Balancing Growth and Conservation
April 25, 2024
Did you know that both the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and the San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG) are guided by the same elected representatives from the 24 cities and towns and five county supervisorial districts, serving our residents in a comprehensive approach toward a better quality of life?
The distinction, however, is that while SBCTA is focused on transportation issues, SBCOG works within these jurisdictions to address broader, long-term policy matters like greenhouse gas emissions, housing, and promoting healthy communities.
With 2.2 million residents and counting, San Bernardino County continues to grow each year. As the county rises in both population and economic development, the potential environmental impacts have received careful consideration. Although Earth Day is officially celebrated on April 22, we’re taking the entire month of April to reflect and highlight how SBCTA and SBCOG work hand-in-hand to work toward a greener future – with SBCTA’s multiple clean-air projects underway, SBCOG has also established numerous initiatives to balance the county’s development with conservation and keep San Bernardino County beautiful.
Firstly, the San Bernardino Countywide Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Implementation Plan strives to push the development and implementation of clean vehicles to limit tailpipe emissions in San Bernardino County. This plan has received a grant of $170,000 that fully covers the completion of the plan, putting the county one step closer to meeting California’s long-term environmental goals.
SBCOG has also initiated a Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, which aims to meet the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets identified in Senate Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. In order to meet the reduction levels of 40 percent by 2030 relative to 1990 levels specified by the law, SBCOG and SBCTA are compiling an inventory of GHG emissions and an evaluation of reduction measures that can be adopted by the 21 partnership cities in San Bernardino County.
San Bernardino County is conscientiously mitigating environmental concerns amidst ongoing growth forecasts. Collaboration is at the forefront with SBCTA and SBCOG working together to strengthen our communities and enhance San Bernardino County. Through these strategic efforts, they are ensuring a brighter, greener future for the county and its residents.
