Redlands’ climate plan relies heavily on EV chargers as federal support wanes

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands City Council voted unanimously during its July 1 meeting to adopt the Climate Action Plan 2050, a comprehensive update outlining the city’s path toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.

Why it matters: Without action, emissions are projected to rise, with estimates forecasting a 13% increase in annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. The updated Climate Action Plan (CAP) serves as a roadmap to address the local impacts of climate change and reduce Redlands’ contribution to global emissions.

While climate change is a global issue, cities like Redlands are increasingly responsible for implementing local strategies, such as transportation, building standards and energy efficiency, that collectively influence regional and national outcomes.

The city’s ambitious target hinges heavily on the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). According to the plan, 77% of projected GHG reductions would come from EV infrastructure, including the installation of 3,300 chargers citywide by 2050.

But Redlands’ strategy already faces challenges. At the national level, federal EV tax credits are set to expire in 2025, and recent actions by Congress have undercut California’s authority to phase out gas-powered vehicles, including heavy-duty diesel trucks, a significant source of emissions.

Plan Details

Redlands adopted its original Climate Action Plan in 2017, setting reduction targets of 6.0 metric tons of carbon dioxide per capita by 2030 and 5.0 by 2035. The updated plan is more ambitious: a 1.0 metric ton per capita goal by 2050, aligning with California legislation such as Assembly Bill 1279 and the California Air Resources Board’s 2022 Scoping Plan, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2045.

The May 2025 draft CAP was developed by Dyett & Bhatia Urban and Regional Planners.

Current Emissions Snapshot

Redlands emissions have risen in recent years, generating 554,000 metric tons of GHG emissions (MTCO2e) in 2022. Transportation accounts for 66% of that total, including passenger cars, heavy duty trucks and other off road vehicles. Across the state, heavy-duty diesel trucks contribute more than half of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and fine particulate diesel pollution, despite comprising only 3% of registered vehicles, according to Reuters.

The built environment, emissions from electricity and natural gas use, is the second-largest source according for about 30% of Redlands' emissions.

When compared to neighboring jurisdictions, Redlands ha the second highest per capita emissions at 7.1 metric tons, trailing behind Loma Linda which produces 8.5 metric tons of GHG emissions.

The CAP also projects a 9.3% increase in population, a 16% increase in housing, and a 13.8% increase in employment by 2050.

What’s in the Plan

The 2050 CAP outlines emission-reduction strategies across five major sectors:

• Transportation: EV infrastructure including 3,300 public and private chargers by 2050, anti-idling regulations for off-road vehicles, and improved pedestrian and bike networks.
• Built Environment: Solar incentives, voluntary upgrades during remodels, and building electrification to improve energy efficiency.
• Solid Waste: Organic waste diversion, food recovery, and reduced single-use plastics.
• Carbon Sequestration: Tree planting, composting, and community gardens.
• Water and Wastewater: Efficiency measures aligned with city water plans.

Potential strategies outlined in the CAP were also inspired by stakeholder outreach, including a July 25, 2024 meeting that was attended by participants representing Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA), University of Redlands, Redlands Yes In My BackYard (YIMBY), Omitrans, City of Riverside and City of Redlands staff from various departments. Some of the strategies discussed include:

• Public EV chargers accessible at all hours
• Transitioning to Community Choice Energy for cleaner electricity (not adopted)
• Zoning changes to support higher-density, mixed-use development
• School partnerships for EV use, bike programs, and carpools
• Better public outreach on EVs
• Reducing emissions at city-owned facilities like the landfill and wastewater plant

Approval of the CAP also streamlines the environmental review process for future development projects under the California Environmental Quality Act, potentially expediting housing and infrastructure aligned with the climate goals.

Community Feedback

Public comments were largely supportive but highlighted concerns about over-reliance on EVs.

Ron Running, a Redlands resident and ANCA member, praised the plan but questioned its heavy focus on charging infrastructure.

“I think we really need to take this new plan seriously and do everything possible to achieve our goals,” Running said. “But over 70% of the plan's goals are targeted for just having more EV chargers… I think that’s a stretch.”

Dick Fornay, ANCA’s president, supported the plan and emphasized priorities like building decarbonization, reducing single-use plastics, and expanding urban forestry.

Councilmembers acknowledged the plan’s ambitious scope. Council Member Denise Davis called the targets appropriate but emphasized the gap between the city’s current progress and what is needed.

“We are facing a climate crisis, and the science tells us we have no time to waste. This plan rightly sets ambitious targets aligning with the state's carbon neutrality goal by 2045,” she said. “That's the right direction, but we must be honest about the gap between our current path and what's needed to get there.”

She also stressed the need to prioritize investments in underserved neighborhoods.

Council Member Paul Barich voiced frustration with a lack of regional coordination, especially regarding traffic and development in nearby cities.

“We’re doing what we can, and we’re not getting cooperation from any other municipalities,” he said. “It’s just really discouraging.”

Zoom Out: Federal Roadblocks

Recent federal decisions complicate the city’s emissions-reduction strategy.

In May, Congress rescinded the EPA's 2023 approval of California's zero-emission heavy-duty truck mandates and blocked the state's plan to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles. A plan that had already been adopted in 11 other states.  

On July 4, the federal EV tax credits for consumers were eliminated through the tax and spending measure, HR 1, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The $7,500 federal tax credit for new EVs and the $4,000 credit for used EVs will expire on September 30, 2025. Without the credit, EVs will likely become significantly less affordable for many consumers, especially lower- and middle-income buyers.

Looking Ahead

In response to some of the concerns, city staff and consultants emphasized that the plan is a living document and can be updated as technology, funding and state policy evolve.

City manager Charles Duggan also pointed out that the plan sets targets and strategies—not mandates—and that future actions will require additional council approval, funding and community input.

“By adopting this plan tonight nothing actually changes for any of our citizens. There is no additional cost to them by adopting this plan.”

The city will monitor progress and report every five years, unless otherwise required.

Davis called for more frequent reporting and transparency:

“That's not enough,” she said. “We need biennial GHG emissions updates, a yearly progress report to council and the public, a dashboard that lets residents track how we're doing in real time. You can't manage what you don't measure, and residents deserve to know how we're doing, and I would like for us to be a bit more ambitious on those reporting goals.”

Questions about the plan can be emailed to City Assistant Planner Jazmin Serrato at jserrato@cityofredlands.org.