GreenMeansGo
Sacramento Region Greenhouse Gas Reduction Pilot Program
“Green Means Go” is a multi-year pilot program proposed by SACOG to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the six-county Sacramento region by accelerating infill development through infrastructure investments and reducing and electrifying vehicle trips. It would allocate a proportional share of existing state grant funding to public works infrastructure investments that will create more infill housing opportunities and greater mobility, while also achieving emission reductions. Green Means Go, when adequately supported, will also stimulate recovery from the economic effects of Covid-19 and improve quality of life in the region by improving local economic development, increasing housing availability, and decreasing traffic congestion.
All 28 local jurisdictions support this program and 23 have already adopted Green Zones, which are key areas that must have infill capacity, be in an area planned for infill development, and be in a center, corridor, or established community, as identified in SACOG’s SCS.Green Means Go is the Sacramento region’s commitment and solution to California’s housing, climate, and transportation problems.
Background
Greenhouse Gas Reductions and Economic Development:
“Green Means Go” is a multi-year pilot program proposed by SACOG to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the six-county Sacramento region by accelerating infill development, reducing vehicle trips, and electrifying remaining trips. Green Means Go, when adequately supported, will also improve quality of life in the region by improving local economic development, increasing housing availability, and decreasing traffic congestion.
CASE STUDY
Del Paso Boulevard
The corridor of Del Paso Boulevard lies along the historic Lincoln Highway (US 40) in Old North Sacramento. In 1947, Highway 160 was developed, blocking downtown from passing through Del Paso Boulevard, instead taking traffic past North Sacramento straight to Carmichael and Roseville. Del Paso Boulevard suffers from old or inadequate infrastructure, which has proven to be a barrier to development. This, coupled with a lack of investment and new consumer attractions, has led to vacant or underutilized sites along the corridor.
Support for Green Means Go
Statewide Organizations
• California Alliance for Jobs
• California State Council of Laborers
Why does our region need Green Means Go?
In March 2018, the California Air Resources Board established new SB 375 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for the SACOG region. The region’s target for a 19 percent reduction by 2035 is conditional on the implementation of a new pilot program in the Sustainable Communities Strategy that addresses specific conditions and challenges relating to GHG emission reductions. If SACOG and the state do not secure funding and related policy commitments, CARB will reduce SACOG’s target to 18 percent.