Redlands unveils draft Climate Action Plan Update to meet 2050 targets

REDLANDS, Calif. — The City of Redlands has released its draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2050 update for public review, outlining how the city aims to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with California’s aggressive climate goals, including statewide carbon neutrality by 2045.

Why it matters: The updated CAP signals Redlands’ commitment to updating its 2017 plan to match new state mandates, such as Assembly Bill 1279, which requires California to cut emissions 85% below 1990 levels by 2045. Without additional action, the city’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are projected to exceed both 2030 and 2050 targets.

Details: According to the plan, Redlands produced approximately 554,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) emissions in 2022, with transportation accounting for two-thirds of the total. Even with existing state-level reductions, projections show Redlands will need to slash an additional 314,000 MTCO2e by 2050 to meet its targets.

• The draft CAP includes updated GHG inventories for 2015, 2022, and forecasts for 2030 and 2050.
• Key strategies focus on reducing vehicle miles traveled, decarbonizing buildings, expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging, and adopting on-site emissions-reducing design.
• Community engagement helped shape priorities, including better bike lanes, public transit, shading through urban trees and energy equity for lower-income areas.
• The CAP also aligns with state efforts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), allowing the city to streamline environmental review for future development projects.

Next steps: The draft CAP and CEQA environmental documents will remain open for public review through June 2.

The City Council is expected to consider adoption later this year.

Comments on the Initial Study may be submitted via email to Assistant Planner Jazmin Serrato at jserrato@cityofredlands.org.

Once adopted, the CAP will serve as a roadmap for achieving state-aligned GHG reductions, with annual monitoring and progress reports to track implementation.

The draft report and CEQA environmental review documents can be viewed at the city of Redlands website.