The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is in the final stages of preparing its Regional Transportation Plan, which includes a brand new Sustainable Communities Strategy intended to modify land use patterns to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Public comments on the draft plan were to close Feb 14.  The final plan will be released in April, after all the comments are considered.

California Senate Bill 375 initiated the most far-reaching changes in land use planning and development patterns since construction of the interstate highways and the proliferation of suburban housing subdivisions after World War II. 

The law addresses the contribution of land use and transportation planning in achieving the state's goals for greenhouse gas reductions. It requires that regional planning agencies assign housing production targets that are consistent with regional sustainability and transportation plans. And it requires that those sustainability and transportation plans set be designed to achieve specific reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from travel by motorized vehicles.

The RTP/SCS incorporates land use and housing policies to meet the greenhouse gas emissions targets established by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) for 2020 (8% reduction) and 2035 (13%reduction).

The draft plan presents housing and transportation options that encourage creation and revitalization of communities that are bike and pedestrian friendly, affordable and sustainable. This will result in people spending less time in their cars and thereby reducing traffic congestion and pollution and benefitting from a healthier environment.

“This plan proposes investment in transportation projects that aids in stimulating the economy with the creation of between 150,000 to 180,000 jobs annually. In addition, it capitalizes on Southern California’s position as the nation’s international trade and manufacturing center,” said SCAG President and Santa Monica City Council Member Pam O’Connor.

The plan focuses on multimodal transportation investments, the creation of new neighborhoods and revitalization of communities and business districts that offer choices to residents.

“Alternative B is a forward thinking regional plan that meets and exceeds the greenhouse gas emissions standards established by the California Air Resources Board. It achieves an 8-10% reduction in per capita emissions by 2020 and a 16-18% reduction by 2035,” said SCAG Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata.

Read more about the SCAG strategy at http://www.scag.ca.gov/