Now is the time to comment on Berkeley's greenhouse-gas plan

Berkeley is one of the first cities in the nation to develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Based on Measure G, which passed in 2006 with an 81% majority, the overall goal is to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions - to 80% below 2000 levels - by 2050. The plan outlines a series of potential actions such as enhancing energy efficiency in new construction, increasing car sharing and ridesharing opportunities, and encouraging more public transportation.

The reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions has become a major focus for the Sierra Club nationally, and the Club wants to see the "green" ideas outlined in the plan implemented in Berkeley as a showcase city.

WhatYouCanDo

Your input is needed before March 7, when the City Council will discuss the plan.

The plan is available at www.berkeleyclimateaction.org

Those without Internet access can get information from the city's Climate Action Team at (510) 981-5437.

Please comment on the CAP:

• at the web site;
• at the workshop being held by the Planning Commission on Wed., March 5, 7 - 9 pm, at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.;
• or by mailing your comments to:

Office of Energy and Sustainability
City of Berkeley
c/o Climate Action Team
2120 Milvia St.
Berkeley, CA 94704. 

The Club's Northern Alameda County Group is also preparing comments on how to make the plan even stronger.

Helen Burke, Executive Committee, Northern Alameda County Group