Staff outlines Climate Action Newark update and upcoming public workshops; transportation is biggest emissions source

Environmental Services Division Manager James Scanlon presented an update to the city's Climate Action Plan (branded Climate Action Newark, or CAN), reporting a 2022 greenhouse gas inventory and the city’s alignment targets with state requirements (40% below 1990 by 2030; 85% by 2045). Staff said the 2022 inventory shows a roughly 16% reduction from 2005 levels and that legislative/federal standards are projected to deliver additional reductions but that Newark still faces a gap the city must close through local actions.

Scanlon emphasized that on‑road vehicles are the largest remaining emissions source for the city and that the next project phase is to identify candidate strategies, estimate reductions and costs, and solicit public input. Staff announced a public workshop on Sept. 25 (Newark Library) and a second workshop in early 2025.

Council members asked about CEQA streamlining benefits if the city aligns with state targets, metrics for active‑transportation plans and how local projects will be tied to greenhouse‑gas reductions. Staff said aligning with state targets can ease project-level CEQA climate analysis and help secure grants. No formal action was required; the item was informational and staff will return with draft strategies for council consideration.