In California, approximately 1/3 of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are generated from electricity production. The cities of Ventura, Moorpark, and Thousand Oaks recognize the importance of reducing the community’s energy consumption and associated GHG emissions; as well as increasing energy efficiency, shifting to renewable energy sources, and electrifying both transportation and natural gas-powered processes (heating, etc.) to increase economic development and improve the health and resiliency of the community. Therefore, the cities of Ventura, Moorpark, and Thousand Oaks are creating Energy Action Plans (EAPs) to help plan for a sustainable and resilient future for their communities and the Ventura County region.
The EAPs contain goals, strategies, and actions for each city to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to the generation and consumption of energy over the next ten years (until December 2030). Each EAP includes: 1) a comprehensive GHG emissions inventory; 2) future scenario forecasts for 2025 and 2030; 3) GHG emissions reduction strategies related to energy; and 4) timeframes, costs, co-benefits, and responsible parties for implementation of the EAP strategies.
Work began on the EAPs in November 2017 and continued through March 2021. The EAPs are intended to support each city’s development of a Climate Action Plan (CAP) – either a separate stand-alone CAP or an integrated CAP in their General Plan Update. Therefore, the EAP inventories, forecasts, and energy-related goals, strategies, and actions will be incorporated into the CAP or throughout the General Plan elements.
The EAPs are structured to achieve each city’s fair share of the statewide reduction goal established by California Senate Bill (SB) 32, which requires a statewide reduction of 40 percent below 1990 GHG emissions by 2030. Additionally, to protect their community, especially vulnerable populations, and adhere with state guidelines, all three cities made addressing local impacts of climate change a top priority. The EAPs provide a framework to address the environmental, health, and safety concerns of residents and workers as they relate to climate change impacts on the energy system; check out VCREA’s Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP) Case Study: Final ICARP For Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance
For additional information, please review each City’s draft EAP:
- City of Ventura draft 2021 Energy Action Plan
- City of Thousand Oaks draft 2021 Energy Action Plan
- City of Moorpark draft Energy and Sustainable Planning Document (coming soon)
Further EAP planning work has transitioned to each City’s Climate Action or General Plan Update page.
- City of Ventura Ventura General Plan: Our Vision, Our Future page
- City of Thousand Oaks Climate Action page
- City of Moorpark General Plan 2050 page
Community Engagement
For each city to achieve their energy related GHG reduction and climate change resiliency goals, it must be a collaborative effort between the city and the community to reduce energy usage and shift to more renewable energy sources. Therefore, all three cities conducted robust public outreach and engagement to provide residents (both homeowners and renters), business owners, City staff, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders with the opportunity to participate in developing the EAPs. Bilingual, geographically, and demographically diverse targeted outreach was conducted in order to reach all stakeholder groups and accurately represent community needs. Outreach comprised of a three-tiered engagement process: round 1 to collect community values, wants, and needs; round 2 to gather input on potential targets, goals, and strategies; and a TBD round 3 to solicit final public input on the EAPs. A variety of methods were utilized, including online and in-person surveys; community workshops; tabling events; and stakeholder meetings.
The Round 1 survey results for the City of Ventura and the City of Thousand Oaks helped inform the development of the initial energy action plan strategies. Round 2 Survey results for the City of Ventura provided feedback on some specific strategy ideas for improving energy performance in residential and commercial buildings. Your voice and insight are a vital component to creating a sustainable future. If you’d like to stay involved, please check out each City’s Climate Action or General Plan Update page.
Resources
- City Of Ventura draft 2021 Energy Action Plan
- City of Thousand Oaks draft 2021 Energy Action Plan
- City of Moorpark draft Energy and Sustainable Planning Document (coming soon)
- City of Oxnard Energy Action Plan
- kWh Countdown
- UCLA’s Energy Atlas
Funding Note
This Energy Action Plan (EAP) was developed as a collaborative effort with the City of Ventura, Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, and Community Environmental Council. The EAP is funded by the Local Government Challenge, which is a partnership between the California Energy Commission and local governments to develop innovative solutions that will improve energy performance in California’s communities. Funding was also provided by the Strategic Plan Program administered by Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission and paid for by California utility customers.
Copyright 2014 Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Some materials used under license with all rights reserved by the Licensor.