives aim to boost renewable energy production, improving energy reliability and lowering utility costs in the unincorporated areas. Equity-based outcomes: The CAP focuses on communities most affected by climate change, aiming to improve health, workforce opportunities, and access to services. A shift from the 2018 CAP The 2024 CAP replaces the 2018 Climate Action Plan, which faced legal challenges due to its environmental impact report. However, many initiatives from the 2018 CAP were continued and have proven successful. These include significant advancements in agricultural land conservation, tree planting, and solar energy adoption. The new CAP builds on these successes, integrating updated data and modeling, and placing a stronger emphasis on environmental justice. The Board of Supervisors mandated the creation of this new plan in January 2021 to ensure a more equitable and comprehensive approach to climate action. Public engagement and feedback The development of the 2024 CAP involved extensive public consultation. Staff conducted 21 public workshops with approximately 700 participants, along with over 230 meetings and in-person events. The county’s online engagement portal attracted over 2,000 visits since the plan's public release in October 2023, demonstrating community interest and involvement. 2023 climate action achievements The county’s efforts in 2023 have already shown these results: GHG reduction: Equivalent to removing emissions from 29.3 million gallons of gasoline. Solar power: Permitted for residential use equivalent to 17,459 homes. Rain barrels: Distributed 1,197 through a discounted program. Electric vehicles: Added 66 new EVs to the County fleet. Tree planting: Just over 5,600 new trees were planted by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Open space conservation: Protected 448 acres through the Multiple Species Conservation Program. The 2024 CAP represents a step forward in the county’s commitment to a sustainable future. For more information on the 2024 Climate Action Plan, visit the project website.