This comment is submitted subsequent to our letter sent earlier today to members of the Commission.
Lynne Baker on behalf of Napa Climate NOW!
Part 2 of 2
The science is clearly on the side of 2030. In the latest intergovernmental consensus report (AR6), the world’s climate scientists agreed that the earth is very likely to exceed the dangerous threshold of 1.5°C above normal by the early 2030s, and as early as 2030. As you know, record heat waves, flooding, and wildfires this year have put communities across the country at extreme risk, along with whole ecosystems vital to our environment and economy. Smoke blanketing large parts of the county this summer are another stark reminder of what we have lived through in recent years, with clear respiratory and other health consequences for American Canyon residents.
Community resources, such as Napa County Resource Conservation District, are committed to 2030 and stand ready to support cities in making the transition to net zero by 2030 through innovative farm, forest, urban and wild lands management. And state and federal resources, including millions in infrastructure and other climate funds made available through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, are now available to help American Canyon meet its 2030 goal.
In short, the 2030 goalpost is not an artificial date established for aspirational or political purposes, but rather is grounded in unfortunate changes in climate that we simply cannot afford to ignore. Decisions and delays of the past several decades have put today’s elected officials, residents, corporations, and youth in the untenable position of having to make extremely hard choices. And every single year we delay taking decisive action to make our home more climate resilient, our opportunity to do so diminishes. That’s because as the globe warms, devastating feedback loops are being set into motion that are accelerating the change.
At the same time, it is helpful to consider that the changes we make now can still make a difference, and indeed, support a thriving economy. In addition, it is crucial to recognize that the cost of working to achieve net zero will ultimately pay off, while the cost of inaction or delay will be much, much greater — not only in dollars and cents, but in the devastating impacts on people’s lives.
Please support the retention of 2030 as a firm net zero goal, for our children’s sake.
I am concerned about what is lacking in the staff report presented to you today. The most unrecognized threat to south Napa County, and the City of American Canyon is the loss of native foraging and breeding grounds. Currently, the City is facing two lawsuits, Center for Biological Diversity and the Golden State Center for Environmental Justice, targeted to stop environmental damage which will occur with the proposed development of the 227 acre GIovannonni Property. Environmental groups are watching the development of A.C. closely because of its proximity to San Pablo Bay, the mouth of the Napa River, its watershed and wetlands. I ask of you to take the time to read these lawsuits to get a clear idea of what city actions are being challenged. In lieu of our climate crisis, and recent funding that has been released from the federal government for the restoration of the wetlands, it is imperative that all development be reconsidered in light of these new developments. We need more open space and areas conserved for wildlife, not less. I am also very concerned about the brag that the GHG inventory is now less than 15% of state average. Will that be true in five years when the Watson Ranch, Giovanonni, Hess and other projects are completed? The cumulative effect of all this growth will significantly raise GHG emissions in American Canyon. At a time when GHG emissions must be reduced, we are seeing just the opposite. Right now, diesel trucks contribute the most carbon emissions into our air. With the plans currently on the books, A.C. will be welcoming many more thousands of vehicle miles with both diesel truck and automobile emissions. This is going in the opposite direction. On the comment about the "narrow input" from A.C. residents, let me stress that Measure J was defeated. That was a significant message to the elected officials. Also, when we spoke to the planning commission on banning further drive thrus, there were at least four A.C. residents at the meeting, several high school students called in and we submitted a petition with 63 resident signatures. Planning commissioners ignored the input. The staff use of the terms "accelerate" and "more aggressive" indicate a negative bias towards the 2030 date for goal of Net Zero GHG emissions. The fact is, we have even less time. We are currently in the climate crisis and have reached the tipping point. Scientists are sending out panic signals that can no longer be ignored.
This comment is submitted subsequent to our letter sent earlier today to members of the Commission.
Lynne Baker on behalf of Napa Climate NOW!
Part 2 of 2
The science is clearly on the side of 2030. In the latest intergovernmental consensus report (AR6), the world’s climate scientists agreed that the earth is very likely to exceed the dangerous threshold of 1.5°C above normal by the early 2030s, and as early as 2030. As you know, record heat waves, flooding, and wildfires this year have put communities across the country at extreme risk, along with whole ecosystems vital to our environment and economy. Smoke blanketing large parts of the county this summer are another stark reminder of what we have lived through in recent years, with clear respiratory and other health consequences for American Canyon residents.
Community resources, such as Napa County Resource Conservation District, are committed to 2030 and stand ready to support cities in making the transition to net zero by 2030 through innovative farm, forest, urban and wild lands management. And state and federal resources, including millions in infrastructure and other climate funds made available through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, are now available to help American Canyon meet its 2030 goal.
In short, the 2030 goalpost is not an artificial date established for aspirational or political purposes, but rather is grounded in unfortunate changes in climate that we simply cannot afford to ignore. Decisions and delays of the past several decades have put today’s elected officials, residents, corporations, and youth in the untenable position of having to make extremely hard choices. And every single year we delay taking decisive action to make our home more climate resilient, our opportunity to do so diminishes. That’s because as the globe warms, devastating feedback loops are being set into motion that are accelerating the change.
At the same time, it is helpful to consider that the changes we make now can still make a difference, and indeed, support a thriving economy. In addition, it is crucial to recognize that the cost of working to achieve net zero will ultimately pay off, while the cost of inaction or delay will be much, much greater — not only in dollars and cents, but in the devastating impacts on people’s lives.
Please support the retention of 2030 as a firm net zero goal, for our children’s sake.
Sincerely,
Napa Climate NOW! Steering Committee
I am concerned about what is lacking in the staff report presented to you today. The most unrecognized threat to south Napa County, and the City of American Canyon is the loss of native foraging and breeding grounds. Currently, the City is facing two lawsuits, Center for Biological Diversity and the Golden State Center for Environmental Justice, targeted to stop environmental damage which will occur with the proposed development of the 227 acre GIovannonni Property. Environmental groups are watching the development of A.C. closely because of its proximity to San Pablo Bay, the mouth of the Napa River, its watershed and wetlands. I ask of you to take the time to read these lawsuits to get a clear idea of what city actions are being challenged. In lieu of our climate crisis, and recent funding that has been released from the federal government for the restoration of the wetlands, it is imperative that all development be reconsidered in light of these new developments. We need more open space and areas conserved for wildlife, not less. I am also very concerned about the brag that the GHG inventory is now less than 15% of state average. Will that be true in five years when the Watson Ranch, Giovanonni, Hess and other projects are completed? The cumulative effect of all this growth will significantly raise GHG emissions in American Canyon. At a time when GHG emissions must be reduced, we are seeing just the opposite. Right now, diesel trucks contribute the most carbon emissions into our air. With the plans currently on the books, A.C. will be welcoming many more thousands of vehicle miles with both diesel truck and automobile emissions. This is going in the opposite direction. On the comment about the "narrow input" from A.C. residents, let me stress that Measure J was defeated. That was a significant message to the elected officials. Also, when we spoke to the planning commission on banning further drive thrus, there were at least four A.C. residents at the meeting, several high school students called in and we submitted a petition with 63 resident signatures. Planning commissioners ignored the input. The staff use of the terms "accelerate" and "more aggressive" indicate a negative bias towards the 2030 date for goal of Net Zero GHG emissions. The fact is, we have even less time. We are currently in the climate crisis and have reached the tipping point. Scientists are sending out panic signals that can no longer be ignored.