California lawmakers must require local governments and regional planning agencies to develop long-term plans that minimize auto use--at least that’s what the California Energy Commission is preparing to recommend. Unless they do so, California is unlikely to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, the commission warns in a new report. “There are a number of obstacles to smart growth and we’re starting to peel them back,” said Jackie Pfannenstiel, commission chair. She is overseeing the agency’s work on the issue and is heading up a new state land-use working group under the governor’s Climate Action Team. The commission outlined its recommendations on land-use in a report released August 31 in the context of its 2007 Integrated Energy Policy Report proceeding. The report, entitled The Role of Land Use in Meeting California’s Energy and Climate Change Goals, warns that unless efforts to cut building sprawl are stepped up the state is likely to fall short in meeting its greenhouse gas reduction targets. Californians could face a declining quality of life as supplies of petroleum and natural gas that fuel transportation, heat, and electricity dwindle. “The purpose is to look at what we can do differently in our land use that influences transportation,” said Pfannenstiel. “If there’s one metric, it’s vehicle miles traveled.” The report recommends that the state require regional plans that minimize auto use and building energy use through denser mixed-use developments. It recommends that the state leverage funding for massive infrastructure projects, such as freeways or waterworks, to favor such “smart growth.” It calls for examining the state and local tax system to minimize current incentives for sprawling developments centered on big box retail projects. Yet, while the report focuses primarily on transportation, it also notes that land-use planning plays a big role in determining demand for electricity. Consequently, it calls for utilities to step up their role in local and regional planning. The report’s recommendations are expected to be included in the upcoming 2007 Integrated Energy Policy Report. Editor’s note: For a more detailed version of the CEC report on land use, please see our sister publication E=MC2 – Energy Meets Climate Challenge. You can find it at www.energymeetsclimate.com.
