Skip to main content

San Diego goes all in, legally commits to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035

san diego climate action plan 45535519 ml
fotomak/123RF
As the rest of the world debates the effects (or non-effects) of global climate change, the city of San Diego has taken matters into its own hands and enacted an initiative that will have it running on 100 percent renewable energy by 2035.

According to the Climate Action Plan, not only will the city rely completely on renewable energy but it also hopes to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a staggering 50 percent by 2035. Ambitious? Absolutely, though what’s perhaps most impressive about the proposed scheme is that it was achieved with bipartisan support — that is, Kevin Faulconer, San Diego’s Republican mayor, endorsed the CAP, which was approved by a Democrat-heavy city council. Perhaps D.C. should take notes.

To pull off this particularly formidable task, the city plans to keep leaning on its growing solar market. Already the silver medal winner in terms of solar power use in the country, according to environmental groups, San Diego also intends to expand its reliance on wind energy to accomplish its lofty renewable goals. Additionally, the CAP calls for an increase in the city’s urban tree canopy to 35 percent by 2035, something which was included in the plan because of a tree’s propensity to offset fossil fuel emissions by storing (or sequestering) carbon.

A solar-powered Decobike bike rental station in San Diego
A solar-powered Decobike bike rental station in San Diego Bastian Kienitz/123RF

“San Diego is a leader in innovation and sustainability,” the Climate Action Plan reads. “By striking a sensible balance between protecting our environment and growing our economy, San Diego can support clean technology, renewable energy, and economic growth.”

In addition to focusing on solar, wind, and tree canopy expansion, San Diego will also look to updating its transportation strategies. While this certainly covers an array of variables, the city will pinpoint its efforts on reducing vehicle miles traveled, improvements in mobility, and upgrading fuel efficiency in vehicles. To do this, it plans on urging its citizens to pursue alternative modes of transportation while also concentrating revising and managing its parking standards.

“This Climate Action Plan sets forth common-sense strategies to achieve attainable greenhouse gas reduction targets,” Faulconer wrote. “Apart from reducing greenhouse gases, this plan will: … enhance quality of life by supporting active transportation, planting trees and reducing landfill waste; and save taxpayers’ money by decreasing municipal water, waste and energy usage in city-owned buildings.”

A solar-powered electric vehicle charge station in San Diego
A solar-powered electric vehicle charge station in San Diego Joshua Rainey/123RF

While a determined, yet challenging, task lay ahead for the city of San Diego, there should be little doubt about its ability to pull it off. On one hand, the fact its solar installations have grown by a staggering 76 percent over the past two years certainly bode well for its continued drive in the sector. However, the fact the Climate Action Plan legally binds San Diego to decrease its greenhouse gas emissions is arguably the initiative’s best resource for success.

Though successful completion of the CAP will take San Diego decades to accomplish, merely starting down the path to 100 percent renewable energy allows it to join the ranks of cities like Palo Alto and San Francisco, California; and Ithaca, New York, among others.

Editors' Recommendations

Rick Stella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say…
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Which is the best robot vacuum?
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra placed in its dock.

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra share a lot of similarities -- the least of which is their brand name. Along with the capacity to vacuum and mop in a single cleaning cycle, the two robots can automatically empty their dustbins and clean their dirty mops once the cycle is complete. That alone makes them two of the best robot vacuums on the market.

But while there are plenty of similarities between the S8 MaxV Ultra and S8 Pro Ultra, there are a few key differences that could make one better for your home than the other. From pricing and vacuuming power to navigational skills and more, here's a comprehensive look at the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra.
Pricing and availability

Read more
How to fix a Ring doorbell that won’t chime
Person installing Ring video doorbell

While Ring does make some of the best video doorbells, they aren't immune to issues with their chime. This issue is, after all, at the top of the list when it comes to video doorbell problems. But, if your Ring won't ring what should you do? We break down the procedure to get your Ring video doorbell back in action, with a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting this issue.

Read more
Ring sale: Up to 44% off video doorbells and security cameras
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

Buying a video doorbell or a security camera are among the easiest ways of improving your home's security, and Ring is one of the most trusted names if you're planning to get either or both of these devices. If you're interested, there's an ongoing Ring sale on Amazon so that you wouldn't have to pay full price. The available Ring deals include standalone security gadgets and bundles, and you can get as much as 44% off their sticker prices, but only if you hurry because there's no telling how much time is remaining on these offers.

What to buy in Amazon's Ring sale
Ring is a mainstay in our lists of the best video doorbells and best home security cameras because of the helpful features that they'll provide, including 24/7 live streaming through the Ring app, two-way audio to talk to visitors outside your front door or family members inside, customizable mobile alerts, and compatibility with smart home devices that are powered by Amazon's Alexa, among many others.

Read more