County staff, residents, and businesses are making strides reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as called for in the County's Energy and Climate Action Plan. Working together, the County and community have cut carbon pollution by an estimated 30,605 metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent. That's like taking 6,465 cars off the road for a year!

The County of Santa Barbara released its first progress report documenting its successes and challenges implementing the County's 2015 Energy and Climate Action Plan. The plan identifies actions that the County and community can take to save energy, water and money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In line with state-level greenhouse gas reduction goals, the plan seeks to reduce emissions in the unincorporated county to 15 percent below 2007 levels.

"I am pleased to see the County's leadership in protecting our environment for future generations," said Third District County Supervisor Joan Hartmann. "Many of the activities identified in the Energy and Climate Action Plan make sense not only for the environment, but also to reduce costs and support local green jobs."

A County Sustainability Committee comprised of representatives from County departments and partner agencies has been meeting since late 2015 to implement, monitor, and report on the pollution-cutting strategies identified in the plan. Through 2016, the County has achieved 16 percent of its 2020 emissions reduction target, with additional progress planned as data availability improves and additional emission reduction strategies are implemented.

The County has received two American Planning Association (APA) awards for its Energy and Climate Action Plan, one from the local APA Central Coast Section and one state-level recognition for "Innovation in Green Community Planning."

To read the Energy and Climate Action Plan Progress Report, visit https://www.countyofsb.org/sustainability/ecap.