Pinole Adopts Ambitious Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

On August 20, 2024, the City of Pinole adopted its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), marking a major step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community resilience. This adoption follows 18 months of community outreach and aligns with the City Council’s October 2021 climate emergency declaration.

Mayor Toms expressed pride in the City’s commitment to sustainability: “The adoption of our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan demonstrates Pinole’s dedication to a greener, more resilient future. This plan is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about building a stronger community that thrives in the face of climate challenges. We are setting the foundation to ensure that Pinole remains a great place to live for generations to come.”

The CAAP sets ambitious goals, including a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. It targets the primary sources of Pinole’s emissions, which are gas-powered vehicles and natural gas usage in buildings, accounting for 95% of the city’s greenhouse gases. The plan takes a comprehensive approach, integrating structural change, education, equity, and partnerships while addressing sustainability across key areas such as energy, transportation, waste, water, and carbon sequestration.

A key element of the CAAP is establishing Pinole as a hub for green economic development, promoting jobs in electrification, waste diversion, and other sustainable sectors. The plan also focuses on enhancing the city’s resilience to extreme climate events like wildfires and flooding. To ensure transparency and community involvement, Pinole has introduced CAPDash, a public tool that allows residents to monitor progress on CAAP initiatives.

Significant actions are already underway. By December 2024, Pinole will take actions to avoid natural gas in new buildings, promote energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions, conduct a feasibility analysis for building electrification, and ensure waste hauler compliance with state regulations. Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, the city plans to reduce landfill waste, transition to 100% renewable energy, expand EV charging infrastructure, ban gasoline-powered off-road equipment, develop a Community Urban Forest Plan, and electrify 30% of the City fleet. Building decarbonization is a priority, with initiatives including the creation of a virtual all-electric building resource center, conducting feasibility studies, and designing a photovoltaic microgrid for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The city is also launching community engagement efforts such as Resource Recovery Day, induction cooktop demonstrations, and reflective paint murals to combat the urban heat island effect.

The City of Pinole is committed to a sustainable future through innovative environmental policies and community-driven action. For more information, visit City of Pinole’s website or contact the City’s Sustainability Project Manager, Kapil Amin: kamin@pinole.gov.