REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution to (1) Amend the Climate Action Playbook, (2) Adopt Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds, and (3) Adopt a Negative Declaration for the Climate Action Playbook Update/Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds
Report
SUMMARY OF KEY CHANGES
Draft Playbook Amendments and Game Plan 2028
The Draft Playbook Amendments and Game Plan 2028 was released for public review on October 31, 2023.
The Draft Playbook Amendments were:
• Update the carbon neutrality target from the previous State target of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, to align with the State’s new target of 85% below 1990 levels by 2045.
• Qualify the Playbook for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) streamlining purposes.
• Update several Play metrics:
o Play 2.2: Support electrification of existing buildings.
§ 2030 Target: 44% reduction in residential and 38% reduction in commercial natural gas use (increased target and changed language)
§ 2045 Target: 92% reduction in residential and 86% reduction in commercial natural gas use (increased target and changed language)
o Play 3.1: Increase opportunities for and encourage development of mixed-use sites to reduce vehicle miles per person; and 3.2: Increase transportation options and support shared mobility.
§ 2030 Target: 10% reduction in vehicle miles per person (reduced target)
§ 2045 Target: 15% reduction in vehicle miles per person (reduced target)
o Play 3.3: Increase zero-emission vehicles.
§ 2030 Target: 42% of all vehicles on road are zero-emission vehicles (increased target)
§ 2045 Target: 90% of all vehicles on road are zero-emission vehicles (increased target)
• Add new Plays:
o Play 3.4 Decarbonize off-road equipment and vehicles.
§ 2030 Target: 30% of off-road equipment and vehicles are zero-emission
§ 2045 Target: 75% of off-road equipment and vehicles are zero emission
o Play 4.1: Achieve Zero Waste goals for solid waste.
§ 2030 Target: Reduce landfilled garbage to 1 lb per person per day and achieve 75% diversion of landfilled organics (new organics target)
§ 2045 Target: Reduce landfilled garbage to <1 lb per person per day and achieve 75% diversion of landfilled organics (new organics target)
The Draft Game Plan contained 65 Moves, 33 Moves returning from Game Plan 2023 and 32 new Moves. The forecast of Draft Game Plan 2028 GHG emission reductions put Sunnyvale on track to achieve its 2030 target of 56% below 1990 levels.
The Draft Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) and Draft CEQA GHG Thresholds Guidance Report were released for public review on April 9, 2024.
Proposed Final Playbook Amendments and Game Plan 2028
After reviewing feedback gathered from the community; the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Sustainability Commission and Planning Commission; and City Council between October 2023 through May 2024, staff presented the Proposed Final Playbook to the Commissions at meetings in May.
The Proposed Final Playbook Amendments included:
• Carbon neutrality of 85% below 1990 levels by 2045.
• Updated documents to support CEQA Streamlining: The Substantial Evidence Report (Attachment 2, Appendix C) and the CEQA Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Thresholds Guidance report (Attachment 8).
• CEQA analysis for the Updated Playbook (IS/ND Attachment 7).
• Updated Play metrics:
o Play 2.2: Support electrification of existing buildings (no change to Play and metrics)
§ 2030 Target: 44% reduction in residential and 38% reduction in commercial natural gas use
§ 2045 Target: 92% reduction in residential and 86% reduction in commercial natural gas use
o Play 3.1: Increase opportunities for and encourage development of mixed-use sites to reduce vehicle miles per person; and 3.2: Increase transportation options and support shared mobility.
§ 2030 Target: 20% reduction in vehicle miles per person (increased final target)
§ 2045 Target: 30% reduction in vehicle miles per person (increased final target)
o Play 3.3: Increase zero-emission vehicles
§ 2030 Target: 42% of all vehicles on road are zero-emission vehicles (no change to final target)
§ 2045 Target: 90% of all vehicles on road are zero-emission vehicles (no change to final target)
o Play 3.4 (new): Decarbonize off-road equipment (no change to Play and metrics)
§ 2030 target: Increase percentage of zero-emissions off-road equipment and vehicles to 30%
§ 2045 Target: Increase percentage of zero-emissions off-road equipment and vehicles to 75%
o Play 4.1: Achieve Zero Waste goals for solid waste (no change to Play and metrics)
§ 2030 Target: Reduce landfilled garbage to 1 lb per person per day and achieve 75% diversion of landfilled organics
§ 2045 Target: Reduce landfilled garbage to <1 lb per person per day and achieve 75% diversion of landfilled organics
The below key changes were made to the Proposed Final Game Plan 2028:
• Removed “Move 1.D: Work with SVCE to maintain a SVCE GreenPrime opt-up-rate,” due to SVCE’s change in the GreenPrime account offerings.
• Clarified electrification ordinance options related to existing building electrification and updated Move language to indicate Sunnyvale’s support for implementation of BAAQMD Rules 9-4 and 9-6.
• Added Move 3.K: Establish tracking metrics to evaluate effectiveness of various Moves' impact on VMT and a monitoring schedule to report progress.
• Added Move 4.L: Continue to pursue recycled water expansion including advanced recycled water production.
• Net addition of 1 Move resulting in 66 Moves total in Proposed Final Game Plan 2028, with 33 returning Moves and 33 new Moves.
• Updated forecast of Game Plan 2028 GHG emission reductions projects Sunnyvale will achieve 58% below 1990 levels by 2030.
Revised Final Playbook Amendments and Game Plan 2028
Based on comments received at the Commission meetings hosted in May, minor updates were made to the Playbook Amendments and Game Plan 2028 to create the Revised Final Playbook Amendments and Game Plan 2028 for Council’s approval. These edits include:
• Updated 2045 target for Play 3.2 (p. 40) in the Climate Action Playbook and Game Plan (Attachment 2)
• Added fiscal year timeline targets to Move 3.K (p. 40) in the Climate Action Playbook and Game Plan (Attachment 2)
• Added “registered in Sunnyvale” to Play 3.3 in the Climate Action Playbook and Game Plan (Attachment 2)
• Updated the description of the resource needs on pages 8 and 57 to reflect the FY 2024/25 adopted budget.
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION ACTION
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) considered this item at a public hearing on May 16, 2024.
The Sustainability Commission considered this item at a public hearing on May 20, 2024.
The Planning Commission considered this item at a public hearing on May 28, 2024.
The RTC presented to the Planning Commission, RTC No. 24-0596, is presented in Attachment 1 of this report. (To view attachments to RTC No. 24-0596, see the Planning Commission’s May 28, 2024, meeting agenda). The RTCs presented to BPAC (RTC 24-0559) and the Sustainability Commission (RTC 24-0635) are identical to RTC No. 24-0596 for the Planning Commission, with the exception of the Environmental Review, which was not included in RTC No. RTC 24-0559 or RTC No. 24-0635. This is because public review of the IS/ND for the Sunnyvale Climate Action Playbook Update and Game Plan 2028 and CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds was still in progress during those meetings, and also since the BPAC and the Sustainability Commission do not evaluate projects for their environmental impacts in accordance with CEQA.
The Commissions made similar recommendations on the Proposed Final Playbook and Game Plan 2028, and ultimately all Commissions voted and approved Alternative 1 to forward a recommendation to City Council to amend the Climate Action Playbook and adopt Game Plan 2028. The Planning Commission also voted to forward a recommendation to City Council to adopt a resolution to amend the Climate Action Playbook, adopt Game Plan 2028 and CEQA GHG Thresholds, and adopt a Negative Declaration for the Climate Action Playbook Update/Game Plan 2028 and CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds. The following are the hearing summaries.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) Hearing
The BPAC voted 6-0 (one Commissioner absent) to approve Alternative 1 to forward a recommendation to City Council to amend the Climate Action Playbook and adopt Game Plan 2028. An excerpt of the meeting minutes is included with this report (Attachment 11).
Sustainability Commission Hearing
The Sustainability Commission voted 5-0 (one Commissioner absent) to approve Alternative 1 to forward a recommendation to City Council to amend the Climate Action Playbook and adopt Game Plan 2028. An excerpt of the meeting minutes is included with this report (Attachment 12).
Planning Commission Hearing
The Planning Commission voted 5-0 (two Commissioners absent) to approve Alternative 1 to forward a recommendation to City Council to adopt a resolution (as shown in Attachment 11) to Amend the Climate Action Playbook, Adopt Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds, and Adopt a Negative Declaration for the Climate Action Playbook Update/Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds. An excerpt of the meeting minutes is included with this report (Attachment 13).
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to amend the Climate Action Playbook, adopt Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds, and adopt a Negative Declaration for the Climate Action Playbook Update/Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY 2024/25 Adopted Budget, approved by the City Council on June 18, 2024, includes resources for implementation of Game Plan 2028, which covers fiscal years 2024/25 through 2027/28. This includes:
• One-time funding of $1.7 million over four years, covering consultant services, advertising and material costs. This funding is included in Project 831290 - Climate Action Plan Implementation and is largely funded by the General Fund.
• Four new positions across two departments: one (1) Environmental Programs Manager, ESD; two (2) Environmental Programs Specialists, ESD; and one (1) Senior Engineer, DPW, with an annual cost of approximately $800,000 per year.
• One (1) temporary Librarian in LRS and $15,000 in material cost, approved as part of Budget Supplement 2, item 2B.1.
Additional resources requested to implement the Plan were included in Budget Supplement 2, item 2B.4, which was not approved by the City Council. This includes:
• One (1) Administrative Aide in CDD.
• $310,000 in goods and services.
The additional resources in CDD were proposed to optimally implement the Game Plan Moves related to building electrification, including some Moves expected to directly produce greenhouse gas emission reductions. Staff will proceed with implementation of Game Plan 2028 with existing and approved staff and non-personnel resources and return to the City Council in future budget cycles if additional resources are needed.
Staff will continue to work with SVCE to identify opportunities to leverage SVCE’s territory-wide initiatives and programs for Sunnyvale residents and businesses. In addition, staff will continue to monitor for grant opportunities that support climate action programs.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact regarding this item was made through the following ways:
Agendas were posted for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Sustainability Commission and the Planning Commission on the City’s official-notice bulletin board, City’s website, and at the Office of the City Clerk, as follows:
1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission public hearing on May 16, 2024.
2. Sustainability Commission public hearing on May 20, 2024.
3. Planning Commission public hearing on May 28, 2024.
Public contact was also made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the NOVA Workforce Services reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution to (1) Amend the Climate Action Playbook, (2) Adopt Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds, and (3) Adopt a Negative Declaration for the Climate Action Playbook Update/Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds.
2. Adopt a Resolution to amend the Climate Action Playbook, adopt Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds, and adopt a Negative Declaration for the Climate Action Playbook Update/Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds, with modifications.
3. Other direction provided by Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Recommend Alternative 1 to adopt a Resolution to (1) Amend the Climate Action Playbook, (2) Adopt Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds, and (3) Adopt a Negative Declaration for the Climate Action Playbook Update/Game Plan 2028 and California Environmental Quality Act Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds.
The Playbook Amendments and Game Plan 2028 represent bold targets that are aimed to continue to inspire and guide the City and community in achieving significant GHG reductions. It demonstrates a firm commitment to collaboration across the City organization, with and within the community, and across agencies.
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $250 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
A check or “Y” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use contract
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract
___ Labor or personal employment
_Y_ General policy and legislative actions
Staff
Prepared by: Christina Raby, Environmental Engineering Coordinator
Reviewed by: Ramana Chinnakotla, Director, Environmental Services Department
Reviewed by: Trudi Ryan, Director, Community Development Department
Reviewed by: Chip Taylor, Director of Department of Public Works
Reviewed by: Rebecca Moon, City Attorney, Office of the City Attorney
Reviewed by: Connie Verceles, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Report to Planning Commission (No. 24-0596, no attachments)
2. Climate Action Playbook and Game Plan 2028 (with appendices)
3. At-A-Glance: Pathway to 2045
4. At-A-Glance: Game Plan 2028 (“Next Moves”)
5. Snapshot of Public Review Feedback
6. Compilation of Public Review Feedback
7. Initial Study Negative Declaration
8. CEQA GHG Emissions Threshold and Guidance
9. Resolution
10. Public Comment and Final Report Memo
11. Excerpt of Draft Minutes of the BPAC Meeting of May 16, 2024
12. Excerpt of Draft Minutes of the Sustainability Commission Meeting of May 20, 2024
13. Excerpt of Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of May 28, 2024