Government Accountability Team

Get involved with our work on:

• The Regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan by the Napa County Climate Action Committee, an advisory body made up of elected representatives from the county and its municipalities.
  • At our urging, the scope of climate drivers included in the Plan was expanded to include “black carbon”, a highly potent short-lived “super-pollutant” that degrades air quality and impacts the health of our citizens and crops as well as the climate. We also pressed to have carbon sequestration added to the Plan, shining a light on carbon removal by our natural and working lands.

• The City of Napa’s 2040 General Plan’s policies.
  • We advocated for inclusion of a new Climate Change and Sustainability Element in the 2040 General Plan. This element explicitly sets out goals and policies to combat climate change and address adaptation and community resiliency in alignment with the City’s commitments, including its goal of reaching Net Zero Climate pollution by 2030.
  • We are tracking implementation of city policies to determine whether they align with the Plan.

• Continuing advocacy for:
  • Following a principle of “do no further harm” regarding emissions of climate pollutants, reduction in surface reflectivity (i.e., “albedo”), and the reduction of carbon sequestration.
  • Actions to support Napa County and its municipalities in achieving a goal of “net zero climate pollutants by or before 2030.”
  • Use of advanced climate accounting metrics that take into account all climate forcers over all relevant timeframes to evaluate climate actions proposed in the Regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
  • Zoning to prohibit new or expanded fossil fuel gas stations and drive-throughs.
  • All-electric new construction as well as retrofits for older buildings.
  • Accelerated transition of public sector auto and bus fleets to electric.
  • Actions to educate people about the climate and air pollution hazards of vehicle idling (i.e., gasoline powered vehicles).
  • Climate-friendly mobility options, emphasizing alternative mobility initiatives, such as implementation of Napa Valley Bicycle Coalition plans for the town of Napa; continued extension of the Vine Trail; street closures in urban centers to encourage more pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining; local rail initiatives to provide another alternative to autos; further transit options (e.g., increased bus options, bike taxis, carpools).
  • Reusable foodware ordnances requiring reusable for dine-in and compostable for takeout.
  • A well-considered Urban Forest Management Plan in the cities to protect mature trees and city tree density, and to provide sufficient shade to support to reduce the urban “heat island” effect.
  • A sustainable forest management plan to ensure that Napa’s remaining forests are capable of providing ongoing ecoservices, including the protection/enhancement of carbon sequestration, erosion control, ecosystem/habitat protection, etc.
  • City and county divestment from fossil fuels, both banking and pensions
  • Education for our community and local government staff on effective climate actions.