On October 17, 2023, ECOS joined over 60 other organizations in signing on to a coalition letter calling on Gov. Newsom to hold Caltrans accountable to his climate vision.
Tag Archives: Public Health
The widening of I-80 works against California’s climate goals
By Stephen M. Wheeler and Barbara Leary, Special to the Bee | October 17, 2023 | The Sacramento Bee
If we want to know why our state’s transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions have risen since the early 2010s, a good place to look is Caltrans. The agency has long been fixated on widening roads and creating “induced demand” which has led to more driving. Currently, this cycle continues through the agency’s questionable efforts to create additional lanes on the I-80 Yolo Bypass causeway leading into Sacramento. And recently, a high-level administrator was demoted after attempting to stop such actions.
Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article280482349.html#storylink=cpy
Controversy engulfs Causeway project
Monica Stark, The Davis Enterprise, October 15, 2023
“‘It’s been pretty obvious to me just from observing the ‘rehabilitation’ project that it was doing the sort of deep roadbed work needed for widening,’ Stephen Wheeler, UC Davis professor of human ecology, said…”
ECOS Climate Committee Meeting 10/19/23
Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm
LINK to join: ECOS ZOOM 6656164155
or call: 1 669 900 6833, Mtg ID: 665 616 4155
Please note that this meeting will not be recorded.
Jeanie Ward-Waller, former Caltrans’ Deputy Director of Planning and Modal Programs
6:00 Welcome and Introductions
6:10 Presentation:
Jeanie Ward-Waller was demoted last month, after she notified Caltrans officials that she would file a whistleblower complaint about Sacramento-area highway expansion projects allegedly circumventing environmental rules.
Here are some of the latest updates on the situation:
Coalition letter calling on Gov. Newsom to hold Caltrans accountable to his climate vision, October 17, 2023
The widening of I-80 works against California’s climate goals | Opinion, By Stephen M. Wheeler and Barbara Leary, Special to the Bee, The Sacramento Bee, October 17, 2023
A Caltrans executive questioned a freeway expansion. Then she was demoted, Rachel Uranga, LA Times, October 13, 2023
Editorial: California’s transportation spending doesn’t match its climate promises, LA Times, October 10, 2023
Breaking: California Transportation Official Demoted for Opposing Highway Expansion, Asia Mieleszko, Strong Towns, October 10, 2023
6:30 Discussion/Q&A
7:00 Updates and Announcements
This meeting is open to everyone interested in addressing some of our region’s most pressing challenges.
Streets for People: Sacramento Active Transportation Plan
About the Plan
Streets for People: Sacramento Active Transportation Plan is a planning effort that will focus on identifying improvements for people walking, biking, and rolling (i.e., wheeled mobility devices used by people with disabilities, strollers, scooters, skateboards, etc.) throughout the City of Sacramento.
The plan will address active transportation needs citywide but will focus engagement and recommendations in areas of high need and historical disinvestment. The plan focus areas include South Sacramento, North Sacramento, and Fruitridge/ Broadway. Scroll down to learn more about the project.
The outcome will be a plan that will guide future infrastructure investments citywide and will direct what types of investments are made for walking, biking and rolling.
To learn more, visit the City’s website by clicking here.
Public Input Map
Tell the City how you walk, bike, and roll around the City!
Are there any safety or connectivity concerns you have when walking, biking, or rolling in Sacramento?
Sacramento County doesn’t postpone 2030 climate goal — for now
Kristin Lam | July 12, 2023 | Capital Public Radio
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday didn’t postpone a carbon neutrality goal after dozens of climate activists pushed back against proposed changes.
County staff had recommended the board change the goal from 2030 to no later than 2045 in order to match state plans, make the timeline more achievable and reduce the risk of lawsuits.
Instead of approving or rejecting the suggested update, the board asked staff to present another version of the climate emergency declaration in late September or early October. In a 3-1 vote, with Supervisor Sue Frost abstaining, the board requested revisions including adding a requirement to measure progress on reducing emissions every five years.
