Patch LA— LA experienced an 11 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 thanks, in, large part, to a switch from coal-powered energy.
Mayor Eric Garcetti said Friday that Los Angeles continues to make progress on his Sustainable City pLAn that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make other environmental improvements.
The mayor spoke at the Los Angeles Business Council’s annual Sustainability Summit and said the city experienced an 11 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2016, which puts it on track to meet a 45 percent reduction goal by 2025. He also said the city created 7,464 green jobs in the last fiscal year, which is a 31 percent increase over the previous year.
“From record advancements in zero emissions transportation and renewable energy to transformational projects in communities that need them most, we have had a banner year of progress in L.A.,” Garcetti said. “Today’s report sends the message that Los Angeles is delivering on its commitment to climate leadership and to building an equitable, livable city.”
Mayor Garcetti introduced the Sustainable City pLAn in 2015, and he said the third annual report on the plan shows that the city has made or exceeded 55 of the 61 targets set for 2017 and two goals set for 2025.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is due in a large part to a shift away from coal-powered energy and more toward renewable sources, including 250 MW Beacon solar project in the Mojave Desert and the Westmont solar project in San Pedro, according to the report.
“When Mayor Garcetti released the Sustainable City pLAn in April of 2015, he set into motion unprecedented collaboration and focus to bring environmental health, economic opportunity and equity to Los Angeles,” Chief Sustainability Officer Lauren Faber O’Connor said. “At a time when the federal government has turned its back on environmental protection, Mayor Garcetti is not just staying the course — he’s leading it.
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