The 2022 Scoping Plan Update assesses progress toward the statutory 2030 target, while laying out a path to achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2045. The 2022 Scoping Plan Update focuses on outcomes needed to achieve carbon neutrality by assessing paths for clean technology, energy deployment, natural and working lands, and others, and is designed to meet the State’s long-term climate objectives and support a range of economic, environmental, energy security, environmental justice, and public health priorities.
By Brianna Taylor | April 22, 2022 | The Sacramento Bee
Sacramento has some of the filthiest air, according to a new air quality study. The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air 2022” is based on the data of air quality throughout the United States, obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality System. The study focuses on the years 2018 to 2020. According to the 155-page air quality report, the area ranked No. 7 out “25 Cites Most Polluted by Daily Particulate Matter.” The 11 other state cities ranked include: Fresno, No. 1, Bakersfield, No. 2, San Jose, No. 4, Redding, No. 5, Chico, No. 6, Los Angeles, No. 8, Visalia, No. 9, San Diego, No. 13, Salinas, No. 14 and San Luis Obispo, No. 22.
We suggest you also read a letter to The Sacramento Bee written by 2021 Environmentalist of the Year Anne Stausbol, written in response to this article.
Kudos to The Bee for bringing attention to Sacramento’s ranking, once again, as one of the country’s regions with the worst air pollution. The American Lung Association report also shows that we rank ninth worst for ozone pollution. Both particulate and ozone pollution have serious health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations. The report tells us the first thing local governments must do is adopt a climate action plan that supports walking, biking, transit and zero-emission-vehicle infrastructure, with supportive building and parking policies. The Mayors’ Commission on Climate Change made this exact recommendation to the City Council in June 2020. Yet almost two years later, the city has not produced its climate action plan. How can our leaders allow Sacramento to remain on this list year after year? The city must act now to address this public health crisis by enacting a plan that embraces and funds our recommendations.
This blog takes a deep dive into the vast array of impacts that air pollution has on human health, exploring how poor air quality affects nearly every area of the human body — from head to toe. Research shows that air pollution is a major environmental risk factor for a slew of diseases, from Alzheimer’s disease to lung cancer to osteoporosis, and can significantly lower lifespan and quality of life. Air pollution accounts for extensive damages to public health, as well as vast economic losses due to healthcare costs and lost school and workdays. While air pollution exposure can impact everyone, its damage is not distributed equally. Children, elderly individuals, those with pre-existing conditions, and those living in low socioeconomic neighborhoods or environmental justice communities bear a disproportionate burden of its impacts — emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable populations by taking better care of our air quality.
Log in at 5PM on the 18th (click on “Join this meeting” link below), raise your hand* using the Zoom “raise hand” function when Item 16 is opened for public comment and you will be placed in line to comment. The clerk will call on you. You will not be on camera. Give up to 2 minutes (or less) in verbal comment. It is the second discussion item
Be a part of creating a shared vision for the Stockton Blvd area. Take the survey here.
Upcoming events: Strategies for Stockton Blvd
The City is partnering with residents, business owners, landowners, and organizations to strengthen the Stockton Blvd corridor as a vital core for the surrounding neighborhoods and region, maintaining and improving it as a great place for existing residents and businesses while also providing space for future growth.
The Stockton Blvd Plan is a partnership between the City of Sacramento, community members, and organizations to transform Stockton Blvd into a thriving corridor that expands opportunities for, and supports the cultures of, existing residents and small businesses while accommodating growth and centering racial equity.
We will have an activity to prioritize potential strategies to accomplish this under the following topics:
Topic 1. Housing & Anti-displacement.
Topic 2. Inclusive Economic Development
Topic 3. Placemaking, Arts, & Culture
Topic 4. Environment & Public Health
Topic 5. Community Engagement & Building Capacity
Dates
Date: Saturday, September 11th. Location/Time: Colonial Heights Library, 10am-1pm
Date: Wednesday, September 22nd. Location/Time: Will C. Wood, 5:30-7pm. Materials and interpreters will be available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Spanish.
Date: Wednesday, September 29th. Location/Time: Zoom, 6:00-7:30pm. Register here
Date: Saturday, October 23rd. Location/Time: Colonial Heights Library, 10am-12pm
*In-person events are contingent on County COVID-19 Guidelines. Please note that participants must wear masks while at in-person events. If you feel unwell or have had close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 in the last 14 days, please do not attend and stay at home.
Give Your Input, Ask Your Questions
The City wants to hear from you! Here is a list of ways you can stay informed and involved in the process of the Stockton Blvd. Plan:
Visit the website at cityofsacramento.org/Stockton-Blvd-Plan
