Amador County – Sutter Creek City Council received an inventory of its greenhouse gas emissions and discussed the meaning of the report, and next steps Monday.

The report said the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 “which requires the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.” A “Scoping Plan was developed to identify strategies for meeting the AB32 goal.” The Act, in part, recommends that local governments reduce their emissions by 15 percent below current levels, by 2020.

Sierra Business Council prepared the report for Sutter Creek, and SBC Program Director Nancy Richards attended the council meeting and took questions.

Mayor Tim Murphy said the study was a long time coming, and he and other council members thanked SBC for the report.

Richards said the inventory establishes the city’s base of emissions, with which emissions requirements for new development can be set. She said SBC can provide software so the city can update its emissions inventory. She said the city could also make a community-wide inventory.

Councilwoman Linda Rianda said the report was good, and very thorough, and asked about requirements the city faces.

Richards said AB32 establishes guidelines to be met by 2020, to reduce to 1990 levels. But she said since data is typically not readily available from 1990, they suggest getting back to 15 percent of emissions levels of 2005. She said “it’s a guideline. The mandate is still in the works.”

The inventory counted emissions for the city hall building, the civic building, and the Monte Verde Store, the former Sutter Creek Brewery. Councilman Jim Swift said he was all in favor of putting in efficient lighting, but he did not like the portion of the inventory that compiled data on employee commuting habits.

Swift said: “Whether they walk to work or drive a one-ton dually, that’s none of my business.” Richards said the survey looked at employee travel habits and practices. City Manager Sean Rabe said the state is ratcheting back the emissions footprints with the questions. Swift said driving to work is not done on company time, because they are not driving company vehicles.

Richards said “there are no laws in place that require” any of the inventory or emissions reductions. Murphy said people will tend to “not get excited about recommendations,” as compared to reactions to requirements.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.