Friends,

Among other critical decisions, the Supreme Court handed down a decisive blow to the Environmental Protection Agency, severely restricting its power to regulate carbon emissions that cause climate change. 

We are in a climate emergency and the federal agency tasked with environmental protection must have the authority to do work towards our common good. Diminished federal power makes our local actions even more important. 

This month, I led the San Diego City Council Environment Committee in unanimously advancing the Mayor’s update of the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) to full council. This update formalizes the City’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030, net zero emissions by 2035 and reinforces our standing as a national climate leader.  

Achieving the CAP’s ambitious goals will produce a sustainable future for San Diegans and remain a model for the country. This action to update the CAP is just the start, I am working with the Mayor’s Office in refining the implementation and action plan with a goal to finalize that plan by February 2023 to inform the City’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. 

Our City is also well underway in constructing the largest capital project in its history; Pure Water. Pure Water puts clean water in our water supply and diverts wastewater from the ocean. By 2035, it will deliver over 50% of our city’s water needs, replacing expensive imported water. It is a critical and prudent step towards water and climate resiliency. San Diego is at the literal end of a drying pipeline and water is too valuable to be a one-use resource. 

Climate action cannot wait, and neither can we. 

Yours truly,
Councilmember Joe LaCava
City of San Diego District 1