County updates climate and energy plans, shows modest emissions changes and expanded resiliency projects

Santa Barbara County officials presented a progress report on Jan. 27 showing mixed results in emissions metrics and multiple operational steps to boost energy resiliency.

Community Services and the Sustainability Division told the Board the county completed an emissions inventory in 2018 and updated it in 2023; those inventories show a roughly 1% net increase in total emissions over five years. Staff reported a nearly 30% decline in residential natural gas use and an increase in vehicle electricity use, though electric vehicle adoption remains a small share of the county fleet and private vehicles.

“Al seguir estos inventarios…nos ayudan a proveer y a entender cuáles son las tendencias a través del condado,” presenter Kerly said, summarizing progress and gaps. Staff highlighted projects to expand the county’s EV‑charging network, accelerate county facility solar projects and explore battery backup/hydrogen solutions for emergency sites.

Public commenters and supervisors pressed staff on implementation and funding. Michael Chacas of the Community Environmental Council urged continued implementation and noted sector-level trends: “Si podemos llegar al 100 por 100 de los renovables para el 2030, las emisiones va 70 por 100 menos en el condado,” he said, urging persistence on targets.

Supervisors discussed state-level constraints (a temporary moratorium on certain residential building-code changes) and the need to pursue grants and partnerships. The board accepted the update unanimously and directed staff to return with further implementation details and grant opportunities.

Ending

Staff will continue implementing the climate action and energy plans and will return to the Board with grant-funded projects, micro‑metering proposals and further updates on resilience measures.