LA100: Building Our Clean Energy FutureIn August 2021, the City Council approved a motion by Councilmembers Krekorian and OFarrell committing Los Angeles to a target of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by the year 2035. This bold and nationally-significant achievement was made possible by the LA100 Plan, initiated by Councilmember Krekorian five years ago, which began an intensive study and planning process by LADWP and the National Renewable Energy Lab. The city has also appropriated $30 million to increase use of solar energy generation and storage capacity on municipal properties.
In November, the city council voted unanimously to create the position of Chief Heat Officer to coordinate response to the health threat posed by record summer temperatures that disproportionately affect the poor, the elderly and the unhoused.
Curbing Plastic PollutionLos Angeles also moved aggressively in 2021 to curb the production of the plastic waste that contaminates our soil, poisons wildlife and congests our waterways.
July: Single-use plastic water bottles are no longer sold at LAX and Van Nuys Airport.
November: Skip the Stuff ordinance takes effect, barring larger restaurants from including plastic utensils in takeout orders unless the customer specifically requests them. Ordinance will apply to smaller restaurants starting in April 2022.
In the works for 2022: Council action on the Department of Sanitation (LASAN) plastic reduction strategy, ending use of polystyrene (styrofoam) and closing loopholes in the citys single-use plastic bag ban.