This historic legislation, spearheaded by Councilmember Tom Hucker and Council President Gabe Albornoz, aims to curb climate change effects and facilitate the County’s efforts to reach its climate goals. All Councilmembers cosponsored the legislation. 

“This legislation will require all bills and zoning text amendments to have a climate impact assessment, which will ensure our policies are made through a lens of sustainability and equity,” said Councilmember Hucker, who chairs the Transportation and Environment Committee. “These are the type of systematic changes needed to meet our ambitious climate goals.” 

“This groundbreaking legislation will support local lawmakers to make impactful decisions through a climate lens and preserve the environment,” Council President Albornoz said. “These assessments will also help to safeguard our public health, lessen poverty and minimize the impact of climate change on our County residents. I am proud to have co-led Bill 3-22 and help shape a sustainable and healthy future for all to enjoy.”     

Each climate assessment would consist of the potential positive or negative effects, if any, of the bill, zoning text amendment, master plan or master plan amendment on climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions, sequestration and carbon drawdown. Additionally, the assessment would provide quantitative or qualitative evaluations of the identified effects on community resilience and make recommendations regarding amendments or other measures to mitigate any negative climate impacts.  

The legislation will strengthen the Council’s understanding of the potential climate impacts and implications of proposed legislation and better prepare the Council to make policy decisions that move the County toward a green, sustainable future that will benefit generations to come. 

You can view the staff report here.