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Addressing the Climate Crisis

Our planet is in crisis. While estimates vary as to the precise date when climate change will become a direct threat to the continuation of human life on this planet, it is clear that we have only a small window of opportunity to reverse it. And the same pollution and global warming that is creating climate change is also impacting our health and security. This is the existential threat of our time. It is, therefore, imperative that we employ policies designed to create environmentally sustainable communities, preserve natural resources, expand open spaces, improve and expand public transit, encourage bicycle infrastructure, incentivize pedestrian oriented developments, expand citizen access to power from alternative energy sources such as solar and wind, and employ smart land-use planning strategies. To pursue these policy goals, the Santa Clara County Democratic Party:

Combating Climate Change 

  • Believes that our county and state must be net carbon neutral by 2040.
  • Supports the regular review and updating of the County’s Climate Action Plan, which must include a plan for preventing, if possible, and coping with sea level rise and its impact on our communities.
  • Supports the incorporation of sustainable principles into land use, development, housing, and transportation policies.
  • Encourages local government to require new development to meet rigorous LEED, reach codes, or green building standards.
  • Believes government should be a leader in green technology and encourages publicly funded agencies to purchase low emission and energy efficient vehicles. 

Water, Energy, and Utilities

  • Recognizes the supreme importance of having a clean and safe water supply and encourages water conservation through municipal programs and grey water infrastructure development and enhancement, including in residential properties.
  • Supports efforts by local governments to improve energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings and to establish and operate municipal electric power systems or purchase power generated from renewable sources. 
  • Opposes utility monopoly efforts to change community choice laws that allow local governments to contract freely for electric power.
  • Supports strategies, including providing subsidies, to increase the use of energy efficient technology (solar panels, insulation, dual-pane windows, etc.) by a broader segment of the market, especially low-income families.
  • Supports efforts to develop and incorporate energy efficiency programs and water delivery programs that retrofit affordable housing so that tenants and landlords are not burdened by the rising cost of utilities.
  • Supports efforts to modernize electrical and other utility lines as a means of preventing catastrophic fires throughout the state.

Open Space & Parks

  • Supports regional open space acquisition and preservation, urban parks, community gardens, and watershed protection.
  • Believes that public parks and green spaces must be open to all.
  • Supports prioritizing park upgrades in low-income and high poverty neighborhoods and predominantly apartment areas.