Overall there are many actors involved in developing a plan for sustainable development and growth. groups and policies like RTP , SB 375, SCS, and ClimatePlan all look toward this collaboration in order to develop communities that are self-sustainable, communities where one can work, shop, and live without relying on a vehicle. ClimatePlan writes that “we will advocate for policies that promote walking, bicycling, and reduced driving, resulting in more active lifestyles, better air quality, safer streets, and reduced chronic illness” (ClimatePlan, 2011). Allowing these changes to the urban layout will ensure that California reduces their CO2 emissions.
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| The Importance of RTP and SCS to the Bill: The bill looks at RTP and SCS to work together to achieve this goal. RTP’s executive summary reads that “California’s Sustainable Communities and Climate protection Act, or Senate Bill 375 calls for this RTP to include an SCS that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger vehicles by 8 percent per capita by 2020 and 13 percent per capita by 2035 compared to 2005” (SCAG, 2012). RTP (otherwise known as a Regional Transportation Plan) looks at utilizing strategic transportation plans to encourage a level of connectivity between the home and work. The executive summary states that: SCAG (Southern California Association of Governments) has placed a greater emphasis than ever before on sustainability and integrated planning in the 2012-2013 Regional Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/ SCS), whose vision encompases three principles that collectively work as the key to our region’s future: mobility, economy, and sustainability (SCAG,2012). Increased connectivity eliminates the need for one to drive to work. It promotes one’s ability to move from home to the rest of the world without emitting greenhouse gases. The summary also provides six impacts of generating a RTP with environmentally sustainability in mind. The first aspect is air quality and GHG targets, it suggests that “we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9% by 2020, and 16% by 2035” (RTP,2012) and the second aspect is location efficiency which states that states “over twice as many households will live near high-quality transit” (RTP, 2012). The last four aspects include mobility, safety, economy, and investment effectiveness. According to the summary the RTP will generate 500,00 jobs and generate $2.90 for every dollar spent. When observing the Regional Transit Plan it is crucial to observe the Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). The SCS is clearly defined in the RTP report reading “The SCS focuses the majority of new housing and job growth in high-quality transit areas and other opportunity areas in existing main streets, downtowns, and commercial corridors” (RTP, 2012). The description goes on to explain that “the regional vision of the SCS maximises current voluntary local efforts that support the goals of SB 375” (RTP, 2012). This policy enhances the Regional Transit Plan in looking at localised development at a catalyst for an increased sustainable focus.The SCAG website furthers this knowledge writing “SCS development requires meaningful collaboration with local governments and stakeholders to identify areas for future land uses” (SCAG,2012). |
| ClimatePlan's Role in SB 375 The group ClimatePlan exemplifies this quote. It brings together various advocacy coalitions in order to meet the goal of sustainable city planning. The group works with groups from various parts of the spectrum; these include Housing California, Public Advocates, Natural Resources Defense Council, PolicyLink, TransForm, Circulate San Diego, and many more they believe California’s goals to fight climate change needs a transformation in planning for land use and transportation, improving opportunities for people of all incomes, and that they must work together to make a strong and inclusive statewide movement. The group focuses of collaboration in order to achieve results. It specifically outlines a three-pronged system that will help California move ahead along the guidelines of SB 375. 1. The first part is shaping strong regional plans. This first aspect is important to look at when observing environmentally sustainable development. the plan writes “these can reduce driving by building new homes, offices,and stores closer together, and by investing in public transportation and safe streets for biking and walking” (ClimatePlan, 2011). providing communities with such amenities will allow its inhabitants to thrive in their environments without the need to drive and emit greenhouse gases. Climateplan quickly notes that “the test is not only whether California is on track to meet its greenhouse-gas reduction goals, but whether it is meeting the needs of all Californians in promoting health, equality, and sustainability” (ClimatePlan, 2011). This quote describes that a SCS must take into account to people both socially, and economically. It points out that planners must observe and appease these needs in order to make this plan effective. 2. The second part of the ClimatePlan is improving state policy and agency support around SB 375. This aspect is crucial in understanding regional smart growth campaigns and sustainable development. Plan explains that it will be used to strengthen SB 375 and that it will expand its scope. It goes into detail writing “there is significant potential to better address key development-related issues-such as water supply, climate resilience, resource conservation,and economic displacement-in ways that will make the law more effective in reducing greenhouse gases and improving communities” (ClimatePlan, 2011). The Plan intends to collaborate across many different advocacy coalitions in order to meet the goals set out by SB 375. This can’t be done without the third part of the plan involving networking. 3. The third part of the plan includes broadening the ClimatePlan’s network, the organization believes that it will increase its impact and further its growth. In this section the group talks about strategic allies and information. The group notes that “ClimatePlan will continue to bring partners together to increase understanding and build the power of our coalition” (ClimatePlan, 2011). This program enables actors from across the spectrum to collaborate and innovate with the focus of environmentally sustainable urban planning and development. |
Connolly, James. The Cautious Union of Equity and Environmentalism. N.p., 15 Oct. 2011. Web. 6 Apr. 2015.
RTP. RTP Executive Summary. Rep. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
SCAG. "About the SCS." About the SCS. N.p., 2012. Web. 6 Apr. 2015.
375 (2008) (enacted). Print.
"2018-2028." Population Index 47.2 (2011): n. pag. ClimatePlan. 2011. Web. 6 Apr. 2015.