Arcata adopts Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan as city plan

The Arcata City Council voted May 6 to adopt Resolution 256-51, making the Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP) Arcata’s climate action plan and taking CEQA findings as a responsible agency. Deputy Director of Environmental Services Emily Benvy presented the plan, describing it as a regional framework to align local actions with state greenhouse‑gas reduction targets and to streamline CEQA greenhouse‑gas analysis for qualifying projects.

Benvy summarized key RCAP targets and structure: a goal to reach 40 percent greenhouse‑gas reductions below 1990 levels by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, sector strategies covering building energy, transportation, waste, water and carbon sequestration, and a mix of quantitative and supportive measures. She said Arcata already advances many measures—rooftop solar, electric fleet purchases, EV infrastructure, LED retrofits and support for multimodal transportation—and recommended adoption to strengthen grant competitiveness and regional coordination.

Speakers from the public urged rapid implementation and funding for staff. Colin Fisk of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities urged the city to adopt the plan and prioritize regional staffing; Kari Tambling asked the city to emphasize reuse, composting and public education; Joanna McGary urged clear public-facing information and outreach.

Council member Schaefer moved and Vice Mayor Atkins Salazar seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 256-51; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote of the members present. Staff said next steps include regional coordination, exploring a regional committee and identifying funding and staffing options to support implementation and monitoring.