Climate Action & Adaptation
Climate Action Plan
On November 15th, 2016, Emeryville City Council approved and adopted the Climate Action Plan 2.0. The City of Emeryville is the first city in the Bay Area to update their Climate Action Plan and align their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets with the State of California’s climate targets. The CAP 2.0 includes updates to Emeryville’s 2008 Climate Action Plan, looking towards state targets for reducing 40% below baseline levels of GHG emissions by 2030 and 80% below baseline levels by 2050.
With 17 mitigation goals, 5 adaptation goals, and over 100 combined initiatives for 2030, and 5 long-term strategies for 2050, this CAP 2.0 represents a strong step in reducing emissions and building climate resilience! Follow the link below to view CAP 2.0 and other relevant materials, including the Climate Action Plan Methodology and Implementation Plan.
Climate Action Plan
Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban
Regulations
As of July 1, 2024, it is illegal to operate a gas-powered leaf blower in Emeryville. These devices are noisy and contribute to air pollution which has negative impacts on residents and workers.
Gas-powered leaf blowers emit large amounts of liquid and particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), and hydrocarbons (HC). CO, NOx, O3, and HC. All of these pollutants contribute to climate change.
Penalties for violating the prohibition apply to the hiring party (or owner/tenant if on their own property) and not to the individual landscaping company, organization, or employee. The Municipal Code is linked below.
Emeryville Municipal Code Ch. 15
Alternatives
Please switch to electric leaf blowers. They are widely available, quieter, and perform well. Emeryville's Public Works Department maintenance team has already made the switch; you are encouraged to do the same!
The Bay Area Air District provides financial assistance, ranging from $700-15,000 per piece of equipment, to eligible parties interested in making the switch. Follow the link below for more information.
Commercial Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange Pilot Program
Reporting
To report the use of a gas-powered leaf blower in Emeryville, please report directly to Code Enforcement at (510) 596-3797 during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.). Please specify the property or location that the gas-powered leaf blower was or is currently being used.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
In 2018, former California Governor Jerry Brown signed a new executive order to boost the supply of zero emission vehicles and charging stations throughout California. The order set targets of 5 million zero emission vehicles (ZEV) in California by 2030, 250,000 vehicle charging stations by 2025, and 200 hydrogen fueling stations to by 2025 as well.
View the links below to find publicly available charging stations in Emeryville.