The San Diego City Council has approved the mayor's climate plan that calls for the city to eventually convert a majority of its fleet vehicles to electrified powertrains, and cycle out diesel-powered refuse trucks for cleaner-burning fuels over the next several decades.

San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer’s Climate Action Plan also includes creating a renewable energy program and implementing a zero waste plan.

Under the plan, the city would increase the use of electric vehicles in its fleet to 50% by 2020 and 90% by 2035. It would also convert all city trash trucks that now run on diesel fuel to compressed natural gas or other alternative low emission fuels by 2035.

In addition to these measures, the plan also suggests supporting measures that include considering updating regulations for alternative fuel and zero emissions vehicle requirements for the cityʼs vehicle fleet; considering an integrated transportation strategy that combines zero emissions vehicle deployment and infrastructure; and presenting an Electric Vehicle Charging Plan to the city council for consideration.

Ultimately, the plan calls for eliminating half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the city and aims for all electricity used in the city to be from renewable sources by 2035. The city’s first Climate Action Plan was approved in 2005, and a commitment to update the plan was included in the city’s 2008 General Plan update.

“San Diego has taken a landmark step toward securing a greener and more prosperous future," said Faulconer. "We’ve struck the right balance with this plan, and San Diegans can look forward to more clean technology, renewable energy, and economic growth."

For more information, please see the city’s climate action plan draft.