Sustainability Program

SCAG and Sustainability 

Overview

Scag & Sustainability

Since 2000, SCAG has worked actively with the people and institutions of Southern California to create a dynamic regional growth vision based on these four principles:  mobility, livability, prosperity, and sustainability. 

The Sustainable Region

Southern California is a leading center for innovation, university research, and technology development, all important aspects of building a sustainable region. As such, the region is in a unique position to build a clean energy economy, with livable communities and efficient buildings near clean transit.

About the Sustainability Program

California’s Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, or Senate Bill (SB) 375, requires SCAG to develop a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cars and light trucks through integrated transportation, land use, housing and environmental planning. The Connect SoCal SCS is a plan for meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) for the SCAG region. 

The successful implementation of the RTP/SCS allows future residents to enjoy a better quality of life than we do today, including the ability to lead a healthy and prosperous lifestyle, enjoy clean air and water, and ample opportunities for recreation. It will have direct and substantial benefits to public health by reducing pollutant emissions and expanding the opportunities for active transportation. 

Overview

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant

SCAG is working with partners throughout the region to identify strategies to reduce climate pollution through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). In 2023, the U.S. EPA awarded planning grants to select metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) and states across the county, including three MSAs in the SCAG region:  

Overview

Climate Change

The Global Warming Solutions Act

SCAG is addressing the climate change challenge through implementation of recent State legislation. In 2006, Assembly Bill No. 32 (AB 32), the California Global Warming Solutions Act, passed into law requiring that statewide GHG emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. This would represent reducing about 30 percent from business-as-usual emission levels projected for 2020. On December 11, 2008, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted a comprehensive Scoping Plan outlining the state’s strategy to achieve the 2020 GHG emission reduction target.

Overview

HQTA Pilot Project

HQTA Pilot Project

The 2016-2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, adopted by SCAG in 2016, had anticipated a significant amount of new housing, population and employment growth to occur in High Quality Transit Areas (HQTAs). HQTAs, which feature frequent transit service or major transit stations, are located in communities throughout the SCAG region.

Overview

Open Space

Open Space & The Quality of Life

The concept of sustainability includes “Improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems.[1]” As our region grows and urbanizes, we are modifying the natural world and diminishing the availability of resources for future generations. While we continue to improve our quality of life, we must also create a sustainable framework for the future.

Overview

Water

Sustainability & Water

Water conservation  infographicAdditional water resources will be needed to meet the growing population and economy of the SCAG region. Sufficient water supplies are needed to meet these future water demands. In addition water quality and watershed management needs to be addressed.

Water supplies in the SCAG region come from a blend of local and imported sources. Water conservation, or efficiency, involves technological and behavioral changes that lower the demand for water.

Overview

Solid Waste

Waste Reduction & Global Climate Change

Solid waste reduction and recycling help address global climate change. The manufacture, distribution and use of products – as well as management of the resulting waste – all result in greenhouse gas emissions. Waste prevention and recycling reduce greenhouse gases associated with these activities by reducing methane emissions, saving energy, and increasing forest carbon sequestration.

Overview

SCAG Sustainability Awards

SCAG Sustainability Awards

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is committed to highlighting excellence in sustainable planning and development projects in Southern California. These projects are integral to the goals of the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, and promoting a more mobile, sustainable and prosperous region.