Wave Staff and Wire Reports
LOS ANGELES — Mayor Karen Bass has unveiled an action plan to guide the city’s climate goals forward, with a focus on reaching carbon neutrality by 2045, doubling local solar production and installing 120,000 electric vehicle chargers.
During a news conference April 16 at the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in Van Nuys, Bass highlighted the 93-page plan, which she said will help build a more sustainable city. It outlines 14 main objectives and 52 targets, consisting of 16 new goals and 36 updated ones under the city’s 2019 Green New Deal, created by former Mayor Eric Garcetti.
“We’ve already made L.A. coal-free, opened one of the largest solar and battery storage facilities in the country, and doubled the number of electric vehicle chargers in Los Angeles,” Bass said. “With this plan, we’re doubling down on that progress and moving full steam ahead to clean our air, create green jobs, and build a more sustainable city.
“We’re not just setting goals, we’re delivering results. And we’re showing the country, and the world, what’s possible with bold climate leadership,” Bass added.
Bass made her announcement at the water reclamation facility, where construction is ongoing to double the site’s capacity to turn wastewater into pure drinking water.
The mayor was joined by City Council members Adrian Nazarian and Imelda Padilla, as well as environmental advocates.
“Access to clean water is a fundamental right, and investing in modern water infrastructure is what makes that possible,” Councilwoman Padilla said. “We are focused on strengthening how we deliver critical water resources, from local reclamation and recycling systems to broader regional networks that bring water reliability to our communities.
“As elected officials and public servants, we have no greater duty than to leave a sustainable blue Earth for future generations,” Councilman Nazarian said. “At the rate we’re going, we will meet our goal of 100% clean energy by 2035, and we will meet our goal of water resiliency through technology like our water reclamation program.”
The plan details various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at key facilities such as the Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport, as well as establishes methods to lower water use. It also touches upon extreme heat and wildfire preparedness, creating more green spaces like parks and restoring natural habitat.
An update to L.A.’s Green New Deal aims to accelerate outcomes, improve monitoring of work and to clarify timelines for certain projects that were behind schedule.
Among the objectives are:
- Increase the city’s renewable energy share to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
- Double the city’s local solar capacity by 2030 while prioritizing disadvantaged communities and advancing distributed energy resources.
- Cut carbon pollution from goods movement by investing in zero emission trucks and charging infrastructure at the Port of Los Angeles.
- Increase the energy efficiency of buildings by 15% from a 2020 baseline by 2030.
- Reduce the average carbon output of the materials used in new building construction by 40% by 2035.
- Electrify 100% of Los Angeles Department of Transportation buses by 2028 and coordinate with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to accelerate its full bus electrification timeline.
- Install 120,000 new public and multifamily charging ports by 2030 and ensure the Bureau of Street Lighting installs 10,000 of these chargers in disadvantaged communities.
- Increase the number of used electric vehicle rebates delivered in disadvantaged communities from approximately 6,000 (2026 baseline) to 10,000 by 2030.
- Eliminate organic waste going to landfills by 2035.
- Train more than 400 people annually in the city’s career pathway programs in green sectors, prioritizing equity-focused training and apprenticeships.
- Ensure 100% of concession containers and foodware are reusable, recyclable, or compostable for 2028 Olympic & Paralympic community events to advance Los Angeles’ commitment to phase out single-use plastics.
Also speaking at the event was Xassie Rauser, CEO of Tree People.
“Mayor Bass’ Climate Plan reflects a bold vision for a healthier, more resilient Los Angeles – one that recognizes nature-based solutions and green infrastructure as essential tools in addressing climate change,” Rauser said. “At TreePeople, we are proud to help advance this vision by partnering to create cooler, greener, and more resilient communities across our region.”
In 2023, City Controller Kenneth Mejia called for a reboot of the Green New Deal, citing concerns that it failed to reach certain objectives and lacked transparency to measure its outcomes.
